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 deputy grand chief of 49 First Nations in northern Ontario says communities are mourning after a 10-year-old girl died in a house fire on Weenusk First Nation over the weekend. A Calgary Fire Department fire fighter drives a fire truck in Calgary, Alta., Tuesday, April 14, 2020, amid a worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency took an unusually strong step Tuesday and blocked a proposed mine heralded by backers as the most significant undeveloped copper and gold resource in the world because of concerns about its environmental impact on a rich Alaska aquatic ecosystem that supports the worlds largest sockeye salmon fishery. The move, cheered by Alaska Native tribes and environmentalists and condemned by some state officials and mining interests, deals a heavy blow to the proposed Pebble Mine. The intended site is in a remote area of southwest Ala... Alaskas backlog of untested sexual assault examination kits has all but disappeared after a five-year, multimillion-dollar effort, according to a report presented to the Alaska Legislature. The kits, colloquially known as rape kits, are used to collect physical evidence after a sexual assault. Figures published by the Alaska Department of Public Safety and dated Nov. 1 show only 75 untested kits, all at the state crime lab. In 2017, a statewide survey found almost 3,500 untested kits across the state, many held by local police departments. That backlog, similar to ones present in states across the country, sparked legislation from Rep. Geran Tarr, D-Anchorage, that requires an annual report on how many kits remain untested. The state also spent millions of dollars to reduce the backlog by consolidating the untested kits at the states crime lab and expanding the labs capacity. That effort worked, the new report says. In 2020, it took an average of 246 days for a kit to be tested. Now, the average delay is 70 days. The number of kits determined to be ineligible for testing is also down. In the 2021 report, the Department of Public Safety reported that 136 kits were ineligible because they were scientifically unviable, didnt meet eligibility requirements for inclusion in the states database, or were collected from a person who reported a sexual assault anonymously. The number of ineligible kits is down to 93 in the latest report. The report notes that the Department of Public Safety is creating a custom tracking database that will allow survivors of sexual assault and assistance organizations to track the status and location of kits. The department noted that when the project is completed, the state will have completed all six steps recommended by the Joyful Heart Foundation, an organization devoted to implementing best practices nationwide in order to eliminate a chronic backlog of untested kits. The AlaskaBeacon.com is a donor-funded independent news organization in Alaska. Nick Schulman Shines as Kaplan's Replacement on New Episode of High Stakes Poker February 01, 2023 Jon Sofen Senior Editor U.S. On Episode 2 of High Stakes Poker Season 10 Tuesday night, Nick Schulman, paired with AJ Benza, made his debut appearance in the broadcast booth, replacing Gabe Kaplan. It's never easy to replace a legend, but if anyone is up to the task it is Schulman, who has been one of PokerGO's most popular commentators for years. Although he's normally teamed up with Ali Nejad, another legendary broadcaster and long-time host of Poker After Dark, Schulman eased into the role quickly and the chemistry with Benza was on point. Kaplan, the former actor and poker pro, announced his retirement last week. Schulman wrote on Twitter that he received Kaplan's blessing to step into his seat. For me it isnt High Stakes Poker without Gabe, but Id like you guys to know I received his blessing. The Don hims https://t.co/SrbvGMoNKq Nick Schulman (@NickSchulman) Replacing a Poker Legend Gabe Kaplan High Stakes Poker, which first launched on Game Show Network in 2006, is one of the most iconic poker shows in history. Gabe and AJ, much like Norman Chad and Lon McEachern are with the World Series of Poker, go together like peanut butter and jelly. But Schulman instantly showed that Nick and AJ are a pretty dang good team as well. Benza eased Schulman into the booth, introducing his new co-host right off the bat. Im doing great, AJ," Schulman said. "When I got the call from the Big Guy it was a little bit surreal, and cant believe Im sitting next to you on High Stakes, but Im happy to be here. Oh, listen, were all Brooklyn guys. Me, you, and Gabe never bet against Brooklyn guys, were gonna be fine," Benza responded. Benza, Schulman, and Kaplan were all born in New York City. Gabe Kaplan Retires from High Stakes Poker The Action at the Table When the action began, Ema Zajmovic took down a small pot of $3,400 with a pair of fives in the $200/$400 no-limit hold'em cash game. There were six other players at the table Jennifer Tilly, Eric Persson, Matt Hanks, Jean-Robert Bellande, Bobby Baldwin, and Chino Rheem. Hanks had the largest stack with just over $350,000 and three players began the episode with a tad below $100,000. Last week's Season 10 premiere featured one of the more entertaining chop pots in High Stakes Poker history between Zajmovic and Hanks. This week's highlights include a mistake by Persson in how he attempted to get a call from Bellande. On a board of and $40,000 in the pot, Persson made an over-bet of $100,000 with for a full house. Bellande went into the tank with . Persson made every effort he could to talk his opponent into a call, and he went so far as to turn over the queen. Unfortunately, for the loudmouth casino owner and high-stakes regular, it ended up convincing "JRB" to fold his cards and he only won a small profit with a monster hand. Bellande would get some breaks later on, however, including a six-figure pot he shipped with a flopped set against Tilly, who missed her flush draw. But then he folded pocket 10's on a board when Hanks bet $70,000 into a pot of $83,000 with nothing but ace-high. High Stakes Poker Season 10 returns next week on PokerGO at 5 p.m. PT with Episode 3. *Images courtesy of PokerGO. Sharelines Find out what happened on the latest High Stakes Poker episode on @PokerGO. The most expensive tournament of the 2023 PokerStars Caribbean Adventure has gathered some of the biggest names in the world of poker but just eight of them remain in contention after Day 2 of the $250,000 Super High Roller. All of them are eyeballing a portion of the $9,498,060 prize pool but two contenders will go empty-handed, as just the top six finishers earn a cash prize at the lavish Baha Mar Resort on The Bahamas. French businessman Jean-Noel Thorel soared to the top of the leaderboard in the final level of the night after claiming 2,295,000 to his name, surpassing Sam Greenwood (1,755,000) and long-time chip leader David Yan (1,675,000) eventually. Fourth on the overnight leaderboard is rising Russian star Artur Martirosian with 1,295,000, who finished third in the 2023 PCA $10,300 Main Event just a few days ago. All-time money leader Justin Bonomo already tasted success during the series as well and advanced with a healthy stack of 1,090,000. The line-up is completed by Orpen Kisacikoglu (790,000), Byron Kaverman (620,000), and Chris Brewer (260,000). Last casualty of the night was Christoph Vogelsang, who was part of a spectacular three-way all-in with Thorel and Brewer, in which the Frenchman cracked two ace-kings with king-queen suited to rise near the top of the leaderboard. Seat Draw for the Final Day Seat Player Country Chip Count Big Blinds 1 Jean-Noel Thorel France 2,295,000 92 2 Artur Martirosian Russia 1,295,000 52 3 Sam Greenwood Canada 1,755,000 70 4 Orpen Kisacikoglu Turkey 790,000 32 5 Chris Brewer United States 260,000 10 6 David Yan New Zealand 1,675,000 67 7 Byron Kaverman United States 620,000 25 8 Justin Bonomo United States 1,090,000 44 The final day is scheduled to recommence at 12.30 pm local time on Thursday, February 2, 2023 with level 15, featuring blinds of 10,000-25,000 and a big blind ante of 25,000. While all eight in contention will miss out on the late registration for the $25,000 High Roller and compete for seven-figure paydays, they can later on jump in the final $100,000 High Roller as of 8pm local time. Jean-Noel Thorel, his rail and Timothy Adams The late registration had remained open for the first four levels and following dinner break, during which the field size increased significantly from 25 to 39 total entries. First casualty of an action-filled day was Chris "Big Huni" Hunichen who returned with the shortest stack and was unable to spin it up. Many other big names of the international poker scene would follow such as Mikita Badziakouski, Kathy Lehne, and Bryn Kenney. Adrian Mateos and Dan Smith were among those to lose their chips right before and after the end of the late registration period as neither was unable to bounce back to winning ways. Isaac Haxton flirted with the chip lead in the early stages of the day but was unable to keep up the momentum, while Eric Worre was ousted by eventual chip leader Thorel. Yan not only avoided an expensive re-entry but spun up a severe short stack to the dominating lead after he could seemingly not lose any showdown for several hours. Michael Addamo was among those to hand over his chips with the Aussie bowing out prior to the final two tables. David Yan - from short stack to big stack on Day 2 In rather quick succession, the unofficial final table was determined with the rapid eliminations of Ben Heath, Chalie Hook, Stephen Chidwick, Aleksejs Ponakovs, and Henrik Hecklen. They were joined on the rail without anything to show for by Cary Katz and Rob Yong, who were both knocked out by Martirosian within a couple minutes from each other. Kisacikoglu kept his hopes of a finish in the money alive with a double through Yan once the unofficial nine-handed final table was set. Only one further player ran out of chips thereafter and it was a quite memorable hand in which Thorel was trailing preflop holding king-queen suited. Vogelsang and Brewer both held ace-king but the king-queen high shook up the leaderboard. All eight players are set to return to their seats of the Convention Center at the Grand Hyatt at 12.30 pm local time to play down to a winner. The PokerNews live reporting team will be on the floor to provide exclusive updates. Welcome to the last and final day of the highest buy in event at the 2023 PokerStars Caribbean Adventure at the beautiful Baha Mar Resort. A total of 39 entries joined the field over the last two days and after the dust settled on Day 2, it was French businessman Jean-Noel Thorel who claimed the top spot in the $250,000 PSPC Super High Roller. Only eight players remain in the hunt for PCA glory and the lions share of the massive $9,498,060 prize pool. The top six will find a return on their investment with the winner taking home a whopping $3,276,760. Thorel comes into Day 3 with a stack of 2,295,000 but close on his heels is Canadian Sam Greenwood (1,755,000) and long-time chip leader David Yan (1,675,000) to round out the top three. Thorel, who is no stranger to these high-roller fields, has close to $8 million in live earnings and recently finished in eighth place only a week ago in Event #31: $25,000 8-Handed for $220,700. Fourth on the overnight leaderboard is rising Russian star Artur Martirosian with 1,295,000, who finished third in the 2023 PCA $10,300 Main Event just a few days ago. All-time money leader Justin Bonomo already tasted success during the series as well and advanced with a healthy stack of 1,090,000. Final Day Seat Draw Seat Player Country Chip Count Big Blinds 1 Jean-Noel Thorel France 2,295,000 92 2 Artur Martirosian Russia 1,295,000 52 3 Sam Greenwood Canada 1,755,000 70 4 Orpen Kisacikoglu Turkey 790,000 32 5 Chris Brewer United States 260,000 10 6 David Yan New Zealand 1,675,000 67 7 Byron Kaverman United States 620,000 25 8 Justin Bonomo United States 1,090,000 44 Many big pots took place on the penultimate day and one that skyrocketed Thorel's stack was during the last level of the night when he cracked two ace-kings with king-queen suited to rise near the top of the leaderboard. He would then keep his foot on the gas pedal to finish the night with 92 big blinds to put to work today. Prize Breakdown Place Payout (in USD) 1 $3,276,760 2 $2,137,100 3 $1,472,200 4 $1,092,300 5 $854,800 6 $664,900 Total $9,498,060 Day 3 kicks off at 12:30 p.m. local time and blinds will resume at Level 15 with 10,000/25,000 and a 25,000 big blind ante. Although players won't be able to catch the late registration of the $25,000 High Roller, they will be able to make the $100,000 High Roller at 8 p.m. EST. Be sure to stick with PokerNews to bring you all the up-to-date coverage as we come closer to crowning a new super high roller champion here in The Bahamas. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print FBI agents are investigating Rep. George Santos role in the alleged fraud of a disabled Navy veterans GoFundMe for his dying service dog. Two agents contacted former service member Richard Osthoff Wednesday on behalf of the U.S. Attorneys Office in the Eastern District of New York, he told Politico. Osthoff gave the agents 2016 text messages with Santos, who he says used his plight to raise $3,000 for life-saving surgery for the pit bull mix, Sapphire then ghosted with the funds, as first reported by Patch. Jaqueline Sweet first broke the news about Santos being accused of defrauding a disabled veteran on January 17, 2023 in Patch. Disabled Veteran: George Santos Took $3K From Dying Dogs GoFundMe Two New Jersey veterans say George Santos promised to raise funds for a lifesaving surgery for a service dog then disappeared. George Santos is accused of fraud on almost every level possible at this point: internationally, locally, campaign finances He has more names than any other person in Congress but uses them in a way that in some ways echoes Donald Trumps use of other names. Politico added, Joshua Schiller, a senior trial lawyer who has practiced in the Eastern District, said the veterans encounter with Santos could offer prosecutors a quick way to hit the Republican congressman with criminal charges even though theyre also investigating heftier possible financial crimes. Schiller made the point Ive made earlier, which is that right now, George Santos is in the position to make laws. He does not follow the law. He should not be making laws for anyone. Santos has long denied he broke any laws. Santos represents the lowest of what the modern GOP has become, which Speaker McCarthy is willing to tolerate for the sole reason that he currently has a mere 4 seat majority. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Speaker Kevin McCarthy was talking a big game about negotiations and spending cuts before he met with President Biden, but it didnt go that way. Here is the readout of the meeting as provided to PoliticusUSA by the White House: As part of a series of meetings with congressional leaders, President Biden hosted Speaker McCarthy in the Oval Office this afternoon, where they had a frank and straightforward dialogue. They covered a range of issues and President Biden underscored that he is eager to continue working across the aisle in good faith, after passing historic bipartisan laws during his first two years in office. President Biden made clear that, as every other leader in both parties in Congress has affirmed, it is their shared duty not to allow an unprecedented and economically catastrophic default. The United States Constitution is explicit about this obligation, and the American people expect Congress to meet it in the same way all of his predecessors have. It is not negotiable or conditional. The President welcomes a separate discussion with congressional leaders about how to reduce the deficit and control the national debt while continuing to grow the economy. This conversation should build on the Presidents leadership in delivering a record $1.7 trillion in deficit reduction in his first two years in office. The President and the Speaker agreed to continue the conversation. Kevin McCarthy said that he was coming to the White House to negotiate. President Biden said there will be no negotiations on the debt ceiling. What seals the deal is how McCarthy reacted when asked about what spending cuts he requested after the meeting: McCarthy is asked after meeting what Biden about what programs he thinks should be cut. He says he's not going to negotiate in public. pic.twitter.com/JtKRVBmu9N Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) February 1, 2023 McCarthy said that they didnt talk about spending cuts. Subscribe To Our Newsletter: Kevin McCarthy tells his supporters that he is coming to the White House for spending cuts, but he didnt talk about spending cuts with President Biden. It sounds like McCarthy got rolled in his meeting with Biden. None of this is surprising as Speaker McCarthy has consistently demonstrated his weakness, and it is easy to understand why some Republicans are already trying to bail on the debt ceiling showdown. Aiken, SC (29801) Today Mostly cloudy this morning with showers developing this afternoon. High 74F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight A few clouds. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low near 55F. Winds light and variable. The long-anticipated blueprint for the redevelopment of the Union Pier Terminal shows a dense mix of residential and commercial space, with parks and a walkway along Charleston Harbor providing a public buffer against buildings up to seven stories tall. It's also drawing some early pushback from local preservation and conservation groups. The State Ports Authority, which owns Union Pier and now operates a cruise ship terminal and parking lot on the site, this week submitted a draft proposal to the city's Technical Review Committee outlining how it wants redevelopment to take place. The plan is still in the early stages, with several layers of approvals needed before City Council takes up the matter. But the SPA has said it wants to sell Union Pier to the highest bidder by the end of this year. The draft plan shows 1,600 multifamily residential units and 600 hotel rooms on about 36 acres of developable land at the 64-acre waterfront site, sandwiched between Concord and Laurens streets. It also calls for a combined 540,000 square feet of retail and office space about two-thirds the size of Northwoods Mall in North Charleston. The site would include about 19 acres of public open space, most of it along the waterfront, with a smattering of plazas, parks and grassy fields sprinkled throughout the rest of the development. The SPA is expected to file a complete zoning application for a "planned unit development" encompassing the site later this week. The draft proposal is drawing criticism from environmental and preservation groups that say it is a missed opportunity for what could be the most transformative real estate project in the city's recent history. Those groups the Preservation Society of Charleston, the Coastal Conservation League and the Historic Charleston Foundation say the city needs to take a more assertive role in determining the site's future rather than allow the SPA to drive a deal that maximizes financial gains while dismissing Charleston's historical character and the needs of residents. The SPA has said it will use the money from the sale for "critical port infrastructure projects," including construction of the second phase of its Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal in North Charleston. The maritime agency has not said how much it expects to make from the sale, although the plan anticipates a figure of up to $250 million or more. "This is something the community needs to take notice of," said Brian Turner, the Preservation Society of Charleston's CEO. "This is just too important. It's not an ordinary project." Turner said the city "needs to get out ahead and set the benchmarks for what this should be, prior to hearing the biased version from the entity that seeks to maximize its value." City officials say they've worked closely with residents and the SPA, which has held community meetings to gather public input, to make sure the project is successful. "Union Pier may well be the most important redevelopment project of the 21st century in downtown Charleston, and it's critical that we get it right," Robert Summerfield, the city's planning director, said in a statement. "That's why we've been clearly communicating our residents' vision and expectations for this site to S.C. Ports and (SPA planning consultant) Lowe from day one. And it's why we're going to hold this project to the highest of standards, including real and robust public engagement, when it formally comes into the city process later this month." The SPA, in a statement, said it held multiple meetings and received hundreds of public comments that helped shape the redevelopment plan. The agency said the proposal will provide public waterfront access, green space and a park over piers stretching into the harbor. "The designs will complement the neighborhood and blend with the citys texture," the SPA said, adding it will "improve traffic, walkability, parking and flooding issues, while also honoring iconic assets like the Bennett Rice Mill facade and Mosquito Fleet." Barbara Melvin, the agency's president and CEO, told legislators during a meeting last week that the redevelopment "gives the city of Charleston, because we are right in the middle of downtown, the ability to reunite its citizens with the waterfront." Melvin said the sale represents "tremendous opportunity, and that opportunity is to take the money that we are able to realize from the sale of this very unique piece of property and reinvest it in phases two and three of the Leatherman Terminal." Among the concerns is the overall density and what the preservation and conservation groups term a lack of affordable housing shown in the draft plan. The SPA has said it will set aside at least 50 residential units about 3 percent of the total for "workforce housing," which is geared toward households that make up to 120 percent of the area's median income. In Charleston, that would be an annual income of $110,160 for a family of four. The SPA said it also will contribute a percentage of the property sale proceeds to a trust fund to pay for more affordable housing at the Union Pier site or within a 2-mile radius. "If we don't have a commitment to attainable housing, housing that is affordable for our workforce, then we are going to lose the diversity that is Charleston," said Faith Rivers James, executive director of the Coastal Conservation League. "Making sure that folks have the opportunity to buy in and live in this space is an important goal ... we would love to see a commitment for space, not just cash." Winslow Hastie, president and CEO of the Historic Charleston Foundation, said the draft plan includes "no vision from the city" and is "really being driven" by the SPA and Lowe, which the SPA hired to create the redevelopment plan. Lowe, which is developing a hotel just to the south at the ports authority's former headquarters site on Concord Street, also has first right of refusal in the bidding process for Union Pier something that competing developers say gives the California-based developer an unfair advantage. "There's just not leadership from the city on what the city's needs are," Hastie said. "There are so many opportunities to address resiliency, open space access to the waterfront, affordable housing and none of that stuff is in there. We're looking at a huge number of dwelling units, a huge number of hotel rooms, and a huge number of retail and office space, and not much else. "So we're really concerned," he said. "If we get this wrong, the implications are massive." The third season of the Netflix sensation "Outer Banks," a show about treasure-hunting teenagers that's filmed in Charleston, is coming out on Feb. 23. Leading up to the release, Netflix has released an official trailer. The opening scene is of the Morris Island Light House off Folly Beach, surrounded by a golden sunlit sky. Like Season 2, not all of the show is filmed in Charleston. Some scenes are shot in the Bahamas. But local beaches, houses, marshland, restaurants and docks make their way into the trailer. "Was the treasure an escape or was it a trap?" John B. (played by Chase Stokes) asks, as the trailer turns mysterious and dark, alluding to the many ominous hands seeking the same riches that our main characters do. In addition, the trailer features some shocking spoiler alerts that we won't splurge; just be warned if you watch the video. Romance, action and adventure are certainly all in store this season. The first season of "Outer Banks" was filmed across the Lowcountry in 2019. COLUMBIA Multiple Columbia-area high schools faced emergencies on Feb. 1 as threats forced evacuations at Spring Valley High School and Richland Northeast High School and edibles sent two students at C.A. Johnson High School to the hospital. As for the threats on Feb. 1, a Richland Two statement on Facebook said "students are safe at both locations." Richland Northeast evacuated first, around 2:53 p.m., while Spring Valley was first put under a "secure status" before being evacuated around around 3:30, according to Greg Turchetta, Richland Twos chief officer for communications. Nobody at either school was injured, and "everything's been orderly," he said. Students at the two campuses, which serve a combined 3,500 students, were being dismissed as of 4 p.m., according to the district. All afterschool events at the schools were also cancelled. No details about the threats were disclosed. It was the second straight day Spring Valley, the largest high school in Richland County, was evacuated. Staff received a threatening email from a student account the morning of Jan. 31, which prompted an evacuation and early dismissal that morning. School and law enforcement officials said they did not believe that threat was credible. A Richland County Sheriff's Department spokesman said it was too early to say whether the Feb. 1 threat was related to the Jan. 31 one against Spring Valley. At C.A. Johnson, two students were transported by EMS to the hospital after eating "edibles," according to Richland County School District One spokeswoman Karen York. Another six students who ate the gummies were released to their parents after being assessed. Asked what were in the edibles, usually associated with marijuana, the school district did not know. The Columbia Police Department, which is investigating the incident, did not answer a question about the gummies. Caitlin Ashworth contributed. COLUMBIA A 15-year-old Spring Valley High School student was arrested over the rash of school threats that disrupted class for tens of thousands of students in Richland and Lexington counties. At least 10 schools across the Columbia and Lexington areas received threats on Feb. 2, making it the third day in a row in which students and staff have been ordered to evacuate buildings or remain inside classrooms. The Richland County Sheriff's Department said investigators suspect the student was responsible for all of the Feb. 2 hoax threats, which they said were "done with intent to disrupt the schools' daily operations." The student was booked in the juvenile wing of the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center on charges of threatening to use a destructive device, conveying false information regarding attempted use of a destructive device, and student threats and disturbing schools. We take these cases very seriously, and individuals involved will be charged and taken to jail, Richland Sheriff Leon Lott said. We are working closely with Lexington authorities to identify individuals involved on their schools threats as well. This should serve as a warning to anyone else that wants to make threats that when we identify you, and we will, you will be charged and taken to jail. While police did not report any credible danger, the threats disrupted classes for 16,500 students, or about 15 percent of total public school enrollment in the two counties. In Richland County, Spring Valley and Richland Northeast high schools were targeted with threats, as well as Dent, E.L. Wright and Muller Road middle schools, according to Richland County School District Two. This was the third day of threats at Spring Valley, Richland County's largest school, and the second at Richland Northeast. "To the people that are doing this, please stop," Richland Two School District spokesman Greg Turchetta said at a news briefing prior to the arrest. "You're impacting our schools in a way that's harming students and that's the bottom line. So it's not a game. It's a crime." BEAUFORT County officials have been eyeing two parcels of land along S.C. Highway 170 in Bluffton as potential locations for a new library and ballfields. While few have argued against the need for these facilities, the location presents a problem for the county. Both parcels, which total more than 100 acres, have been protected since 2016 as part of the popular Rural and Critical Land Preservation Program. County officials responded with a proposal to swap 60 of those protected acres for two other county-owned properties. That proposal has met with opposition, notably from the Rural and Critical Land Preservation Board. The conflict brings to light the challenge of preserving the integrity of the land conservation program while balancing the needs of the rapidly growing county. "You will never be able to buy this amount of property in the Bluffton Township for a library and ballfields and recreation fields at this amount of money," said Eric Greenway, county administrator. But opponents, including some Beaufort County Council members, say turning protected land over to the county would jeopardize the entire notion of publicly funded land conservation. District 5 Councilman Brian Flewelling, speaking during his last meeting as a council member in December, urged his colleagues to act with caution before considering using protected land to meet the county's needs. "I'd like to remind everybody that this particular motion, this particular program, has the opportunity or the probable result of killing our Rural and Critical Lands Program," he said. The lands program Beaufort County's Rural and Critical Land Preservation Program was the first dedicated land conservation program in South Carolina and remains indicative of the value county residents place on the environment. The program issues voter-approved bonds to pay for the preservation of land, such as the 162-acre Widgeon Point Preserve, located between the Broad and Chechessee rivers, and the 2,000-acre Oak Point property on St. Helena Island. In 2002, voters approved a $40 million bond, the first proposed by the program. Voters have approved four subsequent bond initiatives over the following 17 years. The program has preserved nearly 28,500 acres at a cost of $141.7 million, according to its 2021 annual report. The two parcels the county is currently interested in were slated for residential development when representatives from the lands program intervened in 2016. "Putting 400 residential units at the headwaters of the Okatie River was a threat," said Kate Schaefer, director of land protection for the Open Land Trust. To protect the headwaters, she explained, the program negotiated with the developer to purchase the properties. The proposal Assistant County Administrator Chuck Atkinson proposed the land swap during a Public Facilities Commission meeting on Oct. 17. County Council first discussed it nearly a month later, on Nov. 14. The administration's proposal, which requires approval by two-thirds of the council, targeted land on the east side of S.C. 170, south of the intersection with U.S. Highway 278. The 22.48-acre Evergreen Tract occupies the north end of the property. The county purchased it for $1 million. While the lands program put up most of the money for the purchase, the Beaufort County Stormwater Utility Management Board contributed nearly $156,000. The adjacent New Leaf Tract to the south consists of 86.5 acres and was purchased for $2 million. Again the county's stormwater utility contributed about $165,000 to the purchase price, while Rural and Critical Land paid the balance. "The Stormwater Utility put money into this, and they built a stormwater pond on the property to help manage the pollutant flow into the Okatie River," Schaefer said. The county's plan would split the entire property into three pieces. A new library would occupy 6 acres of a 20-acre parcel to the north. A center parcel totaling 46 acres would remain in the lands program. The southernmost 40-acre parcel would go to the county. It would be set aside for recreation fields. What's in it for the county? Atkinson asserted that the county can continue and even improve its ability to protect the Okatie River watershed while developing the site for a library and recreation fields. "If we can accomplish that same goal, or do a better job of protecting water quality through putting facilities there and actively managing it, and do both, then Rural and Critical wins, the marshes win and taxpayers in Beaufort County win," Atkinson said. District 7 Councilman Logan Cunningham has been a supporter of the land swap. He discussed the need for additional ballfields in the area, noting that the existing facilities are "maxed out." Amanda Dickman, the Beaufort County director of libraries, told The Post and Courier that the county has been looking for land to build a library in the Pritchardville-Okatie area for approximately 20 years. "As we know by living here, that population in that stretch of our county has only exploded," Dickman said. "The desire and the need that started 15 or 20 years ago has only grown." The location alongside S.C. 170 would provide easy public access to the facilities if they come to fruition. "I think it's a great location for a library," Cunningham said. The exchange In exchange for the 60 protected acres, the county offered two properties totaling about 18 acres. One is the 8-acre Camp St. Mary parcel, which the county purchased for $500,000 in 1997 with money from the general fund. The site sits on a high bluff overlooking a bend in the Okatie River. Along with a pier extending into the river, the parcel features a picnic pavilion. It also has several dilapidated buildings dating from the property's prior use as a summer camp for Catholic children in the Diocese of Charleston. While the parcel has not been appraised recently, Atkinson called it a very valuable piece of property. "In my opinion, I am not an appraiser, this makes up the largest chunk of value to value," Atkinson said. "So, acre for acre, we have a much more valuable piece of property here than what you would have at the Evergreen or New Leaf site." The second property the county is offering is a 10-acre plot along Bluffton Parkway, just east of Buck Island Road. While Atkinson acknowledged the Bluffton Parkway parcel was wet, he said it wasn't a wetland. The estimated value of the parcel is $250,000. "It is staff's contention, without an actual appraisal, that we are apples to apples," Atkinson said. "We are very, very close." Lands board weighs in The county's current proposal marks the second time a land swap has been on the table. In 2012, Rural and Critical Land agreed to exchange 20 acres of the Okatie Marsh along S.C. 170 for 42 acres of county-owned land along Chechessee Road. The county used that 20-acre parcel to construct the Beaufort County Animal Campus. More coverage To read more stories in the series about growth and development, go to postandcourier.com/boomandbalance/. According to Schaefer, after the 2012 deal the program codified language to guide similar considerations in the future. "The Rural and Critical program acknowledges that there may be some instances where property acquired under the Rural and Critical Lands Program may or may not be appropriate for county ownership in the future," Schaefer said. In keeping with that precedent, the Rural and Critical Land Preservation Board first considered the county's current proposal during its Dec. 8 meeting. At that time, the board decided it needed to analyze the properties that had been offered in the same manner it would consider any other property for preservation. Further, the board said a site visit was necessary before a vote could be taken on the county's resolution. Just after the new year, the board, county staff and some members of the public toured all the properties considered for the land swap. The board met again on Jan. 12 and at that time voted against the county proposal. With the exception of one abstention, the vote was unanimous. Beekman Webb, a Rural and Critical Lands board member, said the county's deal was not persuasive. "It was not an even swap," he said. However, more than a perceived inequity in the deal, Webb said he was concerned about betraying the public trust. "My main reason is the public opinion," Webb added. "Our board is called the Rural and Critical Lands Preservation Board. That's what everybody thinks we're doing with the money that they're paying. To me, it would be a big mistake to use that land for something else after it was determined to be worthy of preservation." 'A white elephant' Webb noted the land swap included only property the county already owned, and that the county already has the ability to protect those properties should officials be motivated to do so. "They don't have to move it to Rural and Critical to protect it," Webb said. "Camp St. Mary, they can just put a conservation easement on it if they want to. Or they can protect it with a deed restriction." Schaefer added that the Camp St. Mary parcel is zoned T-2, which means the minimum lot size for a home is 3 acres. At less than 9 acres, the parcel would support only two homes, making residential development of the property unlikely. "It's kind of a white elephant for the county because they don't know what to do with it," Webb said. Where things stand now During the Dec. 12 County Council meeting, District 4 Councilwoman Alice Howard put forth a motion to delay a vote on the land swap resolution until after the Rural and Critical board completed its analysis of the properties and the site visits. Her motion rescheduled the discussion for the Jan. 23 council meeting. Between those two meetings, the Rural and Critical board voted against supporting the resolution. When the agenda for the Jan. 23 meeting was published, the land swap resolution did not appear as a discussion item. The county appears to be reconsidering its options. "We're still talking with Rural and Critical Lands about a potential land swap, not the one that was on the agenda, something different," Beaufort County Council Chairman Joe Passiment told The Post and Courier after the January meeting. Webb noted the council is not obligated to follow the recommendation of the Rural and Critical board, but he added that it would be "very unusual" for the council to disregard the board's unanimous decision. State Sen. Tom Davis, R-Beaufort, shared concerns about the potential damage to public confidence that could result from the swap. He said it would be a mistake for the council to act against the recommendation of the Rural and Critical board. "I understand that they might be trying to retool the proposal, and I don't know what that might look like," Davis said. "But what I would say is, if they're going to propose something different, it's got to go back through the process again. It's got to go before the Rural and Critical Lands Commission." It was around this time last year that the Charleston Place buyer Beemok Hospitality Collection shared initial details about the multimillion-dollar renovations that would take place at the newly acquired Holy City hotel. Improvements would be done in phases, Beemok representatives said at the time, and the hotel would remain open during the work. Thats exactly what Beemok the family office of local businessman and philanthropist Ben Navarro plans to do in the coming year. Some progress has already been made before those larger renovations commence. Last year, the group updated the hotels breezy daytime eatery The Palmetto Cafe and on-premise coffee shop, Community Perk. After those projects were completed, it turned its attention to Charleston Grill, the hotel's signature restaurant. The upscale restaurant temporarily closed Jan. 2, giving designers Gregory Blake Sams and Athalie Derse time to incorporate new lights, upholstery, a striking forest green bar and other elements that aim to provide a more modern, bright aesthetic. Adding to that atmosphere are four large-scale paintings from Charleston-based artist Raven Roxanne, including one anchoring the dining room, which Beemok Hospitality Collections Vice President of Brand Experience Margaret Furniss said pulls together the colors featured throughout the property. We did a whole lot of work on all of the flooring, the carpeting, the upholstery, the lighting, Furniss said. Its obviously such an iconic restaurant in Charlestons history, so making sure that were paying homage to Charlestons Southern hospitality; sort of this grand yet intimate space and pulling the color inspirations from different parts of Charleston. The upfitted setting isnt the biggest change at Charleston Grill, however. The grills menu for years featured four sections: entrees, roots and stems, social and shared plates, and the chefs tasting experience, each curated by longtime executive chef Michelle Weaver. Starting Feb. 3 when Charleston Grill makes its return, new chef de cuisine Suze Castelloe will be leading the kitchen instead of Weaver, who will transition to a new culinary ambassador role. A 2018 South Carolina Chef Ambassador, Weavers first task will be organizing Charleston Grills Open Hands Community Kitchen series, in which guest chefs will host five-course meals at the restaurant, with 100 percent of proceeds benefiting Feed the Need. The first in the series will take place Feb. 24 and 25 when James Beard Award winning-chef Michael Anthony of Gramercy Tavern in New York City will temporarily take over. Were expanding our epicurean journey, so to speak, Weaver said. So my roles going to expand to not just the restaurant but to help with banquets in Palmetto and all our other outlets and things coming up, to create fun journeys for people. Castelloes promotion from sous chef to chef de cuisine falls in step with Charleston Grills history of hiring within. Weaver in 2009 succeeded her mentor, Bob Waggoner, who spent 12 years as the grills chef, helping it achieve the states first four-star rating from Mobil Travel Guide. During that time, Waggoner who succeeded Charleston Grill opening chef Louis Osteen first hired Weaver as sous chef, preparing her for a crowning role. The two worked side by side for about 15 years. Castelloe has spent the past seven years learning from Weaver. Whats always made this restaurant great, I believe, is that this restaurant changes as Charleston changes, Weaver said. It was Louis, then it was Bobs, then it was me, and now it's going to be Suzes. Its the passing of the baton. Castelloe plans to bring her own take to the grills signature Southern cuisine with her brand-new menu that will debut upon opening. Casetlloe worked with Weaver and Olivier Gaupin, Charleston Place director of culinary, to develop new dishes during the closure. A menu mockup shared with The Post and Courier prior to the reopening showcases Castelloes desire to bring global flavors to the restaurant, with shrimp and crab in tom yum goong broth, shawarma-spiced winter root vegetables and snapper with a Spanish-style broth among the options. Broken into six categories Petit Bites, To Begin, From Our Fields, From Our Waters, From Our Meadows and To Share the menu has also expanded in size. The option to enjoy a chef-curated tasting menu will return at a later date, Weaver and Castelloe said. I want to keep that legacy alive but bring my spin, a little bit of a more modern take on those classics and whats always worked, Castelloe said. Using local as much as possible when its the best ingredient and then trying to find a different way to express something that youve seen before. More changes at Charleston Grill are on the horizon. According to Furniss, the short monthlong closure is just part of the restaurants rebirth. Before we go into what will be the bigger renovation, just wanting to elevate existing spaces, Furniss said. That wont start for a little while still, and itll totally transform again when that happens. Charleston Grill will open from 5:30-9:30 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday (the lounge opens at 5 p.m. on those days). For more information, visit charlestonplace.com or call 843-611-5545. GEORGETOWN De'Ontay Winchester is now the president of the Georgetown County NAACP branch, succeeding Marvin Neal after Neal took on the role of third vice president for the NAACP South Carolina State Conference. Neal, the branch president since 2017, will still be working some from Georgetown but overall across the state. His role as a vice president makes him available for matters anywhere in South Carolina. He said he found Winchester to be a good people person when he was serving as the branch's first vice president, and noted his ability to look at the past and future of his organization's mission. "And that's what I recognized when I saw him, because he was, I would say, aggressive about being a part of the NAACP for that purpose, to help move things forward," Neal said. "He's humble, got good temperament. You have to be able to listen to people, whether it's good, bad, indifference." A Charleston native and child and family therapist by trade, Winchester got involved with the Georgetown County branch, he jokes, because his wife made him. "When I moved here, I knew that there was something more that I needed to be doing," Winchester said. "So she and I would be talking a lot about what's going on in the world, and I wanted to be involved. And she told me about this Mr. Neal." They finally met in 2018. When Winchester called to ask how to join, Neal offered him an application. Winchester told Neal to keep the application, because he'd join right over the phone. "That was a Saturday," Winchester said. "The next Monday, I was at what was then the office of the NAACP Georgetown, and I think I came every day for the next two, three, four weeks just learning everything I could. Because that's how much I wanted to be involved, and I think him and the other leaders at the time recognized that." Winchester's promotion to branch president comes at a time that Georgetown County faces a pair of lawsuits related to development in the historically African American community of Parkersville and a third in federal court over denial of a rezoning request for an affordable housing proposal near Wedgefield Plantation. In the latter lawsuit, the state conference and county branch of the NAACP are named as plaintiffs. Winchester also renewed his branch's call for the Georgetown City Council to revert to having only one public comment period at the council's Jan. 19 meeting. The council's switch to having separate comment periods for agenda and non-agenda items the non-agenda period occurring near the end of the meeting has been controversial since it was enacted last year. In March, Neal said pushing non-agenda comments to the end of the meeting, sometimes well after 8 p.m., amounted to the council telling Black Georgetown residents "we dont want to hear you, the hell with you, and we dont care." "Last time I checked, you're at-large," Winchester said. "I mean, you serve all people. So why are you concentrating on some constituents as opposed to all of the constituents?" FLORENCE A second South Carolina man charged in connection with the 2019 murder and robbery of U.S. Postal Service carrier Irene Pressley pleaded guilty ahead of his Feb. 6 federal trial. Jerome Terrell Davis, 30, of Andrews, entered into a guilty plea agreement Jan. 31 for his involvement in robbing Pressley and a charge of conspiracy to distribute marijuana. U.S. District Judge Donald Coggins will sentence Davis at a later date after receiving and reviewing a pre-sentence report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office. Davis faces 20 years in prison for the robbery of Pressley and five years for the marijuana conspiracy conviction. The guilty plea agreement comes days after a jury found Trevor Raekwon Seward, 25, of Andrews guilty of all five charges he faced in the rural mail carriers death: murder of a federal employee in the course of her duties; use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence; robbery; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana. Seward faces maximum penalties of life in prison for murder, life for the use of a firearm, 20 years for robbery, 10 years for the illegal possession of a firearm, and five years for the marijuana conspiracy conviction. Pressley was found dead in her postal vehicle along her mail route in Andrews on Sept. 23, 2019. She had served nearly two decades with the U.S. Postal Service. Davis and Seward were expecting a shipment of two pounds of marijuana from California to Sewards home in Andrews through the mail, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office. Instead of delivering the package to Sewards home, Pressley placed a form in his mailbox that said he would have to come to the post office to claim the package. Court documents said Seward confronted Pressley at an undisclosed location minutes later and when he didnt get the shipment, he returned home. Federal prosecutors said Seward then left his home with an AR-15 rifle in a car driven by Davis to search for Pressley and found her one hour later driving down Senate Road in Andrews. They said Davis dropped Seward off on Senate Road in Andrews, where Seward fired approximately 20 rounds from his AR-15 into the back of Pressleys vehicle, striking her multiple times. Prosecutors contended that Seward got into Pressleys car and drove it three miles away, where he left her and the car in a ditch on an access road to a hunt club. The man then removed mail from the postal vehicle in search of his package or any items of value. The package of marijuana shipped to Sewards home was later found on Senate Road where Pressley was murdered. The robbery and murder of Irene Pressley was a truly senseless act of violence, said Williamsburg County Sheriff Stephen R. Gardner in a statement. With the guilty plea entered by Mr. Davis and the jurys conviction of Mr. Seward, we are pleased that the individuals who committed such a malicious crime will be held accountable for their actions. GREENVILLE GE Appliances is about to grow its South Carolina presence with the addition of a newly announced distribution center in Greenville County. The home goods manufacturer plans to invest $50 million into the southern portion of the county and create 45 jobs over the next five years at a 580,000-square-foot distribution warehouse it is leasing along Interstate 85. It will be the second location for GE Appliances in the Palmetto State. Last year, the company unveiled its $70 million overhaul of its Camden manufacturing plant, moving it away from building refrigerators to water heaters. Other production plants can be found at its headquarters in Louisville, Ky., Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee. Marcia Brey, vice president of distribution at GE Appliances, said the state's pro-business environment and the proximity to the rail-served Inland Port Greer transportation hub were two of the reasons the company picked the Augusta Grove Business Park for the expansion. Investments like this allow us to quickly respond to external factors and keep product flowing efficiently throughout our entire network as we grow and enter new product categories," Brey said. The project is expected to be completed in early 2024. Despite its name, the appliance maker is no longer part of General Electric Co. The former U.S. conglomerate sold the business in 2016 to Haier Group, a Chinese company that selected Kershaw County as the site of its first U.S. plant nearly 25 years ago. With over 10 percent of South Carolina residents without health insurance coverage, the Medical University of South Carolina's Mobile Health Unit, which launched last year, is offering free breast cancer and cervical cancer screenings to uninsured and rural residents in the state. The unit, which also serves underinsured and low-income residents, travels to 31 counties across the state, most recently to Moncks Corner in Berkeley County. Hollings Cancer Centers' Mobile Health Unit partners with South Carolina's Best Chance Network, the state's breast and cervical cancer early detection program that provides free cancer screenings to eligible residents in the state. "Access to healthcare for all South Carolinians, including those in rural communities, is fundamental to our state's public health," Dr. Brannon Traxler, public health director for the state health agency, said in a statement to The Post and Courier. "This includes equitable access to crucial preventive health services such as routine screenings to identify conditions in a timely manner." Yolanda Walker, nurse practitioner for Hollings Cancer Center, said the unit screened 243 patients in 2022. Just two of the patients screened positive for breast cancer and another screened positive for HPV (Human papillomavirus), a sexually transmitted infection that can cause genital warts and cervical cancer. "This year, our goal is to see at least 800 patients," Walker told The Post and Courier. The American Cancer Society estimated over 30,000 people in South Carolina were diagnosed with cancer in 2022. Breast cancer was among the four most common cancers in the state, and was the second-leading cause of cancer death among women residents. And many rural, uninsured and underinsured women residents in the state go without their regular breast and cervical cancer screenings, leaving many to be diagnosed at the later stages of disease. "It's best to be caught early and the only way to catch it early is to get screened," Walker said. As for mammograms, Walker suggests women make sure they know their breast density, a term that describes the relative amount of different types of breast tissue seen on a woman's mammogram. According to an article from the National Cancer Institute, dense breast tissue can make a mammogram more difficult to interpret and requires more in-depth testing. Women with dense breasts also have a higher risk of contracting breast cancer. However, MUSC's mobile health unit offers 3D mammograms, which make it easier for radiologists to detect cancer. Walker said women ages 40 to 64 should be getting mammograms every year. Women who are considered high risk for breast cancer, meaning they are genetically predisposed, have dense breasts, or a family history of breast or ovarian cancer should get screened on a more frequent basis and should consult their doctor about ways to reduce their risk. Other breast cancer risk factors include reproductive history, aging, history of non-cancerous breast disease, or previous treatment using radiation therapy. On Feb. 10, the Mobile Health Unit will be at the Walmart at 4920 Centre Pointe Drive in North Charleston. For more information on MUSC's mobile health screenings visit www.hollingscancercenter.musc.edu/outreach/mobile-health-unit. Summerville, SC (29483) Today A mix of clouds and sun. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 82F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Some clouds. Low 59F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. CONWAY A judge ruled this week in favor of current Horry County GOP leaders, who sued the former party chair and his support team for failing to relinquish financial records, social media passwords and memorabilia. A magistrate judge in Conway ruled Jan. 30 that Roger Slagle, Angela King and Barbara Treacy, the former county party leaders who tried unsuccessfully to rescind their fall resignations, have 21 days to relinquish $5,000 worth of records, supplies, passwords and memorabilia to the current party leaders Chairman Reese Boyd, Vice Chairman Robert Visconti and State Executive Committeeman Mike Connett. The supplies in question include 70 folding chairs, meeting tables and a computer printer, and the memorabilia includes antique yard signs, campaign posters and campaign buttons, according to court documents. In the coming days, Magistrate Judge Bradley Dwyer Mayers will issue a final order for the case, which could allow the former leaders to appeal the decision. Their attorney, William Von Herrmann, said he hopes to appeal if possible. The fight has fractured party leadership in one of South Carolina's top GOP strongholds. After this latest decision, Boyd, whose administration was elected in October, said he hopes the party can heal and move forward. "We can't do our job if we have broken out the machine guns and are shooting at one another inside the tent, and that's what we have been doing," Boyd said. Boyd said he initially hoped to avoid legal action, but prior efforts to retrieve the property were unsuccessful. However, Von Herrmann said he believes the lawsuit is "wholly unnecessary" and ultimately hurts the entire county party. He said the state should have intervened in the dispute from the start and allowed Slagle's team to remain in office despite their disagreements with the S.C. GOP. The state party recognizes Boyd's administration as the Horry County leadership. "It's my feeling that they did more damage, quite frankly, to the GOP in that hearing than they did anything else," Von Herrmann said. In the proceedings, Von Herrmann argued that the October meeting where Boyd, Visconti and Connett were elected did not have a quorum. If true, this would mean it was an unofficial party meeting, the leaders were not duly elected and they would have no right to the property. However, there were 47 county GOP Executive Committee members at the meeting, enough for a quorum out of the 80 total organized party precincts, according to party officials. Boyd argued that Slagle could have formally disputed the election outcome back in October, and since he did not, it makes the issue of the quorum "no longer timely and appropriate" for this case about the custody dispute. Von Herrmann also argued his clients should not relinquish custody of the county party property because Boyd and his team could not remember details about the tables and chairs they were requesting, including their colors. Slagle and his team resigned in September over accusations that state party leaders were meddling in county party politics and did not support former President Donald Trump enough. Slagle tried to rescind his resignation that month, after the state already accepted it. He then declared himself the rightful party leader, and accused the new leaders of ousting him in a "coup." The S.C. GOP, which did not respond to a request for comment, previously called Slagle's actions a "distraction." Charleston, SC (29403) Today A mix of clouds and sun. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 79F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight A few clouds. Low 61F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Its hard to listen to the story S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster recounted during his State of the State address last week and not agree that we need to reform our bail bond system: A man who already had been convicted on drug, assault and battery, burglary and illegal gun possession charges was arrested and charged with more drug crimes, possession of two stolen pistols and a stolen M16A4 assault rifle and resisting arrest. He was released on $10,000 bail. Within four months, before he could be tried on those charges, he was charged with domestic violence of a high and aggravated nature for violently assaulting his pregnant girlfriend. He was again released on bail, and within weeks he shot the same pregnant girlfriend, shot and killed another person, held four people at gunpoint and assaulted three of them with a hammer and then fled and shot a third person. Its hard, too, to disagree with at least part of Mr. McMaster's proposed solution: Add a mandatory five-year prison sentence for anyone convicted of committing a crime while out on bail. And increase the penalties for second and subsequent convictions of gun crimes, to replace the current law under which the penalty for illegal gun possession never increases, no matter the number of convictions. For that matter, its hard to disagree with a number of ideas circulating in the Legislature, including two bills that were debated the previous day by a Senate subcommittee to require judges to consider prior convictions when setting bail, force defendants to pay bail in full if theyre arrested while on a previous bond and tighten the requirements for bail bondsmen. All of those changes strike us as sensible responses to the growing chorus of law enforcement officials who say violent crime in South Carolina is driven largely by a small number of repeat criminals, and in too many cases people who are out on bail awaiting trial. (Also sensible, by the way, is the idea of making it a crime to leave a gun in an unlocked vehicle, since unsecured vehicles are an increasingly popular way for criminals to get their hands on the guns they use in crimes.) But heres the problem weve got to work our way through: If you read current law, it looks like the problem is already addressed. S.C. Code Section 17-15-55(C) says if someone commits a violent crime while out on bail for a previous violent crime, judges can't let that person out on bail again unless they make a finding that the conditions they place on bail "will ensure that the person is unlikely to flee or pose a danger to any other person or the community and the person will abide by the terms of release on bond. And even then, bail isnt mandatory; the law says simply that judges shall consider bond. That suggests that while we likely do need to tighten up some language to raise the bar for bail, there are problems we need to address beyond what some perceive as soft-on-crime judges who arent interested in public safety. Just as prosecutors understand that they have to reach plea agreements on most cases to help preserve the time of their staff and the courts to hold trials on the most serious cases, or cases where they cant reach deals, judges realize that we cant leave people who havent been convicted of a crime to rot in jail which is what will happen if they become too reticent to set bail. So at least part of the solution to our criminal justice system's revolving door is increasing the capacity of our courts. That likely means finding a way to ensure that judges are working hard enough a problem Chief Justice Don Beatty identified in 2021 with lower-court judges along with providing the judiciary, prosecutors and public defenders with the tools they need to bring cases to trial more quickly. It could mean increasing the number of Circuit Court judges. It also means prioritizing violent crimes over lower-level offenses when it comes to both bail and court time. That is, making it more likely that people accused of violent crimes are less likely to get bail while also ensuring that their cases come to trial quickly and delaying trials for people accused of lesser crimes, while making it less likely that theyll spend that extra time in jail. As part of that, we might need to reassess how we define more serious and less serious crimes, because its not clear that, lacking a tremendous infusion of money in the right places, our court system can afford to quickly process all of the crimes that we consider serious. Click here for more opinion content from The Post and Courier. COLUMBIA While President Donald Trump's campaign event last weekend inside the S.C. Statehouse was certainly unique, that's not a reason to bill him for using the public building to launch his latest White House bid, according to state officials. The former president came to Columbia on Jan. 28 to announce his leadership team in a state with outsized influence in picking presidential nominees. The Statehouse was the second stop of his campaign kickoff following an appearance in New Hampshire at that state's annual GOP meeting. Trump critics have questioned why he was allowed to hold the event at South Carolina's Capitol and whether his campaign reimbursed taxpayers for the time and expense for an event worked by at least 200 state officers. For the latter, the short answer is no. According to the agency that approves events on Statehouse grounds, Trump's request to reserve space was handled like any other application, and that includes not charging fees. The Department of Administration "does not charge any person or group rent, and that would apply to all candidates or committees seeking to use the Statehouse grounds," spokeswoman Brooke Bailey said. She pointed to state law that allows public buildings to be used for political meetings and campaign events as long as they're available to all candidates on similar terms. Furthermore, she said, there is no state law giving her agency authority to charge Statehouse rental fees for any reason. Her agency absorbed $3,000 in costs to put out barriers around the grounds for crowd control, which is a normal expense for events that require extra security, she said. Trump's organizers, Virginia-based Event Strategies, filled out the agency's standard application. Trump's name is nowhere on it. But the planner described the event as a "press conference/rally" to be attended by an expected 500 people "to exemplify the strong support from elected officials in the state as we approach the one-year mark to South Carolina's Republican presidential primary," the application reads. While attracting far less public attention than Trump, other candidates to reserve space inside the Statehouse for campaign purposes in the past year include former congressman Joe Cunningham, who announced an endorsement last June ahead of winning the Democratic gubernatorial primary, and former Rep. Jerry Govan, D-Orangeburg, who last March announced his decision to enter the race for superintendent. Both ultimately lost their bids. Those campaign events were tiny gatherings in comparison, requiring nothing special in terms of security or public operating hours. Non-campaign gatherings that have required a large police presence and blocked streets include the 2015 dueling same-day rallies by the Ku Klux Klan and New Black Panther Party application approvals the administration agency later explained to incensed legislators as a free speech issue, and the 2019 teachers' rally that attracted an estimated 10,000 people. The NAACP's annual King Day at the Dome, which includes a march down Main Street to the Statehouse, is often a de facto campaign event for Democratic presidential contenders. In 2020, the eight candidates who marched arm-in-arm before giving speeches from the Statehouse steps included U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders, as well as the winner, President Joe Biden. The Statehouse has also hosted other former presidents inside. The senior President George Bush addressed a joint assembly of the Legislature in February 1989, while President George W. Bush did the same in April 2005. Unlike Trump, both were sitting presidents at the time. But the uniqueness of Trump's situation doesn't mean his campaign should pay, said a spokesman for Gov. Henry McMaster, a Trump supporter who was at the former president's side for the leadership announcement. "Anybody can apply for a permit to have an event on the Statehouse grounds for any reason political or otherwise and nobody in recent memory has been charged a fee," said McMaster spokesman Brandon Charochak. "There simply isn't any reason for that precedent to be broken for President Trump's recent visit to the state." How much state law enforcement absorbed Jan. 28 in security costs is unknown. State agencies supplying security for the event, in addition to federal officers protecting the former president, included the State Law Enforcement Division and the Department of Public Safety. Its Bureau of Protective Services division is responsible for Statehouse security. SLED did not respond to questions on how many of its officers worked the event. The Public Safety agency had 185 total officers, from its three divisions, on Statehouse grounds Jan. 28. Costs for their time won't be available until that pay period is complete, and officers' work hours are finalized, said Kyle McGahee, an agency spokesman. Additionally, 19 officers with the Department of Natural Resources assisted, but they were already scheduled to work that day. The agency incurred no costs in shifting their assignments, said DNR spokesman Stephen Fastenau. It's the duty of state law enforcement to maintain safety and provide public protection "for any and all events in the Statehouse and on the capitol complex," McGahee said. "Per our normal practice, no event organizers were charged by the department for this event." While some have questioned whether Trump's event broke fire codes inside the Statehouse, McGahee said the crowd did not exceed capacity, and the Columbia fire marshal was on hand to ensure the gathering remained in compliance. No one needed to be turned away for capacity issues, he said. The event's invitation-only policy likely explains why. The invitation emailed to lawmakers, GOP organizers and others specified it was "non-transferable" and did not extend to a "plus one," except in approved extenuating circumstances. Those admitted, including reporters cleared ahead of time, had to show identification. McGahee declined to give a crowd estimate, but according to the Administration Department application, the maximum number of people allowed on the second floor between the House and Senate chambers where Trump spoke is 300. Some people watched from the third-floor balcony. One condition for approval on the application form is that an event can't "interfere with the publics free access to the grounds or to and through the Statehouse." While the Trump event didn't officially start until the Statehouse's normal 4 p.m. Saturday closing time, the entire building was closed to the general public all day for security reasons. Asked about the un-met condition, Bailey said nothing on the application indicated access would be limited. Security details were worked out between the Department of Public Safety and U.S. Secret Service according to federal protocols after the event was approved, she said. It did not, however, mark the first invitation-only event inside the Statehouse. In the last five years, at least 32 requests for a wedding ceremony on Statehouse grounds have been approved. That included for 23 outside-only weddings, two reserving the first-floor lobby, one reserving both the first- and second-floor lobbies, and six weddings spread across spaces inside and out, Bailey said. SPARTANBURG The county Board of Zoning Appeals has sided with a Spartanburg chapter of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, agreeing the county's Planning Department should not have issued a notice of violation to the group for its flagpole near where Interstate 85 and I-85 Business converge. The county had issued the property owner an order demanding removal of the 120-foot tall flagpole based on a 1999 zoning law that in part bans flagpoles that have no accompanying uses such as a home or a business. On Oct. 27, an attorney for SCV Camp 68 issued a statement explaining that the Confederate Naval Jack flag was part of a variety of flags intended for the pole. An appeal was filed Nov. 7 by the property owner to the County Board of Zoning Appeals. On Jan. 31, the County Board of Zoning Appeals voted 5-3 stating the notice of violation should not have been issued by the county. "Yesterday, the Board of Zoning Appeals decided the notice of violation issued by the county staff was issued in error," County Communications Manager Scottie Kay Blackwell told The Post and Courier. "The county will discuss this matter with staff to determine the county's options moving forward." County Board of Zoning Appeals members Angela Geter, Thomas Davies and Stephen Wunder supported the county's Planning Department's decision to issue a notice of violation. Board members Michael Padgett, Kae Fleming, Jack Gowan Jr., Glenda Brady and James Langford, Jr. voted in favor of the group's appeal of the notice of violation and believed the county was error when it was issued. When the flag pole was constructed, the county's Building Codes office allowed it to be built on vacant property without a permit since it was not classified as a structure. The group was told it didn't need a permit at the time. It wasn't until later the group was notified by the County Planning Department a permit was needed. "I think there were some questions on what defined a structure when it came to the flag pole itself," Geter told The Post and Courier. "There was a question if the land was being altered because the fact a flag pole was put on the land. In staff's mind it facilitated the need for a permit. The facts presented to us a permit was not applied for. Everything went through the Building Codes department." The appeal was originally scheduled to be considered by the board Dec. 20 but was granted a continuance to be heard Jan. 31, according to Geter. Geter said while the Confederate flag didn't influence her vote, she's concerned about the message the flag may send. "I think we have to be careful about the image we are sending to people traveling through the South," Geter said. "Interstate 85 is a major corridor when it comes to bringing people and jobs to Spartanburg County. We have been down this road with the Confederate flag on the dome of the Capital and that hurt us financially and we are back here with it. Spartanburg can't afford to lose its economic mobility. We have to wonder what would be the impact." A large Confederate battle flag was raised on the flagpole northeast of Spartanburg on Oct. 23. A Spartanburg chapter of the Sons of Confederate Veterans said it was the largest Confederate flag in South Carolina. A video posted Oct. 23 to the organization's YouTube account depicts a flag-raising ceremony the day before on vacant private property. The local chapter, Camp 68, erected the flagpole on property it owns off I-85 for what it said is the purpose of remembering Confederate soldiers. On Nov. 2, the battle flag was replaced with a South Carolina state flag. The state flag was removed and replaced again with a battle flag on Nov. 18. Crude oil prices reversed their losses on Thursday after the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) agreed to maintain its planned monthly oil output. OPEC on Wednesday disclosed this at the 47th meeting of the Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee (JMMC), according to a statement released by the organisation. Checks by PREMIUM TIMES Thursday morning showed that Brent Crude appreciated 0.17 per cent to $82.98 while WTI was up +0.26 per cent at $76.61. OPEC and its allies had in October last year agreed to cut oil output by 2 million barrels per day in November, the deepest cut by OPEC+ since the 2020 COVID pandemic. The decision came despite pressure from the United States and others advocating that the group should increase its output. OPEC argued that it took the decision in light of the uncertainty that surrounds the global economy and oil market outlooks, and the need to enhance the long-term for the oil market. The United States government strongly criticised the decision, saying the cut would negatively impact lower and middle-income countries the most. On Wednesday, OPEC said the members of the JMMC reaffirmed their commitment to the Declaration of Cooperation (DoC) which extends to the end of 2023 as agreed in the 33rd OPEC and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting on 5th of October 2022. READ ALSO: The oil cartel however urged all participating countries to achieve full conformity and adhere to the compensation mechanism. The committee reviewed the crude oil production data for the months of November and December 2022 and noted the overall conformity for participating OPEC and non-OPEC countries of the Declaration of Cooperation (DoC), the oil cartel said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited on Thursday signed an agreement with Daewoo Engineering & Construction Nigeria Limited for the rehabilitation of the Kaduna Refinery & Petrochemical Company (KRPC) Limited. The signing of the agreement took place at the NNPC headquarters in Abuja. NNPCLimiteds Kaduna Refining & Petrochemical Company Ltd (KRPC) & Daewoo Engineering & Construction Nigeria Ltd. signed a contract for maintenance services for quick-fix repairs of KRPC, the oil firm said on its official Twitter page on Thursday. Last October, NNPC Limited signed a memorandum of understanding with Daewoo Group of South Korea on the sidelines of the 2022 World Bio Summit in Seoul, South Korea for the rehabilitation of the refinery. The 110,000 bpd-capacity Kaduna Refinery is one of Nigerias four dysfunctional refineries that have produced no fuel for years leaving the country to rely on imported petroleum products. It recorded a N22.9 billion loss in 2021. The biggest state-run refinery, which is Port Harcourt (PHRC), is currently undergoing repairs handled by Tecnimont of Italy. Earlier in August 2021, the Federal Executive Council approved the award of the contract for the rehabilitation of Warri and Kaduna Refineries at the combined total sum of $1.5 billion. At the signing of the agreement on Thursday, the NNPC Executive Vice President, Downstream, Adeyemi Adetunji, said it is a great honour that they are signing the maintenance service contract for the refinery. This marks a milestone in the history of KRPC considering that the last Turn Around Maintenance (TAM) on the refinery occurred about fifteen (15) years ago, Mr Adetunji said. He noted that the project was framed after extensive engagement with Daewoo on the quick-fix strategy to repair and re-stream KRPC and operate it on a sustainable basis at a minimum capacity utilization of 60 per cent. This project shall be executed in three work packages as a Maintenance Services contract by Daewoo E&C Nigeria Limited at an estimated maximum cost ceiling of $740,669,600.00 with a duration of Twenty-One (21) months. READ ALSO: The quick-fix strategy guarantees the fastest route to restreaming Warri Refinery Petrochemical Company (WRPC) and KRPC for in-country production of refined petroleum products. Restoring WRPC and KRPC back to operation will guarantee energy security for the country and reduce dependence on imported petroleum products in view of near total dependence on the supply of imported petroleum products and the impact the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war is having on global supply, he said. Revenues He explained further that the plan will generate revenue, reduce demand for forex, supply raw materials to industries, create employment for Nigerians and ensure technology transfer, amongst other benefits. The proposed quick-fix initiative on KRPC is expected to restore it to a minimum of 60 per cent of its nameplate capacity by Q4 2024, he added. He said NNPC Limited is using a combination of internally generated revenue and third-party financing to execute the repairs of the refineries. He added that post-rehabilitation of the three refineries, globally reputable operations and maintenance contractors shall be engaged to run the refinery safely, reliably, sustainably and profitably. He, however, implores total commitment from all staff in ensuring that the project is successfully executed, noting that over 200 million Nigerians are looking up to NNPC Limited to deliver on the mandate. He said the board and management of NNPC Limited are fully committed to providing all the required support to ensure that the refineries are fixed. Meanwhile, he said the rehabilitation of PHRC has progressed considerably. The old refinery is currently at 64 per cent completion and the plant is expected back in operation in Q2 2023, while the entire PHRC Rehabilitation Project currently stands at about 59 per cent. On the other hand, WRPC Quick-fix Project has achieved 28 per cent completion and is expected to be re-streamed by the end of this year, he said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Following the scarcity of money, Nigerians have been thrown into a frenzy to search for cash as it is scarce in the banking halls. Many financial service vendors- Point of Sales (POS) operators have taken to hoarding the cash and selling at excessive rates; some Nigerians are also engaging in this illegal practice for profit, one of whom is allegedly famous Yoruba actress, Simisola Gold. On Wednesday, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in Nigeria publicly announced the arrest of the Nollywood actress. The actress is also a social media serial entrepreneur who deals in skincare, sales of fuel, facilitation of foreign travels through visa acquisitions, and other businesses. The actress, Simisola Gold, was arrested for allegedly offering new naira notes for sale on social media. The actress who uses the social media platforms- Instagram SimisolaGold and Twitter handle Simisola of Lala has locked her Instagram handle while her Twitter account has been disabled. READ ALSO: The ICPC, who made a tweet on their official page, acknowledged that they received information from an unidentified source and claimed that they believed she was partnering with some financial service sectors to remove notes from banking halls. It is believed she is in collusion with key elements in the financial services sector diverting the newly released notes away from banking halls. They also confirmed that claimed she is currently in detention and aiding investigations. She is currently in ICPC detention and is helping the Commission with its findings on the criminal trading of the naira and the attendant scarcity and negative economic outcomes being caused by the action, they wrote. The arrest was as a result of intelligence received which led the ICPC operatives to seek out and promptly arrest the suspect. It is believed she is in collusion with key elements in the financial services sector diverting the newly released notes away from banking halls ICPC Nigeria (@icpcnigeria) February 1, 2023 Nigerians React The anti-graft agency noted that the action is in furtherance of the collaboration between the Central Bank of Nigeria, the ICPC, and its sister anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, in implementing the new cashless policy and naira redesign. Although many lauded the action of the ICPC, others questioned why such measures have yet to be meted out on other known parties participating in similar crimes, from the banking halls to politicians. Arrest all POS agents in Lagos they are fraudsters exchanging cash with huge sum. @CBNNIGERIAORG please act now Olufemi David Arewa (@fem9c) February 1, 2023 Please come to Ago Palace way Okota,to arrest POS agents, they are selling Naria notes -Ngn 2000 for Ngn800; 5000Ngn for 1000ngn.This is terrifying,people are cash trapped,No cash in the ATM machines Genevieve George (@genysworld) February 1, 2023 Is it just about new notes? Is it ok to sell d old notes? In my area, POS owners sell d old notes. They sell 5k naira for 1k and 10k for 2k. Banks refuse to load their ATMs thereby leaving us at d mercy of greedy POS owners. Defender of d universe (@tolkaholic) February 2, 2023 When are you going to arrest the minister of petroleum or theres nothing wrong going on in that sector? Francis Enaike (@francis_enaike) February 2, 2023 Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Jamaatu Nasril Islam (JNI) has called on the federal government to compensate victims and families of deceased herders killed during an alleged air strike in Doma Local Government of Nasarawa State in January. The group said paying compensation and reaching out to the families would bring equity, justice and foreclosing of any possibility of vengeance or reprisal. PREMIUM TIMES reported the killing of 27 pastoralists in the state, though the group and other Fulani groups claim 40 people were killed. They were killed while returning from Benue State. In a statement on Wednesday signed by Khalid Aliyu, the Secretary General of the JNI, the group also called on the Nigerian government to prosecute the perpetrators of the act to serve as deterrent to other nonchalant officials. Mr Aliyu said the killing came while efforts were being made to ensure peace between TIV and Fulanis in Nasarawa and Benue states. This dastardly act was carried out despite the several concerted efforts at peaceful coexistence between the Tivs and the Fulanis, as well as other sedentary farmers in the area. Clearly, there seems to be a premeditated sabotage from some quarters. Government should, therefore, thoroughly interrogate the events that culminated to the most unfortunate bloodletting in Doma. We, nonetheless, also call on the federal government to, as a matter of urgency, investigate all its security agencies especially the Nigerian Air Force based on the alleged use of helicopter gunships and drones in the Doma massacre to do well beyond condemnation, and fish out the perpetrators. Nigerians are desperately yearning for concrete actions. A national broadcast after the visit would be very necessary, to dissuade reprisals. Clearly, people are angered over many recent happenings affecting innocent defenseless people and government need to act fast, Mr Aliyu said. READ ALSO: He also said the group asked the federal government to collaborate with relevant security agencies and draft a timeline to bringing an end to all security threats bedeviling the country. While we call on the Muslim Ummah to intensify prayers seeking Allahs intervention for an end to these repeated pogroms, our heart-felt condolences goes to the families of the martyred in the Doma massacre, the people and government of Nasarawa State and Nigeria in general. We are convinced that governments prompt response will assuage the cumulative frustrations of the survivors of the Doma massacre, immediate families as well as all justice-seeking and peace-loving people of our dear land, he added. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited on Thursday said the lingering petrol scarcity across the country is not a deliberate action to sabotage the forthcoming general elections. The NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, disclosed this while speaking on NTA Good morning Nigeria programme Thursday morning. Last week, during a campaign rally in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu, alleged that a plot is being made to scuttle the general elections. Mr Tinubu said the scarcity of fuel being experienced across the country and the redesign of the naira, the Nigerian currency, were part of the plot to sabotage the election. This is a revolution. This election is a revolution. We shall take over from them. They dont want an election to take place, but we wont accept it. They want to hide under fuel scarcity to cause the crisis so that there wont be an election, Mr Tinubu had said. But speaking on Thursday, Mr Kyari said there is a very cumbersome logistics that has disrupted the supply chain of petroleum products. Today, based on the records on our system, there are over 38,000 trucks on our roads just carrying petroleum products and this is the reality, he said. By the way, I think it is very good also to say that no matter what you do, once there is an arbitrage environment, some people will take advantage of it. And it is very contrary, we all respect the comments, I dont think anybody sat down and orchestrated that there should be scarcity so that it will impact the election. I dont think anyone did this. If it is so, we will know. But it is not true because the reality is that these glitches started well early in 2022. It has nothing to do with this election period. Once you have a challenge of this nature, it is a cyclic thing and they will continue to come up. And then once you have arbitrage issues, you will have a glitch. Today let me just put it clearly, our redundancy in terms of petroleum product supply is just three days in this country. When you have a glitch that extends longer than three days, you will need another three weeks to stabilize it, he said. According to the NNPC boss, irrespective of measure put in place, whatever causes a three-day glitch is a nightmare to tackle. We will always prepare. That is why we put everything possible to avoid glitches from happening. I dont think anyone will sit down and say, lets create this so that there will be an impact on the election and so on, he said. There is no benefit in it. No one will do this and I can say this very clearly, no one issue bothers President Muhammadu Buhari like this. Logistic Issues Mr Kyari however said the NNPC is taking all the necessary measures to address the issue of fuel scarcity in the country. He said: Who is controlling scarcity and for what benefit? It is absolutely out of context. It is impossible. We are doing everything possible to contain the situation. Yes, there are lots of glitches. There are a lot of logistics nightmares, greed has come into play, there are cross-border issues that we have to deal with, there are international market situations that we have to deal with. He noted that NNPC Ltd will provide energy security for the country, adding that it is a requirement of the law and failure to do so represents a breach of the law. But providing petroleum motor spirit (PMS) is not the only measurement for providing energy security for the country. There is a long value chain of interactions that must happen before you can take fuel from one location to the other. We dont own all the trucks, filling stations, and depots in the country and there are other security issues associated with it, such as managing the roads to be accessible and we do intervene in all these places. We are engaging partners, including the regulatory authorities, the security agencies, and our commercial partners to make sure that these fuels leave the mother vessels through the depots into the trucks and to the filling stations, he added. Panic Buying Speaking further on the cause of the fuel queues, Mr Kyari blamed it on panic buying. Panic buying doesnt mean people are afraid, what it means is that people buy more than what they require and as they do this, we have to add more and more supply beyond what they need to make sure that the panic is eliminated and that is why you are seeing queues across the country. There is no scarcity of fuel, but there are issues around people responding to the realities that we are facing today, he said. Scarcity In recent months, Nigerian motorists and household users have had a tough time getting petroleum products at filling stations across the country. The scarcity has persisted despite the governments repeated claims it had enough petroleum products in stock. Last Tuesday, President Muhammadu Buhari approved the constitution of a 14-member steering committee to address the supply and distribution of petroleum products across the country. On Friday, the NMDPRA attributed the lingering fuel scarcity in the country to a disruption in the product distribution chain caused by the activities of cross-border smugglers. However, the agency claimed that there is petrol sufficiency of over 1.6 billion litres as of 26 January both on land and marine. Despite the governments position, PREMIUM TIMES found that Nigerians have continued to suffer from scarcity of petrol across the country. READ ALSO: A PREMIUM TIMES report last Tuesday detailed how Nigerians have continued to lament the hardship caused by the scarcity of petroleum products across the country as businesses and households that depend on generators for power supply groan in darkness. On Tuesday, Nigerias chief of defence staff, Lucky Irabor, warned that the scarcity had become a security concern and nobody is indispensable in bringing a solution to the problem. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, says President Muhammadu Buhari is fully in support of the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu. Mr Mohammed stated this while speaking on Thursday in Abuja at the 22nd edition of the PMB Administration Scorecard Series (2015-2023). He said his statement on the issue on Wednesday was misinterpreted. While responding to the comments made by the Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, that some elements at the presidential villa are working against the victory of APC at the poll, the minister said the president was not favouring any of the presidential candidates, rather, he is committed to a free and fair election. His comments further fuelled the speculation of cracks within the ranks of the ruling party. Clarifying his statement, Mr Mohammed said it is preposterous to even suggest that Mr President, who is the leader of our party, is equivocating on his support for our presidential candidate. He stated that Yesterday, while reacting to a question at the post-Federal Executive Council (FEC) briefing at the State House, I said, inter alia, that Mr President is committed to free, fair and credible elections. READ ALSO: This comment has been misinterpreted in some circles, especially with regard to Mr Presidents support for the presidential candidate of our party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I want to say, unequivocally, that Mr President is in total support of our partys flag bearer, and that is attested to by his continuing campaign with the candidate across the country. He added that I hope this clears any ambiguity that may have arisen from my statement yesterday. Division in APC The recent fuel scarcity and redesigning of the currency are two issues causing a major crisis within the ruling party. During a campaign rally in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, Mr Tinubu raised alarm on the redesigning of naira and hoarding of petroleum products, noting that those actions were targeted at him. Many interpreted the outburst as a sign of disagreement between Messrs Tinubu and Buhari, particularly in the face of the perceived lukewarm attitude of the latter to the campaign of the former. Mr El-Rufais interview may have further strengthened the speculations that there is division in the ruling party. In the build up to the APC presidential primary election last year, there were allegations that the president and some of his aides were not in support of Mr Tinubus ambition. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Elder statesman and former federal commissioner for information, Edwin Clark, has urged Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State to step down as the vice presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the 2023 general election. Mr Clark said this at a news conference in Abuja on Thursday. He said that Mr Okowas running as the PDP vice presidential candidate, was contrary to the resolution of the South-south Forum that the presidency must shift from the North to South in 2023. Mr Okowa has betrayed his colleagues in the Southern Governors Forum and the south generally. This man has betrayed us by accepting to be the running mate of Atiku. Without me, it would have been difficult for him to become governor of Delta. What shocked me was that our governor without discussing with anyone of us was working with a presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, without our knowing. This man has betrayed us. We all agreed, we held a series of meetings that this man had betrayed us. We can no longer trust him, he said. Mr Clark, who is the Leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), also said in a letter to Mr Okowa dated 2 February, the governor and Atiku will lose the presidential election. He accused the governor of using the money belonging to the state to fund the PDP campaign and asked him to publicly apologise to the entire people of southern Nigeria. Today, I say with certainty that you are more dictatorial than any other military administrator that has administered Delta State since its creation in 1991. READ ALSO: I can therefore understand why you have deliberately and immorally betrayed your colleagues of Southern Nigeria and the people for your own selfish ambition by wanting to land on safer ground by accepting to serve as running mate to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. No, by Gods grace your prayer will not be answered. Perhaps, you have forgotten the gravity of the offence you have committed against the people of Southern Nigeria. In order to cover your nefarious plot, you voluntarily induced everyone to host a meeting of the 17 Southern governors in Government House Asaba on Tuesday 11th May 2021. You gave them a very good reception and provided them a secretariat that drafted the communique under your supervision, which was read by the Chairman of the Southern Governors Forum, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State. It was indeed a bombshell, as you collectively demanded for the Southern Presidency and insisted that none of you should accept to be a Vice President. Shortly afterwards, the Southern and Middle-Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF), which I lead, gave the governors declaration 100% support and declared that no Southern serving governor, legislators or politicians should accept to be running mate, particularly to Atiku Abubakar. The 17 governors later met again in Lagos and Enugu to affirm the decision taken in your Government House Asaba. Little did we know that you were using this to perfect your secret plan to be running mate to Atiku Abubakar from the very beginning. We are therefore not surprised that you directed all the delegates from Delta State not to vote for Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State or Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State who are your neighbours but instead, they voted massively for Atiku Abubakar during the PDP Presidential Primaries last year. It would be recalled in 2007, that Delta State finances were used in funding part of the election of Umaru Musa YarAdua through the directive of President Olusegun Obasanjo. We were therefore not surprised when you too have decided to finance Atiku Abubakar with Delta peoples money because; there is nobody to challenge you. I repeat, you will not succeed. It is therefore in your own interest to openly apologise to your colleagues of both APC and PDP whom you deceived in taking a decision you never believed in. After your unreserved apology to your people and Southern Nigeria, you should step down your ambition of becoming Vice-Presidential candidate of the PDP. There your honour lies. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved about N4 billion for the execution of three projects across the nation. The amount would cover the construction of Senate Buildings at Osun State University, Osogbo, and Federal University, Lokoja, as well as the erection of a radio antenna for the National Commission for Nomadic Education. The Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, revealed this when he briefed State House correspondents on the outcome of the Council meeting chaired by President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday in Abuja. He gave the breakdown of the approval for construction of the Senate Building in Osun State University, Osogbo, at a cost of N2,134,686,307.88 billion with the completion period of 76 weeks awarded to WAZLAF Engineering Limited. The second one, according to him, is the construction of another Senate Building at the Federal University, Lokoja, at the cost of N1,607,471,754.77 billion with a completion period of 50 weeks. He said N336,745, 631.70 was also approved for the erection of a radio antenna for the National Commission for Nomadic Education 50 kilowatt AM radio, awarded to ECALPEMOS Technologies Limited, with a completion period of 14 weeks. The last memo approved was for the takeover of David Umahi University of Medical Sciences, Ebonyi, by the federal government. What we brought in the memo is for the council to ratify the agreement that has been entered between the Ebonyi State Government and the Federal Government. And then to approve the renaming of the university from David Umahi University of Medical Sciences to David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences. And to approve a draft bill, which has been written, and then to approve the transmittal of this bill to the National Assembly for enactment into an Act. This brought the total approval for the four memoranda presented by the minister of education to the Council to N4,078,903,692 billion. Also, the council approved a memorandum presented by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Niyi Adebayo, on behalf of the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority, a parastatal under the ministry. The minister disclosed that the council approved N1.8 billion for the construction of a Package Sewage System (PSS) for the authoritys head office within the Liberty Free Zone in Akwa Ibom, with a completion period of 10 months, without variation. The minister said that as part of the responsibility of regulating and attracting Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) into the country, the ministry was supervising certain oil and gas-free zones in the country. According to him, one of the free zones is the Liberty Free Zone in Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, Ovie Omo-Agege, has promised to tackle the perennial flooding in Asaba and its environs if elected. He made the pledge on Thursday in Oko community, near Asaba during his ward-to-ward campaign tour of satellite communities in Oko Kingdom, Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State. Mr Omo-Agege, Senate Deputy President, decried the yearly flooding of communities in Oko Kingdom, Okwe and other parts of Asaba, which he said had left many villagers homeless. He assured that if elected as governor, he would tackle the flood crisis headlong with what he called the Balloon technology. Every year we have this perennial flooding in Asaba and all these surrounding communities, is it not so? Now, we know what the problems are. Let me tell you, Delta has more than enough money to address this problem of flooding just that your government doesnt see that as a priority. Our state has the resources. I want to assure you that when elected, my administration will work to end this problem because we know what the challenge is. We are going to channel the water back to the river. Just like my friend, Imos Governor Hope Uzodinma did in Owerri. Owerri used to be very flooded, but now it is no more flooded. I will do the same here in Delta. There is a new technology in town called the Balloon Technology, I am going to bring it here to solve this problem of flooding in Asaba and its environs, Mr Omo-Agege said. The APC candidate said work would soon begin on the 28km Asaba-Oko Road that had been abandoned over the years, but now in the budget of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). He said he was saddened by the deplorable state of roads while driving through Oko and Okwe communities, saying that there was nothing to show that the two communities are part of the state capital. For youths of Oko and the people of Oko, I know your pains and I feel your pains, and I have already made a commitment today to the people of Oko through the king and the traditional council. Already this road you are complaining about has been put in the NDDC budget and we are going to put 29 kilometres of the road project from Asaba to this place. After the 29km, maybe in another year, we will look from here to Okwe. So, your problem is going to be solved. It is already in the budget. On top of that, I have also directed that next week solar-powered street lights would be brought to Oko. It will be completed by Friday next week. The solar-powered streetlights will be working here in Oko. This is my promise to the people of Oko before I become governor, he said. The deputy senate president also promised that if elected, he would establish a public hospital for the people of Oko Kingdom. He said it was unfortunate that over the past 24 years of PDP administration in Delta, the people of Oko Kingdom had remained without a public hospital. Also addressing the rally, a former chairman of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Ngozi Olejeme, urged the people of Oshimili South to vote for all APC candidates, noting that APC represents light. That you see me here standing with Omo-Agege and APC shows that there is light in the APC. It is on record that I gave over 3,000 jobs to Deltans then, and to enable me to give more, I urge you to support and vote for all APC candidates, she said. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The presidential candidate of the APC in the 25 February election, Bola Tinubu, has promised the people of Osun State massive job creation if elected as president. Mr Tinubu made the commitment on Thursday during a campaign rally held in Osogbo, the state capital. Besides job creation, the former two-term governor of Lagos State said he would make credit facilities available to business owners so they can expand their operations. The APC candidate, who spoke mostly in Yoruba, his native language, according to a statement by his media office signed by Tunde Rahman, carpeted the governor of the state, Ademola Adeleke, over what he called poor governance. They were given a little opportunity to rule for some months and they started misbehaving, killing and creating unrest in Osun state, a part of the statement read. Mr Tinubu who described the PDP as a poverty development party told the party faithful and supporters who thronged the venue of the rally to reject Atiku Abubakar, saying the party brought Nigeria to its knees when it was in power. He also took a jab at the candidate of the Labour Party, calling him Mr Stingy, Peter Obi. Read the full statement below: PRESS RELEASE In Osogbo, Tinubu restates commitment to job creation, credit for business owners carpets Governor Adeleke for poor governance All Progressives Congress Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, took his message of Renewed Hope to Osun State on Thursday where he assured the people and party supporters of his commitment to create jobs for the unemployed and make credit available for business owners. Speaking in Yoruba to a mammoth crowd of people who thronged the venue of the campaign rally at Freedom Park Osogbo, Tinubu said his administration would empower the people with the skill that will make them employable while ensuring that the youth will no longer spend years in university due to lecturers strike action, stating that his pledge to the people will remain a binding covenant. I make a social covenant with you today that the unemployed among you will get jobs. Those with no skill will be provided the relevant skill that would put food on their table. When we get to government, we will make soft loans available for market women and business owners. Taking a swipe at the current Peoples Democratic Party government of Governor Ademola Adeleke in Osun State for poor governance of the state, the APC presidential candidate charged the people that APC administration will soon return to continue the good work. They were given a little opportunity to rule for some months and they started misbehaving, killing and creating unrest in Osun state. From his prepared speech which he didnt get the time to read, Asiwaju Tinubu congratulated Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, who was declared winner by the governorship election petition tribunal. He praised Oyetolas tenacity, diligence, consistency and determination, which made him not to give up until he got his stolen mandate back. On his plans for Osun, Tinubu noted that the state, which is highly blessed with diverse resources, should be a destination for business and tourism across the country, promising to help achieve this if he becomes the president. He said, Osun is a beautiful state filled with virtuous, industrious and welcoming people. We will support Osun to become a manufacturing, industrial, agricultural and tourism paradise. You have fertile soil, abundant mineral resources, and a rich culture and history capable of attracting tourists from across the world. A vote for me is a vote to develop all parts of this state and this country. Rural areas will not be forgotten but will be developed to support more economic activities and create better lives for the people. At the same time, our growing urban population you city boys will enjoy decent jobs and a living wage. Tinubu urged the people of the Osun State not to be deceived by the empty promises of Peoples Democratic Party Candidate Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party Candidate Peter Obi, saying both have nothing to offer. While he said Atiku was only interested in stealing the nations resources and pocketing them for himself and his cronies, Tinubu likened Obi to the unprofitable servant who buried his talents, saying while Obi was Anambra State governor, he failed to use the states resources to develop it, rather saving them for no purpose. None of the other major candidates in this election have the capacity, integrity, knowledge or determination necessary to do what must be done. Only I, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, am prepared and up to the task of leading this country, our cherished homeland, back towards its best destiny. Do not vote for the candidate of the poverty development party, Mr. Privatise, Atiku Abubakar. When, as the Vice President of this country, he had a chance to make a positive difference, he chose the lesser path. He chose to use his position to enrich himself, his family and his friends. He sold Nigerias most prized assets for a fraction of their value. In the name of privatisation, he stole from your future to enrich himself. Worse, he has learned nothing. He has gone everywhere telling the Nigerian people that he is coming back to finish the job. He has promised that this time he will not steal your prosperity. You should not believe him or his greedy co-conspirators. The nation does not need the return of its Privatiser-in-Chief. Reject him and his band of foul jesters. They have no serious plans for this country. They resort to cheap and vile antics because they have no substance, no solutions. Be equally wary of the false messiah, Mr. Stingy, Peter Obi. This mans promises are bold and his boasts are plentiful. Yet, when he was given the responsibility to lead just one state, he was overwhelmed by it. He could only stash away the money he was supposed to be using to develop the state. All the people of Anambra could hope for was that whoever came next would have better ideas. A governor is not a banker, expected to hold fast to his customers deposit. Obi was expected to build good roads, schools and hospitals. He was supposed to pay the salaries of Anambra doctors, teachers and civil servants. He was meant to nurture and empower new leaders. In eight years, he achieved none of these things. He is no visionary leader. He is the man who proudly buried his talents because he knew no better. This man who could not even understand the proper role of a governor cannot be trusted as the next president. Reject him, he added. He also itemized further things his administration will do in the agricultural, educational and security sectors to give a befitting life to the people. Our farmers will be better equipped to feed the nation. In return, they will receive decent incomes with which they can better tend to their families in addition to tending to their land. Our educational reforms will equip talented youth with skills needed to be globally competitive. Our policies will open access to loans and business expertise to those wanting to start their own businesses. The bedrock of our national security shall be strengthened. We will better equip military units with tactical communications gear and all-terrain vehicles to give them greater communications and mobility to track down criminals, bandits and terrorists. We will upgrade our weapons systems and exploit aerial technological superiority to further identify, monitor and subdue the criminals, terrorists and bandits who would do harm to ordinary citizens, he added. At the rally were Governors Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos) and Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano); former governors Kayode Fayemi and Adegboyega Oyetola, as well as former APC Interim Chairman Chief Bisi Akande, APC National Women Leader, Betta Edu and other party leaders from National headquarters and South West party leaders. Tinubu Media Office Tunde Rahman February 2, 2023 Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) says the partys leadership and President Muhammadu Buhari are strongly united behind Bola Tinubu toward a victory in the 2023 general election. The Director, Media and Publicity APC PCC, Bayo Onanuga, said this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja. Mr Onanuga said that all attempts by opposition elements to put a wedge between Messrs Buhari and Tinubu would fail. He said the reference to the naira exchange rate by Mr Tinubu at a campaign rally in Calabar, Cross River, was not an attack on the Buhari-led administration as was being speculated. We find it important to correct the misrepresentation of the statement of our candidate, Asiwaju Tinubu at the campaign rally in Calabar by a section of the media, he said. Mr Onanuga said Mr Tinubu at the rally, urged the partys supporters and people of Cross River not to vote for Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, because of their litany of failures while in power for 16 years. The reference to exchange rate was not in any way an attack on the Buhari-led APC administration, but an attempt to capture how the economic mismanagement of the PDP created forex crisis in the country since 2015, he said. He added that individuals who followed the entire sequence and context of what Mr Tinubu said at the Calabar rally would know he directed his statement against PDP and Atiku. Lets we forget, the PDP left the forex reserve at $28 billion by May 2015, when Buhari took over despite unprecedented revenue from crude oil. Even with the massive oil theft and low price of crude, until recently, President Buhari had built up the reserve to about 38 billion dollars. The PDP in 1999 met the exchange rate at N85 to one dollar in 1999 and left it at N230 in 2015. The futile attempt to misrepresent Tinubu by the mischievous PDP media did not detract his central message, Mr Onanuga said. He added that the former two-term Lagos State governor explicitly said the people should not follow PDP and Atiku because they dont know the road. Mr Onanuga said that Mr Tinubu could not have meant Mr Buhari does not know the road, having celebrated numerous times, the achievements of his administration. The APC Director of media and publicity said Mr Tinubu had also said at the campaign fora that he would build on Buharis achievements if elected on 25 February. He said it was therefore simply illogical that the same Mr Tinubu would attack the Buhari administration for not knowing the road. In contrast, throughout this campaign up till now, Tinubu has consistently said PDP and all the opposition parties put together do not know the road to prosperity for Nigeria. He also said the competing candidates do not have the track record he amassed as governor of Lagos. As the front runner in the presidential race, Tinubu has promised to implement his robust action plan that will bring socio-economic prosperity to our country, Mr Onanuga said. He added that the APC PCC was, however, not unmindful of the antics of some media organisations to deliberately misrepresent Mr Tinubu. Mr Onanuga said that such media organisations accentuate anything they thought would project Mr Tinubu in a bad light since the beginning of the electioneering circle. All the machinations of the opposition elements to put a wedge between President Buhari and Tinubu will fail. APC, its leadership and President Buhari are strongly united behind our presidential candidate. All the sponsored innuendos, invented and imaginary discord in APC which the failed PDP and their media organs hope to cash on to win the coming election will blow up in their faces, he said. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso, says he is not in talk with his opponent of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, or any other candidate over the 25 February poll. Mr Kwankwaso was reacting to Mr Atikus claim in an interview with BBC Hausa that he was in discussion with the former Kano governor and the candidate of Labour Party, Peter Obi, on both stepping down for him. During the interview, Mr Atiku also said the two, who last year defected from the PDP to pursue their presidential ambitions in their new parties, do not pose a threat to his electoral chances. But while speaking on Channels TV on Thursday, Mr Kwankwaso expressed disappointment in Atiku over the claims, saying he has not set his eyes on the PDP candidate since both met last year on a television programme. He described his NNPP as a viable alternative to the ruling APC and main opposition PDP. He said the two parties will be forced to negotiate with the others should the election go into a run-off. Both the PDP and APC have been extremely arrogant. They feel too important, they try to muscle out everybody. If they like you, they like you; if they dont like you, they kick you out and do all sorts of things. Now they will be forced to go for discussion for the first time because before now, what they do is to win election and take everything to their bed room. But not again and that is a great achievements for NNPP, that is our way of bringing democracy and also bringing back these guys who have been rejected by the PDP and the APC. Because before now, it is either you are in party A or B but now people have the opportunity to go out there and contest elections on the platform of an alternative party. The message now is simple, we are not ready to go into discussion with anybody whatsoever. We can only discuss with any party if there is no clear winner in the election slated for 25th February. We have nothing to discuss with any party and we also want Nigerians to know that, because these lies will continue until after the election. Naira notes Earlier in the interview, the NNPP presidential flag-bearer rejected the federal governments deadline on the new naira notes. The central bank in October announced the redesign of the N200, N500 and N1000 notes and a three months window for the exchange of the old notes for new ones. But the new notes have been difficult to come by even in commercial banks, with the scarcity disrupting trade and other transactions across the country. The apex bank had pointed accusing fingers at the commercial banks, saying millions of the new notes are being hoarded. Mr Kwankwaso said, We in the NNPP are not happy with the three months given for the old naira notes to fizzle out of circulation. Those in the comfort of their offices there in Abuja will not understand the true situation of things but those of us who go from village to village, town to town know what it is for the people, it is really a hard time for the people. READ ALSO: When I was governor, my government was the first to start e-payment in this country. When we started, we had issues and these issues are the banks themselves as many of our local governments have no single bank and, therefore, before we started the implementation, we had to go to the CBN to register about 37 micro finance banks. And that made it easier for the people to be able to access banking facilities. We are also aware that the CBN law says that a window of six months be given whenever a thing like this wants to happen. Our people are suffering and we want the federal government to really do something about it. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print One of Nigerias pre-eminent pharmaceutical entrepreneur, Umar Abdulazeez, a medical doctor, industrialist, and political figure, passed away on 1 February 2023 in Lagos, according to family sources. Mr Abdulazeez was one of the pioneer medical doctors to graduate from the University College Hospital Ibadan, along with one time education minister, Jubril Aminu, who later became a vice chancellor at the University of Maiduguri. Mr Abdulazeez was born in Okene, Kogi State, in August 1938, educated at the famed Government College Keffi, [now Nasarawa State] the University of Ibadan, and the University of Edinburg where he earned his postgraduate fellowship in surgery. He lectured briefly at the Ahmadu Bello University before moving in private sector leading to his setting up of Biomedical Services in Ilorin, the countrys first intravenous pharmaceutical fluid manufacturer early years of the eighties. Under his leadership, Biomedical Limited grew to become one of the largest quality healthcare providers and largest employers in the country, providing jobs to thousands of Nigerians. READ ALSO: In the wake of return to politics 1993, Mr Abdulazeez collaborated with the late General Shehu Yar Adua to found the defunct Peoples Front, a precursor of the Social Democratic Party [SDP]. He was the Chairman of the Peoples Front. He was also a respected community figure and the Tafidan of Ebira Land. He is survived by three wives, 19 children and many grandchildren. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Thursday directed commercial banks to commence paying the newly redesigned naira notes to customers over the counter. However, only a maximum amount of N20,000 can be paid to each customer over the counter, the regulator said. In a statement posted on its website, the central bank also warned Nigerians at social functions such as birthdays, weddings and funerals, to desist from disrespecting the Naira or risk being arrested by law enforcement agencies. The bank also stated that the new mode of payment is subject to a maximum daily payout limit of N20,000. Since the extension of the deadline given by the CBN for the exchange of the old notes, there has been chaos in banks and ATM points across Nigeria. Many Nigerians attributed the development to the scarcity of the new notes. Nigerians alleged that the central bank and commercial banks were hoarding the new notes as videos of people spraying the notes at social functions litter social media platforms. Government agencies and professional bodies have equally called on the CBN to ease the suffering of Nigerians. In its statement Thursday, the bank reiterated plans to deepen circulation and address the scarcity of the new notes. READ ALSO: We, therefore, warn Nigerians, particularly those at social functions such as birthdays, weddings and funerals, to desist from disrespecting the Naira or risk being arrested by law enforcement agencies, the bank said. While reiterating our commitment to Nigerians to ensure the effective distribution of the newly introduced Naira banknotes, we urge them to exercise patience as the CBN is working assiduously to address the challenge of queues at ATMs. In line with this resolve, the Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele, has directed deposit money banks (DMBs) to commence the payment of the redesigned Naira notes over the counter, subject to a maximum daily payout limit of N20,000. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A former Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu, has said the current hardship Nigerians are going through as a result of scarcity of fuel and new naira notes are signs of failure of leadership. Mr Shittu stated this while speaking on Focus Nigeria a programme on the African Independent Television (AIT), on Thursday. Nigerians have been grappling with fuel scarcity in the recent past with the price per litre hovering between N195 and N400. Long queues of vehicles are seen in many filling stations that are dispensing the product across the county. Also, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) recently announced the redesigning of naira notes, which has triggered economic disruption and difficulty especially among the poor and rural dwellers. Failure of leadership Mr Shittu, who served as minister during Mr Buharis first term between 2015 and 2019, said the situation in the country was regrettable and that it was the fault of those who made the decisions. What is happening is a shame and regrettably a failure of leadership, he said. The fault is in those who are supposed to have made these decisions. Mr Shittu said the president is a humble person that doesnt talk much therefore his small coterie of advisers are taking advantage of him. The currency redesign is a good idea, Mr Shittu conceded, but, in doing the right thing you must ensure diligently what you are doing is at the right time. He added that the policy came at a very wrong time. We must be able to criticise the government for not making enough sense in their timing of the currency redesign, Mr Shittu said of the policy he believes has given undue advantage to political opponents. READ ALSO: With due respect to the president, he may not have been given the appropriate perspective of issues like this. But the government must take responsibility if those at the central bank are not doing their job well. Mr Shittu said the criticality of these events can put the president in trouble after leaving office. If President Muhammadu Buhari doesnt do the needful in the next one or two weeks, he will be in trouble after leaving office, he said. The hatred of the masses and there are all kinds of reactions from people towards him. All the credits he has gotten will go down the drain. Tinubu, not part of Buharis failure Mr Shittu, who is currently a member of the Presidential Campaign Council of All Progressives Congress (APC), distanced the ruling partys presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, from the failure of the Buhari administration. He said Mr Buhari must take responsibility for the policies of his administration. Tinubu is a member of the APC but he is not part of the Buhari government, he said. They are making Tinubu a victim of a policy he has no idea of. The government does not report to him and he doesnt give instructions to the president. Its not fair to say that because Tinubu helped install people in the government, then he should take the blame for their failure. Notwithstanding the issues at hand, the former minister said the chances of Mr Tinubu are still very bright ahead of this months election. Speaking of other issues related to the APC campaign, Mr Shittu further takes a dig at the president for not purposely endorsing Mr Tinubu at campaign rallies. It will be most uncharitable of any leader to go to a campaign of a particular candidate and not publicly ask people to vote for that candidate. It is most unfortunate that it happens in a number of events. But the president is a human being and susceptible to all kinds of unfair and immoral influences he may not know. I am sorry I am saying this but I have to say this in the interest of Nigeria, he said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State on Thursday said he will expose the elements in the Presidential Villa who are working against the presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, and want him to lose the 25 February election. Mr El-Rufai, in an interview with TVC News Thursday evening alleged that the currency swap introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) was meant to incite voters against the APC and was orchestrated by the forces who are bent on ensuring that the APC presidential candidate loses the election. PREMIUM TIMES reported that the CBN announced the new naira notes policy last October and initially gave 31 January as the deadline for the use of the old notes. The CBN chief, who announced the policy, had sought to challenge Mr Tinubu for the APC ticket but was forced to withdraw from the race due to public pressure as many questioned the correctness and legality of the bank chief joining active politics. On Thursday, Mr El-Rufai said the unnamed people hiding behind President Muhammadu Buhari are pursuing their interests by inciting the voters against the APC through the currency swap. We are not against the policy, cashless is the way to go, but you cant do it in a few weeks. Allow time for every farmer, trader, student, and market woman in the village and to the city to be able to take their money in the banks and get new currencies or take the bullion van to them with the security and change their money. It is not everywhere that POS work, and its not everywhere you have bank branches. Lets look for reasonable times according to the CBN Act before the legal tender ceases to exist, the governor said. Mr Emefiele and President Buhari had defended the policy, saying three months was enough for people with old notes to change them to new ones. However, the scarcity of the new notes has caused suffering for millions of Nigerians with many spending hours in queues to get cash. Mr El-Rufai had on Wednesday alleged that the Aso Villa cabal working against Mr Tinubu were doing so because their preferred candidate did not win the APC primary. He did not mention any names but there were allegations that close aides of Mr Buhari encouraged Mr Emefiele to seek the APC presidential ticket. After Mr Emefiele withdrew from the race, the aides allegedly backed Senate President Ahmad Lawan who came fourth in the APC primary. Mr El-Rufai said he believes that the cabal members are only using the currency swap policy, in the name of Mr Buhari, to exact revenge. He said those people working in the name of the president to inflict pain on Nigerians will be exposed after the election. Unmasking them (cabals) is not as joyful as defeating them, he said. They will be unmasked in time. We have defeated them when they wanted their people in the national working committee of the APC. We have defeated them when they wanted their own anointed person to be the presidential candidate without due regard, due process or even respect for those of us who are governors, that put the party together, campaign for it and deliver the election twice. We didnt matter, we are governors and (people saying) governors are corrupt, they are bad, meanwhile, none of them has contested an election and won an election and if they did they wont win. I have been elected twice with over a million votes as governor of Kaduna State, I can claim to speak for the people, (but) none of these (cabals) can. We will come to the unmasking stage; this is not the stage. The stage now is to draw the attention of Nigerians that there are elements that are doing this and they dont mean well to our party, they want to incite voters against our party so that we lose the election. Now once Nigerians know that they will know where the funny decisions are coming from and once the election is done and settled, by the grace of God in about three weeks and I am confident, we are not sleeping, we are going to work hard until 27 February when the election results are out and by the grace of God, Bola Tinubu is elected and other candidates of the APC, then we will unmask them (Cabals), he said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print So, what are you going to do about the newly discovered two million votes?, I asked him later that day in his hotel You wait and see, he replied. Were building a movement that will hold the system to account for its injustice. How can there be another election until this matter is resolved? At this point, I remembered what his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, might have said of Kenya: Its not yet uhuru! At first, he appeared to be the most unlikely candidate for the task. After his fifth attempt at running for Kenyas presidency, surely Raila Odinga is finished, done. The only thing left perhaps was how to update his memoirs. But who needs nuggets from a loser who couldnt put them to use himself? These were the thoughts that weighed on our minds as we thought of inviting former Kenyan Prime Minister and freshly defeated candidate of the Orange Democratic Movement, Raila Odinga, to the 14th edition of the LEADERSHIP annual conference and awards. Its also interesting that since he narrowly lost last years presidential election to William Ruto, who framed the campaign as an epic battle of hustler vs. dynasty, Odinga has received several invitations to speak at major international forums in the US and Europe. There must be a lesson or two about his defeat that keeps the world wanting to hear from his experience. But the attraction for LEADERSHIP was even more. On the eve of Nigerias general election, with its attendant anxieties, tensions and concerns that violence could mar the outcome or worse, upend it altogether who else is more qualified to share valuable experience than a man who was a presidential candidate in the Kenyan general election in 2007, which claimed over 1,200 lives and another election in 2017, which left at least 37 dead, many more wounded and thousands fleeing their homes? Only last October, former two-term Kenyan President and also contestant in these two elections, Uhuru Kenyatta, was the guest of the Nigerian government at a ministerial performance retreat in Abuja. Unlike when he came on a state visit eight years ago, Kenyatta made no public statements this time, leaving a heavy cloud of cynicism in some circles that the man who betrayed Odinga and paved the way for Rutos victory, was perhaps delighted to sneak into Abuja, Nigerias capital, like a thief in the night. The press couldnt get Kenyatta to clear the air. So, we thought it would be a good idea to invite Odinga, described as one of the most consequential Kenyan politicians in the last three decades by Professor Femi Badejo in his notable biography, Raila Odinga: An Enigma in Kenyan Politics, to shed some light on the cauldron of Kenyan elections. Im glad we did. My two previous articles on Kenya after the October presidential elections leaned more towards Ruto, because I felt strongly that the Odinga and Kenyatta dynasties have run their course and that perhaps Kenyan politics deserved a breath of fresh air. But inviting Odinga carried its own risks, too. Just one day before he arrived in Abuja, he held a huge rally in Jacaranda, Nairobi, where he announced there would be a series of rallies against Rutos government. Odinga insisted that the government was illegitimate, vowed that he would not be silenced, and likened Rutos government to the biblical tax collector, Zacchaeus, notorious for inflicting punitive taxes on the people. And then the next day, he got on the plane and headed to Abuja, with a six-member delegation comprising a professor and a senator, to speak on Credible Elections and an Economy in Transition. The continent must grow beyond the rituals of holding periodic elections, which are increasingly trigger points for violent changes in governments. Africa has to find a way to make politics work for a far greater number of citizens, who are currently either induced or indifferent spectators in their own game. A good place to start would be a robust opposition. That is why it made sense to hear Odinga out. And he didnt disappoint. If the topic sounded just right for Nigeria ahead of an election foreshadowed by deadly attacks on voting infrastructure, widespread displacement of populations as a result of banditry, and economic chaos, it presented different optics for Nigerias diplomatic relations with Kenya. Giving Odinga, the leader of the largest opposition party, a microphone after his Jacaranda rally, was like providing a foreign staging post for attacks on the new government in Nairobi, still struggling. It could be seen as lending the enemy a hand. But it doesnt matter. Part of why Africa has experienced five unconstitutional changes in government in two years, with West Africa as the epicentre, has been because of the shambolic management of elections and political transitions, among other things. The continent must grow beyond the rituals of holding periodic elections, which are increasingly trigger points for violent changes in governments. Africa has to find a way to make politics work for a far greater number of citizens, who are currently either induced or indifferent spectators in their own game. A good place to start would be a robust opposition. That is why it made sense to hear Odinga out. And he didnt disappoint. As we waited for him to join us at the welcome dinner in Transcorp Hilton on Monday night, I wondered what he was going to say. The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, was present, as were representatives of the Kenyan High Commission, and a creme of professionals and business people. Just a few days earlier, a friend had shared a viral video of Odinga with me where the former prime minister ribbed his audiences with a bitter joke about Nigeria. It was about a Nigerian minister on a visit to Malaysia, who was told by his host that 10% of the money for the nice roads in Kuala Lumpur had been diverted to build the palatial house where the Nigerian minister was being hosted. On the Malays return visit, he wanted to know where his Nigerian counterpart got the money to build his own palatial house, especially since the roads he had seen were filled with potholes. The Nigerian minister took his guest to the window, smiled and said, 100 percent of what was supposed to have been used to build the roads was used here (pointing to his palace). Yet, if you have read Michela Wrongs Its Our Turn to Eat, you might forgive Kenyans for making corruption in Nigeria the butt of their jokes. No matter, something told me that out of courtesy, Odinga, a politician who prefaces his speeches with jokes and wisecracks, will as a matter of courtesy, spare Nigeria this time. When the former prime minister and leader of the Kenyan Orange Democratic Movement finally showed up in the dinner room, it was without airs, no fuss. He wore a simple blue-and-white long-sleeve kaftan top over a white pair of trousers and entered the room like the regular Joe. In my brief comments before he took the podium, I improvised his Malaysian joke, saying that he would find Abujas main roads well paved. I added that while I wasnt sure that a kobo of the money used for the roads found its way into the palatial hotel, I could assure him that his host, LEADERSHIP, can account for the cost of the dinner we were about to have. The old war horse that he is, on the next day, the main conference day, he deployed a tactical manoeuvre. Of course, he expressed concern about more elections and yet less credible outcomes, about state capture of election management bodies, and the use of voting machines to rig, still Odinga left the heavy, pointed lifting to his cohort, Akau Mutua, a Kenyan American professor of Law based in New York. He later told guests that the last time he was in Nigeria was in 2007 as a member of the international observers for the general elections that year and recounted how a policeman who had flagged down his car insisted that he looked every inch a Nigerian and admonished him for flouting the restriction order. And then, he spoke about the Kenyan election. He said new evidence from the server, which the Supreme Court had denied access to during the post-election legal dispute, showed that over two million votes, which could have given him a clear edge over Ruto, were suppressed. How can anyone live with such injustice? he asked. At that moment I surveyed the room and locked eyes with the representative of the Kenyan ambassador. His face was expressionless. Odinga wasnt done. He said he would not be silenced and that he didnt think it was too much not just to ask for justice to be done, but for it to be seen to be done and for the will of the Kenyan people to find true expression. The old war horse that he is, on the next day, the main conference day, he deployed a tactical manoeuvre. Of course, he expressed concern about more elections and yet less credible outcomes, about state capture of election management bodies, and the use of voting machines to rig, still Odinga left the heavy, pointed lifting to his cohort, Akau Mutua, a Kenyan American professor of Law based in New York. Speaking off tempore, Mutua hammered the Kenyan Supreme Court for obstructing access to vital evidence and for its complicity in perverting the course of justice. Its only a matter of time, he said, before the shenanigans would unravel. As Mutua said that, the hall erupted in applause and I spotted Odinga smiling. So, what are you going to do about the newly discovered two million votes?, I asked him later that day in his hotel. You wait and see, he replied. Were building a movement that will hold the system to account for its injustice. How can there be another election until this matter is resolved? At this point, I remembered what his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, might have said of Kenya: Its not yet uhuru! Azu Ishiekwene is Editor-in-Chief of LEADERSHIP. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Do you like going on the hunt for your favourite celebritys preferred products? It can give you an air of fanciness wearing the same thing that your favourite celebrity loves to wear. If you want a warm, functional, and upscale winter jacket, why not try Oprah Winfreys favourite style on Amazon? Its on sale now! Here are the details! When you are not shopping for celebrity favourite products, log on to Casino777. Enjoy your favourite gambling game for real money such as slots, roulette, baccarat, and more! Who is Oprah Winfrey? Oprah Winfrey is a famous American talk show host and philanthropist. Her life started in poverty but skyrocketed to fame and fortune as one of the most famous self-made women of colour in America. She is 68 years old with a net worth of about $2.5 billion. She is most famous for being the host of the Oprah Winfrey Show which ran for 25 consecutive seasons from September 1986 to May 2011. The show got as many as 42 million viewers every week and topped viewership statistics with other talk shows during its time. The last episode that aired on broadcast television on May 25, 2011 was so critically acclaimed that it was even reaired in select movie theatres across America. Which Coat Does Oprah Love? Oprah Winfrey loves to stay warm in the cold weather in style with an Orolay Womens Thickened Down Jacket from Amazon. It is originally $149.99 to $159.99 based on the size that you purchase. However, there is a 20% off coupon available for you to apply to the product, which means you are spending only $119.99 to $127.99 after the discount. Earlier this week, some news sources reported that the jacket went for as low as $89, which was a 41% savings. 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When you get to the checkout phase of your shopping experience, you should see the discount show up when looking at your total. Go to the coupon terms to find the specific discount code. Copy and paste it into the discount code section at checkout as another way to take advantage of the offer. What If I Miss Out On the Sale? If you are reading this and missed out on the sale, do not worry! Save your favorite style in the save for later section of your cart to watch for possible sales or new coupons for the product. Conclusion What is your favourite style of this jacket? Would you purchase it for the full price even if you missed the promotion? Tell us in the comments below! Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Biodiversity Preservation Centre in Akwa Ibom State, South-south Nigeria, has rescued an infant turtle, the green sea turtle, from some local fishermen who wanted to sell the poor animal as bushmeat. This is coming about six months after two turtles were rescued in the state and handed over to the centre for rehabilitation. Edem Eniang, a professor of wildlife and head of the centre, showed the latest rescued turtle to PREMIUM TIMES, Sunday afternoon, at the centre in Uyo. The fishermen, who caught the turtle some three days before as a by-catch in Cross River, a major river in South-south Nigeria, were bargaining with potential buyers when someone around a community in Itu Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, alerted the centre, said Mr Eniang, who rushed to the community with his team to buy it from the fishermen. Big meat The fishermen had pegged the price of the turtle at N80,000. The animal has big meat that can go round everyone in a family, they reportedly told the team from the conservation centre, apparently thinking Mr Eniang and others wanted to eat the turtle. When I heard it, I felt so angry inside of me, a man from the conservation centre, who was part of the rescue team, told PREMIUM TIMES. Must people eat every animal they see in the wild? After several hours of bargaining, Mr Eniang paid N20,000 for the turtle. But that was after he succeeded in taking the fishermen and the turtle away from the local community and bringing them to the Biodiversity Preservation Centre, which is miles away. The centre gave the fishermen some additional money, which they demanded as their transport fare. What we paid (to the fishermen) was insignificant because we threatened that they were going to be arrested by the police for engaging in illegal trade in animals. I had to open my phone to show them photos of people who were arrested in Lagos for selling bushmeat, Mr Eniang said. The turtles length and width was 42 cm each. A full-grown adult is at least 1.5 metres long. Green sea turtle is classified as an endangered species. They are threatened by overharvesting of their eggs, hunting of adults, being caught in fishing gear and loss of nesting beach sites, according to the Worldwildlife.org. The green turtle is one of the largest sea turtles and the only herbivore among the different species. Green turtles are in fact named for the greenish colour of their cartilage and fat, not their shells. In the Eastern Pacific, a group of green turtles that have darker shells are called black turtles by the local community. Green turtles are found mainly in tropical and subtropical waters. Like other sea turtles, they migrate long distances between feeding grounds and the beaches from where they hatched, says Worldwildlife.org Biggest news in turtle conservation Mr Eniang said the rescue of the turtle in Akwa Ibom was the biggest news in turtle conservation in Nigeria. By all scientific knowledge, this animal is not supposed to be found there in that water (Cross River) because that is fresh water, and not salt water, Mr Eniang said. He said he contacted some animal experts around the world and all of them agreed it was strange for the green sea turtle to be found in fresh water. The salt water in Akwa Ibom is in the Atlantic Ocean, around the Ibeno, with an estimated distance of at least 160 km from where the turtle was caught. Who knows? Maybe its the climate change we talk about that has made animals go beyond their territory, Mr Eniang said. By afternoon, Mr Eniang, assisted by Enim Akwa, a pilot in Akwa Ibom, and Mr Akwas wife, Enwongo Cleopas-Akwa prepared the turtle for a journey to Ibeno where it would be released into the Atlantic Ocean. Mr Akwa and his wife are partners at the Biodiversity Preservation Centre. They were involved in the turtles rescue and release. We took it to the farthest part of the beach. We kept it on the shores. It then started moving towards the bigger waves. It took a while for it to acclimatise itself, but in three minutes it crawled through the waves and into the ocean. We kept seeing it for a while till it disappeared into the waters. It was majestic, Mrs Cleopas-Akwa narrated to PREMIUM TIMES how the turtle was released into the ocean. Immediately we arrived at the beach and it started hearing the waves, it started flapping its flippers so fast, like out of excitement. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A police officer has recalled events after Drambi Vandi, the suspected killer of a Lagos-based lawyer, Bolanle Raheem, was arrested and taken into police custody. PREMIUM TIMES reported how Mrs Raheem, who was pregnant, was fatally shot on Christmas day by the police officer attached to the Ajiwe police division in the Ajah area of the state. Sunday Akagu, an inspector with the police division at the time of the incident, spoke on Thursday during the trial of Mr Vandi at a high court in the TBS area of Lagos. The officer who has spent over 20 years in the police said his colleague asked for a bullet to replace his own because it was not complete after the shooting. In the process of going to the police station, the defendant (Drambi Vandi) said, Odogwu, thats my nickname, help me with one ammunition and I said no, where will I have it to replace it? Why will I give you my ammunition? And I got provoked and told my colleagues what he requested. When the state attorney-general, Moyosore Onigbanjo, asked if he obliged his colleagues request, No, over my dead body, the witness replied. Explaining how he got informed about the situation, Mr Akagu said he and three other colleagues were patrolling on 25 December at Ado area of Ajah when they received a distress call from their divisional boss to come to the office. From their office, they went to the Budo hospital where the deceased was first taken to. It was at the Budo hospital, where we met the defendant and asked what happened and he said lets discuss it at the station, he said. Then the DPO ordered us to take the defendant to the station. He said that five of them visited the hospital the driver, three of us at the back and the driver and one person close to the driver. The officer also said he was tense when he heard that his colleague fired. Cross-examination During cross-examination by Adetokunbo Odutola, the defendants lawyer, the witness said he was not at the crime scene. He said they got to the police division around 1 p.m. He further said that when they took the defendant back to the division from the hospital, they left their boss at the hospital. Mr Odutola asked at what point was the defendant disarmed? READ ALSO: I was not there when he was disarmed, the witness answered. When he entered your vehicle, was his gun with him? I dont know, he replied. So, his gun was with you? No. I dont know. They disarmed him before we got to the hospital, he replied. Now you told the court that he asked you for the bullet, which gun would he then put the bullet in if he had been disarmed? I dont know, the witness answered. The witness also said he and two others, Okoye and Ismail, were armed with the defendant in the police van. Can you tell the court the number of the gun you booked? It is written in the arm diary. I dont know it off the top of my head, he replied. Second witness During the hearing, a second witness, Olagunju Olatunji, the investigating police officer of the case before it was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), said he has spent 18 years in the police. He told the court that he was in the station around 1 p.m. when one Enema Titilayo (the deceaseds sister) ran to the station and reported a case of conspiracy and shooting. He told the court that he was part of the team that drove to the three hospitals the deceased was referred to before her death. We drafted the police and took her corpse to the Yaba Specialist Hospital and deposited her corpse, he said. Speaking of his encounter with the suspected killer cop, Mr Olagunju said he saw him hiding under a staircase, at the hospital. In the course of his investigation, the witness said the statement of the suspect was taken with caution while the statement of the complainant was taken voluntarily. It was transferred to the SCID in Yaba for further discreet investigation. Before I transferred the case, what I found out during my investigation is that the defendant fired the gun and at the same time his ammunition was not complete. As at the time of his arrest, I saw him with a civilian top on a police trousers. During cross-examination, the defendants lawyer asked did the complainant say she saw him shoot? She knows him. She didnt mention his name because she didnt know his name. She had already held him hostage at the Ajah bridge. Yes, the witness replied. It was when they got to the hospital that the woman ran to the station to make a formal report. When he was asked how many officers went to the first hospital, he said eight which is contrary to the testimony of the first witness who said five. Can you describe the sitting arrangements in the patrol, the lawyer asked. Five of us were inside and three were at the back. I dont know their names. When he was asked to mention their names, the witness explained that he was recently posted to the division and wasnt familiar with their names. Would it surprise you that one of those who went with the DPO said that there were only five? Thats not true. We were eight, he replied. He said that after Mrs Raheem was declared dead at the third hospital, three of them took her body to the mortuary. Investigation Speaking on the three instances that made him conclude that it was his colleague who murdered Mrs Raheem, he said when the gun was shot, the deceased, both the husband came down and held the cop and took him to Budo (the first hospital) hospital. The second instance is that two (officers) out of the three held guns on that day. When they brought their guns to the station, only Sup Vandis gun had a shortage of two bullets while the other one was complete. The third is that, the police officer hid under a staircase and he changed his uniform to another one with a gun at hand. Is this the first time that you will see a policeman wear mufti and carry a gun? the lawyer asked. The witness said no. Would it surprise you that the complainant and her husband never said that they saw the defendant shoot? I will be very surprised, he replied. Can you arrive at that opinion without a scientific or ballistic proof? Part of the evidence is eyewitness testimony. Hearsay. That is my personal report as an IPO, other investigations can follow, he replied. The judge adjourned the hearing to 8 and 9 February for continuation of trial. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, has arrived Osogbo, the capital of Osun State for a campaign rally. The rally is currently ongoing at Freedom Park in Osogbo. Mr Tinubu and his running mate, Kashim Shettima, arrived at the venue at exactly 4:45 p.m. The rally was scheduled to start at 11 a.m. The candidates have in their entourage the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State and a former governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi. The entourage was received by the former governor of Osun and chairman of the presidential campaign council in the state, Gboyega Oyetola, state members of the APC PCC and other chieftains of the party in Osun. The Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashir Obasa, and Chairman of the Lagos State Parks and Garages Management, Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, were also present at the rally. Supporters of the APC have besieged the venue of the campaign rally. Defying the scorching sun, they chanted the name of Mr Tinubu as he mounted the podium. The supporters were dressed in clothes and cap crests with the picture of Mr Tinubu and Mr Shettima and the logo of the APC. READ ALSO: Some of the supporters were waving flags of the APC crested with pictures of Mr Tinubu and his running mate, while many others were waving brooms designed with the logo of APC. Police officers, personnel of the State Security Service (SSS), officers of the Nigerian Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun Corps and local hunters provided security cover at the scene. Popular Yoruba Fuji music star, Wasiu Ayinde, entertained the crowd with his songs as the politicians prepared to address them. There had been anxiety over the rally following counter allegations between the APC and Governor Ademola Adeleke of a plot to foment violence at the event. But there were no signs of trouble as of the time of this report. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Implementation of SAP S/4HANA helps Continental Group sector standardize processes and enhance global efficiency HANNOVER, Germany, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- DXC Technology (NYSE: DXC) will support ContiTech, one of Continental Group's three sectors, to digitally transform its global IT applications. Through the recently signed six-year deal, DXC will deliver transformational SAP S/4HANA services to build the digital backbone for ContiTech's mission-critical business systems covering 172 locations in 40 countries across the globe. A ContiTech industrial conveyor belt (credit: ContiTech) ContiTech develops, manufactures and markets environmentally friendly, multi-material, smart industrial and service solutions that make mining, railway engineering, automotive and other important industries safer and more convenient. ContiTech today runs its operations on more than a dozen different legacy SAP systems. Through the agreement, DXC will draw on its global SAP expertise and industry knowhow, to enable ContiTech to implement a single, integrated SAP S/4HANA platform for its global business. As a result, ContiTech will transform processes across manufacturing, supply chain, logistics, finance and procurement, while generating companywide data insight. ContiTech will benefit from new levels of process standardization and optimization, helping to manage increasing complexity while driving down costs. "We turned to DXC to provide a strong, reliable IT platform for the next chapter of our business growth," said Matthias Reinsberg, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at ContiTech. "With 40,000 employees in about 40 countries globally, it's essential for us to have rapid access to real-time data to enable informed decision-making and enhance collaboration between colleagues." "With our expertise in simplifying and modernizing mission-critical business applications, we are helping customers respond quickly to market dynamics, simplify operations, and minimize risk," said Karim Jeribi, Vice President Sales EMEA at DXC Technology. "We are delighted to be supporting ContiTech in one of the largest IT transformation projects in its history which will help strengthen its position in the market," added Jacqueline Fechner, General Manager, DXC Central, Northern & Eastern Europe. About DXC Technology DXC Technology (NYSE: DXC) helps global companies run their mission-critical systems and operations while modernizing IT, optimizing data architectures, and ensuring security and scalability across public, private and hybrid clouds. The world's largest companies and public sector organizations trust DXC to deploy services to drive new levels of performance, competitiveness, and customer experience across their IT estates. Learn more about how we deliver excellence for our customers and colleagues at DXC.com. About ContiTech For more info on ContiTech, please visit: https://www.continental-industry.com/en/topnavi/company/organization/contitech Christina Trauntschnig, DXC Technology, ctrauntschni@dxc.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1994342/DXC_Technology_Company_DXC_Technology_Supports_ContiTech_with_Mo.jpg SOURCE DXC Technology Company LONDON, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- To further enhance, strengthen and expand the global semiconductor ecosystem, the International Semiconductor Executive Summits (ISES) launches the International Semiconductor Executive Summits (ISES) Middle East will be held in Oman, Muscat on February 22nd-23rd. The International Semiconductor Executive Summits hosts Executive Leadership Platforms in Semiconductor Manufacturing in the regions of the United States of America, Taiwan, China, Europe and in South East Asia covering vital topics in Chip Design, Advanced Packaging, MEMS & Sensors, Memory Manufacturing, Automotive Electronics, 5G & 6G, IoT, Metaverse and more. The first Semiconductor event hosted in the GCC will take place in Muscat, Oman hosted by The Sultanate on February 22-23, 2023, combining an international executive audience, very important topics and exclusive access to incredible cultural highlights for all attendees. For more information and to register for the Summit, please visit https://isesglobal.com/events/ises-middle-east/ The Ministry is the responsible body for formulating and implementing the government digital strategies and programs in the Sultanate of Oman. Its main mission is to raise the level of efficiency in government performance, support innovation in service delivery, and enhance spending and economic growth through the use of information and communication technology. "Oman is the perfect hub for the creation of semiconductor design and infrastructure in the GCC. It is home to a young, prosperous and highly educated population. In the global and regional hunt for tech talent, Oman will become a primary destination for leading tech companies establishing global development centers, and for local champions expanding internationally." International Semiconductor Executive Summits (ISES) Middle East offers full membership benefits to both local and multinational companies within the country through this platform. International Semiconductor Executive Summits (ISES) Middle East members will have access to the rich, open dialogues with subject matter experts on the industry, technologies, markets, business practices and business models with personalized, local representation, advocacy and highly-curated events. DR. Ali bin Amer Al-Shidhani, Undersecretary for the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, said "This summit will be organized to implement Oman Vision 2040 aims according to the ministry interest to bring more investment projects in communications and information technology sector in the Sultanate of Oman and attract global companies in the semiconductors industry. This will enhance economic diversification and provide job opportunities to Omani youths'' "The International Semiconductor Executive Summits (ISES) advisory board members, members and community and I are committed to continually improving and reimagining how we expand to further serve and engage a more comprehensive value chain. In rapidly growing and emerging markets, like the GCC, we need to use our resources to stay ahead of the curve by delivering a valuable, neutral platform to maximize and grow the supply chain that the World desperately needs," said Salah Nasri, President of the International Semiconductor Executive Summits (ISES) Register today and secure your pass via: https://isesglobal.com/events/ises-middle-east/ About International Semiconductor Executive Summits (I.S.E.S.) I.S.E.S. is where decision makers in Semiconductor Manufacturing connect to inspire, collaborate and share ideas in a trusted network. A leading industry associated that consists of members from the entire Semiconductor ecosystem responsible for the innovations in Equipment & Materials Manufacturers, OSATs, Foundries, IDMs, IC Design Houses, Software and Services to the actual end user such as High Performance Computing, AI, Automotive Electronics, 5G/6G and etc. I.S.E.S. hosts its Summits annually in the following regions: United States of America, Germany, Italy, Taiwan, China, and Singapore. The MEMS World Summit EU, China and South East Asia are I.S.E.S. Strategic Communities. I.S.E.S. provides a unique industry platform dedicated for collaboration, where global leaders connect and innovate with peers, partners and customers to accelerate the semiconductor industry. Visit www.isesglobal.com to learn more, contact us, and connect with the International Semiconductor Executive Summits (I.S.E.S) on LinkedIn (hyperlink: https://www.linkedin.com/company/internationalsemiconductorexecutivesummit/), YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TjWccCFQfo) and WeChat. SOURCE International Semiconductor Executive Summits DUBLIN, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Recreational Boating Companies in China" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. This study focuses on China's Recreational Boating industry assessments and company profiles. In the two past decades, the industry has been growing at a fast pace. The dramatic expansions of the manufacturing capabilities and rising consumer consumption in China have transformed China's society and economy. China is one of the world's major producers of industrial and consumer products. Far outpacing other economies in the world, China is the world's fastest growing market for the consumption of goods and services. The Chinese economy maintains a high speed growth which has been stimulated by the consecutive increases of industrial output, imports & exports, consumer consumption and capital investment for over two decades. Rapid consolidation between medium and large players is anticipated since the Chinese government has been encouraging industry consolidation with an effort to regulate the industry and to improve competitiveness in the world market. Although China has enjoyed the benefits of an expanding market for production and distribution, the industry is suffering from minimal innovation and investment in R&D and new product development. The sector's economies of scale have yet to be achieved. Most domestic manufacturers lack the autonomic intellectual property and financial resources to develop their own brand name products. This new study analyzes the industry structure, capacities and output. Major producers' production locations, market shares and profiles are presented. The primary and secondary research is done in China in order to access up-to-date government regulations, market information and industry data. Data were collected from the Chinese government publications, Chinese language newspapers and magazines, industry associations, local governments' industry bureaus, industry publications, and in-house databases. The author is one of the leading sources for up-to-date market information and research on the fastest-growing Chinese markets. They have published over 1,500 reports focusing on the Chinese markets, industry forecasts and company profiles. The report provides hard-to-find market data and analyses. The publications are intended to help international marketers identify business opportunities and promote their product sales in the Chinese markets. Key Topics Covered: I. INTRODUCTION Report Scope and Methodology Executive Summary II. RECREATIONAL BOATING INDUSTRY ASSESSMENTS Recreational Boating Industry Overview Market Size Market Growth Drivers Labor Costs Major Producer Facility Locations and Sales Market Share of Key Producers Potential Entrants Major Foreign Investments Technology Development III. RECREATIONAL BOATING PRODUCER DIRECTORY Recreational Boating Producer Profiles For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/q58ozv About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 SOURCE Research and Markets Authentic Cuisine, Cocktails, Live New Orleans Jazz Music, and Dancing till Midnight NEW YORK, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- New Yorkers don't need to get on a plane to New Orleans to celebrate Mardi Gras this year. They can just head to Tribeca, where newcomer File Gumbo Bar, one of the most unique Cajun/Creole spots to open in the past year, will host its first Mardi Gras celebration on Fat Tuesday, February 21st. File Gumbo Bar chef Eric McCree is hosting a festive Mardi Gras celebration Tuesday, February 21st. At this new Tribeca restaurant, guests will enjoy authentic Cajun/Creole food to celebrate. Cocktails, four-course dinner, dessert, and dancing to a live jazz band are part of the festivities. Mardi Gras attire and colors are encouraged! The cost is $300 for the full evening or $175 for a prix fixe dinner. Reservations can be made on OpenTable. www.filenyc.com Guests are encouraged to dress festively in traditional Mardi Gras colors of yellow, green, and purple, along with masks, boas, feathers and capes. Beads will be handed out at the door, and The Gumbo House Band will be playing lively jazz to get the carnival vibes started. The evening's festivities begin at 6 p.m. with an array of passed appetizers, such as fried oyster sliders, mini muffulettas, hush puppies and grilled blackened shrimp, and an open bar where Sazeracs, Hurricanes and French 75s will flow freely all evening. At 8 p.m., guests will indulge in a four-course dinner showcasing chef Eric McCree's classic Southern cuisine, honed from his time spent traveling through Louisiana's Cajun country. The Mardi Gras menu includes crawfish bread and char-grilled oysters, the restaurant's signature "Tiny's Gumbo," Blackened Drum Fish with Crawfish Etoufee, Grilled Creole Salad with Fried Shrimp, and a decadent dessert sampling. Each course will be complemented with a wine or beer pairing. Following dinner, guests will dance along with the Gumbo House Band, who will liven up the evening with a second line, playing in the New Orleans style of small ensemble improvisation, featuring the music of Duke Ellington, Fats Waller, Hoagy Carmichael, Harry Warren & the composers who created the great American songs of Tin Pan Alley. Two dining options are available for the evening: $300 for the entire experience (cocktail hour, prix-fixe dinner menu dinner, and after party with open bar all night); or $175 for the dinner and pairings, with a bar tab opened for the after party. (Tax & gratuity included). Advance reservations only at OpenTable.com. About File Gumbo Bar File Gumbo Bar in NYC's Tribeca neighborhood is a unique NOLA style concept that focuses on the subtleties of Cajun and Creole food, with the signature dish of gumbo. Chef/owner Eric McCree has harnessed a unique style of serving gumbo, utilizing a steam kettle cooking system to create customizable gumbo entrees made to order. The restaurant is named after the thickening agent used for its gumbo file, ground sassafras leaves introduced to the cuisine by the Choctaw Indians, It serves lunch and dinner, as well as a festive weekend brunch with live jazz music. 275 Church Street, NYC. www.filenyc.com Media contact: Helen Patrikis [email protected] 631-553-1370 SOURCE File Gumbo Bar Accelerate the overseas expansion of Japanese technology startups and create unicorns from Japan. TOKYO, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Alternative Capital Investment Limited (President & CEO: Reijiro Samura, Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, hereinafter "AIC") has made capital commitment to GHOVC Fund I Investment Limited Partnership ("GHOVC Fund I") that is managed by Global Hands-On VC Kabushiki Kaisha (Managing Partner: Ken Yasunaga, Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, hereinafter "GHOVC"). AIC is currently launching a "Strategic Investment Program" to invest in unique fund managers that are expected to grow in the future. In order to serve as a bridge between these fund managers and institutional investors, AIC will not only make investment commitments but also support the activities of fund managers so that they can attract funds from institutional investors in the future. GHOVC invests in Japanese technology startups, helps its invested startups build management and technical talent from a global talent pool, optimize their product-market fit, and raise funds from global VCs and CVCs. For a Japanese startup to maximize its global potential, and thereby reach its best return on investment, it needs to look beyond the domestic Japanese market for customers, talent, and strategic partnerships. GHOVC Fund I has received approximately 5 billion yen commitment from Sojitz Corporation, Sompo Light Vortex Corporation, and SunBridge Corporation. We will raise money and raise funds. GHOVC was established by two Japanese and three American partners, who are successful entrepreneurs and fund managers. The GHOVC team is experienced in founding and managing startups with global product teams and products adopted by global customers. Comment from AIC President Reijiro Samura GHOVC team consists of a veteran venture capitalist who has invested in technology startups in Japan and the United States for many years, a highly successful serial entrepreneur in Silicon Valley, a founding member of Oracle Japan, Salesforce Japan, and the first Japanese venture capitalist in the midas list, and a thought leader in product management who led the development of several products at Microsoft, Google, Director of the US Asia Technology Management Center at Stanford University. I think one of the challenges for the Japanese startup ecosystem is global expansion. For sustainable growth, it is necessary to actively expand overseas and expand the scale of the business. GHOVC is an excellent team that can support Japanese startups in increasing their value through global expansion and hands-on support by leveraging their rich experience. I look forward to working with GHOVC to increase the number of unicorns originating in Japan. SOURCE Global Hands-On VC PASADENA, Calif., Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. ("Alexandria" or the "Company") (NYSE: ARE) today announced that it is commencing an underwritten public offering, subject to market conditions, of two tranches of senior notes (the "notes"). Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, BofA Securities, Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and RBC Capital Markets, LLC will act as joint book-running managers in connection with the public offering. The notes will be unsecured obligations of the Company and fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Alexandria Real Estate Equities, L.P., an indirectly 100% owned subsidiary of the Company. The Company expects the net proceeds from the first tranche in this offering will be used initially for general corporate purposes, which may include the reduction of the outstanding balance, if any, on the Company's unsecured senior line of credit, the reduction of the outstanding indebtedness, if any, under the Company's commercial paper program, the repayment of other debt and the selective development, redevelopment or acquisition of properties. In addition, following the initial allocation of the net proceeds described above, the Company intends to allocate an amount equal to the net proceeds from the first tranche to fund, in whole or in part, recently completed and future eligible green projects, which are defined as certain development, redevelopment or tenant improvement projects that have received or are expected to receive Gold or Platinum LEED certification, including the development and redevelopment of such projects. The net proceeds from the second tranche in this offering will be used for general working capital and other general corporate purposes, which may include the reduction of the outstanding balance, if any, on the Company's unsecured senior line of credit, the reduction of the outstanding indebtedness, if any, under the Company's commercial paper program, the repayment of other debt and the selective development, redevelopment or acquisition of properties. The notes are being offered pursuant to an effective registration statement on Form S-3 that was previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any of the Company's notes, nor shall there be any sale of the notes in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state. Copies of the prospectus supplement relating to this offering, when available, may be obtained by contacting: Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, Attn: Prospectus Department, at 200 West Street, New York, NY 10282, by telephone at (866) 471-2526, by fax at (212) 902-9316 or by email at [email protected]; BofA Securities, Inc., NC1-004-03-43, Attn: Prospectus Department, at 200 North College Street, 3rd Floor, Charlotte, NC 28255-0001 or by email at [email protected]; Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Attn: Broadridge Financial Solutions, at 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, NY 11717, by toll-free telephone at (800) 831-9146 or by email at [email protected]; or RBC Capital Markets, LLC, Attn: Syndicate Operations, at 200 Vesey Street, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10281, by toll-free telephone at (866) 375-6829, by fax at (212) 428-6308 or by email at [email protected]. Alexandria, an S&P 500 company, is a best-in-class, mission-driven life science REIT making a positive and lasting impact on the world. As the pioneer of the life science real estate niche since its founding in 1994, Alexandria is the preeminent and longest-tenured owner, operator, and developer of collaborative life science, agtech and technology campuses in AAA innovation cluster locations, including Greater Boston, the San Francisco Bay Area, New York City, San Diego, Seattle, Maryland and Research Triangle. This press release includes "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. Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the Company's offering of the notes and its intended use of the proceeds. These forward-looking statements are based on the Company's present intent, beliefs or expectations, but forward-looking statements are not guaranteed to occur and may not occur. Actual results may differ materially from those contained in or implied by the Company's forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors, including, without limitation, the risks and uncertainties detailed in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update this information. For more discussion relating to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in the Company's forward-looking statements, and risks and uncertainties to the Company's business in general, please refer to the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent annual report on Form 10-K and any subsequently filed quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. CONTACT: Sara Kabakoff, Vice President Strategic Communications, (626) 788-5578, [email protected] SOURCE Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. FRAMINGHAM, Mass., Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Algorics Inc., one of the fastest-growing biometrics and data science companies, expands its board of directors with another key appointment. The newest member to join the board, Mr. Amit M Patel comes with twenty-five years of healthcare industry experience with publicly traded, private-equity-backed, and start-up companies in various capacities including C-suite, board member, advisor, and investor. Amit has expertise across biopharma, pharma services, and other healthcare segments, and is currently a board member at multiple private-equity-backed portfolio companies. "I welcome the opportunity to be involved with Algorics as a board member during this high-growth phase of the company, and supporting its mission of accelerating data-centric drug development," said Amit upon his appointment. In his prior executive roles with Azurity Pharmaceuticals, Capsugel, and Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, Amit has led businesses with over $1B in gross revenue and 1000 employees, and a global presence across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. "We are glad to have Amit on board and believe his industry insights will be key as we enter the next phase of growth at Algorics," said Nithiya Ananthakrishnan, CEO of Algorics. "With our diverse client base across large biopharma, emerging biotechs, CROs, and medical devices companies, Amit's expertise will help us drive increasing value for our customers." To learn more about Algorics, visit www.algorics.com About Algorics: Founded in 2013, Algorics is a specialized data sciences partner to the life sciences industry focusing on data management, biostatistics, programming, and data standardization. The company supports a global portfolio of biopharmaceutical and CRO clients with cost-effective and high-quality analytical services underpinned by technology know-how and access to high-quality talent across US, Europe, and Asia. We help our customers increase productivity and accelerate development with our technology-backed solutions to enable data standardization and faster statistical reporting. SOURCE Algorics Website: >>HERE ATLANTA, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Unafraid and unabashed, the Foster Law Firm is rapidly changing notions of what to expect from one's legal representation. At its helm is founder and principal attorney Chinwe N. Foster, who expertly leads a team of four other attorneys and one paralegal, all female, all African-American, and all relentless in their pursuit of excellence. Attorney Chinwe' Foster The Foster Law Firm Legal Team With thousands of hours of experience in the courtroom and equally as many cases handled, this dynamic and one-of-a-kind Atlanta firm is more than just a collective comprised of pretty faces. Viewing their professional work as a fight for individuals' livelihoods, freedoms, and futures, observers may be surprised to see just how hard this group of representatives is willing to fight to ensure their clients' rights are protected. Attorney Foster, who attended Howard University School of Law, in Washington D.C., cites the school's mission statement as the basis for her practice. "A lawyer's either a social engineer or a parasite on society A social engineer [is] a highly skilled, perceptive, sensitive lawyer who [understands] the Constitution of the United States and [knows] how to explore its uses in the solving of problems." After moving to Georgia to practice law, Attorney Foster gained a reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the metro area's legal arena, never shying from standing up for those aforementioned citizens. Known for being adept--and aggressive if and when the situation demands--she continues to shine as a formidable foe with rapidly growing notoriety. "We feel confident that Foster will do big things in '23, especially if she continues to follow her own advice," notes The Atlantan, where Foster is being recognized as one of their Influential Women of Atlanta. In another win, landing the February cover of Attorney at Law magazine, Foster proves to doubters and naysayers that her social engineering methodologies do more than just solve problems, they work. Whether handling a felony or misdemeanor case, divorce, child custody, or other family law issue, she and her tenacious team stand out from competitors because their clients are seen as citizens, as humans, first and foremost. "We provide the armor for people fighting," her firm proudly boasts. But fear not. With Chinwe N. Foster and her team of zealous ladies in your corner this coming year, you will never find yourself fighting alone. Press Contact: Praise Jackson, 678-654-8948, [email protected] SOURCE Foster Law Firm ZHUHAI, China, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Angry Miao, a leading technology brand focusing on revolutionizing wireless desktop products, is adding to its existing keyboard lineup with the Indiegogo launch of the new AM Compact Touch, previously known as the AM 65 Less. Featuring a new symmetrical layout that takes the fundamental usage habit of the 65% layout, the AM Compact Touch will bring this new layout to the masses with the quality and innovative features expected from Angry Miao. AM Compact Touch design philosophy AM Compact Touch (65 Less): Two-Stage Adjustable Leaf-Spring with Arrow Keys Touch Panel Mechanical Keyboard Citing market demand for the specific layout, Angry Miao sees the 65% layout satisfying the requirements of the majority of users with all the practical functions expected from a keyboard. With the compact size of the AM Compact Touch, it takes up a relatively small area on your desk, and will take up to 11% less space than an ordinary 65% layout keyboard. By retaining the fundamental user habit of 65% and making a few adjustments for symmetric design, Angry Miao wants users to enjoy the full keyboard experience without any loss. Two-Stage Adjustable Leaf Spring Mount: choose your typing style Angry Miao also places emphasis on the typing experience, which has been the hallmark of its lineup. With AM Compact Touch's leaf spring mount, users can adjust the flex from soft to hard without changing the switches or plate. The keyboards also feature two different leaf spring materials (Phosphorus Copper and Stainless Steel). With its adjustable rebound, these two different leaf spring materials allow for 8 different typing combos when combined with the adjustment pad. This allows users to fine-tune their typing experience without changing out switches or plate. Repeated research has also led to size adjustments of the cutouts on the 1.2mm hot-swap PCB and pads, improving the sound quality while typing for an unparalleled experience. Touch Panel arrow keys AM Compact Touch features a unique touch panel that can function as arrow keys when users slide their thumbs over them. Users can also swipe & hold to fwd/rwd videos or adjust the volume without using combo keys. The sensitivity and reliability of mechanical keys are often difficult to achieve completely through software and algorithms. In addition to a separate Touch Panel PCB, the company also reconsidered the algorithm and combined it with the user's active time on the touchpad to determine whether the user is "tapping" or "long pressing" and realize the two most commonly used functions of the arrow key. When a keyboard goes Back to the Future In terms of aesthetics, the DeLorean Time Machine from Back to the Future plays a major role in the design of the AM Compact Touch, evoking a sense of retro-futuristic ideas and symmetrical lines. The attention to detail goes beyond the keyboard itself, with the packaging also helping to tell the story. From the bespoke box design to the distinct color-contrasting design partitions of the AM Compact Touch, users have the flexibility to work with while having the opportunity to show off their personality. The AM Compact Touch comes in seven different variants, each with contrasting color schemes. The Mech Love and Laser Special Editions take their lighting effect inspiration from Love, Death & Robots and Cybertruck respectively and provide additional RGB lighting on their blocker positions, powered by an individual control PCB. In-switch RGB lighting is also available. Users can even further customize the Mech Love Custom Edition on its 3 customizable areas. They are located at the blockers in the left and right lower corners and also the area above the USB Type-C port. Leading-edge craftsmanship With the compact size of AM Compact Touch, it's extremely important that all components line up perfectly. Therefore, strict requirements on the accuracy of each part during the manufacturing process were required. Through CNC processing, the CMF and QC team set the standard at panel gaps of less than 0.15 mm. The decision was made to complete the fine milling of each metal part from a piece of aluminum billet with the four-axis CNC in order for elevated machining accuracy, with the entire milling time of the box body being nearly 300 minutes. This not only ensures a pleasing aesthetic but also guarantees a more consistent experience for users out of the box. The full features of the AM Compact Touch are as follows: Two-stage adjustable leaf spring mount - Adjust the flex from hard to soft to find the perfect typing experience. Touch panel arrow keys - Control the arrow keys without lifting your wrist or moving your arm. PCB - 1.2mm hot-swap PCB with in-switch LEDs and cutouts, separate PCBs for Touch Panel and blocker RGB lighting built-in. In-switch and blocker lighting effects - For personalizing a desktop setup. Configuration - All keys support remapping and assigning multimedia keys, up to 7 layers. Supports DIY lighting setups. Dual-mode connectivity - Connect through Bluetooth 5.1 or USB Type-C. Wireless charging - Works great in combination with Qi chargers such as CYBERMAT. Variants - Back to the Future (silver/grey), Night Drive (purple), All Black (black), 8-Bit (red/white), Hard Candy (blue/white), Laser (black+blocker RGB), Mech Love (silver/black+blocker RGB) and Mech Love Custom Edition. Interested users can find out more via the official Angry Miao website, or join the Discord server or Instagram to interact with the company. The Base Kit variant will be priced at 398 USD, 450 USD, 515 USD, and Bundle variant will be priced at 498 USD, 550 USD, and 615 USD. Early customers can get 8% off by taking advantage of the 48 hours Indiegogo Early Bird discounts. About Angry Miao Established in 2019 by Li Nan, former Senior VP / CMO of Meizu, Angry Miao is committed to bringing future technology to consumers through close community interaction, while at the same time providing advanced futuristic product designs. This, towards building the so-called: Future Art Community. The company's products include TWS and revolutionary wireless desktop products. Through Community Driven and the D2C sales model, while combining the latest tech with subcultural trends, Angry Miao is devoted to creating a high-end and trendy technology brand widely recognized by global consumers. SOURCE Angry Miao ANNAPOLIS, Md., Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ApartmentGeofencing.com is proud to announce that the company has ranked #1 in the supplier category in the nationwide Best Places to Work (BPW) Multifamily and #5 BPW Multifamily for Women, published annually by Multifamily Leadership. The program recognizes companies who have established and foster outstanding workplace environments. ApartmentGeofencing.com's VP of Digital Marketing, Charlotte Barter, accepts award for #1 place in nationwide Multifamily Program The rigorous assessment process evaluates each company's employee policies, procedures, and responses from the employees. The program is part of a long-term initiative to encourage growth and excellence throughout the Multifamily Apartment Industry and attract new leaders to the industry. Matthew Kilmurry, Founder and CEO of ApartmentGeofencing.com, has been a pioneer in digital marketing within the multifamily industry since the early 2000s. His company has grown rapidly since its founding in 2019, and he attributes much of the success of his employee's satisfaction to the implementation of core values that everyone must share: accountability, authenticity, caring, surprise & delight, and x-ray vision. As CEOs and executive teams create culture and innovation around the client experience, employee engagement is a key driver to meet multiple challenges. The BPW Multifamily program recognizes those companies and acknowledges that employees can be a company's strongest and most valuable asset. Matthew echoed the sentiment on employees: "How does a remote company win first place as a best place to work? I think the biggest reason is trust. When we first decided to go fully remote, I told the team I've never worked for a remote company, let alone be CEO of one. I said that if we are going to make it great that everyone needs to contribute to creating a world-class culture. I trusted them to take the lead and the team really stepped up. This award is a testament to them and how much they care." ApartmentGeofencing.com has a unique company culture rooted in kindness and authenticity. At the center of our core values, we remind ourselves to enjoy the journey. Click here to see the official rankings for 2023 and here to see the full blog. ApartmentGeofencing.com is a digital marketing agency that equips multifamily marketers with the most advanced location-based advertising on the market geofencing. Find out where your prospects live, work, and play then target them directly with enticing creative ads and streaming TV commercials. SOURCE ApartmentGeofencing.com PARIS, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The ease with which an artwork can be traded depends on several factors starting with the supply/demand balance for works by the artist who created it and the rarity of the individual piece in question. But, in reality, even a rare masterpiece can turn out to be difficult to sell if there are few collectors able to participate in its auction or if its value is very uncertain. The tools developed by Artprice make it possible to anticipate the different scenarios by identifying the dynamics behind each artist's market, a process that involves identifying all the genuinely similar works by each artist. The values of canvases (65 x 100cm) in Claude Monets Waterloo Bridge series Breakdown of artists by number of lots sold at auction in 2022 France's financial markets supervisory authority (the AMF) provides a relatively broad and open definition of the notion of "liquidity": A financial asset (stocks, bonds, etc.) is said to be 'liquid' when it can be bought or sold quickly and without its sale having any significant impact on its price. The notion of 'liquidity' therefore reflects the ease with which an asset can be traded. By extension the notion of liquidity is also applied to markets: the more 'liquid' a market is, the easier, faster and cheaper it is to carry out transactions there. www.amf-france.org/fr/espace-epargnants/savoir-bien-investir/cadrer-son-projet/placements-que-savoir-sur-la-liquidite-0 But as thierry Ehrmann, CEO of Artmarket.com and Founder of Artprice points out, the liquidity of an artwork cannot be compared to that of a financial asset. The procedure for including a given artwork in an auction catalog can take several weeks or even months, and auction transaction costs can easily reach 20% or even 30%, while galleries may charge even more. That said, among the 803,000 artists listed by Artprice, there are very different market profiles, and these differences usually depend primarily on which way the delicate balance between supply and demand is leaning. Artprice identifies four particularly singular profiles: 1. The "Great Masters": a very limited supply with massive demand When Da Vinci's Salvator Mundi resurfaced in 2016 (after leaving Geneva's freeport), few experts were able to predict its price would reach $450 million. Even today, the bidding battle between the two billionaires, one of whom was the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman, remains shrouded in mystery. But there can be no doubt that the extreme rarity of Leonardo's works played a key role in the "uncertainty" surrounding the work's real market value. Indeed, it is precisely for these extremely sought-after signatures that sales guarantees were initially developed with the objective of reassuring sellers. This mechanism is becoming more systematic today; in the recent sale of the Paul G. Allen collection, all of the pieces are guaranteed by the auctioneer. Among them, a unique painting by Gustave Klimt that had been offered at auction for two years finally sold for $104 million. The markets for works by Grand Masters are surrounded by clusters of works with related attributions "school of", "follower of", "circle of", etc. In November 2022, Christie's in Paris sold a Salvator Mundi "after Leonardo da Vinci" for $1.1 million (including fees), although the work was estimated between $10,000 and $15,000. www.artprice.com/artist/17205/leonardo-da-vinci/painting/28647612/salvator-mundi 2. Blue-chip Artists: a regular supply with high demand On the other hand, works by artists like Picasso and Monet, essentially paintings, are traded in sufficient numbers each year for it to be possible to follow the general evolution of prices. Auctions can always be directly affected by particular events, passionate overspending, or even negative circumstances, but the value of works by these artists generally follows a relatively mechanical logic based on the most recent results for similar pieces. The Artprice100 index is focused on such signatures, and while their prices have generally soared over the past twenty years, fractionalization solutions make it possible to invest in their works without having to pay the full acquisition price (via financial participation). Some of these artists have also produced drawings and prints, and in some cases in large quantities, and these works allow collectors to acquire 'smaller' pieces that can also become very valuable. In March 2022 an etching by Pablo Picasso titled Le repas frugal (1904) crossed the $8 million threshold for the first time. www.artprice.com/artist/22796/pablo-picasso/print-multiple/26211054/le-repas-frugal 3. Local Artists: an abundant supply with limited demand As regards the lesser-known signatures in art history, the art auction market offers an abundant and extremely diversified range of works from almost every artistic period and movement (even if 'art history' per se is still largely dominated by white artists). For many of these signatures, more or less modest sales tend to occur in a single country or sometimes in a particular region. This may be because the demand is concentrated in one place, or because the results are generally higher there, or for simply historical reasons the works of these artists are offered for sale by auction houses that have become specialized in their works. For example, no less than 124 works by the German artist Hans Von Faber du Faur (1863-1940), son of Otto Von Faber du Faur, were sold in 2022 for an average price of $200, to which were added 89 unsold lots. However, they were all offered in a single session hosted online on 14 July 2022 by the German auctioneer, Michael Zeller. 4. Confidential Artists: a limited supply with little demand Artprice recorded a historic record number of art auction transactions in 2022: more than 1 million lots attributed to more than 170,000 artists. Of these, 34,000 artists had one or more works offered at auction, but none reached the reserve price. In addition, more than two-thirds of all artists whose works were offered at auction in 2022 only appeared between one and five times. Unfortunately, this frequency is too low to calculate with any confidence the evolution of their prices. Nevertheless, it is sometimes among these signatures, a little out of fashion or forgotten, that the most amazing rediscoveries are made. This category also includes young visual artists who have not yet experienced their moment of glory. Using these four very different profiles, Artprice can begin the process of calculating the liquidity of artists on the art market. This parameter should be of interest to all collectors for whom the liquidity of works is of some importance, as well as to all users of new platforms offering solutions for financial investment solely in art. Images: [https://imgpublic.artprice.com/img/wp/sites/11/2023/02/image1-claude-monet-values-of-canvases-waterloo-bridge-series.png] [https://imgpublic.artprice.com/img/wp/sites/11/2023/02/image2-breakdown-of-artists-lots-sold-at-auction-2022.png] Copyright 1987-2023 thierry Ehrmann www.artprice.com - www.artmarket.com Don't hesitate to contact our Econometrics Department for your requirements regarding statistics and personalized studies: [email protected] for your requirements regarding statistics and personalized studies: Try our services (free demo): https://www.artprice.com/demo (free demo): https://www.artprice.com/demo Subscribe to our services: https://www.artprice.com/subscription About Artmarket.com Artmarket.com is listed on Eurolist by Euronext Paris, SRD long only and Euroclear: 7478 - Bloomberg: PRC - Reuters: ARTF. Discover Artmarket and its Artprice department on video: www.artprice.com/video Artmarket and its Artprice department was founded in 1997 by its CEO, thierry Ehrmann. Artmarket and its Artprice department is controlled by Groupe Serveur, created in 1987. See certified biography in Who's who : Biographie_thierry_Ehrmann_2022_WhosWhoInFrance.pdf Artmarket is a global player in the Art Market with, among other structures, its Artprice department, world leader in the accumulation, management and exploitation of historical and current art market information in databanks containing over 30 million indices and auction results, covering more than 800,000 artists. Artprice by Artmarket, the world leader in information on the art market, has set itself the ambition through its Global Standardized Marketplace to be the world's leading Fine Art NFT platform. Artprice Images allows unlimited access to the largest Art Market image bank in the world: no less than 180 million digital images of photographs or engraved reproductions of artworks from 1700 to the present day, commented by our art historians. Artmarket with its Artprice department accumulates data on a permanent basis from 6500 Auction Houses and produces key Art Market information for the main press and media agencies (7,200 publications). Its 7.2 million ('members log in'+social media) users have access to ads posted by other members, a network that today represents the leading Global Standardized Marketplace to buy and sell artworks at a fixed or bid price (auctions regulated by paragraphs 2 and 3 of Article L 321.3 of France's Commercial Code). Artmarket with its Artprice department, has been awarded the State label "Innovative Company" by the Public Investment Bank (BPI) (for the second time in November 2018 for a new period of 3 years) which is supporting the company in its project to consolidate its position as a global player in the market art. Artprice releases its 2022 Ultra-Contemporary Art Market Report: https://www.artprice.com/artprice-reports/the-contemporary-art-market-report-2022 The Artprice 2022 half-year report: the art market returns to strong growth in the West: https://www.artprice.com/artprice-reports/global-art-market-in-h1-2022-by-artprice-com Artprice by Artmarket's 2020 Global Art Market Report published in March 2022: https://www.artprice.com/artprice-reports/the-art-market-in-2021 Artprice's 2020/21 Contemporary Art Market Report by Artmarket.com: https://www.artprice.com/artprice-reports/the-contemporary-art-market-report-2021 Index of press releases posted by Artmarket with its Artprice department: serveur.serveur.com/Press_Release/pressreleaseEN.htm Follow all the Art Market news in real time with Artmarket and its Artprice department on Facebook and Twitter: www.facebook.com/artpricedotcom/ (over 5.9 million followers) twitter.com/artmarketdotcom twitter.com/artpricedotcom Discover the alchemy and universe of Artmarket and its artprice department https://www.artprice.com/video headquartered at the famous Organe Contemporary Art Museum "The Abode of Chaos" (dixit The New York Times): https://issuu.com/demeureduchaos/docs/demeureduchaos-abodeofchaos-opus-ix-1999-2013 L'Obs - The Museum of the Future: https://youtu.be/29LXBPJrs-o www.facebook.com/la.demeure.du.chaos.theabodeofchaos999 (over 4 million followers) https://vimeo.com/124643720 Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1994994/Artmarket_com.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1994995/Artmarket_com_2.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1009603/Art_Market_logo.jpg Contact Artmarket.com and its Artprice department Thierry Ehrmann [email protected] SOURCE Artmarket.com LAUSANNE, Switzerland, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ASPIVIX SA, an innovator and developer of medical technologies to advance gynecological care, today announced that Carevix, its novel Cervical Stabilizer, has received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This next generation device for routine procedures in gynecology will allow millions of women across the USA access to significantly less painful treatments and IUD insertions Caverix, by Aspivix, a novel suction stabilizer (PRNewsfoto/Aspivix SA) Carevix by Aspivix versus cervical tenaculum (PRNewsfoto/Aspivix SA) Carevix by Aspivix a novel suction stabilizer for gentler IUD insertions Carevix is an atraumatic cervical stabilizer that utilizes a gentle approach to reduce pain and bleeding in multiple transcervical procedures, such as, Intrauterine Device insertions. In our ADVANCE Women, single-blinded, randomized, multicentric, comparative study of 100 women who underwent an IUD insertion with either the Carevix device or a traditional cervical tenaculum, women reported statistically significant results with up to 73% reduction of pain scores and 78% reduction of bleeding occurrences in favor of the Carevix device.1 Carevix is the result of our constant commitment to make gynecology, now modern. Mathieu Horras, Chief Executive Officer of ASPIVIX emphasized: "With the 510(k) clearance of Carevix, a design-award winning device, we will provide our U.S. customers with an innovative and easy-to-use system that brings a gentler alternative to a century-old gynecological tool. Extensive research was incorporated into the development of Carevix so we know the unique and differentiating features it demonstrates with significant less pain and bleeding that has the potential to dramatically improve the IUD adoption and placement experience for millions of American women." About CarevixTM Carevix is an innovative, soft-suction cervical device designed as a modern and gentler alternative to a cervical tenaculum when stabilization of the cervix is needed. By leveraging suction technology to gently stabilize the cervix, Carevix delivers cervical engagement without the need to perforate the tissue. A semi-circular, anatomical pad is applied onto the delicate tissue during gynecological procedures, reducing significantly trauma associated with pain and bleeding. About ASPIVIX ASPIVIX SA is a privately held medical device company based in Switzerland, dedicated to developing modern and gentle gynecological solutions that advance women's healthcare. The Company's innovative technology development and clinical program are supported by 4FOx Ventures, Zurcher Kantonalbank, HEMEX, Launchpad, Innosuisse, SPEI, EU research and innovation program Horizon 2020, and visionary angel investors. Visit www.aspivix.com or stay informed www.aspivix.com/stay-informed/ Media Contact: Mathieu Horras [email protected] +41 79 103 22 06 References 1. Dr. Yaron, Michal. "Safety and efficacy of an innovative atraumatic cervical stabilizer for IUD insertion: Results from a randomized, single blind controlled study." 30th World Congress on Controversies in Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Infertility (COGI), November 24-26, 2022, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Oral Presentation. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1993207/Carevix.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1993206/Carevix_vs_Cervical_Tenaculum.jpg Video - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1993204/Carevix_Video.mp4 Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1993199/Aspivix_Logo.jpg SOURCE Aspivix SA KIRCHHEIM UNTER TECK, Germany, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- aurenz GmbH today announced the availability of Presence Hub on Microsoft AppSource, an online cloud marketplace providing tailored line-of-business solutions. Presence Hub Microsoft Teams is becoming more and more popular as a communication and collaboration platform in companies. It is often used as a parallel system to an already existing telephone system. Running two communication platforms in parallel presents users with a serious challenge: there is no overall user presence status that applies across both systems. Users receive second calls to their telephony client while they are already in a conversation in the Teams client. aurenz GmbH, which has been developing software solutions for telecommunication systems for 40 years, has now released the Presence Hub on Microsoft AppSource, a SaaS solution that solves this problem. "The Presence Hub synchronizes the presence status of two communication systems in both directions and thus ensures that there is only one, common presence status. Second or parallel calls are thus suppressed, since a 'do not disturb' or a 'busy on busy' status applies in both systems. The users do not have to operate an additional tool, but use their communication clients as usual. "During the development of the service, aurenz attached great importance to the fact that the service can be easily integrated in the customer's tenant. The result is a multi-tenant SaaS solution that can be conveniently obtained via Microsoft AppSource." said Heiko Elholm, CTO of aurenz GmbH. Toby Bowers, General Manager, Business Applications Group, Microsoft Corp., said, "We're happy to welcome aurenz GmBH to Microsoft AppSource, which gives our partners great exposure to cloud customers around the globe. Microsoft AppSource offers partner solutions such as Presence Hub from aurenz to help customers meet their needs faster." About aurenz For 40 years aurenz has been working together with renowned sales partners worldwide. Aurenz GmbH, based in southern Germany, offers software solutions such as call analytics and accounting to optimize corporate communications. With over 40,000 installations from all industries, customers can rely on excellent service and know-how. With the Presence Hub as SaaS, aurenz now offer their customers a significant contribution to actively improve corporate communication. For more information, press only: Heiko Elholm, aurenz GmbH, (+49) 0702173888-0, [email protected], https://www.aurenz.de/en/ Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1994250/aurenz_GmbH_1.jpg SOURCE aurenz GmbH Care's Chairman, Walter Bugno, said the company was proud to be playing a part in addressing the American Infant formula shortage and was very excited to partner with Gensco Pharma. "Having received approval from the FDA to help address the current infant formula shortage, it was very important for Care to identify a partner to bring our product to the US market. Gensco Pharma's reputation and values gives us the confidence that we can get our product into as many channels as possible for U.S. parents and caregivers," said Mr Bugno. Care A2+ Infant Formula is led by science and formulated to best match the profile of human breast milk. The FDA-approved Infant Formula has 40 essential nutrients and is enriched with alpha lactalbumin, which represents 25% of the protein found in breast milk. Alpha lactalbumin improves absorption of nutrients and helps support the development of a healthy gut. The Formula has added lactoferrin, a key protein found in higher concentrations in human breast milk. As an antimicrobial and antiviral agent, lactoferrin is especially important in establishing an infant's immune system. An established brand in Australia, Care A2+ Infant Formula is quality controlled from Grass-to-Tin has no corn syrup, no growth hormones and no GMO's. Care A2+ is sold through major Australian retailers Woolworths Supermarkets and major Pharmaceutical outlets - Chemist Warehouse and Terry White Chemists. Chairman and CEO of Gensco Pharma, Paul Zimmerman MD said, "At Gensco Pharma, we put our products through thorough testing to ensure the highest standards. Finding a company like Care, we were immediately impressed with the quality and benefits of their formula and the substantial evidence that sets them apart from other Infant formula in the market. We are thrilled to bring this world advanced premium formula to the U.S. and, as a physician, I am impressed with the premium ingredients which makes this is a superior product not just in the U.S but globally." About Care A2+ Pty Ltd Care A2 Plus Pty Ltd is a health and wellness company committed to caring for the entire family. Our products and services provide health, nourishment, and happiness for every step along the journey of life. We are proudly an Australian company making high-quality products with Australian A2 cows' milk, manufactured in Australia and 100% traceable from the Grass-to-Tin. Contact: Steve Loader, CEO, Care A2 Plus E: [email protected] M: +61 418 672 551 About Gensco Pharma Gensco Pharma has a large US and International presence that is managed by their three divisions of Diagnostics, Pharma, and Nutrition. Their core business is supplying pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, biodegradable technologies, and nutrition to Non-Profits, NGO's, Government, large retail format, and food/beverage manufacturers. Gensco Pharma launched their nutrition division in pursuit of providing innovative technology that is superior in quality to bring value to their consumers from birth through the late stages of life. Gensco takes pride in being an evidence-based solutions company that is progressively developing products utilizing new technologies that deliver outcomes to reduce the effects caused by disease or pathology. Gensco Nutrition has secured large retail distribution partnership along with the launch of their Gensco Cares initiative to partner with over 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs through Feeding America. Contact: Daniel Nalley, CEO, Gensco Nutrition E: [email protected] M: 1-855-743-6726 (7GENSCO) SOURCE Care Infant Formula The mini-documentary, produced in a collaboration between Netflix, Freeborne Impact, Wildlife Works and Everland, is about the Wildlife Works Kasigau Corridor REDD+ project, a pioneering, community-based, wildlife-centered forest conservation project that is located in southeastern Kenya. Netflix voluntarily purchases carbon credits from the project to compensate for the impact of its unavoidable emissions. REDD+, short for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation, is a UN-envisioned climate change mitigation mechanism that enables communities and governments to secure performance-based payments from the voluntary carbon markets for emission reductions generated through effective forest protection. As the first-ever project to issue verified REDD+ credits, Kasigau has avoided more than 20 million tCO2e to date, roughly equivalent to offsetting nearly two decades of London 's rail transport emissions. Using revenues from the sale of its carbon credits, the project protects over 200,000 hectares of dryland forest which is home to wildlife such as African elephants, lions, and Grevy's zebras. Revenues from carbon credit sales fund social service programs co-created with the community and relieve pressure to participate in extractive activities. These sustained services include school bursaries, access to health care, clean water, food security and improved livelihoods for a community of approximately 120,000 people. Shola Sanni, Director of Public Policy, SSA-Netflix said, "Netflix is privileged to be one of the partners of the Wildlife Works Kasigau Corridor REDD+ project, providing financial support to the initiative through the purchase of verified carbon credits. By participating in the project, Netflix helps to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in the Kasigau Corridor, while supporting sustainable land use practices and the improvement of local communities' livelihoods. This partnership aligns with our efforts to mitigate our carbon footprint and promote sustainable business practices." Sanni added, "Before now, Africans have had their stories told for them by others. The continent before now had been seen and perceived, narrated and interpreted through the filter of the subjective portrayal of the foreign voices telling the African story. Tropes about an Africa in need of rescuing have abounded. But this mini documentary created by Everland in partnership with Netflix showcases how leading Kenyan experts, yes, African heroes, are taking charge of their own narrative and spearheading the effort to preserve their wild spaces for future generations. It is an authentic Kenyan story of courage in the face of adversity, and Netflix is proud to be a part of its telling." Jane Okoth, Media and Communications Officer at Wildlife Works said, "Indigenous people and local communities are the traditional guardians of the forest. The success of the Kasigau Corridor REDD+ project demonstrates that when our voices are heard, forest conservation realizes its potential as the most effective and immediate way to end deforestation." About Wildlife Works Wildlife Works is a community-centered wildlife conservation company that implements market-based initiatives to protect the planet's threatened wilderness and endangered wildlife. The company was founded on the premise that if we want wildlife in our world, it must work for local communities who share their environment. Wildlife Works' conservation projects drive direct financing to forest communities to fund their self-determined economic development and prevent millions of tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions from entering the atmosphere annually. https://www.wildlifeworks.com/ About Everland Everland represents the world's largest portfolio of high-impact forest conservation (REDD+) projects in Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Everland brings forest communities and corporations together in a common cause to protect some of the world's most important and vulnerable forests. https://everland.earth/ Media contact: Leticia Labre, +1 929 304 3180, [email protected] Assets: The documentary can be viewed on the WeAreNetflix and AfricaonNetflix Youtube channels. SOURCE Everland SEATTLE, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Data Bridge Market Research has recently published the comprehensive business research on "Balloon Catheter Market" includes historic data, present market trends, future product environment, marketing strategies, technological innovation, upcoming technologies, emerging trends or opportunities, and the technical progress in the related industry. Balloon Catheter Market research report gives critical information about the market and business landscape. It suggests how the company is perceived by the target customers and clients that are desired to reach. The report helps understand how to connect with customers, how to stack up against the competition, and how to plan next steps. It plays an important role in the process of developing products and services, bringing them to the marketplace, and marketing them to consumers. For many businesses, Balloon Catheter Market report acts as a key component in developing marketing strategy by providing a fact-based foundation for estimating sales and profitability. Data Bridge Market Research analyses that the balloon catheter market which was USD 4.05 billion in 2022, is expected to reach USD 6.70 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 6.5% during the forecast period 2023 to 2030. In addition to the insights on market scenarios such as market value, growth rate, segmentation, geographical coverage, and major players, the market reports curated by the Data Bridge Market Research also include depth expert analysis, patient epidemiology, pipeline analysis, pricing analysis, and regulatory framework. Get a Sample PDF of Balloon Catheter Market Research Report @ https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/request-a-sample/?dbmr=global-balloon-catheter-market According to the World Health Organization, 17.9 million people die each year from CVDs (cardiovascular diseases), accounting for approximately 32% of all deaths worldwide. A balloon catheter, for instance, it is a delicate catheter appliance with an inflatable balloon at its tip that is inserted into a vessel or duct and then blown up to clear the blockage. The balloon catheter is primarily used to treat heart-related diseases caused by diabetes, high blood pressure, specifically coronary heart disease, and high blood cholesterol levels. The use of these catheters in the healthcare industry has been steadily increasing, and these devices have become an essential part of medical diagnostics and treatment. A balloon catheter is a novel medical device consisting of a guidewire and a catheter inserted into the femoral artery in the leg or, in some cases, the radial artery in the arm to treat constricted blood vessels. A balloon catheter can also be used to perform a minimally invasive procedure to open blocked or narrowed coronary arteries caused by coronary artery disease (CAD). Opportunities Increased demand for catheters in health care industry The increased prevalence of various chronic heart diseases caused by diabetes or high cholesterol has increased the demand for catheters in the health care industry. According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular diseases killed nearly 17.7 million people in 2015, with coronary heart disease accounting for 7.4 million of those deaths. Because of a high prevalence rate and a lack of health care services in rural areas, the majority of deaths occurred in developing countries. According to the UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund), approximately 12.8% of the global population is over 60 years old, with this figure expected to rise to 22% by the end of 2050. Thus, an increase in the geriatric population and the demand for minimally invasive procedures are driving the growth of the balloon catheter market in both developing and developed economies. Top Leading Key Players of Balloon Catheter Market: BIOTRONIK SE & Co. KG ( Germany ) ) MicroPort Scientific Corporation ( China ) ) Jotech GmbH ( Germany ) ) Johnson & Johnson Private Limited (U.S.) Vascular Solutions, Inc. (U.S.) Abbott (U.S.) BD (U.S.) Boston Scientific Corporation (U.S.) Medtronic ( Ireland ) ) Cook (U.S.) Johnson & Johnson Private Limited (U.S.) Smith+Nephew ( Germany ) ) Cardinal Health (U.S.) Terumo Corporation ( Japan ) ) Conavi Medical (U.S.) Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (U.S.) Infraredx, Inc. (U.S.) Getinge AB ( Sweden ) ) Coloplast Corp ( Denmark ) ) McKesson Medical-Surgical (U.S.) Recent Developments In 2020, Boston Scientific Corporation introduced the Opticross 35 imaging catheter for peripheral imaging. With a greater IVUS depth and 360-degree clear image quality, this product adds to the company's extensive product portfolio's depth and variety. In 2021, Medtronic PLC announced a new type of catheter to its arsenal: a balloon catheter that can elute drugs at the target site. This product, known as the Prevail Drug-Coated Balloon in the European market for CAD, improves the catheter's pushability as well as its deliverability into complex anatomies. The drug on the balloon is absorbed into the target arterial tissue, attempting to reduce the likelihood of in-stent restenosis. Access Full PDF Research Report @ https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/checkout/buy/enterprise/global-balloon-catheter-market Core Objective of Balloon Catheter Market: Every firm in the Balloon Catheter market has objectives but this market research report focus on the crucial objectives, so you can analysis about competition, future market, new products, and informative data that can raise your sales volume exponentially. Balloon Catheter Market Size and growth rate factors. and growth rate factors. Important changes in the future Balloon Catheter Market. Top worldwide competitors of the Market. Scope and product outlook of Balloon Catheter Market. Developing regions with potential growth in the future. Tough Challenges and risk faced in Market. Global Balloon Catheter top manufacturers profile and sales statistics Balloon Catheter Market Analysis: Drivers Increasing rate of cardiovascular diseases The market is expected to expand due to an increase in cardiovascular disease cases worldwide. Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, 17.9 million people died in 2019 as a result of cardiovascular diseases. Stroke and heart attack were responsible for approximately 85% of these deaths. Globally, an estimated 1.13 billion people suffer from hypertension, which has become a major cause of brain, heart, kidney, and other related problems. Balloon catheters are used to treat a variety of cardiovascular issues. Cardiac catheterization is an imaging procedure that allows a doctor or surgeon to assess the function of a patient's heart. These trends are expected to have a significant impact on overall market growth. Increasing geriatric population Globally, the market is expected to expand as the geriatric population grows. In 2019, there were approximately 703 million people aged 65 and older, according to a United Nations report. The global population of older people is expected to double to approximately 1.5 million by 2050, according to a UN report. The financial strain on old-age support systems will be significant as the population ages. The dynamics of local perfusion and brain blood flow during ageing are expected to be defined by a number of factors, including automatic dysregulation, arterial stiffness, the blood-brain barrier, and neurovascular uncoupling. Long-term, innovative, and advanced catheters have been widely used in older adults to improve overall quality of life and catheter management. Balloon catheter are widely expected to be used in the elderly population, which will benefit the market. To Gain More Insights Into Balloon Catheter Market Research, Visit @ https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-balloon-catheter-market Balloon Catheter Market Segmentations: Indication Coronary Artery Disease Peripheral Vascular Disease End-Users Public Hospitals and Private Hospitals Ambulatory Surgical Centres Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratories Raw Material Nylon Polyurethane Others Balloon Type High-Pressure Balloons Elastomeric Balloons Catheter Type Over-The-Wire (OTW) Balloon Catheters Rapid Exchange (RX) Balloon Catheters Fixed-Wire (FW) Balloon Catheters Normal balloon catheter Drug eluting balloon catheter Cutting balloon catheter Scoring balloon catheter Stent graft balloon catheter Balloon Catheter Market Country Level Analysis The countries covered in the balloon catheter 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, South Africa, Egypt, Israel, 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 balloon catheter market due to the availability of advanced healthcare facilities, increased infrastructure and healthcare expenditure and increased patient awareness are the primary factors fuelling the region's balloon catheter market development. Asia-Pacific is expected to grow at the highest growth rate in the forecast period of 2023 to 2030 due to ongoing improvements in health care infrastructure and the growth of medical tourism across several developing economies, the market in the region is developing. Make an Enquiry before Buying @ https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/inquire-before-buying/?dbmr=global-balloon-catheter-market Balloon Catheter Market Report Answers the Following Questions: How much revenue will the Balloon Catheter market generate by the end of the forecast period? Which market segment is expected to have the maximum market share? What are the influencing factors and their impact on the Balloon Catheter market? Which regions are currently contributing the maximum share of the overall Balloon Catheter market? What indicators are likely to stimulate the Balloon Catheter market? What are the main strategies of the major players in the Balloon Catheter market to expand their geographic presence? What are the main advances in the Balloon Catheter market? How do regulatory standards affect the Balloon Catheter market? Restraints/Challenges: Growing healthcare expenditure Growing healthcare expenditure is one of the major factors that will obstruct market growth and will further challenge the growth of the balloon catheter market during the forecast period. This balloon catheter 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 balloon catheter market contact Data Bridge Market Research for an Analyst Brief, our team will help you take an informed market decision to achieve market growth. Table of Contents: Introduction Market Segmentation Executive Summary Premium Insights Global Balloon Catheter Market: Regulations Market Overview Global Balloon Catheter Market, By Indication Global Balloon Catheter Market, By Raw Material Global Balloon Catheter Market, By Balloon Type Global Balloon Catheter Market, By Catheter Type Global Balloon Catheter Market, By End User Global Balloon Catheter Market, By Region Global Balloon Catheter Market: Company Landscape SWOT Analyses Company Profile Questionnaires Related Reports To Get Full Table of Contents, Visit @ https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/toc/?dbmr=global-balloon-catheter-market Browse Related Reports: Global Pharyngotonsillitis Treatment Market, By Type (Diagnosis, Treatment), Causes (Viruses Infection, Fungal Infection, Bacterial Infection, Parasitic Infection, Others), Distribution Channel (Direct Tender, Hospital Pharmacy, Retail Pharmacy, Online Pharmacy, Others), Country (U.S., Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Rest of South America, Germany, France, U.K., Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, Russia, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Hungary, Lithuania, Austria, Ireland, Norway, Poland, Rest of Europe, China, Japan, India, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Rest of Asia-Pacific, Saudi Arabia, U.A.E, Egypt, Israel, Kuwait, South Africa, Rest of Middle East and Africa) Industry Trends and Forecast to 2028 https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-pharyngotonsillitis-treatment-market Global Population Health Management Solutions Market, By Component (Software, Services), Mode of Delivery (Web-Based, On-Premise, Cloud-Based), End-User (Healthcare Providers, Healthcare Payers, Employer Groups, Government Bodies) - Industry Trends and Forecast to 2029. https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-population-health-management-solutions-market Global Skin Tears Treatment Market By Product (Moisture-Retentive Dressing, Dressing Adhesives & Fixators, Barrier Films, Hyaluronic Acid Wound Devices, Contact Layer Dressing, 2-Octyl Cyanoacrolate Topical Bandages, Gels & Cream, Skin Closure Strips), Type of Skin Tear (Type 1 Skin Tear, Type 2 Skin Tear, Type 3 Skin Tear), Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacies, Retail Pharmacies, Specialty Pharmacies, Mail Order Pharmacies), Factor (Intrinsic Factors, Extrinsic Factor), Country (U.S., Canada, Mexico, Germany, Italy, U.K., France, Spain, Netherland, Belgium, Switzerland, Turkey, Russia, Rest of Europe, Japan, China, India, South Korea, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Rest of Asia-Pacific, Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Israel, Rest of Middle East & Africa), Market Share Forecast to 2027 https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-skin-tears-treatment-market Global Rectal Catheters Market, By Product Type (Simple Rectal Catheter, Compound Rectal Catheter), Application (Management of Chronic Gastroenterological Diseases, Fecal Incontinence, Diarrhea, Constipation, Medication and Fluid Delivery, Surgery, Others), Usage (Disposable, Reusable), End- Users (Hospitals, Ambulatory Surgical Centers, Clinics, Homecare Settings) Industry Trends and Forecast to 2029 https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-rectal-catheters-market Global Radiofrequency (RF) Microneedling Market, By Device Type (Device, RF Micro Needle Sets), Gender Type (Male, Female), Application (Acne Scar, Fine Lines, Enlarged Pores, Wrinkles, Skin Tightening, Stretch Marks, Hyperpigmentation, Irregular Skin Texture and Tone, Face Lifting, Others), End User (Hospitals, Dermatology Clinics, Ambulatory Care Centers, Others), Distribution Channel (Direct Tender, Retail Sales) Industry Trends and Forecast to 2029 https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-rf-microneedling-market About Data Bridge Market Research, Private Ltd Data Bridge Market Research Pvt Ltd is a multinational management consulting firm with offices in India and Canada. As an innovative and neoteric market analysis and advisory company with unmatched durability level and advanced approaches. We are committed to uncover the best consumer prospects and to foster useful knowledge for your company to succeed in the market. Data Bridge Market Research is a result of sheer wisdom and practice that was conceived and built-in Pune in the year 2015. The company came into existence from the healthcare department with far fewer employees intending to cover the whole market while providing the best class analysis. Later, the company widened its departments, as well as expands their reach by opening a new office in Gurugram location in the year 2018, where a team of highly qualified personnel joins hands for the growth of the company. "Even in the tough times of COVID-19 where the Virus slowed down everything around the world, the dedicated Team of Data Bridge Market Research worked round the clock to provide quality and support to our client base, which also tells about the excellence in our sleeve." 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. Contact Us 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 DataBridge Market Research Pvt Ltd MIDDLETON, Wis., Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Lawmakers in 39 states introduced 232 bills in 2022 proposing changes to their respective state's process for putting measures on the ballot the most since Ballotpedia began tracking such legislation in 2014. Just 10% (23) of those bills were passed and became law. Since 2014, lawmakers have introduced an average of 189 bills regulating ballot measures, with an average of 27 bills passed each year. Ballotpedia's analysis of legislative and legal activity surrounding the ballot process covers each one of the 232 bills introduced, as well as court actions relating to enacted legislation. Ryan Byrne, managing editor of Ballotpedia's Ballot Measures team, noted that, unlike previous years, there were no proposals passed banning the practice of paying signature gatherers on a per-signature basis in 2022. Instead, there was more interest in raising the threshold for ballot measures to be approved. Byrne said these efforts included "constitutional amendments to require a 60% vote to pass certain measures, making the process more challenging at the ballot box." Byrne noted that while fewer bills on initiative and referendum were approved this year than in 2021, "there was an increase in the number of constitutional amendments" on the ballot. "Much of a state's initiative and referendum process is codified as constitutional law," Byrne said. "When legislators want to make foundational changes to it, a constitutional amendment is often required, and amendments require voter approval." In Arizona, Arkansas, and South Dakota, legislators placed five amendments regulating the initiative process on the ballot. Voters approved two of the amendments and rejected three: Arkansas Issue 2 would have required a 60% vote to approve future ballot measures instead of a simple majority. Voters rejected this measure with 59% of the vote. would have required a 60% vote to approve future ballot measures instead of a simple majority. Voters this measure with 59% of the vote. Arizona Proposition 128 would have allowed the Legislature to amend or repeal voter-approved ballot measures containing provisions the Arizona or U.S. Supreme Courts ruled unconstitutional. Voters rejected this measure with 64% of the vote. would have allowed the Legislature to amend or repeal voter-approved ballot measures containing provisions the or U.S. Supreme Courts ruled unconstitutional. Voters this measure with 64% of the vote. Arizona Proposition 129 requires citizen-initiated ballot measures to cover a single subject. Voters approved this measure with 55% of the vote. requires citizen-initiated ballot measures to cover a single subject. Voters this measure with 55% of the vote. Arizona Proposition 132 requires a 60% vote to pass ballot measures affecting taxes. Voters approved this measure with 51% of the vote. requires a 60% vote to pass ballot measures affecting taxes. Voters this measure with 51% of the vote. South Dakota Amendment C would have required a 60% vote to approve future ballot measures that increase taxes or fees or increase appropriations by $10 million or more in the first five fiscal years. Voters rejected this measure with 67% of the vote. Bynre said most bills introduced from year-to-year propose "small or technical changes" to the initiative and referendum process. "But others," Byrne said, "are intended to make the petitioning process more challenging, and legislators cite various reasons for that - concerns about out-of-state funders or specific interests." "Supporters of direct democracy view many of these bills as attempts to make the initiative process harder," Byrne said. To view the complete analysis of legislative action on the ballot measure process, click here . About Ballotpedia Ballotpedia the encyclopedia of American politics is America's most trusted source of unbiased information on politics, elections, and policy. Founded in 2007, Ballotpedia has grown from a small group of dedicated volunteers to an essential resource for voters, media, and researchers. Ballotpedia is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the public interest in creating an educated, engaged electorate, and building a strong, healthy democracy. For free access to more than 380,000 professionally authored articles, visit Ballotpedia.org. SOURCE BALLOTPEDIA The Ethiopia-based bank aims to transform its retail and SME loan processes DUBAI, UAE, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Newgen Software, a global provider of low code-based digital transformation platform, NewgenONE, today announced that Bank of Abyssinia, one of the fastest growing banks in Ethiopia has onboarded Newgen for end-to-end automation of retail and small and micro enterprise (SME) loan types. With the loan origination solution, built on NewgenONE, the bank will streamline the origination, processing, tracking, and disbursement of loans. The solution will be used in 750+ branches spread across Ethiopia. The Bank will leverage Newgen's platform with capabilities such as business rule engine, workflow management, and document management and ensure 360-degree process visibility in the business activity monitoring and reporting. The robust system will equip the bank to meet the growing business demands and allow them to transform digitally and scale operations to handle high-volume transactions. "Newgen's loan origination solution will enable us to respond faster to customer queries and requests. It is vital for us to offer a premium user experience to our valuable customers. Newgen's solution will help us achieve operational excellence and business innovation, enabling us to stay ahead of the competition. We look forward to our partnership with Newgen," said Andinet Fekade, Director of Program Management, Bank of Abyssinia. "We are delighted that the Bank of Abyssinia chose us as their digital transformation partner. Our solution will help the bank digitize retail and SME loan processing. This will help the bank to reduce the turnaround time, offer seamless services to customers, enhance business growth, and improve service quality, thereby enhancing the overall customer experience," said Tarun Nandwani, COO, Newgen Software. The contract inking was done by Mr. Yonas Daniel, Newgen's Regional Manager for Ethiopia and Mrs. Menbereselassie, Procurement Director of Bank of Abyssinia at the Bank's Head Office on February 1st, 2023. The ceremony was also accompanied by a team from Top management of Bank of Abyssinia and Top management of MKTY IT Services PLC, one of Newgen's partner in Ethiopia. About Bank of Abyssinia Bank of Abyssinia (BOA) is engaged in providing financial services, established under the National Bank of Ethiopia, with its Head Office in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. BOA is one of the leading private commercial banks, accessible to its customers with 750+ branches spread all over the country. Its vision is to become a leading commercial bank in East Africa by the year 2030. About Newgen Software Newgen is the leading provider of a unified digital transformation platform with native process automation, content services, and communication management capabilities. Globally, successful enterprises rely on Newgen's industry-recognized low code application platform to develop and deploy complex, content-driven, and customer-engaging business applications on the cloud. From onboarding to service requests, lending to underwriting, and for many more use cases across industries. Newgen unlocks simple with speed and agility. For more details, visit www.newgensoft.com Media Contact: Ryan Rocque [email protected] +918595065539 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1836509/Newgen_Logo_Logo.jpg SOURCE Newgen Software Technologies Ltd WASHINGTON, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Beacon Global Strategies (BGS), a leading strategic advisory firm focusing on global public policy, government procurement, and geopolitical risk analysis, today announced it will be expanding its growing team by adding Mr. Klon Kitchen as Managing Director and Mr. Jon Darby as Senior Advisor. In these roles, Mr. Kitchen will lead the firm's Global Technology Policy Practice and Mr. Darby will provide invaluable insight to the firm's Intelligence Practice. Additionally, BGS is pleased to announce the promotions of Mr. Barry King, Ms. Kaitlyn Garman, and Ms. Whitney McNamara. Mr. Klon Kitchen, Managing Director Mr. Jon Darby, Senior Advisor "We are thrilled to have Klon and Jon join BGS, where they will contribute directly to the ongoing work of the firm," said Andrew Shapiro, Managing Director at Beacon. "Additionally, we congratulate Barry, Kaitlyn and Whitney on their recent promotions, which are well deserved." Mr. Klon Kitchen recently joined BGS as Managing Director. Mr. Kitchen is a proven national security practitioner, scholar, and advisor, with more than two decades of experience helping government and industry leaders to anticipate and navigate geopolitical risk challenges. Before joining BGS, he was national security adviser to former Senator Ben Sasse and worked on the creation of the U.S. Cyberspace Solarium Commission, a blue-ribbon commission tasked with developing an American grand strategy for cyber. While working for Senator Sasse, Mr. Kitchen also served as the Staff Director of the National Security and International Trade and Finance Subcommittee for the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Prior to his service in the Senate, Mr. Kitchen spent more than 15 years as an intelligence officer working on counterterrorism, counterproliferation, covert action, cyber, and other issues. During this time, he deployed to multiple combat zones and was awarded several honors, including the civilian combat support medal, the civilian expeditionary medal, and a special commendation from the Commander of Joint Special Operations Command. Mr. Kitchen is a non-resident senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) and has an MA in strategy and security studies from the College of International Security Affairs and a War College Diploma in security strategy and irregular warfare from the National War College, both from National Defense University. Mr. Jon Darby recently joined BGS as Senior Advisor. Mr. Darby is a nearly 39-year veteran of the U.S. Intelligence Community, primarily in the National Security Agency (NSA)/Central Security Service (CSS), culminating in serving over four years as the NSA/CSS Director of Operations (DO). Prior to assuming the DO position, which oversees all of NSA's collection, code-breaking, analysis and production of signals intelligence (SIGINT), he led some of NSA's most difficult missions, including Counterterrorism, Cybersecurity Operations, and SIGINT analysis and production on all geographic and transnational missions. Mr. Darby managed a budget in the billions, drove development and use of advanced technologies, and in multiple positions led thousands of globally distributed civilian and military personnel providing intelligence support for military, diplomatic, cybersecurity and law enforcement operations. Mr. Darby served in a variety of field and operations management positions at NSA and abroad and spent over a decade following 9/11 in various leadership positions in NSA's counterterrorism and counterproliferation missions, to include serving as NSA's Chief of Counterterrorism during the Osama bin Laden operation. Other key senior leadership assignments include serving as NSA's Chief of SIGINT Analysis and Production and the Deputy Chief of Cybersecurity Operations. Mr. Barry King has assumed the role of Senior Vice President. Mr. King advises a range of clients with key national security and technology capabilities on go-to-market strategy, stakeholder engagement, as well as policy and budgetary matters. Before joining Beacon, Mr. King served as the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC) Deputy Chief Financial Officer at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI). In this role he advised IC leadership on the allocation of the $60B+ National Intelligence Program budget against U.S. intelligence priorities, leveraging strong working relationships with colleagues across the IC, the Department of Defense, the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and Capitol Hill. Mr. King previously served in several senior White House roles, including as Chief of OMB's Defense Operations, Personnel, and Support Branch; Special Assistant to the OMB Director; and Director of Strategic Planning on the National Security Council staff. Prior to his government service, Mr. King was an international contract negotiator at Raytheon Company. Ms. Kaitlyn Garman has assumed the role of Vice President. In this role, Ms. Garman will continue to support clients on issues at the intersection of global tech policy and national security. She joined BGS in 2017 as a Senior Associate. Prior to joining BGS, Ms. Garman worked in the Office of the Secretary of Defense as Confidential Assistant to the Secretary of Defense and his Chief of Staff. For both roles, she prepared and presented daily briefing materials, and provided research in support of implementing the strategic initiatives of the Secretary. Before her work with the Secretary of Defense, Ms. Garman worked as a research analyst at a major defense contractor, focusing on international security and legislative affairs. She received her M.A in International Affairs from Georgetown University. Ms. Whitney McNamara has assumed the role of Vice President. In this role, Ms. McNamara will continue to contribute to the ongoing work of the National Security Technology Practice. She is currently a Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments. She also supports the Atlantic Council's Commission on Defense Innovation Adoption where she is the lead author on assessing critical technologies and their barriers to adoption in the Department. Prior to joining BGS, Ms. McNamara served as the Director of Science & Technology within the Department of Defense's Defense Innovation Board (DIB). Previously, she was an emerging technologies policy subject matter expert supporting the Department's CIO. Prior to that, she was a Senior Analyst at the national security think tank Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments, focusing on emerging technologies, future operating concepts, informationized warfare and great power competition. She is a former a National Security Fellow at the Woodrow Wilson Center and worked in the Political-Military Bureau at the Department of State and in the Office of the Secretary of Defense for Middle East Policy. She received her M.A. in Strategic Studies and International Economics from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies where she was a Bradley Fellow and a Presidential Management Fellowship Finalist. Prior to that, she spent four years working in the Middle East as a project manager and consultant. About Beacon Global Strategies Founded in 2013, Beacon Global Strategies is a bipartisan strategic advisory firm that provides clients an in-depth understanding of national security decision-making to advance objectives and solve problems in Washington and abroad. The Beacon team brings experience informed by their years of service in the White House, State Department, Defense Department, CIA, Justice Department, on Capitol Hill, and in the private sector. SOURCE Beacon Global Strategies DETROIT, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Benzinga, a financial news and data company, has added 6 new members to its Benzinga Psychedelics Advisory Council . These 6 new members are: Leaders in the Psychedelics Industry Amanda Siebert , Author, Journalist, Photographer, Host , Author, Journalist, Photographer, Host Kathryn Walker , CEO, Revitalist Lifestyle and Wellness , CEO, Revitalist Lifestyle and Wellness Lauren Taus , Psychedelic Assisted Therapist, Inbodied Life , Psychedelic Assisted Therapist, Inbodied Life Lindsay Hoover , Co-Founder & Managing Partner, JLS Fund , Co-Founder & Managing Partner, JLS Fund Najla Guthrie , CEO, Wellbeing Digital Sciences , CEO, Wellbeing Digital Sciences Natalie Ginsberg , Global Impact Officer, Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies, (MAPS) What Is The Benzinga Psychedelics Advisory Council Unlock the secrets of the psychedelics industry with the elite thought leaders of the Benzinga Psychedelics Advisory Council, an extension of Benzinga's strong commitment to content and education through its daily psychedelics coverage and its Benzinga Psychedelics Capital Conference . Comprised of the industry's most respected figures, the council members will share their unparalleled insights on the latest trends and news, as well as forecasts. The council not only recognizes the achievements of industry pioneers but also grants Benzinga readers and conference attendees access to credible, expert analysis. From exclusive articles, expert opinions, and live discussions at the Benzinga Psychedelics Capital Conferences , to informative quotes on relevant news, the Benzinga Psychedelics Advisory Council is your ultimate guide to the psychedelics industry. "Benzinga is a media giant that has dedicated a large amount of real estate to emerging markets, such as cannabis, crypto, and psychedelics. We truly care about the growth of these industries and strive to provide the most up-to-date news, data, and executive insights to the Benzinga community," says Elliot Lane, Head of Cannabis and Psychedelics Partnerships at Benzinga. "A diverse group of thought leaders throughout the mental health industry has joined our Benzinga Psychedelic Advisory Council to communicate their firsthand knowledge directly to the individual, a value for consumers not found anywhere else in this space." More About The New Members Kathryn Walker CEO Revitalist Lifestyle and Wellness Kathryn Walker is the CEO of Revitalist Lifestyle and Wellness (CSE: CALM) (OTCQB: RVLWF) (FSE: 4DO) which serves as a leading mental health and wellness company lead by a comprehensive team of specialty providers. Kathryn worked at a Level 1 Trauma Center in Tennessee for 9 years before attending anesthesia school at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte. She practiced anesthesia of all specialties for 8 years before opening the first Revitalist location in Knoxville, TN in 2018. Today Kathryn operates as a leading advocate for psychedelic medicine as she continues to advance her comprehensive skill set recently graduating with her second Master's degree in Psychiatric Nursing as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Recognizing the need for community access, Kathryn founded the national mental health 501c3 nonprofit, Community Change Foundation (CommunityChangeFoundation.org). This nonprofit foundation focuses on providing financial assistance to veterans, frontline workers, and the financially disadvantaged seeking help with psychedelic therapies. Kathryn incorporated Community Change Foundation in 2019. Recognizing the need for education and training advancements, Kathryn founded the American Association of Psychedelics (AAPsychedelics.org). This education non-profit 501c3 aims to continually bring high-quality education and training to all disciplines of providers. Kathryn incorporated the American Association of Psychedelics in 2021. Lindsay Hoover Co-Founder & Managing Partner JLS Fund Lindsay Hoover is a co-founder and Managing Partner of JLS Fund, a PsyTech venture fund. JLS is investing in the exciting convergence of science, technology and neurology, catalyzed by the enormous potential of plant-based and psychedelic medicines to heal illness and enhance wellness. We invest in drug development and delivery technologies, supporting and enhancing software and technologies, and related consumer products and services. Najla Guthrie CEO Wellbeing Digital Sciences Najla Guthrie is revolutionizing the way we treat and talk about wellness. Her extensive list of accomplishments includes founding KGK Science, publishing over 50 papers in peer-reviewed journals, becoming the CEO of Wellbeing Digital Sciences, and her research on the effects of citrus juices and their constituent flavonoids on breast cancer cells. Najla is a global leader in the nutraceutical and emerging psychedelic industry with a focus on how the development of natural compounds can fundamentally change the way we treat and prevent mental illness. She continues to present and speak at a global level, lobby for the advancement of policy changes in the supplement and cannabis industries, and lead the team at Wellbeing Digital Science and KGK Science. Natalie Lyla Ginsberg Global Impact Officer Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies, (MAPS) Natalie Lyla Ginsberg (MSW) is the Global Impact Officer at the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies, (MAPS), and the co-founder of the Jewish Psychedelic Summit. She works for the ethical, accessible and safe integration of psychedelics in mainstream culture and society. Natalie joined MAPS in 2014, founding the Policy & Advocacy department, and serving as its director for 5 years. She also initiated and co-developed MAPS' Health Equity program, including MAPS' first MDMA Therapy Training for Communities of Color. Before joining MAPS in 2014, Natalie worked as a Policy Fellow at the Drug Policy Alliance, where she helped legalize medical cannabis in her home state of New York, and worked to end New York's race-based marijuana arrests. Natalie currently lives in Los Angeles, CA. She received her B.A. in history from Yale College and her master's of social work (M.S.W.) from Columbia University. Amanda Siebert Author, Journalist, Photographer, Host Amanda Siebert is an author and freelance multimedia journalist focusing on culture, science, business, and health in the cannabis and psychedelics spaces. She is currently a contributing writer at Healing Maps, DailyOm, and Forbes, the co-founder and editor-in-chief at Inside the Jar (on hiatus), and the host of the podcast, Root Medicine. Her first book, "The Little Book of Cannabis: How Marijuana Can Improve Your Life", was published by Greystone Books in 2018 on the same day cannabis was legalized in Canada. In 2019, it was named the #1-selling non-fiction cannabis book in the country. In her second book, "Psyched: 7 Cutting-Edge Psychedelics Changing The World," (published October 2022) she breaks down the history, science, and cultural and medical uses of seven different psychedelic drugs and plant medicines, contextualized with case studies and interviews with scientists, doctors, therapists, advocates, ethnobotanists, practitioners, and users. Lauren Taus Psychedelic Assisted Therapist Inbodied Life Lauren Taus is a psychedelic-assisted therapist, trained to work with both psychoactive compounds and plant medicines. Lauren leads Inbodied Life, a group therapy practice that also offers immersive educational programs for clinicians to learn psychedelic-assisted therapy and integration in contexts that hold personal healing as essential to effective facilitation. Lauren is a lifelong student, educator and activist. For decades, Lauren's work has focused on creating aligned, and kind mind-body connections to support complete health for individuals and the collective. Lauren is a regular speaker and contributor in the larger space of psychedelic medicine. Her work has been featured in DoubleBlind, Chacruna, The Guardian, NY Magazine and more. About Benzinga Benzinga is a fast-growing, dynamic and innovative financial media outlet that empowers investors with high-quality, unique content. SOURCE Benzinga BOSTON, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. (NYSE: BHLB), the parent company of Berkshire Bank, a leading socially responsible community bank with financial centers in New England and New York, announced the election of Karyn Polito to the Board of Directors of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary Berkshire Bank effective February 2, 2023. Ms. Polito brings broad expertise in both the public and private sector including as Lieutenant Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and as Principal of Polito Development Corporation. Upon her election Ms. Polito was appointed to the Risk Management, Capital and Compliance and Corporate Responsibility and Culture committees of the Board. Karyn Polito "We are pleased to welcome Karyn to our Board of Directors," said Chairperson David M. Brunelle. "Karyn is a champion for our communities. She brings a diverse set of skills and experiences as an owner of a commercial real estate development company and as the former Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts that will complement and strengthen the composition of our Board." "Berkshire will benefit from Karyn's decades of experience working at the intersection of business and government. She will help us enhance our customer focus, community impact and advance our vision of becoming a high-performing, leading socially responsible community bank," added Berkshire Bank CEO Nitin Mhatre. "I've watched Berkshire evolve and grow into a well-respected, socially responsible, community-orientated institution at the forefront of meeting the financial needs of its customers and communities. I look forward to working alongside the Board and leadership team to leverage my network, relationships, and experience to take Berkshire to even greater heights," stated Ms. Polito. About Karyn Polito Ms. Polito is an experienced businessperson, attorney and government leader who is currently Principal of Polito Development Corporation, a commercial real estate development firm. Ms. Polito was the 72nd Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts from 2015 to 2023. During her time as Lieutenant Governor, she was an advocate for women's empowerment and a champion for renewable energy, climate adaptation, workforce development, housing, and the innovation economy. She helped increase aid to local communities and spearheaded efforts to expand offshore wind and educational opportunities to careers in science, technology, engineering and math for women and students. Prior to serving as Lieutenant Governor, Ms. Polito was a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives and a Partner at Milton, Laurence & Dixon, LLP. Ms. Polito holds a Bachelor of Science from Boston College and a Juris Doctor from New England Law. She is a lifelong resident of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts where she lives with her family. ABOUT BERKSHIRE HILLS BANCORP Headquartered in Boston, Berkshire Hills Bancorp (NYSE:BHLB) is the parent of Berkshire Bank. Founded in 1846, the Bank's vision is to be a high-performing leading socially responsible community bank. It empowers the financial potential of its stakeholders by making banking available where, when, and how it's needed through an uncompromising focus on exceptional customer service, digital banking, and positive community impact. Providing a wide range of financial solutions through its consumer banking, commercial banking and wealth management divisions, the Bank has approximately $11.7 billion in assets and a community-based footprint of 100 financial centers in Massachusetts, New York, Vermont, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. Named one of America's Most Trusted Companies 2022 by Newsweek, Berkshire is also listed in the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index and a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality. To learn more, follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , and LinkedIn . Investor Relations Contacts Kevin Conn, SVP, Investor Relations & Corporate Development Email: [email protected] Tel: (617) 641-9206 David Gonci, Capital Markets Director Email: [email protected] Tel: (413) 281-1973 Media Contact: Gary Levante, SVP, Corporate Responsibility & Communications Email: [email protected] Tel: (413) 447-1737 SOURCE Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. The Body Care Brand Champions People to Love Their Marks While Caring for Their Skin CINCINNATI, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Bio-Oil, the #1 dermatologist recommended brand for stretch marks, launches a month-long campaign in celebration of February's Body Positivity Month to encourage self-love, promote body confidence, and highlight the role that Bio-Oil plays in helping people to love their marks. Bio-Oil Models Bio-Oil Model Bio-Oil Skincare Oil Original Bio-Oil Skincare Oil Natural Throughout Body Positivity Month, Bio-Oil is partnering with a diverse roster of social media influencers to share how they view and take care of their bodies and the strength they represent on TikTok and Instagram. Influencer partners represent unique individual journeys where Bio-Oil helps them embrace their marks, from stretch marks due to pregnancy, to scars from surgical procedures. Their social reach will serve as a resource to help empower their followers to learn to love the skin that they're in, while also educating them about the power of Bio-Oil. This campaign expands on Bio-Oil's #LoveYourMarks campaign launched in 2019. #LoveYourMarks aims to rewrite the conversation on what it means to have beautiful skin and encourage people to embrace their marks through practiced self-care. Existing scars and stretch marks will never fully disappear, but Bio-Oil inspires people to celebrate their marks and the journeys they represent with good skincare that will keep skin healthy, hydrated, and nourished. To reinforce the brand's commitment to the body confidence movement, Bio-Oil is donating to The Body Positive, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending the harmful consequences of negative body image in teens and young adults. Bio-Oil's donation will fund the development of their K-8th grade curriculum, designed to help people develop a healthy relationship with their bodies earlier in life. For more information, visit www.thebodypositive.org. Bio-Oil Skincare Oils can be used to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks, scars, and other marks due to surgery, injury, acne, aging, pregnancy, tattooing, and more. For more information on Bio-Oil's portfolio of skin-loving products, visit www.shopbiooil.com . Follow Bio-Oil's Instagram and TikTok all month long to catch content for Body Positivity Month. #BioOilUSA #BioOil #LoveYourSkin #LoveYourMarks #GlowingSkin #BodyPositivityMonth About Bio-Oil Bio-Oil is best known for the multi-use skincare oil that is clinically proven to help improve the appearance of scars, stretch marks and uneven skin tone. Developed in South Africa in 1987, Bio-Oil has won over 400 skincare awards and has become the #1 dermatologist recommended brand for stretch marks in the US. CONTACT: [email protected] SOURCE Bio-Oil LAS VEGAS and VANCOUVER, BC, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Body and Mind Inc. (CSE: BAMM) (OTCQB: BMMJ) (the "Company" or "BaM"), an operations-driven multistate cannabis company, is pleased to announce the appointment of Josh Rosen to its board of directors. Mr. Rosen is managing partner at Bengal Capital as well as interim president of Goodness Growth (CSE: GDNS; OTCQX: GDNSF). Mr Rosen was the co-founder and former chief executive officer and chairman of 4Front Ventures Corp. (CSE: FFNTOTCQX: FFNTF) where he helped lead the transformation of a pioneering industry consulting firm into an operations-focused multistate operator, notably with the acquisition of Cannex Capital in 2019. Prior to founding 4Front, Mr. Rosen started his career as an equity analyst at ABN AMRO and Credit Suisse and subsequently helped lead the investing arm of a large Phoenix-based family office. "We are excited to welcome Josh Rosen to our board of directors as we continue advances into the key markets of Illinois and New Jersey," stated Michael Mills, CEO of Body and Mind. "Josh brings years of cannabis and capital markets experience and has a deep understanding of markets, opportunities and operations. As we expand into new states and focus our operations on free cash flow, I believe that Josh and the team at Bengal will offer a significant contribution to Body and Mind." Mr. Rosen commented: "Bengal Capital has been investing in the U.S. cannabis industry since its participation in the 2013 seed investment in Green Thumb Industries. Today, Body and Mind represents one of Bengal Capital's highest-conviction investment ideas, and we believe our focus on working closely with management teams as engaged shareholders can help maximize value in this rapidly evolving sector. I have been impressed with the team at Body and Mind and their focus on efficiently cultivating top tier, terpene rich cannabis and offering customers and patients a welcoming and knowledgeable dispensary experience. Their focus on capital efficient growth through license applications and expansion into Illinois and New Jersey creates an exciting time for the Company and I look forward to leaning into my experience and curated network to help in whatever way I can." Resignation of Dong Shim from Board of Directors "I'd like to express my deep gratitude to Dong Shim who has been a board member and an integral part of the Body and Mind team for many years," stated Michael Mills, CEO of Body and Mind. "Dong will continue to be a key part of our team in his role as Chief Financial Officer and we look forward to working with Dong on our continued expansion." About Body and Mind Inc. BaM is an operations-focused cannabis company with active retail operations in Ohio, Arkansas, Michigan and California, pending retail operations in Illinois and New Jersey, and craft cultivation and/or processing operations in Nevada, Ohio and Arkansas. We work daily to increase our market share through delighting customers while also continuing to hone our operational efficiencies to drive profits. We are primarily guided by the metric of return on investment. Currently, we believe the most significant return on investment projects in front of us are successful retail cannabis store launches in Illinois and New Jersey, which augment our existing retail footprint. We also believe that our team's core operational skillsets will create significant future shareholder value as the cannabis industry matures. Please visit www.bodyandmind.com for more information. Instagram: @bodyandmindBaM Twitter: @bodyandmindBaM Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Safe Harbor Statement Except for the statements of historical fact contained herein, the information presented in this news release constitutes "forward-looking statements" as such term is used in applicable United States and Canadian laws. These statements relate to analyses and other information that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management. Any other statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans, "estimates" or "intends", or stating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and should be viewed as "forward-looking statements". Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and other factors include, among others, the actual results of activities, variations in the underlying assumptions associated with the estimation of activities, the availability of capital to fund programs and the resulting dilution caused by the raising of capital through the sale of shares, accidents, labor disputes and other risks. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. 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 contained in this news release and in any document referred to in this news release. Certain matters discussed in this news release and oral statements made from time to time by representatives of the Company may constitute forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that its expectations will be achieved. Forward-looking information is subject to certain risks, trends and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Many of these factors are beyond the Company's ability to control or predict. Important factors that may cause actual results to differ materially and that could impact the Company and the statements contained in this news release can be found in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company assumes no obligation to update or supplement any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities. SOURCE Body and Mind Inc. Will develop a state-of-the-art, distribution building totaling approximately 80,275 SF BALTIMORE-WASHINGTON CORRIDOR, Md., Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Brennan Investment Group ("Brennan"), a private real estate investment firm that acquires, develops, and operates industrial facilities throughout the United States, has made its second acquisition in the Baltimore-Washington Corridor, acquiring approximately 15.82 acres of vacant land along Solley Road in Glen Burnie, Maryland. Brennan intends to develop a state-of-the-art, modern, distribution building totaling approximately 80,275 SF. The building is slated for completion in late 2023 and is intended to be the first of several future investments in the area. "Acquired through an off-market transaction, this investment demonstrates our team's ability to source land opportunities and then create value by developing Class A, institutional assets," said Chris Massey, Managing Principal for the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast region. "This is an ideal location for distributors to service the larger regional population throughout the B-W Corridor. We have an excellent building design which can accommodate both high employee counts as well as high trailer requirements." The property has superior interstate access via I-695 and is a 12-mile drive from the Baltimore-Washington International Airport. The building is designed to accommodate one or two tenants and will provide best-in-market car parking and trailer parking ratios. "The Baltimore Industrial market has seen robust activity over the past few years. The market's 3% vacancy, coupled with double-digit rent growth, and 1.4M SF of positive net absorption over the last four quarters, demonstrates excellent fundamentals," observed Scott McKibben, Chief Investment Officer and Managing Principal of Brennan. "The market is well-positioned for continued growth and will continue to see high levels of tenant demand." About Brennan Investment Group Brennan Investment Group, a Chicago-based private real estate investment firm, acquires, develops, and operates industrial properties in select major metropolitan markets throughout the United States. Since 2010, Brennan Investment Group has acquired over $6 billion in industrial real estate. The company's current portfolio spans 27 states and encompasses 52 million square feet. Brennan Investment Group co-invests with private and institutional capital to achieve outstanding risk-adjusted returns. The firm's management team is among the most accomplished in its industry, having invested in over 5,000 properties covering more than 60 cities throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. For more information on Brennan Investment Group, go to brennanllc.com. CONTACT: Ursula Walendzewicz, [email protected], 8476308722 SOURCE Brennan Investment Group, LLC Recurring revenues grew 6%; up 8% constant currency Diluted EPS grew 20% and Adjusted EPS grew 11% Reaffirming Fiscal Year 2023 Guidance, including 6 - 9% Recurring revenue growth constant currency and 7 - 11% Adjusted EPS growth NEW YORK, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:BR) today reported financial results for the second quarter ended December 31, 2022 of its fiscal year 2023. Results compared with the same period last year were as follows: Summary Financial Results Second Quarter Six Months Dollars in millions, except per share data 2023 2022 Change 2023 2022 Change Recurring revenues $840 $793 6 % $1,646 $1,543 7 % Constant currency growth - Non-GAAP 8 % 9 % Total revenues $1,293 $1,260 3 % $2,576 $2,452 5 % Operating income $108 $69 57 % $195 $172 14 % Margin 8.3 % 5.5 % 7.6 % 7.0 % Adjusted Operating income - Non-GAAP $173 $141 23 % $323 $318 2 % Margin - Non-GAAP 13.4 % 11.2 % 12.5 % 12.9 % Diluted EPS $0.48 $0.40 20 % $0.91 $0.97 (6 %) Adjusted EPS - Non-GAAP $0.91 $0.82 11 % $1.75 $1.89 (7 %) Closed sales $65 $82 (20 %) $94 $112 (16 %) "Broadridge delivered strong results in the second quarter," said Tim Gokey, Broadridge's CEO. "Recurring revenues grew 8% constant currency and Adjusted EPS grew 11%, driven by continued revenue growth and disciplined expense management. We continue to see growth driven by conversion of sales backlog into new revenue and strength in investor participation. "The strength of our results and the resilience of our business keep us on track to deliver on our full-year guidance, including 6-9% Recurring revenue growth constant currency and 7-11% Adjusted EPS growth. As a result, we continue to expect to deliver at or above the higher end of our three-year financial objectives, including 7-9% Recurring revenue and 8-12% Adjusted EPS growth," he added. Fiscal Year 2023 Financial Guidance FY'23 Guidance Updates / Changes Recurring revenue growth constant currency - Non-GAAP 6 - 9% No Change Adjusted Operating income margin - Non-GAAP Increase of ~50 bps No Change Adjusted earnings per share growth - Non-GAAP 7 - 11% No Change Closed sales $270 - $310M No Change Financial Results for Second Quarter Fiscal Year 2023 compared to Second Quarter Fiscal Year 2022 Total revenues increased 3% to $1,293 million from $1,260 million . increased 3% to from . Recurring revenues increased $47 million , or 6%, to $840 million . Recurring revenue growth constant currency (Non-GAAP) was 8%, driven by organic growth from a combination of growth in Net New Business in GTO and ICS and Internal Growth, primarily in our ICS business. , or 6%, to . Recurring revenue growth constant currency (Non-GAAP) was 8%, driven by organic growth from a combination of growth in Net New Business in GTO and ICS and Internal Growth, primarily in our ICS business. Event-driven revenues decreased $27 million , or 42%, to $38 million , primarily due to the decrease in volume of mutual fund proxy communications. , or 42%, to , primarily due to the decrease in volume of mutual fund proxy communications. Distribution revenues increased $13 million , or 3%, to $415 million , primarily driven by the impact of a postage rate increase of approximately $20 million , partially offset by lower volume of ICS mutual fund communications. , or 3%, to , primarily driven by the impact of a postage rate increase of approximately , partially offset by lower volume of ICS mutual fund communications. Operating income was $108 million , an increase of $39 million , or 57%. Operating income margin increased to 8.3%, compared to 5.5% for the prior year period, due to the growth in Recurring revenues and lower amortization expense from acquired intangible assets, more than offsetting lower event-driven revenues, an increase in low-margin distribution revenues, growth investments and other expenses. was , an increase of , or 57%. Operating income margin increased to 8.3%, compared to 5.5% for the prior year period, due to the growth in Recurring revenues and lower amortization expense from acquired intangible assets, more than offsetting lower event-driven revenues, an increase in low-margin distribution revenues, growth investments and other expenses. Adjusted Operating income was $173 million , an increase of $32 million , or 23%. The increase was primarily driven by higher Recurring revenues, partially offset by lower event-driven revenues. Adjusted Operating income margin increased to 13.4% compared to 11.2% for the prior year period. The increase in pass through distribution revenues negatively impacted margins by approximately 20 basis points. was , an increase of , or 23%. The increase was primarily driven by higher Recurring revenues, partially offset by lower event-driven revenues. Adjusted Operating income margin increased to 13.4% compared to 11.2% for the prior year period. The increase in pass through distribution revenues negatively impacted margins by approximately 20 basis points. Interest expense, net was $34 million , an increase of $13 million , primarily due to an increase in interest expense from higher borrowing costs, partially offset by savings from the Company's cross-currency swap transaction. was , an increase of , primarily due to an increase in interest expense from higher borrowing costs, partially offset by savings from the Company's cross-currency swap transaction. The effective tax rate was 20.0% compared to 9.1% in the prior year period. The effective tax rate for the three months ended December 31, 2022 was adversely impacted by lower discrete tax benefits, primarily attributable to the excess tax benefits related to equity compensation. was 20.0% compared to 9.1% in the prior year period. The effective tax rate for the three months ended was adversely impacted by lower discrete tax benefits, primarily attributable to the excess tax benefits related to equity compensation. Net earnings increased 22% to $58 million and Adjusted Net earnings increased 11% to $108 million . increased 22% to and Adjusted Net earnings increased 11% to . Diluted earnings per share increased 20% to $0.48 , compared to $0.40 in the prior year period, and increased 20% to , compared to in the prior year period, and Adjusted earnings per share increased 11% to $0.91 , compared to $0.82 in the prior year period. Segment and Other Results for Second Quarter Fiscal Year 2023 compared to Second Quarter Fiscal Year 2022 Investor Communication Solutions ("ICS") ICS total revenues were $919 million , an increase of $27 million , or 3%. , an increase of , or 3%. Recurring revenues increased $40 million or 9%, to $467 million . Recurring revenue growth constant currency (Non-GAAP) was 10%, driven by organic growth from a combination of Internal Growth and Net New Business. or 9%, to . Recurring revenue growth constant currency (Non-GAAP) was 10%, driven by organic growth from a combination of Internal Growth and Net New Business. By product line, Recurring revenue growth and Recurring revenue growth constant currency (Non-GAAP) were as follows: Regulatory rose 9% and 9%, respectively, driven by mutual fund/ETF position growth of 6%, and equity position growth of 9% in the quarter; Data-driven fund solutions rose 9% and 11%, respectively, driven by growth in our mutual fund trade processing business and growth in our data and analytics solutions; Issuer rose 12% and 12%, respectively, driven by growth in our registered shareholder solutions and governance solutions products; and Customer communications rose 10% and 11%, respectively, driven by higher print and digital communications. Event-driven revenues decreased $27 million , or 42%, to $38 million , primarily due to the decrease in volume of mutual fund proxy communications. , or 42%, to , primarily due to the decrease in volume of mutual fund proxy communications. Distribution revenues increased $13 million , or 3%, to $415 million primarily driven by the impact of current year postage rate increase of approximately $20 million , partially offset by lower volume of mutual fund communications. , or 3%, to primarily driven by the impact of current year postage rate increase of approximately , partially offset by lower volume of mutual fund communications. ICS earnings before income taxes increased by $6 million , or 11%, to $65 million . The earnings benefit from higher Recurring revenue was partially offset by lower event-driven revenue. Operating expenses rose 2%, or $21 million , to $855 million . Amortization expense from acquired intangibles decreased by $1 million to $15 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2023. Pre-tax margins increased to 7.1% from 6.6%. Global Technology and Operations ("GTO") GTO Recurring revenues were $373 million , an increase of $7 million , or 2%. Recurring revenue growth constant currency (Non-GAAP) was 6%, driven by organic growth from a combination of Net New Business and Internal Growth. , an increase of , or 2%. Recurring revenue growth constant currency (Non-GAAP) was 6%, driven by organic growth from a combination of Net New Business and Internal Growth. By product line, Recurring revenue growth and the corresponding Recurring revenue growth constant currency (Non-GAAP) were as follows: Capital markets rose 6% and 12%, respectively, driven by Broadridge Trading and Connectivity Solutions ("BTCS"), higher internal growth, and Net New Business; and Wealth and Investment management declined 5% and 3%, respectively, as lower term license renewals more than offset revenue from Net New Business. GTO earnings before income taxes were $44 million , an increase of $10 million , or 30%. The increase was driven primarily by the $7 million growth in Recurring revenues. Pre-tax margins increased to 11.8% from 9.2%. Amortization expense from acquired intangibles decreased by $8 million to $39 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2023 period due to the impact of changes in foreign exchange rates and the run-off of older acquisitions. Other Other loss before income tax decreased to $37 million from $41 million in the prior year period, primarily due to lower selling, general and administrative expenses which more than offsets a $13 million increase in net interest expense. Financial Results for the Six Months Fiscal Year 2023 compared to the Six Months Fiscal Year 2022 Total revenues increased 5% to $2,576 million from $2,452 million . increased 5% to from . Recurring revenues increased $103 million , or 7%, to $1,646 million . Recurring revenue growth constant currency (Non-GAAP) was 9%, driven by organic growth from a combination of growth in Net New Business and Internal Growth in both ICS and GTO. , or 7%, to . Recurring revenue growth constant currency (Non-GAAP) was 9%, driven by organic growth from a combination of growth in Net New Business and Internal Growth in both ICS and GTO. Event-driven revenues decreased $41 million , or 29%, to $100 million , primarily due to the decrease in volume of mutual fund proxy communications. , or 29%, to , primarily due to the decrease in volume of mutual fund proxy communications. Distribution revenues increased $61 million , or 8%, to $830 million , primarily driven by the impact of a postage rate increase of approximately $53 million . , or 8%, to , primarily driven by the impact of a postage rate increase of approximately . Operating income was $195 million , an increase of $23 million , or 14%. Operating income margin increased to 7.6%, compared to 7.0% for the prior year period, due to growth in Recurring revenues and lower amortization expense from acquired intangible assets more than offsetting lower event-driven revenues, an increase in low-margin distribution revenues, growth investments and other expenses. was , an increase of , or 14%. Operating income margin increased to 7.6%, compared to 7.0% for the prior year period, due to growth in Recurring revenues and lower amortization expense from acquired intangible assets more than offsetting lower event-driven revenues, an increase in low-margin distribution revenues, growth investments and other expenses. Adjusted Operating income was $323 million , an increase of $6 million , or 2%. The increase was primarily driven by higher Recurring revenues, partially offset by lower event-driven revenues and growth investments and other spending. Adjusted Operating income margin decreased to 12.5% compared to 12.9% for the prior year period. The increase in pass through distribution revenues negatively impacted margins by approximately 50 basis points. was , an increase of , or 2%. The increase was primarily driven by higher Recurring revenues, partially offset by lower event-driven revenues and growth investments and other spending. Adjusted Operating income margin decreased to 12.5% compared to 12.9% for the prior year period. The increase in pass through distribution revenues negatively impacted margins by approximately 50 basis points. Interest expense, net was $61 million , an increase of $17 million , primarily due to an increase in interest expense from higher borrowing costs, partially offset by savings from the Company's cross-currency swap transaction. was , an increase of , primarily due to an increase in interest expense from higher borrowing costs, partially offset by savings from the Company's cross-currency swap transaction. The effective tax rate was 15.2% compared to 12.1% in the prior year period. The effective tax rate was adversely impacted by lower discrete tax benefits, primarily attributable to the excess tax benefits related to equity compensation. was 15.2% compared to 12.1% in the prior year period. The effective tax rate was adversely impacted by lower discrete tax benefits, primarily attributable to the excess tax benefits related to equity compensation. Net earnings decreased 6% to $108 million and Adjusted Net earnings decreased 7% to $208 million . decreased 6% to and Adjusted Net earnings decreased 7% to . Diluted earnings per share decreased 6% to $0.91 , compared to $0.97 in the prior year period, and decreased 6% to , compared to in the prior year period, and Adjusted earnings per share decreased 7% to $1.75 , compared to $1.89 in the prior year period. Segment and Other Results for the Six Months Fiscal Year 2023 compared to the Six Months Fiscal Year 2022 Investor Communication Solutions ICS total revenues were $1,840 million , an increase of $94 million , or 5%. , an increase of , or 5%. Recurring revenues increased $73 million , or 9%, to $910 million . Recurring revenue growth constant currency (Non-GAAP) was also 9%, driven by organic growth from a combination of Net New Business and Internal Growth. , or 9%, to . Recurring revenue growth constant currency (Non-GAAP) was also 9%, driven by organic growth from a combination of Net New Business and Internal Growth. By product line, Recurring revenue growth and Recurring revenue growth constant currency (Non-GAAP) were as follows: Regulatory rose 6% and 6%, respectively, driven by mutual fund/ETF position growth of 10%, as well as a modest contribution from equity position growth of 9%; Data-driven fund solutions rose 10% and 12%, respectively, driven by growth in our mutual fund trade processing business and continued growth in our data and analytics solutions; Issuer rose 14% and 14%, respectively, with growth across all product solutions; and Customer communications rose 10% and 11%, respectively, driven by higher print and digital communications. Event-driven revenues decreased $41 million , or 29%, to $100 million , primarily due to the decrease in volume of mutual fund proxy communications. , or 29%, to , primarily due to the decrease in volume of mutual fund proxy communications. Distribution revenues increased $61 million , or 8%, to $830 million primarily driven by the impact of a postage rate increase of approximately $53 million . , or 8%, to primarily driven by the impact of a postage rate increase of approximately . ICS earnings before income taxes declined $16 million , or 12% to $125 million . The earnings benefit from higher Recurring revenue was offset by lower event-driven revenue, higher postage and distribution expenses, and increased costs from prior year investments. Operating expenses rose 7%, or $110 million , to $1,715 million . Amortization expense from acquired intangibles decreased by $7 million to $30 million in the first six months of fiscal year 2023. Pre-tax margins decreased to 6.8% from 8.1%. Global Technology and Operations GTO Recurring revenues were $736 million , an increase of $30 million , or 4%. Recurring revenue growth constant currency (Non-GAAP) was 8%, driven by organic growth from a combination of Internal Growth and Net New Business. , an increase of , or 4%. Recurring revenue growth constant currency (Non-GAAP) was 8%, driven by organic growth from a combination of Internal Growth and Net New Business. By product line, Recurring revenue growth and Recurring revenue growth constant currency (Non-GAAP) were as follows: Capital markets rose 8% and 13%, respectively, driven by BTCS, higher internal growth, and Net New Business; and Wealth and Investment management declined 1% and increased 1%, respectively, as the revenue from Net New Business was partially offset by lower term license renewals. GTO earnings before income taxes were $84 million , an increase of $32 million , or 61%. The increase was driven primarily by the $30 million growth in Recurring revenues. Pre-tax margins increased to 11.5% from 7.4%. Amortization expense from acquired intangibles decreased by $15 million to $79 million in the first six months of fiscal year 2023 period due to the impact of changes in foreign exchange rates and the run-off of older acquisitions. Other Other loss before income tax increased to $82 million from $64 million in the prior year period, primarily due increased net interest expense of $17 million . Change in Foreign Exchange Rates Beginning with the first quarter of fiscal year 2023, the Company changed reporting for segment revenues, segment earnings (loss) before income taxes, segment amortization of acquired intangibles and purchased intellectual property, and Closed sales to reflect the impact of actual foreign exchange rates applicable to the individual periods presented. The presentation of these metrics for the prior periods has been changed to conform to the current period presentation. Total consolidated revenues and earnings before income taxes were not impacted. For additional information, please see the Company's Form 8-K filed on September 26, 2022. Earnings Conference Call An analyst conference call will be held today, February 2, 2023 at 8:30 a.m. ET. A live webcast of the call will be available to the public on a listen-only basis. To listen to the live event and access the slide presentation, visit Broadridge's Investor Relations website at www.broadridge-ir.com prior to the start of the webcast. To listen to the call, investors may also dial 1-877-328-2502 within the United States and international callers may dial 1-412-317-5419. A replay of the webcast will be available and can be accessed in the same manner as the live webcast at the Broadridge Investor Relations site. Through February 9, 2023, the recording will also be available by dialing 1-877-344-7529 within the United States or 1-412-317-0088 for international callers, using passcode 5052694 for either dial-in number. Explanation and Reconciliation of the Company's Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures The Company's results in this press release are presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP except where otherwise noted. In certain circumstances, results have been presented that are not generally accepted accounting principles measures ("Non-GAAP"). These Non-GAAP measures are Adjusted Operating income, Adjusted Operating income margin, Adjusted Net earnings, Adjusted earnings per share, Free cash flow, and Recurring revenue growth constant currency. These Non-GAAP financial measures should be viewed in addition to, and not as a substitute for, the Company's reported results. The Company believes our Non-GAAP financial measures help investors understand how management plans, measures and evaluates the Company's business performance. Management believes that Non-GAAP measures provide consistency in its financial reporting and facilitates investors' understanding of the Company's operating results and trends by providing an additional basis for comparison. Management uses these Non-GAAP financial measures to, among other things, evaluate our ongoing operations, and for internal planning and forecasting purposes. In addition, and as a consequence of the importance of these Non-GAAP financial measures in managing our business, the Company's Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors incorporates Non-GAAP financial measures in the evaluation process for determining management compensation. Adjusted Operating Income, Adjusted Operating Income Margin, Adjusted Net Earnings and Adjusted Earnings Per Share These Non-GAAP measures are adjusted to exclude the impact of certain costs, expenses, gains and losses and other specified items the exclusion of which management believes provides insight regarding our ongoing operating performance. Depending on the period presented, these adjusted measures exclude the impact of certain of the following items: (i) Amortization of Acquired Intangibles and Purchased Intellectual Property, (ii) Acquisition and Integration Costs, (iii) Real Estate Realignment and Covid-19 Related Expenses, (iv) Investment Gain, and (v) Russia-Related Exit Costs. Amortization of Acquired Intangibles and Purchased Intellectual Property represents non-cash amortization expenses associated with the Company's acquisition activities. Acquisition and Integration Costs represent certain transaction and integration costs associated with the Company's acquisition activities. Real Estate Realignment and Covid-19 Related Expenses are comprised of two major components: Real Estate Realignment Expenses, and Covid-19 Related Expenses. Real Estate Realignment Expenses are expenses associated with the exit of certain of the Company's leased facilities in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, which consist of the impairment of certain right of use assets, leasehold improvements and equipment, as well as other related facility exit expenses directly resulting from, and attributable to, the exit of these leased facilities. Covid-19 Related Expenses are direct and incremental expenses incurred by the Company to protect the health and safety of Broadridge associates during the Covid-19 outbreak, including expenses associated with monitoring the temperatures for associates entering our facilities, enhancing the safety of our office environment in preparation for workers to return to Company facilities on a more regular basis, ensuring proper social distancing in our production facilities, personal protective equipment, enhanced cleaning measures in our facilities, and other safety related expenses. Investment Gain represents a non-operating, non-cash gain on a privately held investment. Russia-Related Exit Costs are direct and incremental costs associated with the Company's wind down of business activities in Russia in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, including relocation-related expenses of impacted associates. We exclude Acquisition and Integration Costs, Real Estate Realignment and Covid-19 Related Expenses, the Investment Gain, and Russia-Related Exit Costs from our Adjusted Operating income (as applicable) and other adjusted earnings measures because excluding such information provides us with an understanding of the results from the primary operations of our business and enhances comparability across fiscal reporting periods, as these items are not reflective of our underlying operations or performance. We also exclude the impact of Amortization of Acquired Intangibles and Purchased Intellectual Property, as these non-cash amounts are significantly impacted by the timing and size of individual acquisitions and do not factor into the Company's capital allocation decisions, management compensation metrics or multi-year objectives. Furthermore, management believes that this adjustment enables better comparison of our results as Amortization of Acquired Intangibles and Purchased Intellectual Property will not recur in future periods once such intangible assets have been fully amortized. Although we exclude Amortization of Acquired Intangibles and Purchased Intellectual Property from our adjusted earnings measures, our management believes that it is important for investors to understand that these intangible assets contribute to revenue generation. Amortization of intangible assets that relate to past acquisitions will recur in future periods until such intangible assets have been fully amortized. Any future acquisitions may result in the amortization of additional intangible assets. Free Cash Flow In addition to the Non-GAAP financial measures discussed above, we provide Free cash flow information because we consider Free cash flow to be a liquidity measure that provides useful information to management and investors about the amount of cash generated that could be used for dividends, share repurchases, strategic acquisitions, other investments, as well as debt servicing. Free cash flow is a Non-GAAP financial measure and is defined by the Company as Net cash flows provided by operating activities less Capital expenditures as well as Software purchases and capitalized internal use software. Recurring revenue growth constant currency As a multi-national company, we are subject to variability of our reported U.S. dollar results due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The exclusion of the impact of foreign currency exchange fluctuations from our Recurring revenue growth, or what we refer to as amounts expressed "on a constant currency basis," is a Non-GAAP measure. We believe that excluding the impact of foreign currency exchange fluctuations from our Recurring revenue growth provides additional information that enables enhanced comparison to prior periods. Changes in Recurring revenue growth expressed on a constant currency basis are presented excluding the impact of foreign currency exchange fluctuations. To present this information, current period results for entities reporting in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars at the average exchange rates in effect during the corresponding period of the comparative year, rather than at the actual average exchange rates in effect during the current fiscal year. Forward-Looking Statements This press release and other written or oral statements made from time to time by representatives of Broadridge may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements that are not historical in nature, and which may be identified by the use of words such as "expects," "assumes," "projects," "anticipates," "estimates," "we believe," "could be," "on track," and other words of similar meaning, are forward-looking statements. In particular, information appearing in the "Fiscal Year 2023 Financial Guidance" section and statements about our three-year objectives are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on management's expectations and assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed. These risks and uncertainties include those risk factors described and discussed in Part I, "Item 1A. Risk Factors" of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2022 (the "2022 Annual Report"), as they may be updated in any future reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release and are expressly qualified in their entirety by reference to the factors discussed in the 2022 Annual Report. These risks include: changes in laws and regulations affecting Broadridge's clients or the services provided by Broadridge; Broadridge's reliance on a relatively small number of clients, the continued financial health of those clients, and the continued use by such clients of Broadridge's services with favorable pricing terms; a material security breach or cybersecurity attack affecting the information of Broadridge's clients; the potential impact and effects of the Covid-19 pandemic ("Covid-19") on the business of Broadridge, Broadridge's results of operations and financial performance, any measures Broadridge has and may take in response to Covid-19 and any expectations Broadridge may have with respect thereto; declines in participation and activity in the securities markets; the failure of Broadridge's key service providers to provide the anticipated levels of service; a disaster or other significant slowdown or failure of Broadridge's systems or error in the performance of Broadridge's services; overall market, economic and geopolitical conditions and their impact on the securities markets; the success of Broadridge in retaining and selling additional services to its existing clients and in obtaining new clients; Broadridge's failure to keep pace with changes in technology and demands of its clients; competitive conditions; Broadridge's ability to attract and retain key personnel; and the impact of new acquisitions and divestitures. Broadridge disclaims any obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, other than as required by law. About Broadridge Broadridge Financial Solutions (NYSE: BR), a global Fintech leader with over $5 billion in revenues, provides the critical infrastructure that powers investing, corporate governance and communications to enable better financial lives. We deliver technology-driven solutions to banks, broker-dealers, asset and wealth managers and public companies. Broadridge's infrastructure serves as a global communications hub enabling corporate governance by linking thousands of public companies and mutual funds to tens of millions of individual and institutional investors around the world. In addition, Broadridge's technology and operations platforms underpin the daily trading of on average more than U.S. $9 trillion of equities, fixed income and other securities globally. A certified Great Place to Work, Broadridge is a part of the S&P 500 Index, employing over 14,000 associates in 21 countries. For more information about Broadridge, please visit www.broadridge.com. Contact Information Investors [email protected] Media [email protected] Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Unaudited) In millions, except per share amounts Three Months Ended December 31, Six Months Ended December 31, 2022 2021 2022 2021 Revenues $ 1,292.9 $ 1,259.6 $ 2,576.2 $ 2,452.5 Operating expenses: Cost of revenues 988.2 978.4 1,978.7 1,892.5 Selling, general and administrative expenses 196.8 212.3 402.1 387.8 Total operating expenses 1,185.0 1,190.7 2,380.8 2,280.3 Operating income 107.9 68.9 195.4 172.1 Interest expense, net (34.1) (21.4) (61.0) (44.0) Other non-operating income (expenses), net (1.9) 4.4 (7.1) 2.0 Earnings before income taxes 71.9 51.9 127.3 130.1 Provision for income taxes 14.4 4.7 19.3 15.7 Net earnings $ 57.5 $ 47.2 $ 108.0 $ 114.4 Basic earnings per share $ 0.49 $ 0.40 $ 0.92 $ 0.98 Diluted earnings per share $ 0.48 $ 0.40 $ 0.91 $ 0.97 Weighted-average shares outstanding: Basic 117.7 116.6 117.6 116.4 Diluted 118.9 118.7 118.9 118.5 Amounts may not sum due to rounding. Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) In millions, except per share amounts December 31, 2022 June 30, 2022 Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 280.0 $ 224.7 Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $5.9 and $6.8, respectively 860.2 946.9 Other current assets 142.5 156.8 Total current assets 1,282.7 1,328.4 Property, plant and equipment, net 143.3 150.9 Goodwill 3,388.2 3,484.9 Intangible assets, net 931.2 1,077.1 Deferred client conversion and start-up costs 1,437.9 1,232.3 Other non-current assets 867.9 895.3 Total assets $ 8,051.3 $ 8,168.8 Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Current liabilities: Payables and accrued expenses $ 824.2 $ 1,114.9 Contract liabilities 194.7 198.5 Total current liabilities 1,018.9 1,313.4 Long-term debt 4,105.4 3,793.0 Deferred taxes 404.4 446.1 Contract liabilities 261.1 215.8 Other non-current liabilities 474.8 481.5 Total liabilities 6,264.7 6,249.8 Commitments and contingencies Stockholders' equity: Preferred stock: Authorized, 25.0 shares; issued and outstanding, none Common stock, $0.01 par value: Authorized, 650.0 shares; issued, 154.5 and 154.5 shares, respectively; outstanding, 117.7 and 117.3 shares, respectively 1.6 1.6 Additional paid-in capital 1,401.9 1,344.7 Retained earnings 2,761.3 2,824.0 Treasury stock, at cost: 36.8 and 37.2 shares, respectively (2,017.2) (2,024.8) Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (361.0) (226.3) Total stockholders' equity 1,786.6 1,919.1 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 8,051.3 $ 8,168.8 Amounts may not sum due to rounding. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) In millions Six Months Ended December 31, 2022 2021 Cash Flows From Operating Activities Net earnings $ 108.0 $ 114.4 Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash flows used in operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 42.5 41.1 Amortization of acquired intangibles and purchased intellectual property 109.5 131.2 Amortization of other assets 64.1 66.3 Write-down of long-lived assets 0.5 8.1 Stock-based compensation expense 36.5 36.2 Deferred income taxes (35.3) 16.4 Other (3.7) (19.3) Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of assets and liabilities acquired: Current assets and liabilities: Decrease in Accounts receivable, net 110.9 49.2 (Increase) decrease in Other current assets 13.2 (32.5) Decrease in Payables and accrued expenses (307.4) (236.5) Increase in Contract liabilities 2.0 28.3 Non-current assets and liabilities: Increase in Other non-current assets (291.8) (321.5) Increase in Other non-current liabilities 69.4 24.0 Net cash flows used in operating activities (81.4) (94.6) Cash Flows From Investing Activities Capital expenditures (15.9) (11.3) Software purchases and capitalized internal use software (17.2) (17.9) Acquisitions, net of cash acquired (13.3) Other investing activities (2.0) (11.4) Net cash flows used in investing activities (35.1) (53.9) Cash Flows From Financing Activities Debt proceeds 580.0 480.0 Debt repayments (270.0) (211.0) Dividends paid (160.3) (141.2) Purchases of Treasury stock (2.5) (1.7) Proceeds from exercise of stock options 32.2 40.5 Other financing activities (2.5) (7.5) Net cash flows provided by financing activities 176.9 159.2 Effect of exchange rate changes on Cash and cash equivalents (5.0) (4.1) Net change in Cash and cash equivalents 55.3 6.6 Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 224.7 274.5 Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 280.0 $ 281.2 Amounts may not sum due to rounding. Segment Results (Unaudited) In millions Three Months Ended December 31, Six Months Ended December 31, 2022 2021 2022 2021 Revenues Investor Communication Solutions $ 919.4 $ 892.7 $ 1,840.0 $ 1,746.1 Global Technology and Operations 373.5 366.9 736.2 706.4 Total $ 1,292.9 $ 1,259.6 $ 2,576.2 $ 2,452.5 Earnings before Income Taxes Investor Communication Solutions $ 64.9 $ 58.7 $ 124.9 $ 141.2 Global Technology and Operations 44.0 33.9 84.3 52.5 Other (37.0) (40.8) (81.9) (63.5) Total $ 71.9 $ 51.9 $ 127.3 $ 130.1 Pre-tax margins: Investor Communication Solutions 7.1 % 6.6 % 6.8 % 8.1 % Global Technology and Operations 11.8 % 9.2 % 11.5 % 7.4 % Amortization of acquired intangibles and purchased intellectual property Investor Communication Solutions $ 14.9 $ 16.1 $ 30.4 $ 36.9 Global Technology and Operations 38.8 46.4 79.1 94.2 Total $ 53.7 $ 62.5 $ 109.5 $ 131.2 Amounts may not sum due to rounding. Supplemental Reporting Detail - Additional Product Line Reporting (Unaudited) In millions Three Months Ended December 31, Six Months Ended December 31, 2022 2021 % Change 2022 2021 Change Investor Communication Solutions Regulatory $ 180.7 $ 166.2 9 % $ 351.5 $ 331.7 6 % Data-driven fund solutions 96.4 88.5 9 % 188.9 171.8 10 % Issuer 26.5 23.7 12 % 50.4 44.2 14 % Customer communications 163.4 148.1 10 % 319.3 289.0 10 % Total ICS Recurring revenues 466.9 426.5 9 % 910.1 836.7 9 % Equity and other 25.2 24.6 2 % 54.7 52.2 5 % Mutual funds 12.4 40.1 (69 %) 45.6 88.9 (49 %) Total ICS Event-driven revenues 37.6 64.7 (42 %) 100.2 141.0 (29 %) Distribution revenues 414.9 401.4 3 % 829.7 768.4 8 % Total ICS Revenues $ 919.4 $ 892.7 3 % $ 1,840.0 $ 1,746.1 5 % Global Technology and Operations Capital markets $ 235.3 $ 221.0 6 % $ 462.0 $ 429.6 8 % Wealth and investment management 138.2 145.9 (5 %) 274.2 276.8 (1 %) Total GTO Recurring revenues 373.5 366.9 2 % 736.2 706.4 4 % Total Revenues $ 1,292.9 $ 1,259.6 3 % $ 2,576.2 $ 2,452.5 5 % Revenues by Type Recurring revenues $ 840.4 $ 793.5 6 % $ 1,646.2 $ 1,543.0 7 % Event-driven revenues 37.6 64.7 (42 %) 100.2 141.0 (29 %) Distribution revenues 414.9 401.4 3 % 829.7 768.4 8 % Total Revenues $ 1,292.9 $ 1,259.6 3 % $ 2,576.2 $ 2,452.5 5 % Amounts may not sum due to rounding. Select Operating Metrics (Unaudited) In millions Three Months Ended December 31, Six Months Ended December 31, 2022 2021 % Change 2022 2021 % Change Closed sales1 $65.4 $82.2 (20 %) $94.4 $112.0 (16) % Record Growth 2 Equity positions (Stock records) 9 % 20 % 9 % 29 % Mutual fund/ETF positions (Interim records) 6 % 12 % 10 % 13 % Internal Trade Growth3 5 % 1 % 5 % 1 % Amounts may not sum due to rounding. 1Refer to the "Results of Operations" section of Broadridge's Form 10-Q for a description of Closed sales and its calculation. 2Stock record growth (also referred to as "SRG" or "equity position growth") measures the estimated annual change in positions eligible for equity proxy materials. Interim record growth (also referred to as "IRG" or "mutual fund/ETF position growth") measures the estimated change in mutual fund and exchange traded fund positions eligible for interim communications. These metrics are calculated from equity proxy and mutual fund/ETF position data reported to Broadridge for the same issuers or funds in both the current and prior year periods. 3Represents the estimated change in daily average trade volumes for clients whose contracts are linked to trade volumes and who were on Broadridge's trading platforms in both the current and prior year periods. Reconciliation of Non-GAAP to GAAP Measures (Unaudited) In millions, except per share amounts Three Months Ended December 31, Six Months Ended December 31, 2022 2021 2022 2021 Reconciliation of Adjusted Operating Income Operating income (GAAP) $ 107.9 $ 68.9 $ 195.4 $ 172.1 Adjustments: Amortization of Acquired Intangibles and Purchased Intellectual Property 53.7 62.5 109.5 131.2 Acquisition and Integration Costs 3.7 7.8 7.7 10.7 Real Estate Realignment and Covid-19 Related Expenses (a) 1.7 3.5 Russia-Related Exit Costs (c) 7.9 10.5 Adjusted Operating income (Non-GAAP) $ 173.1 $ 140.8 $ 323.2 $ 317.5 Operating income margin (GAAP) 8.3 % 5.5 % 7.6 % 7.0 % Adjusted Operating income margin (Non-GAAP) 13.4 % 11.2 % 12.5 % 12.9 % Reconciliation of Adjusted Net earnings Net earnings (GAAP) $ 57.5 $ 47.2 $ 108.0 $ 114.4 Adjustments: Amortization of Acquired Intangibles and Purchased Intellectual Property 53.7 62.5 109.5 131.2 Acquisition and Integration Costs 3.7 7.8 7.7 10.7 Real Estate Realignment and Covid-19 Related Expenses (a) 1.7 3.5 Investment Gain (7.5) (7.5) Russia-Related Exit Costs (c) 6.8 9.3 Subtotal of adjustments 64.1 64.4 126.6 137.8 Tax impact of adjustments (d) (13.2) (14.3) (26.4) (28.7) Adjusted Net earnings (Non-GAAP) $ 108.4 $ 97.3 $ 208.2 $ 223.5 Reconciliation of Adjusted EPS Diluted earnings per share (GAAP) $ 0.48 $ 0.40 $ 0.91 $ 0.97 Adjustments: Amortization of Acquired Intangibles and Purchased Intellectual Property 0.45 0.53 0.92 1.11 Acquisition and Integration Costs 0.03 0.07 0.06 0.09 Real Estate Realignment and Covid-19 Related Expenses (b) 0.01 0.03 Investment Gain (0.06) (0.06) Russia-Related Exit Costs 0.06 0.08 Subtotal of adjustments 0.54 0.54 1.06 1.16 Tax impact of adjustments (d) (0.11) (0.12) (0.22) (0.24) Adjusted earnings per share (Non-GAAP) $ 0.91 $ 0.82 $ 1.75 $ 1.89 (a) Real Estate Realignment were ($0.1 million) and ($0.2 million) for the three and six months ended December 31, 2021, respectively. Covid-19 Related Expenses were $1.8 million and $3.7 million for the three and six months ended December 31, 2021, respectively. (b) Real Estate Realignment Expenses impacted Adjusted earnings per share by $0.00 for the three and six months ended December 31, 2021. Covid-19 Related Expenses impacted Adjusted earnings per share by $0.02 and $0.03 for the three and six months ended December 31, 2021, respectively. (c) Total Russia-Related Exit costs were $6.8 million, comprised of $7.9 million of operating expenses, offset by a gain of $1.2 million in non-operating income for the three months ended December 31, 2022. For the six months ended December 31, 2022, total costs were $9.3 million, comprised of $10.5 million of operating expenses, offset by the gain of $1.2 million in non-operating income. (d) Calculated using the GAAP effective tax rate, adjusted to exclude $0.5 million and $7.2 million of excess tax benefits associated with stock-based compensation for the three and six months ended December 31, 2022, respectively, and $7.1 million and $11.5 million of excess tax benefits associated with stock-based compensation for the three and six months ended December 31, 2021, respectively. For purposes of calculating the Adjusted earnings per share, the same adjustments were made on a per share basis. Six Months Ended December 31, 2022 2021 Reconciliation of Free cash flow Net cash flows used in operating activities (GAAP) $ (81.4) $ (94.6) Capital expenditures and Software purchases and capitalized internal use software (33.1) (29.2) Free cash flow (Non-GAAP) $ (114.5) $ (123.8) Reconciliation of Recurring Revenue Growth Constant Currency Three Months Ended December 31, 2022 Investor Communication Solutions Regulatory Data- Driven Fund Solutions Issuer Customer Comms. Total Recurring revenue growth (GAAP) 9 % 9 % 12 % 10 % 9 % Impact of foreign currency exchange 1 % 2 % % % 1 % Recurring revenue growth constant currency (Non-GAAP) 9 % 11 % 12 % 11 % 10 % Six Months Ended December 31, 2022 Investor Communication Solutions Regulatory Data- Driven Fund Solutions Issuer Customer Comms. Total Recurring revenue growth (GAAP) 6 % 10 % 14 % 10 % 9 % Impact of foreign currency exchange % 2 % % % 1 % Recurring revenue growth constant currency (Non-GAAP) 6 % 12 % 14 % 11 % 9 % Three Months Ended December 31, 2022 Global Technology and Operations Capital Markets Wealth and Investment Management Total Recurring revenue growth (GAAP) 6 % (5 %) 2 % Impact of foreign currency exchange 6 % 3 % 5 % Recurring revenue growth constant currency (Non-GAAP) 12 % (3 %) 6 % Six Months Ended December 31, 2022 Global Technology and Operations Capital Markets Wealth and Investment Management Total Recurring revenue growth (GAAP) 8 % (1 %) 4 % Impact of foreign currency exchange 5 % 2 % 4 % Recurring revenue growth constant currency (Non-GAAP) 13 % 1 % 8 % Three Months Ended December 31, 2022 Six Months Ended December 31, 2022 Consolidated Total Total Recurring revenue growth (GAAP) 6 % 7 % Impact of foreign currency exchange 2 % 2 % Recurring revenue growth constant currency (Non-GAAP) 8 % 9 % Amounts may not sum due to rounding 2023 Guidance Reconciliation of Non-GAAP to GAAP Measures (Unaudited) FY23 Recurring revenue growth (a) Impact of foreign currency exchange Recurring revenue growth constant currency - Non-GAAP 6 - 9% FY23 Adjusted Operating income margin (b) Operating income margin % - GAAP Increase of ~ 150 bps Adjusted Operating income margin % - Non-GAAP Increase of ~ 50 bps FY23 Adjusted earnings per share growth rate (c) Diluted earnings per share - GAAP ~13 - 17% growth Adjusted earnings per share - Non-GAAP 7 - 11% growth (a) The Company is unable to reconcile its forward-looking Recurring revenue growth constant currency fiscal year 2023 guidance without unreasonable efforts because of the uncertainty in the amounts of future foreign currency exchange rates. For the same reason, the Company is unable to address the probable significance of the unavailable information, which could be material to future results. (b) Adjusted Operating income margin guidance (Non-GAAP) is adjusted to exclude the projected $255 million impact of Amortization of Acquired Intangibles and Purchased Intellectual Property, Acquisition and Integration Costs, and Russia-Related Exit Costs. (c) Adjusted earnings per share growth guidance (Non-GAAP) is adjusted to exclude the projected $1.65 per share impact of Amortization of Acquired Intangibles and Purchased Intellectual Property, Acquisition and Integration Costs, and Russia-Related Exit Costs, and is calculated using diluted shares outstanding. SOURCE Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. NEW YORK, Feb. 1, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Attorney Advertising -- Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC notifies investors that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Allianz SE ("Allianz" or the "Company") (OTC: ALIZY) and certain of its officers, on behalf of all persons and entities that purchased or otherwise acquired Allianz common stock between March 9, 2018 and May 17, 2022, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"). Such investors are encouraged to join this case by visiting the firm's site: www.bgandg.com/alizy. This class action seeks to recover damages against Defendants for alleged violations of the federal securities laws. The complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Allianz did not have effective internal controls; (2) Allianz's subsidiary was involved in substantial fraudulent activity; (3) as a result, Allianz was at an increased risk of regulatory scrutiny; (4) as a result, Allianz was at an increased risk of substantial losses and financial costs; and (5) as a result, Defendants' public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to review a copy of the Complaint you can visit the firm's site: www.bgandg.com/alizy or you may contact Peretz Bronstein, Esq. or his Law Clerk and Client Relations Manager, Yael Nathanson of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC at 212-697-6484. If you suffered a loss in Allianz, you have until April 3, 2023 to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as a lead plaintiff. Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC represents investors in securities fraud class actions and shareholder derivative suits. The firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors nationwide. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Contact: Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC Peretz Bronstein or Yael Nathanson 212-697-6484 | [email protected] SOURCE Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC PORTLAND, Ore., Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Cambia Health Solutions is pleased to announce that Tonya Adams has been appointed as chief health services officer. In this new role, Adams will provide senior executive leadership to advance Cambia's clinical capabilities across all lines of business and manage the total cost of care for health plan members. "I'm deeply passionate about delivering high-quality experiences for our health plan members." - Tonya Adams Tweet this Tonya Adams, Chief Health Services Officer As a seasoned health care executive, Adams has 20 years of health plan business and operational experience. She joined Cambia in 2019 as the senior vice president of customer experience and operations, leading the strategy and execution for enrollment and group administration, customer and provider service, claims, payment integrity and provider operations. "Adams is a dynamic health care leader with a wealth of experience in medical management," said Jared Short, Cambia's president and chief executive officer. "I have great respect for her drive for improvement, her human-centered leadership style and her expertise in delivering strong results. She understands the needs of our customers, members and providers and uses this knowledge to help improve care and experience." Before joining Cambia, Adams was vice president of operations for Molina Healthcare in California, where she was responsible for enrollment and billing, appeals and grievances, claims adjustments and payment integrity. Adams has also held senior leadership positions with Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare and Anthem. "I'm deeply passionate about delivering high-quality experiences for our health plan members," said Adams. "I look forward to stepping into this new role and continuing to focus on making health care more predictable and affordable for people and their families." Adams was honored as one of the 2022 Portland Business Journal's Women of Influence. She serves on the boards of the American Heart Association and the Cambia Health Foundation, and she supported the White House on an initiative to help increase access to COVID-19 vaccines for vulnerable populations. Additionally, Adams is the executive sponsor of the Women's Employee Leadership Lab, Cambia's employee group focused on nurturing the next generation of female innovators and leaders. She holds a bachelor's degree in management from Indiana Wesleyan University. SOURCE Cambia Health Solutions Chicago-based workforce development leader to hold 8th Annual Gala CHICAGO, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Cara Collective, an industry leader in workforce development, is pleased to announce it will honor Bank of America at the upcoming 8th Annual Cara Gala on Friday, March 24, 2023. Bank of America will receive the Trailblazer Award for its longtime partnership with Cara Collective and for the company's commitment to advancing racial equality and economic opportunity. Rita Cook, President Bank of America Chicago, will accept the Trailblazer Award at the 8th Annual Cara Gala. "Bank of America is a trailblazer because time and time again, they have demonstrated their commitment to using their influence and resources to strengthen our communities," said Kathleen St. Louis Caliento, President & CEO of Cara Collective. "Through their work, they are a partner in progress, connecting more individuals and families to aordable housing and home ownership, capital to start and grow small businesses, good jobs with living wages, and better access to healthcare. Beyond all that, they've also remained an integral part of our Cara Collective community for more than 15 years, including as a hiring partner to our job seekers, investing in our programs and mission, providing leadership and guidance through our Board of Directors, and beyond. We are thrilled to honor this partnership at our signature Gala." Previous Trailblazer recipients include Sterling Bay, Rivers Casino, JPMorgan Chase, and philanthropists Dona and Sam Scott, Pete and Amy Kadens, Jim and Kay Mabie, and Martin H. Nesbitt. "A strong workforce pipeline can fuel economic opportunity in our local community," said Rita Cook, President Bank of America Chicago. "We're honored to be recognized by Cara Collective for our efforts in bringing together resources with nonprofit partners and employers, working together hand in hand to overcome barriers that lead to successful career opportunities and employment for individuals throughout Chicagoland." Cara graduate Dian Lang will also be recognized with the Jesse Teverbaugh Distinguished Alumni Award. This award is given annually to a graduate who is a shining example of Cara's work to transform lives and communities. Dian started her Cara journey in 2009 as a new mother with few options for quality employment. Today, she works for 1660 Condo Association and recently purchased a home for herself and her now-teenage son. The Cara Gala is annually attended by more than 550 civic, philanthropic, and business leaders and raises more than $750,000 for the nonprofit. Sponsorships for the Cara Gala are available at www.caragala.org, or by contacting Tara Harper at [email protected] or 312.798.3307. About Cara Collective Cara Collective seeks to fuel a courageous national movement to eradicate relational and financial poverty. Through our four entities Cara, Cleanslate, Cara Connects, and Cara Plus we engage job seekers, employers, and other organizations across the country to break the cycle of poverty through the power and purpose of employment. Since 1991, we've helped more than 8,100 people get placed into more than 13,400 jobs and get started on their path to real and lasting success. To learn more, please visit www.caracollective.org. SOURCE Cara Collective BETHLEHEM, Pa., Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Whether heading out to a theater or snuggling up on the couch at home, no movie night is complete without a variety of sweet and savory snacks. With Global Movie Day coming up on February 11th, the PEEPS Brand is celebrating by putting a sweet twist on classic theater treats. Now, marshmallow lovers can experience their favorite movie snack flavors in delicious PEEPS Marshmallow form! "The PEEPS Brand is constantly innovating its Marshmallow lineup with delicious new flavors, and this year, our new products align perfectly with the snacks consumers gravitate towards at the movies," said Caitlin Servian, Brand Manager for PEEPS. "We love to provide a variety of ways for families to make memories together, so we're thrilled to offer a sweet way for fans to include PEEPS Marshmallow in their movie-watching traditions. We hope marshmallow and snack lovers enjoy these flavors while catching their favorite chick flick or feature film!" Check out this year's movie-inspired flavors: PEEPS MIKE AND IKE Flavored Pop The PEEPS MIKE AND IKE Flavored Pop combines the mouthwatering taste of MIKE AND IKE candy flavors with the soft, pillowy texture of PEEPS Marshmallow! With four vibrant Chicks bursting with the fruity flavors of Lemon, Lime, Orange, and Strawberry, this tasty treat is a first of its kind and is available at retailers nationwide. PEEPS DR PEPPER Flavored Marshmallow Chicks These one-of-a-kind Chicks combine sweet Marshmallow with the refreshing flavors of DR PEPPER! Treat yourself to the new PEEPS DR PEPPER Flavored Marshmallow Chicks, only available at Walmart. PEEPS Kettle Corn Flavored Marshmallow Chicks Popcorn and movies are the perfect pair! One bite of the sweet and salty PEEPS Kettle Corn Flavored Marshmallow Chicks will transport you to your favorite movie-viewing venue. Find this new favorite only at Kroger Family of Stores. To help fans get their hands on these delicious new PEEPS Marshmallow offerings, the PEEPS Brand is hosting a giveaway on its official Instagram page from Feb. 2nd through Feb. 5th. Check it out to enter for your chance to win! Visit www.peepsbrand.com for additional information or fun craft and recipe ideas for the Spring season. To purchase PEEPS Candy and merchandise, fans can shop online at www.peepsandcompany.com. To download high-res product images, click here. About Just Born Quality Confections: Just Born Quality Confections is a third-generation family-owned candy manufacturer with its purpose to bring sweetness to people's lives. Just Born is the maker of some of America's most beloved and iconic brands PEEPS, MIKE AND IKE, HOT TAMALES and GOLDENBERG'S PEANUT CHEWS. As Just Born celebrates a century of sweetness, it has enjoyed being a part of family traditions and memories for 100 years. In 1923, the founder, Sam Born, opened a small candy shop in Brooklyn, New York, where he marketed the freshness of his daily-made candy with a sign that declared, "Just Born." Together with Born's brothers-in-law, Irv and Jack Shaffer, the company thrived and, in 1932, moved its operations to Bethlehem, PA where it has grown to become one of the largest candy companies in the US by giving back to the community, being good environmental stewards and creating a culture where people want to work. For more information, please visit www.justborn.com. For hi-res images and video assets, please see here. Follow @JustBornInc on Facebook and Twitter. SOURCE Just Born Quality Confections 51% of IT decision makers believe there will be a successful cyberattack credited to ChatGPT within the year 95% believe governments have a responsibility to regulate advanced technologies, such as ChatGPT WATERLOO, ON, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- BlackBerry Limited (NYSE: BB; TSX: BB) today released new research revealing that half (51%) of IT professionals predict that we are less than a year away from a successful cyberattack being credited to ChatGPT, and 71% believe that foreign states may already be using the technology for malicious purposes against other nations. The survey of 1,500 IT decision makers across North America, UK, and Australia exposed a perception that, although respondents in all countries see ChatGPT as generally being put to use for 'good' purposes, 74% acknowledge its potential threat to cybersecurity and are concerned. Though there are differing views around the world on how that threat might manifest, ChatGPT's ability to help hackers craft more believable and legitimate sounding phishing emails is the top global concern (53%), along with enabling less experienced hackers to improve their technical knowledge and develop more specialized skills (49%) and its use for spreading misinformation (49%). 74% of IT decision makers acknowledge ChatGPT's potential threat to cybersecurity and are concerned Tweet this Shishir Singh, Chief Technology Officer, Cybersecurity at BlackBerry explains: "ChatGPT will likely increase its influence in the cyber industry over time. We've all seen a lot of hype and scaremongering, but the pulse of the industry remains fairly pragmatic and for good reason. There are a lot of benefits to be gained from this kind of advanced technology and we're only beginning to scratch the surface, but we also can't ignore the ramifications. As the maturity of the platform and the hackers' experience of putting it to use progresses, it will get more and more difficult to defend without also using AI in defense to level the playing field." Indeed, BlackBerry's research results also revealed that the majority (82%) of IT decision-makers plan to invest in AI-driven cybersecurity in the next two years and almost half (48%) plan to invest before the end of 2023. This reflects the growing concern that signature-based protection solutions are no longer effective in providing cyber protection against an increasingly sophisticated threat. Whilst IT directors are positive that ChatGPT will enhance cybersecurity for businesses, the survey also revealed that 95% believe governments have a responsibility to regulate advanced technologies. However, at present, there is an optimistic consensus that technology and research professionals will gain more than cyber criminals from the capabilities of ChatGPT. Singh concludes: "It's been well documented that people with malicious intent are testing the waters but, over the course of this year, we expect to see hackers get a much better handle on how to use ChatGPT successfully for nefarious purposes; whether as a tool to write better mutable malware or as an enabler to bolster their 'skillset.' Both cyber pros and hackers will continue to look into how they can utilize it best. Time will tell who's more effective." For more information on how BlackBerry's comprehensive, prevention-first, AI-driven cybersecurity solutions can help your business prepare for, prevent, detect and respond to cyber threats, please visit BlackBerry.com. Note: Research conducted in January 2023 by OnePoll on behalf of BlackBerry, into 1,500 IT Decision Makers across North America (USA and Canada), the United Kingdom and Australia. About BlackBerry BlackBerry (NYSE: BB; TSX: BB) provides intelligent security software and services to enterprises and governments around the world. The company secures more than 500M endpoints including over 215M vehicles. Based in Waterloo, Ontario, the company leverages AI and machine learning to deliver innovative solutions in the areas of cybersecurity, safety and data privacy solutions, and is a leader in the areas of endpoint management, endpoint security, encryption, and embedded systems. BlackBerry's vision is clear - to secure a connected future you can trust. BlackBerry. Intelligent Security. Everywhere. For more information, visit BlackBerry.com and follow @BlackBerry. Trademarks, including but not limited to BLACKBERRY and EMBLEM Design are the trademarks or registered trademarks of BlackBerry Limited, and the exclusive rights to such trademarks are expressly reserved. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. BlackBerry is not responsible for any third-party products or services. Media Contacts: BlackBerry Media Relations +1 (519) 597-7273 [email protected] SOURCE BlackBerry Limited La Canciller Ana Cecilia Gervasi concluyo una importante agenda de trabajo en EE.UU., donde fortalecio el apoyo a la institucionalidad democratica del Peru y la promocion del comercio e inversiones. ?? https://t.co/iMp8WSZf3T pic.twitter.com/qaQUnkCseQ FlySafair customers can now make faster, secure and more convenient payments to the airline via their mobile phones REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Clickatell, the Chat Commerce and mobile messaging leader, today announced that they have gone live with its Chat 2 Pay feature with FlySafair, South Africa's leading low-cost airline. FlySafair is the first airline in the world to deploy Chat 2 Pay with a pay-by-link capability that allows its customers the convenience of effortless mobile payments via FlySafair's WhatsApp channel. Clickatell with FlySafair launch Chat 2 Pay, enabling payments for travelers in WhatsApp Tweet this Together with Clickatell, FlySafair is the first airline in the world to deploy Chat 2 Pay, a pay-by-link capability that gives customers convenience of WhatsApp mobile payments. "We are always looking for ways to improve our customer experience and are therefore very excited that our customers can now pay for their luggage with a payment link shared to their mobile phones via WhatsApp. There is no need any more for our customers to go stand in a queue at the airport to pay for luggage," explained Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer at FlySafair. FlySafair customers can access the WhatsApp service by sending "Hi" to the FlySafair business account on +27 87 357 0030. Once in the WhatsApp channel customers can select "My Booking" and then "Buy a Bag" and follow the prompts on the secure payment link to make a purchase on WhatsApp. Customers can also scan a QR code at the check-in counters to receive the secure payment link. FlySafair, recognized by TripAdvisor as one of the world's top carriers based on the quantity and quality of reviews and ratings for airlines worldwide, is bucking the trend of airlines using mobile apps to address consumers' needs by using WhatsApp as a convenient, instantaneous and optimal customer service and transaction channel for its customers. By adding Chat 2 Pay, FlySafair helps its customers to save time and safely make payments further by clicking on the Chat 2 Pay link delivered in a message in WhatsApp without requiring them to expose their personal payment information to a call center agent or by reading the payment card details out over the phone. Interacting and transacting with airlines using mobile messaging has already been welcomed by travelers. Clickatell's latest Chat Commerce Trends Report: Travel Edition 2022, found that 89% of consumers would like to use mobile messaging to interact with airlines and 77% said they are willing to use a mobile payment link with travel brands. Commerce within mobile messaging is becoming the preferred way for consumers to transact, accounting for 71% of retail traffic and generating 61% of online shopping orders. "We are thrilled to work with FlySafair to transform its customers' experience by making it possible to make payments using their mobile phones. No one has time to stand in queues anymore, and almost every adult on the planet has a mobile phone. There is a major opportunity for airlines across the globe to enhance their customers' travel experience by making it possible to browse, book and pay for, as well as manage their travel bookings on their mobile phones," said Jeppe Dorff, Chief Product and Technology Officer at Clickatell. About a year ago FlySafair expanded its customer service by offering the popular WhatsApp channel through the Clickatell Platform. The FlySafair WhatsApp channel hosts key information about customer bookings, flight status, general flight information, an option to check-in and receive boarding passes on WhatsApp, the option to chat with a live agent and now the option to make payments for extra products and services. "Our goal is to offer all the functionality currently available on our website via the WhatsApp channel, making end-to-end booking and reservation management as easy as possible," added Gordon. For more information about Chat 2 Pay, please visit Clickatell's product page here. About Clickatell Clickatell is the global Chat Commerce leader powering businesses to connect, interact and transact with consumers anytime, anywhere in chat. The low / no-code, feature-rich Chat Commerce Platform sits at the intersection of communications (CPaaS, CCaaS) and commerce (digital payments). Clickatell serves over 10,000 customers, including Fortune 50 brands. Clickatell is headquartered in Silicon Valley, CA, and has offices in Canada, South Africa and Nigeria. Learn more at www.clickatell.com . About FlySafair FlySafair is a low-cost carrier operating in Southern Africa. Flights are available between OR Tambo, Lanseria, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, George, East London, Durban Bloemfontein from just R599. In March 2022, FlySafair launched flights between OR Tambo and Mauritius, its first regional destination. The airline was awarded Aviation Company of the Year at the 2019 South African Civil Aviation Authority awards along with Aircraft Operator of the Year, Aviation Customer Services, Aviation Security, and Aviation Maintenance Organisation. The airline also received top honours from the Cirium On-Time Performance Review 2021 for being the most on-time airline in the Middle East and Africa in 2021. FlySafair has also been named Best Airline Africa and Indian Ocean in the TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice awards for Airlines in 2018, 2019 and 2020. FlySafair began operations in October 2014 and is ranked South Africa's most on-time airline, while proudly being the Trusted Domestic Carrier for the Springboks. Media Contacts 1. Clickatell, Andrea Mahoney, [email protected] , +1415-846-1543 2. Clickatell, Nadia Louw, [email protected] , +2721-036-1958 SOURCE Clickatell JACKSON, Mich., Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- CMS Energy announced today reported earnings per share of $2.85 for 2022, compared to $4.66 per share for 2021. The company's adjusted earnings per share for 2022 were $2.89, compared to $2.65 for 2021. CMS Energy also announced the increase of its annual dividend by 11 cents per share to $1.95 for 2023. CMS Energy raised its 2023 adjusted earnings guidance to $3.06 to $3.12 per share, from $3.05 to $3.11 per share* (*See below for important information about non-GAAP measures) and reaffirmed long-term adjusted EPS growth of 6 to 8 percent, with continued confidence toward the high end of the adjusted EPS growth range. "CMS Energy has delivered two decades of industry leading financial performance and our strong results in 2022 have positioned the company well for 2023," said Garrick Rochow, President and CEO of CMS Energy and Consumers Energy. "Our commitment remains steadfast to our customers, communities and investors as we deliver across the triple bottom line." CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS) is a Michigan-based energy provider featuring Consumers Energy as its primary business. It also owns and operates independent power generation businesses. CMS Energy will hold a webcast to discuss its 2022 year-end results and provide a business and financial outlook on Thursday, February 2 at 9:30 a.m. (EST). To participate in the webcast, go to CMS Energy's homepage (cmsenergy.com) and select "Events and Presentations." Important information for investors about non-GAAP measures and other disclosures. This news release contains non-Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (non-GAAP) measures, such as adjusted earnings. All references to net income refer to net income available to common stockholders and references to earnings per share are on a diluted basis. Adjustments could include items such as discontinued operations, asset sales, impairments, restructuring costs, business optimization initiative, changes in accounting principles, changes in federal tax policy, regulatory items from prior years, unrealized gains or losses from mark-to-market adjustments recognized in net income related to NorthStar Clean Energy's interest expense, or other items. Management views adjusted earnings as a key measure of the company's present operating financial performance and uses adjusted earnings for external communications with analysts and investors. Internally, the company uses adjusted earnings to measure and assess performance. Because the company is not able to estimate the impact of specific line items, which have the potential to significantly impact, favorably or unfavorably, the company's reported earnings in future periods, the company is not providing reported earnings guidance nor is it providing a reconciliation for the comparable future period earnings. The company's adjusted earnings should be considered supplemental information to assist in understanding our business results, rather than as a substitute for the reported earnings. This news release contains "forward-looking statements." The forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause CMS Energy's and Consumers Energy's results to differ materially. All forward-looking statements should be considered in the context of the risk and other factors detailed from time to time in CMS Energy's and Consumers Energy's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. Investors and others should note that CMS Energy routinely posts important information on its website and considers the Investor Relations section, www.cmsenergy.com/investor-relations, a channel of distribution. For more information on CMS Energy, please visit our website at cmsenergy.com. To sign up for email alert notifications, please visit the Investor Relations section of our website. CMS ENERGY CORPORATION Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) In Millions, Except Per Share Amounts Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended 12/31/22 12/31/21 12/31/22 12/31/21 Operating revenue $ 2,278 $ 2,033 $ 8,596 $ 7,329 Operating expenses 2,007 1,829 7,372 6,183 Operating Income 271 204 1,224 1,146 Other income 52 41 197 177 Interest charges 139 126 519 500 Income Before Income Taxes 184 119 902 823 Income tax expense 21 5 93 95 Income From Continuing Operations 163 114 809 728 Income from discontinued operations, net of tax - 520 4 602 Net Income 163 634 813 1,330 Loss attributable to noncontrolling interests (8) (5) (24) (23) Net Income Attributable to CMS Energy 171 639 837 1,353 Preferred stock dividends 3 2 10 5 Net Income Available to Common Stockholders $ 168 $ 637 $ 827 $ 1,348 Diluted Earnings Per Average Common Share Income from continuing operations per average common share available to common stockholders $ 0.58 $ 0.40 $ 2.84 $ 2.58 Income from discontinued operations per average common share available to common stockholders - 1.80 0.01 2.08 Diluted earnings per average common share $ 0.58 $ 2.20 $ 2.85 $ 4.66 CMS ENERGY CORPORATION Summarized Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) In Millions As of 12/31/22 12/31/21 Assets Current assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 164 $ 452 Restricted cash and cash equivalents 18 24 Other current assets 3,251 2,151 Total current assets 3,433 2,627 Non-current assets Plant, property, and equipment 22,713 22,352 Other non-current assets 5,207 3,774 Total Assets $ 31,353 $ 28,753 Liabilities and Equity Current liabilities (1) $ 1,866 $ 1,822 Non-current liabilities (1) 7,583 7,269 Capitalization Debt and finance leases (excluding securitization debt) (2) Debt and finance leases (excluding non-recourse and securitization debt) 14,139 12,200 Non-recourse debt - 76 Total debt and finance leases (excluding securitization debt) 14,139 12,276 Preferred stock and securities 224 224 Noncontrolling interests 580 557 Common stockholders' equity 6,791 6,407 Total capitalization (excluding securitization debt) 21,734 19,464 Securitization debt (2) 170 198 Total Liabilities and Equity $ 31,353 $ 28,753 (1) Excludes debt and finance leases. (2) Includes current and non-current portions. CMS ENERGY CORPORATION Summarized Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) In Millions Twelve Months Ended 12/31/22 12/31/21 Beginning of Period Cash and Cash Equivalents, Including Restricted Amounts $ 476 $ 185 Net cash provided by operating activities 855 1,819 Net cash used in investing activities (2,476) (1,233) Cash flows from operating and investing activities (1,621) 586 Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 1,327 (295) Total Cash Flows $ (294) $ 291 End of Period Cash and Cash Equivalents, Including Restricted Amounts $ 182 $ 476 CMS ENERGY CORPORATION Reconciliation of GAAP Net Income to Non-GAAP Adjusted Net Income (Unaudited) In Millions, Except Per Share Amounts Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended 12/31/22 12/31/21 12/31/22 12/31/21 Net Income Available to Common Stockholders $ 168 $ 637 $ 827 $ 1,348 Reconciling items: Disposal of discontinued operations gain - (665) (5) (657) Tax impact - 145 1 143 Discontinued operations income - - - (115) Tax impact - - - 27 Other exclusions from adjusted earnings** 9 * 8 (1) Tax impact (2) (*) (2) * Loss on fleet impairment - 29 - 29 Tax impact - (7) - (7) Voluntary separation program 1 - 12 - Tax impact (*) - (3) - Adjusted net income non-GAAP $ 176 $ 139 $ 838 $ 767 Average Common Shares Outstanding - Diluted 290.1 289.7 290.0 289.5 Diluted Earnings Per Average Common Share Reported net income per share $ 0.58 $ 2.20 $ 2.85 $ 4.66 Reconciling items: Disposal of discontinued operations gain - (2.30) (0.01) (2.27) Tax impact - 0.50 * 0.49 Discontinued operations income - - - (0.39) Tax impact - - - 0.09 Other exclusions from adjusted earnings** 0.03 * 0.03 (*) Tax impact (0.01) (*) (0.01) * Loss on fleet impairment - 0.10 - 0.10 Tax impact - (0.03) - (0.03) Voluntary separation program * - 0.04 - Tax impact (*) - (0.01) - Adjusted net income per share non-GAAP $ 0.60 $ 0.47 $ 2.89 $ 2.65 * Less than $0.5 million or $0.01 per share. ** Includes restructuring costs, business optimization initiative, and unrealized gains or losses from mark-to-market adjustments, recognized in net income related to NorthStar Clean Energy's interest expense. Management views adjusted (non-Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) earnings as a key measure of the Company's present operating financial performance and uses adjusted earnings for external communications with analysts and investors. Internally, the Company uses adjusted earnings to measure and assess performance. Adjustments could include items such as discontinued operations, asset sales, impairments, restructuring costs, business optimization initiative, changes in accounting principles, changes in federal tax policy, regulatory items from prior years, unrealized gains or losses from mark-to-market adjustments, recognized in net income related to NorthStar Clean Energy's interest expense, or other items. The adjusted earnings should be considered supplemental information to assist in understanding our business results, rather than as a substitute for reported earnings. Check out Consumers Energy on Social Media Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/consumersenergymichigan Twitter: https://twitter.com/consumersenergy LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/consumersenergy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/consumersenergy SOURCE CMS Energy More Than 800 Team Members Clean 1,000 Properties Per Month BRISTOL, Pa., Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- CNS Cleaning Company announced today that the family-owned business continues to grow at a 30% annual rate after 40 years of continuous operations. Since 1983, the award-winning commercial cleaning company has kept its clients' facilities clean despite natural disasters, blackouts, outbreaks, recessions and, most recently, a pandemic. Lead by President Bill Dunn, middle, CNS Cleaning Company keeps businesses squeaky clean with the latest technology, special attention to detail and responsive communications. Since 1983, the family-owned company has earned a BBB A+ rating and more than 200 5-Star customer reviews. Whether its office or window cleaning, on-demand porter services or mold remediation, the independent company has a team of 500+ crew members that cover the entire Philadelphia region. This summer, CNS expects to hit another milestonedoubling its revenue since it revamped operations three years ago. CNS President Bill Dunn attributes his company's latest growth spurt to standardized procedures that have made the organization more effective, efficient and scalable. "We are an extension of our clients who entrust us with their offices, universities, supermarkets, apartment complexes and restaurants," said Dunn about the added value his company provides. "As a commercial cleaning company, our team members are often the first in a building and the last ones to leave. We help keep your places clean and secure." For four decades, the family-owned business has earned a BBB A+ rating and more than 200 five-star reviews online from clients who appreciate CNS' attention to detail, oversight and responsiveness. "From their results to their customer service to their communication, when we first hired CNS, we were told about the customer service and how much they care," said Kristin Rhoads, who is an assistant to the CEO at real estate development company Pennrose in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. "I don't think we realized how useful that might be when it comes to cleaning. But honestly, we have a new standard, and we could never go back. If I need something, someone is there to answer. If something is not right, there's someone to calland not just correct. There's someone that shows up to ensure that it's been handled. I never realized how much that impacts a relationship with maintaining a building until finding CNS." There are several good reasons why Debbie Pino, an office administrator at law office Kulzer & DiPadova in Haddonfield, New Jersey, has worked with CNS' cleaning crews for a long time. "We have never had to consider a different cleaning company," Pino said. "From their management down to their crews, they follow through on their words and any requests I have. They leave our building in great condition every morning. When we have special requests, they answer us and complete them immediately. They are a very good company to work with, and I'd recommend them to anyone." In addition to improving standardized procedures in 2019, the Greater Philadelphia-based company has invested in the latest technologies and certifications, along with training for its 800-plus team members who clean 1,000 properties per month. In 1983, CNS started with three employees. The family-owned company provides a full suite of commercial cleaning services that includes janitorial services, office cleaning, floor cleaning, porter services, window cleaning, high rise window cleaning and carpet cleaning. CNS's highly training clean crews offer EPA-approved, FDA-approved antimicrobial nanotechnology that kills 99.9% of bacteria and viruses. Regarding restoration services, the company's cleaning crews are also CAT III trained to remove sewage and river water and certified in state-of-the-art IICRC mold remediation. CNS has a proven track record of helping business owners and facility managers with executive offices, corporate offices and apartment turnovers. To learn more about CNS, visit the company's site or call (888) 348-6946. About CNS Cleaning Company CNS Cleaning Company keeps businesses squeaky clean with the latest technology, special attention to detail and responsive communications. Since 1983, the family-owned company has earned a BBB A+ rating and more than 200 5-Star customer reviews. Whether its office or window cleaning, on-demand porter services or mold remediation, the independent company has a team of 500+ crew members that cover the entire Philadelphia region. CNS uses unique cleaning technologies, including an antimicrobial nanotechnology process that eliminates 99.9% of bacteria and viruses in corporate offices, healthcare facilities, universities, resorts and commercial spaces. For more information, please contact CNS Cleaning Company or call (215) 782-6025. CONTACT: Kenneth Hitchner, CMA [email protected], 609-297-2215 SOURCE CNS Cleaning Company SoCalGas residential customers will receive a one-time California Climate Credit of $50.77 in February or March, depending on their billing cycle LOS ANGELES, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) today approved the acceleration of the California Climate Credit for Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) customers in response to the unprecedented natural gas prices impacting the Western United States. SoCalGas' residential customers will receive a credit of $50.77 in their February or March bill. The California Climate Credit is a state program designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Some of the funds raised through the program are distributed annually in April to SoCalGas customers in the form of bill credits. Due to high natural gas bills in January, the CPUC voted to accelerate this annual credit to February or March, depending on customers' individual billing cycles. "We support the CPUC's swift action to accelerate the Climate Credit for SoCalGas customers, who are in need of relief from the market forces that have led to these unusually high bills," said SoCalGas Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer Gillian Wright. "We know our customers have been feeling the effects of high gas prices acutely and this action, combined with lower market prices in February, will provide some relief. Still, we urge customers to continue to conserve and take advantage of financial assistance or payment programs that can help with high bills." After unprecedented highs due to West Coast market conditions, market prices for natural gas have dropped significantly for February when compared to prices seen in January. While prices in the western region have decreased from the prices seen in January, they remain higher than last year. The core procurement rate changes each month and reflects the price SoCalGas pays for natural gas for residential and business customers. SoCalGas does not set the price for natural gas. Instead, natural gas prices are determined by national and regional markets. SoCalGas buys natural gas in those markets on behalf of residential and small business customers, and the cost of buying that gas is billed to those customers with no markup, meaning SoCalGas does not profit from higher gas commodity prices. Why Have Prices Been So High? According to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), a number of factors have contributed to higher natural gas commodity prices that customers are currently seeing. Widespread, below-normal temperatures on much of the West Coast, including Washington and Oregon; High natural gas demand for heating by customers in areas with below normal temperatures; Reduced natural gas supplies to the West Coast from Canada ; ; Reduced interstate pipeline capacity to the West Coast because of pipeline maintenance activities in West Texas ; and ; and Low natural gas storage levels in the Pacific Region. According to the EIA, the U.S. set a natural gas consumption daily record on Dec. 23, 2022, further exacerbating supply and demand woes last month. Help is Available Conservation is one way to help lower bills. SoCalGas recommends the following tips to reduce energy usage: Lowering your thermostat three to five degrees if health permits can save up to 10 percent on heating costs. Installing proper caulking and weather-stripping can save roughly 10 to 15 percent on heating and cooling bills. Washing clothes in cold water to save up to 10 percent on water heating costs. Considering turning down the temperature on your water heater, keeping in mind that most hot water heaters require a temperature of 120 degrees or higher. Limiting use of non-essential natural gas appliances such as spas and fireplaces. SoCalGas' free Ways to Save tool may also help customers find ways to save on natural gas bills, with a personalized savings plan that offers a household energy analysis, customized energy-efficiency recommendations, bill comparisons and energy usage comparisons. Ways to Save can be found at socalgas.com/WaysToSave. Customers can also sign up for weekly Bill Tracker Alerts to monitor natural gas consumption, take steps to reduce usage, and avoid bill surprises. Eligible customers may sign up for a Level Pay Plan (LPP), for example, which averages their annual natural gas use and costs over 12 months. There are also financial assistance programs for eligible customers who are experiencing hardships. In January, SoCalGas tripled its contribution to the Gas Assistance Fund, increasing it to $1 million. This program helps income-qualified customers pay their natural gas bills with a one-time $100 grant. Customers can visit socalgas.com/ManageHigherBills for more information on the factors that lead to higher bills and ways we can help. For more information, please visit https://www.socalgas.com/highbills. About SoCalGas Headquartered in Los Angeles, SoCalGas is the largest gas distribution utility in the United States. SoCalGas delivers affordable, reliable, and increasingly renewable gas service to 21.8 million consumers across 24,000 square miles of Central and Southern California. Gas delivered through the company's pipelines will continue to play a key role in California's clean energy transitionproviding electric grid reliability and supporting wind and solar energy deployment. SoCalGas' mission is to build the cleanest, safest and most innovative energy company in America. In support of that mission, SoCalGas aspires to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in its operations and delivery of energy by 2045 and to replacing 20 percent of its traditional natural gas supply to core customers with renewable natural gas (RNG) by 2030. Renewable natural gas is made from waste created by landfills and wastewater treatment plants. SoCalGas is also committed to investing in its gas delivery infrastructure while keeping bills affordable for customers. SoCalGas is a subsidiary of Sempra (NYSE: SRE), an energy infrastructure company based in San Diego. For more information visit socalgas.com/newsroom or connect with SoCalGas on Twitter (@SoCalGas), Instagram (@SoCalGas) and Facebook. SOURCE Southern California Gas Company MIAMI, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Car Wash Advisory, a leading investment banking firm and transaction advisor focused exclusively on the car wash industry, is pleased to announce the successful sale of its client Auto Spa of Wyomissing (ASW). Auto Spa of Wyomissing is a full-service car wash in Pennsylvania owned by brothers Brennan Bressler and Brad Bressler. Brittany Webb, Vice President at CWA commented: "Working with Brennan and Brad has been an absolute pleasure. It's always encouraging to see owners and operators be rewarded for the business they have built and move on to a new chapter as a direct result of their hard work. Owners like Brennan and Brad should be recognized for their determination, and remind the industry that success still derives from hands-on efforts and tenacity. Our team is always thankful to work with operators of that mentality." Owner Brennan Bressler of Auto Spa of Wyomissing comments on working with Car Wash Advisory saying "I would highly recommend using Car Wash Advisory to anyone that wants to buy or sell a car wash. The CWA deal team made the process extremely easy and answered every question I had regarding the process." About Auto Spa of Wyomissing Auto Spa of Wyomissing is an award winning family owned full-service car wash in Berks county Pennsylvania. Father Irv, along with his wife, Louise and two sons, Brad and Brennan, took control of the Auto Spa operation in August 1991, concentrating their efforts on making the Auto Spa a premier carwash and detail center on the east coast. As a family owned business, much of their success can be attributed to their fast, friendly, hands on service. Customers describe this wash as "the best quick clean in town", and a "great placewith hands down great service". About Car Wash Advisory CWA Capital Partners, a fully and wholly owned subsidiary of Car Wash Advisory, LLC, is a leading nationwide investment banking and brokerage firm based in Florida specializing in, and focused solely on, the car wash industry. Founded by CEO Harry Caruso, Car Wash Advisory's team of financial professionals provides sellside M&A advisory and debt and equity capital raising services to car wash owners and operators across the United States. To learn more or reach out to the CWA team, visit www.carwashadvisory.com . Contact: Robin Sisk - Administrative Coordinator Car Wash Advisory 332-209-4246 [email protected] SOURCE Car Wash Advisory PORTLAND, Ore., Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Nearly two-thirds of employees think their companies are not doing enough to foster diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEI&B) in the workplace, according to the results of a new survey from WebMD Health Services. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging: Uncovering What Employees are Offered, Want and Need, released today, found that while 89% of survey respondents work for companies with DEI&B programs, 62% believe that the programs are not doing what they are designed to do. Nearly half (46%) reported that DEI&B programs have failed them personally. DEI&B may include education and training, mental and emotional health support, mentoring, resources for gender identity and sexual health, and paid time off for volunteering. Most respondents (64%) said they would benefit if their company were truly committed to DEI&B. Nearly nine in 10 reported stress over issues ranging from the economy and world events, and 68% said they needed more help from their companies in managing their financial, emotional, and mental and physical health concerns. The online survey sampled 2,000 adults working full time in the U.S. for organizations with 2,500 or more U.S.-based employees. The survey was designed and conducted by Blue Research, an independent research firm, with WebMD Health Services approval. Click here to view the survey: https://www.webmdhealthservices.com/campaign/webmd-health-services-2023-deib-research-project/ Click here for additional insights: https://www.webmdhealthservices.com/resources/whitepapers/deib-in-the-workplace/ Issues With Belonging Although all aspects of DEI&B fell short, employees were particularly critical of efforts to support a feeling of belonging, i.e. they matter, they're valued. More than half (57%) of respondents cited "belonging" as needing improvement, compared with 43% who said diversity was their key concern. Additionally: One in three employees reported their opinions are not valued. One in five reported that they feel like an outsider, isolated, and unfairly excluded from roles and tasks that would lead to advancement. More than one-third said their talents are neither utilized nor appreciated by managers, and 20% said they are treated differently based on how they look. Issues May Be Greater for LGBTQ, Black Employees LGBTQ respondents were more likely than others to report concerns with belonging, while Black respondents were more likely to cite issues with diversity, and that they had been treated differently based on looks. Taken together, eight in 10 LGBTQ and Black employees reported they would personally benefit if their company was truly committed to DEI&B. Additionally, more than three in four reported they want to work for a company that values DEI&B. Call for Accountability While the survey found that a wide majority (89%) of employees believe their company CEO would publicly endorse DEI&B, the results point to a disconnect between this high-level support, employee perceptions, and overall impact of programs and policies. Nearly half of survey respondents (46%) cited a lack of accountability in achieving DEI&B goals. A majority (73%) said the job of promoting and implementing DEI&B should rest with managers or supervisors, rather than senior leaders, and only 16% said the job should be left to human resources departments. "Although most employees work for companies with DEI&B programs, the majority are not experiencing the benefits," said Christine Muldoon, vice president of strategy at WebMD Health Services. "This survey tells us that programs and policies aren't enough on their own. What is needed now are strategies that can leverage those programs so they change workplace culture at all levels. This commitment, combined with effective accountability, can empower employees to bring their best contributions and authentic selves to the workplace." Survey Methodology The random, representative samples captured, as well as an "oversample" of specific employee segments, include: 600 randomly sampled respondents to represent the overall population, without any demographic bias; 1,404 targeted respondents to compare results with a high degree of statistical certainty across African-American/Black, Asian, Hispanic, LGBTQ, Gen X, Gen Y (millennial), and Gen Z respondents. * *Sample sizes for each, including responses captured in the random sample, were: African American/Black n=327, Asian n=253, Hispanic n=268, LGBTQ n=385 (Identify sexuality as bisexual, homosexual, other and/or identify gender as non-binary, transgender, other), Gen X n=634 (42-57 years old), Gen Y (millennial) n=837 (26-41 years old), Gen Z n=310 (18-25 years old). About WebMD Health Services WebMD Health Services, a part of WebMD Health Corp., has over 25 years of experience driving positive behavior changes. Consumers trust WebMD for reliable, accurate, and clear answers to their most pressing health-related questions. At WebMD Health Services, we tap into these valuable consumer insights to design and implement successful, engaging solutions to help individuals meet their well-being needs. We understand that there are numerous paths to reach well-being goals. Our expertise, combined with a variety of third-party partner integrations, enables us to deliver unique and personalized experiences across a wide range of industries. See how we support these diverse populations at webmdhealthservices.com. About WebMD Health Corp. WebMD, an Internet Brands company, is at the heart of the digital health revolution that is transforming the health care experience for consumers, patients, health care professionals, employers, health plans, and health systems. Through public and private online portals, mobile platforms, and health-focused publications, WebMD delivers leading-edge content and digital services that enable and improve decision-making, support and motivate health actions, streamline and simplify the health care journey, and improve patient care. The WebMD Health Network includes WebMD Health, Medscape, Jobson Healthcare Information, MediQuality, Frontline, Vitals Consumer Services, Aptus Health, Krames, PulsePoint, The Wellness Network, SanovaWorks, MedicineNet, eMedicineHealth, RxList, OnHealth, Medscape Education, and other owned WebMD sites. WebMD, Medscape, CME Circle, Medpulse, eMedicine, MedicineNet, theheart.org and RxList are among the trademarks of WebMD Health Corp. or its subsidiaries. SOURCE WebMD Health Services CHICAGO, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Eleven Hightower advisors have been named to Forbes' "America's Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in-State" list, which ranks the top female advisors in the nation who collectively manage more than $2.3 trillion in assets. The Hightower advisors honored by Forbes this year are: Barbara Archer of Hightower Wealth Advisors | St. Louis in St. Louis, MO. of Hightower Wealth Advisors | in Andrea Baumann Lustig of Fischer Stralem Advisors in New York, NY . of Fischer Stralem Advisors in . Ruth Berger of RJ Wealth Management in New York, NY . of RJ Wealth Management in . Melissa Duffy of White Pine Wealth Management in Falmouth, ME . of White Pine Wealth Management in . Deborah Feldman of Fairport Wealth in Buffalo Grove, IL. of Fairport Wealth in Leah Jones of Hightower Bethesda in Bethesda, MD . of in . Megan Kowalski of The Lerner Group in Boca Raton, FL. of The Lerner Group in Michelle Kuzma Kempf of VWG Wealth Management in Vienna, VA . of VWG Wealth Management in . Alexandra Miele of The Andriole Group in Madison, CT . of The Andriole Group in . Lauren Pearson of Somerset Advisory in Birmingham, AL . of Somerset Advisory in . Gibson Wilkes of White Pine Wealth Management in Falmouth, ME . "I want to congratulate these extraordinary women for this well-deserved honor," said Hightower Chairman and CEO Bob Oros. "In addition to helping clients reach their financial goals, they are leading the wealth management industry forward while serving as true role models for the female leaders of tomorrow. We are thrilled to see them recognized for their hard work, dedication and the incredible impact they have on clients' financial lives." The Forbes ranking of "Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in-State" list was developed by SHOOK Research, based on an algorithm of qualitative data, provided through surveys and interviews. With a minimum of seven years of experience, advisors are evaluated according to best practices, level of service, investing models and compliance records, as well as quantitative data such as revenue trends and assets under management. View the full list here: https://www.forbes.com/lists/best-in-state-women-advisors/?sh=c48309e1d113 About Hightower Hightower is a wealth management firm that provides investment, financial and retirement planning services to individuals, foundations and family offices, as well as 401(k) consulting and cash management services to corporations. Hightower's capital solutions, operational support services, size and scale empower its vibrant community of independent-minded wealth advisors to grow their businesses and help their clients achieve their vision of "well-th. rebalanced." Based in Chicago with advisors across the U.S., the firm operates as a registered investment advisor (RIA). Learn more about Hightower's collaborative business model at www.hightoweradvisors.com. Securities offered through Hightower Securities, LLC member FINRA/SIPC. Hightower Advisors, LLC is a SEC registered investment advisor. Media Contact: Siobhan Nolan JConnelly (862) 217-9585 [email protected] SOURCE Hightower ATLANTA, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Equifax (NYSE: EFX) today announced that the Equifax Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.39 per share, payable on March 15, 2023, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on February 22, 2023. Equifax has paid cash dividends for more than 100 consecutive years. ABOUT EQUIFAX INC. At Equifax (NYSE: EFX), we believe knowledge drives progress. As a global data, analytics, and technology company, we play an essential role in the global economy by helping financial institutions, companies, employers, and government agencies make critical decisions with greater confidence. Our unique blend of differentiated data, analytics, and cloud technology drives insights to power decisions to move people forward. Headquartered in Atlanta and supported by more than 11,000 employees worldwide, Equifax operates or has investments in 24 countries in North America, Central and South America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific region. For more information, visit Equifax.com . FOR MORE INFORMATION [email protected] SOURCE Equifax Inc. SILVER SPRING, Md., Feb. 1, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Jesduvroq tablets (daprodustat) as the first oral treatment for anemia (decreased number of red blood cells) caused by chronic kidney disease for adults who have been receiving dialysis for at least four months. Jesduvroq is not approved for patients who are not on dialysis. Other FDA-approved treatments for this condition are injected into the blood or under the skin. "With an oral drug option in addition to the FDA-approved injection options, adults with chronic kidney disease on dialysis now have multiple ways to treat their anemia," said Ann Farrell, M.D., director of the Division of Non-Malignant Hematology in the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. "This approval demonstrates the FDA's commitment to helping bring a range of therapeutic options to patients with chronic diseases. Patients can consult with their healthcare providers to select the option that is most appropriate." More than a half million adults in the U.S. have chronic kidney disease requiring dialysis (a treatment that filters the blood and removes excess fluid from the blood). Kidneys produce a hormone called erythropoietin, which signals the body to make red blood cells. In a person with chronic kidney disease on dialysis, the kidneys cannot produce enough erythropoietin, leading to reduced numbers of red blood cells. Jesduvroq increases erythropoietin levels. The effectiveness of Jesduvroq was established in a randomized study of 2,964 adults receiving dialysis. In this study, adults received either oral Jesduvroq or injected recombinant human erythropoietin (a standard of care treatment for patients with anemia due to chronic kidney disease). Jesduvroq raised and maintained the hemoglobin (the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen and is a common measure of anemia) within the target range of 10-11 grams/deciliter, similar to that of the recombinant human erythropoietin. Jesduvroq has a boxed warning for an increased risk of thrombotic vascular (blood clotting) events including death, heart attack, stroke, and blood clots in the lungs, legs, or dialysis access site. Jesduvroq's warnings and precautions include a risk of hospitalization for heart failure, worsening increase of blood pressure, and stomach erosions and gastrointestinal bleeding. Jesduvroq is not approved for patients with anemia due to chronic kidney disease who are not on dialysis because its safety has not been established in that population. The most common side effects of Jesduvroq include high blood pressure, thrombotic vascular events, abdominal pain, dizziness and allergic reactions. Patients should not use Jesduvroq if they also take certain drugs that cause increased levels of Jesduvroq or if they have uncontrolled high blood pressure. The FDA granted the approval to GlaxoSmithKline LLC. Additional Resources: Media Contact: Chanapa Tantibanchachai, 202-384-2219 Consumer Inquiries: Email or 888-INFO-FDA The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation's food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, products that give off electronic radiation, and for regulating tobacco products. SOURCE U.S. Food and Drug Administration TORONTO, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - First Capital REIT ("First Capital" or the "REIT") (TSX: FCR.UN) today acknowledged the decision of the Ontario Superior Court (Commercial List) (the "Court") with respect to the date of the meeting of unitholders requisitioned by Sandpiper Group and Artis Real Estate Investment Trust (TSX: AX.UN). In accordance with the Court's ruling and expectation, the meeting will take place in late March or early April, 2023. Formal notice of the meeting date will be provided shortly. Unitholders will receive detailed information about the matters to be presented at the meeting and information about how to vote in a management information circular in advance of the meeting. Unitholders should read the information carefully before deciding how to vote. At this time, there is no need for unitholders to take any action in respect of the meeting. Advisors Kingsdale Advisors is acting as strategic shareholder advisor to First Capital. Gagnier Communications is acting as communications advisor to First Capital. Stikeman Elliott LLP is acting as legal counsel to the Board of Trustees. RBC Capital Markets is acting as financial advisor to First Capital. About First Capital REIT (TSX: FCR.UN) First Capital owns, operates and develops grocery-anchored, open-air centres in neighbourhoods with the strongest demographics in Canada. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT ADVISORY This press release contains forward-looking statements and information within the meaning of applicable securities law, including but not limited to the meeting and matters relating thereto. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts but, rather, reflect First Capital's current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the outcome to differ materially from current expectations. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, general economic conditions; tenant financial difficulties, defaults and bankruptcies; increases in operating costs, property taxes and income taxes; First Capital's ability to maintain occupancy and to lease or release space at current or anticipated rents; development, intensification and acquisition activities; residential development, sales and leasing; risks in joint ventures; environmental liability and compliance costs and uninsured losses; and risks and uncertainties related to the impact of the ongoing pandemic, epidemics or other outbreaks on First Capital which are described in First Capital's MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2021 under the heading "Risks and Uncertainties - Ongoing Pandemic, Epidemics or New Outbreaks". Additionally, forward-looking statements are subject to those risks and uncertainties discussed in First Capital's MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2021 and in its current Annual Information Form. Readers, therefore, should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. First Capital undertakes no obligation to publicly update any such forward-looking statement or to reflect new information or the occurrence of future events or circumstances except as required by applicable securities law. All forward-looking statements in this press release are made as of the date hereof and are qualified by these cautionary statements. For further information: SOURCE First Capital REIT YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 2, ARMENPRESS. Member of Parliament Taguhi Tovmasyan, the Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights and Public Affairs, said that the Council of Europe responded to her letters on the humanitarian disaster in Artsakh resulting from the Azerbaijani blockade. The Council of Europe has responded my letters on the humanitarian disaster emerged as a consequence of the full blockade of Artsakh by Azerbaijan, Tovmasyan said in a statement on social media. I have addressed the CoE Secretary General many times voicing a number of concerns on the blatant violations of International Law by Azerbaijan. In particular, I have alarmed Ms. Marija Pejcinovic Buric, the Secretary General of the leading human rights organization, about the statement by Z. Orcu, Chair of the Human Rights Committee of the Parliament of Azerbaijan on taking over Yerevan, which is the capital of the Republic of Armenia, the subject of the International Law. Since the blockade of Berdzor Corridor the issues on the necessity to satisfy the vital needs of 120.000 Artsakh Armenians arising as a consequence of the humanitarian disaster in Artsakh, as well as issues on cutting off the electricity and gas supplies to Artsakh by Azerbaijan and the violation of the fundamental rights of the people of Artsakh have been the core of my letters. I have also specially touched the unacceptable incident on subjecting 19 Armenian children to psychological and emotional violence by Azerbaijan, which should be a subject to investigation by relevant international institutions. Regarding the mentioned letters, I have got responses by Mr. Miroslav Papa, the Director of the Private Office of the Secretary General and the Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe, in which: The Council of Europe shall continue assisting reconciliation efforts between Armenia and Azerbaijan in its sphere of competence, Referring to the statement by the Icelandic Presidency of the Committee of Ministers on 19 January on the humanitarian situation around the Lachin (Berdzor) Corridor, they rest us assured that CoE Secretary General shall continue to follow the situation closely, CoE Secretary General has expressed concerns and has underlined the need to avoid escalating tensions. I would like to extend thanks to the Private Office of the Secretary General and the Deputy Secretary General and specially Ms. Buric and Mr. Papa for responding my urgent letters. Simultaneously I would like to stress the need for effective steps by International Community towards preventing the genocidal policy of Azerbaijan. Condemnations are not enough, sanctions against Azerbaijan are needed. The GEI provides insight into an opaque area of ESG data reporting MEMPHIS, Tenn., Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- First Horizon Corp. (NYSE:FHN or "First Horizon") today announced that it joins 484 other companies as a member of the 2023 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index (GEI), a modified market capitalization-weighted index developed to gauge the performance of public companies dedicated to reporting gender-related data. This reference index measures gender equality across five pillars: leadership & talent pipeline, equal pay & gender pay parity, inclusive culture, anti-sexual harassment policies, and external brand. The 2023 GEI reaches globally to represent 45 countries and regions, including firms headquartered in Luxembourg, Ecuador, and Kuwait for the first time. Member companies represent a variety of sectors, including financials, technology, and utilities, which continue to have the highest company representation in the index from 2022. "First Horizon strives to create a workplace where all associates feel accepted and valued," said Tanya Hart, executive vice president and chief human resources officer at First Horizon. "We believe that championing diversity and inclusion fosters a more creative and innovative workforce. We are proud to be included in the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index and thank them for this recognition." First Horizon's strategic approach to diversity, equity and inclusion focuses on elevating equity in the four strategic pillars of workforce, workplace, marketplace, and community. Workforce: At First Horizon, women represent approximately: 63% of total employees 61% of revenue-producing roles 61% of new hires 53% of manager roles 50% of the Executive Officers Workplace: The First Horizon Women's Initiative Associate Resource Group, founded more than 20 years ago, also played a major role in its GEI recognitions. With chapters across the company's footprint, the Women's Initiative helps female associates develop leadership skills, facilitate mentor-mentee relationships and network with leaders and executives. Marketplace: Realizing that women have unique financial needs, First Horizon created Women and Wealth, a private client practice dedicated to empowering women's financial lives. More information about the practice may be found here. https://www.firsthorizon.com/personal/products-and-services/private-client-category/women-and-wealth Community: In 2021, Susan Springfield, Chief Credit Officer, served as the American Heart Association's 'Mid-South's Go Red for Women' chair. Through Susan's leadership, more than $325,000 was raised, marking the best 'Mid-South Go Red for Women' campaign to date. Go Red for Women is a national initiative of the American Heart Association that raises awareness of cardiovascular disease as the #1 killer of women. "Congratulations to the companies that are included in the 2023 GEI," said Peter T. Grauer, Chairman of Bloomberg and Founding Chairman of the U.S. 30% Club. "We continue to see an increase in both interest and membership globally, reflecting a shared goal of transparency in gender-related metrics." FIRST HORIZON submitted a social survey created by Bloomberg, in collaboration with subject matter experts globally. Those included on this year's index scored at or above a global threshold established by Bloomberg to reflect disclosure and the achievement or adoption of best-in-class statistics and policies. Both the survey and the GEI are voluntary and have no associated costs. Bloomberg collected this data for reference purposes only. The index is not ranked. While all public companies are encouraged to disclose supplemental gender data for their company's investment profile on the Bloomberg Terminal, those that have a market capitalization of USD1 billion are eligible for inclusion in the Index. About First Horizon First Horizon Corp. (NYSE: FHN), with $79 billion in assets as of December 31, 2022, is a leading regional financial services company, dedicated to helping our clients, communities and associates unlock their full potential with capital and counsel. Headquartered in Memphis, TN, the banking subsidiary First Horizon Bank operates in 12 states across the southern U.S. The Company and its subsidiaries offer commercial, private banking, consumer, small business, wealth and trust management, retail brokerage, capital markets, fixed income, and mortgage services. First Horizon has been recognized as one of the nation's best employers by Fortune and Forbes magazines and a Top 10 Most Reputable U.S. Bank. About Bloomberg: Bloomberg, the global business and financial information and news leader, gives influential decision makers a critical edge by connecting them to a dynamic network of information, people and ideas. The company's strength delivering data, news and analytics through innovative technology, quickly and accurately is the core of Bloomberg Professional Services . For more information, visit www.bloomberg.com or request a demo . SOURCE First Horizon Corporation Third time in a row Freedom Mortgage has been identified as a top place to work nationwide BOCA RATON, Fla., Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Freedom Mortgage, one of the largest full-service independent mortgage companies and a top Veterans Administration (VA) and Federal Housing Administration (FHA) lender in the U.S., has earned the 2023 Top Workplaces USA award, issued by Energage, a purpose-driven organization that develops solutions to build and brand Top Workplaces. This is the third time Freedom Mortgage Corporation has been honored with a Top Workplaces USA Award since its inaugural launch in 2021. Top Workplaces USA celebrates organizations with 150 or more employees that have built great cultures. This is the third time Freedom Mortgage Corporation has been honored with a Top Workplaces USA Award. Tweet this "We are honored to be recognized again as a Top Workplaces USA," said Stanley C. Middleman, Freedom Mortgage president and CEO. "To have our employees endorse Freedom Mortgage as a great place to work especially during the challenging times we have been facing in the mortgage industry means a great deal. We will continue to do our best to support our employees and provide opportunities for them to grow within Freedom Mortgage." Eric Rubino, Energage CEO, said, "Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees. That's something to be proud of. In today's market, leaders must ensure they're allowing employees to have a voice and be heard. That's paramount. Top Workplaces do this, and it pays dividends." Middleman credited Freedom Mortgage employees for the company's continued success. Despite challenges faced by the mortgage industry, the company services the mortgages of nearly 2 million homeowners representing over $452 billion in loans. The company also donated more than $600,000 last year and saw its highest employee volunteer engagement with nearly 2,000 hours spent bettering local communities. The Top Workplaces program has a 15-year history of surveying more than 20 million employees and recognizing the top organizations across 60 markets for regional Top Workplaces awards. Over 42,000 organizations were invited to participate in the Top Workplaces USA survey. Winners of the Top Workplaces USA list are chosen based solely on employee feedback gathered through an employee engagement survey, issued by Energage. Results are calculated by comparing the survey's research-based statements, including 15 Culture Drivers that are proven to predict high performance against industry benchmarks. For more information on Top Workplaces USA visit https://topworkplaces.com/award/top-workplaces-usa/2023/2500-plus/?page=4. One of the nation's largest independent mortgage companies, Freedom Mortgage is committed to fostering homeownership and financial betterment across the country. For more information on Freedom Mortgage, please visit FreedomMortgage.com. To join the company, please visit the careers page: careers.freedommortgage.com/jobs/. About Freedom Mortgage Corporation Founded in 1990 and headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, Freedom Mortgage is an independent mortgage company that provides mortgage loans through retail, wholesale and correspondent channels. One of the nation's largest non-bank mortgage lenders/servicers, the company is licensed in all 50 states the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Freedom Mortgage is a top VA and FHA (government-insured) lender in the U.S. (Inside Mortgage Finance, Jan-June 2022), and one of the mortgage industry's largest philanthropic supporters of the USO of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The company is also renowned for its vibrant work environment where all team members can thrive. In 2022, Freedom Mortgage was honored once again as a Top Workplaces USA and made it back on the Inc. 5000 Honor Roll for the eighth time as one of the fastest-growing companies across the country. Freedom Mortgage's mission is to foster homeownership for all consumers across America. Lender NMLS ID: 2767. Equal Housing Opportunity. For more information, please visit FreedomMortgage.com. FREEDOM MORTGAGE CONTACT: Ellen Longo 609-678-0968 [email protected] SOURCE Freedom Mortgage Corporation LGES to supply Freudenberg with 19 GWh lithium-ion battery cell modules for truck and bus applications Partnership combines the strengths of LGES, a leading global manufacturer of batteries, and Freudenberg as a leading provider of e-mobility solutions for the commercial vehicle market Freudenberg invests and expands state-of-the-art XALT battery gigafactory in Midland , USA MUNICH, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Freudenberg e-Power Systems and LG Energy Solution (LGES; KRX: 373220) have signed a multi-year contract for the supply of lithium-ion battery cell modules. With a total capacity of 19 GWh, Freudenberg is expanding its capacities to meet rising demand and ensure the best possible supply for its customers in commercial vehicle applications, such as trucks and buses in North America and Europe. A cheerful mood and applause marked the official signing ceremony in Seoul, South Korea: Injae Pahk, Head of OTS Marketing Department, Yoo-Seong Oh, VP & Head of Marketing Center, Dong-Myung Kim, President of LGES Advanced Automotive Battery Division, as well as Nils Martens, CCO, Dr. Jan Kuiken, CTO and Marco Piesik, SVP Market Development & Communications from Freudenberg e-Power Systems (from left to right). The signing of the contract marks an important milestone for both companies in the further expansion of sustainable electric drives in the demanding field of commercial vehicles. Freudenberg's e-Power Systems Business Group is one of the market leaders for emission-neutral energy systems in this sector, which places particularly high demands on the robustness and durability of batteries. To be able to support its customers with the best quality, innovative and cost-efficient solutions, Freudenberg partnered with LGES, a leading global manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries. The partnership covers the supply of lithium-ion battery cell modules, whose properties make them particularly suitable for use in commercial vehicles. For a commercial vehicle, for example, the battery has to withstand a much higher energy throughput, which can be up to 11 times that of a passenger car. The battery cell modules supplied by LGES are integrated by Freudenberg e-Power Systems in their battery packs, offering their customers in the truck and bus sector fully engineered drive solutions including intelligent battery management systems, cooling, telematics, and all other relevant elements. The battery cell modules will be assembled at Freudenberg e-Power Systems' XALT gigafactory in Midland, Michigan, USA. With the recent acquisition of XALT by Freudenberg e-Power Systems, the company is investing a further double-digit million sum in the expansion of its battery business and its capacities. "The partnership with LG Energy Solution enhances our leading battery offering for the bus and truck market," explains Dr. Max Kley, CEO of Freudenberg e-Power Systems. "Together we are able to offer our customers an unparalleled range of solutions specifically tailored to the demanding requirements of this market." Jeff Michalski, Managing Director Battery Business, adds: "Especially in view of the strong increase in demand worldwide, this is a major plus in the market. We can thus offer both our existing and new customers the highest quality and secured supply." Leveraging its extensive experience in battery manufacturing, LGES has been expanding its battery business into the commercial vehicle sector. Based on the partnership with Freudenberg, the company now intends to drive its commercial vehicle battery business in North America and Europe. "Our partnership with FEPS will serve as a launch pad to lead in the commercial vehicle battery market which has the potential for exponential growth," said Dong-Myung Kim, President of Advanced Automotive Battery Division at LG Energy Solution. "Together with Freudenberg, we will endeavor to create unparalleled customer value through differentiated capabilities accumulated across the entire battery-related field, such as battery cells, modules, packs, and BMS." With this contract, the two companies are building on their cooperation and continuing to drive forward the transformation to sustainable, emission-free drive solutions for commercial vehicles. "The official signing ceremony marks a special day for us as we take another strategically important step to best serve our customers with top-quality battery solutions in the heavy-duty sector. As the preferred partner of LGES in this segment, we are strengthening our collaboration with one of the world's leading battery manufacturers", summarizes Nils Martens, CCO Freudenberg e-Power Systems, at the signing ceremony. With well over 40 million miles driven, Freudenberg's battery systems are among the leading solutions on the market. The long-term contract with LGES underscores the strategic importance and growth potential that Freudenberg sees in its e-mobility solutions. Its competence and innovative strength in both battery and fuel cell technologies distinguish Freudenberg e-Power Systems as a pioneer of electromobility in the heavy-duty sector. About Freudenberg e-Power Systems Freudenberg e-Power Systems is one of the world's leading suppliers of emission-neutral energy systems for heavy-duty applications. With its experience and expertise in battery and fuel cell technology, the company offers tailor-made solutions, in particular combined systems, for sustainable and economical e-mobility. With over 700 employees, Freudenberg e-Power Systems supports its customers from application development through to production, commissioning and service. The company is part of the global Freudenberg Group, which has four business areas: Seals and Vibration Control Technology, Nonwovens and Filtration, Household Products as well as Specialties and Others. In 2021 the Group generated sales of more than 10 billion euros and employed more than 50,000 associates in around 60 countries. More information is available at www.freudenberg.com . About LG Energy Solution LG Energy Solution (KRX: 373220), a split-off from LG Chem, is a leading global manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, mobility, IT, and energy storage systems. With 30 years of experience in revolutionary battery technology and extensive research and development (R&D), the company is the top battery-related patent holder in the world with over 25,000 patents. Its robust global network, which spans North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, includes battery manufacturing facilities established through joint ventures with major automakers such as General Motors, Stellantis N.V., Hyundai Motor Group, and Honda Motor Co., Ltd. At the forefront of green business and sustainability, LG Energy Solution aims to achieve carbon neutral operations by 2050, while embodying the value of shared growth and promoting diverse and inclusive corporate culture. To learn more about LG Energy Solution's ideas and innovations, visit https://news.lgensol.com. SOURCE Freudenberg AMSTERDAM, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Freya Pharma Solutions, a late clinical stage company focusing on the development of effective pharmaceutical therapies for women who have been diagnosed with Female Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder (FSIAD), today announced the appointment of Nicole Hijnen, PhD (picture below) as President of Freya's Board as per January 2023. Dr. Hijnen is a health scientist who held a variety of senior management positions within Philips Healthtech, most recently as Director - Business Leader Connected Care Benelux. Her appointment comes in a year where Freya is rolling out its final clinical development program, starting with the confirmatory ALETTA clinical trial with Lybrido in premenopausal women with acquired FSIAD. Dr. Nicole Hijnen, PhD, appointed President of the Board of Freya Pharma Solutions Marcel Wijma, CEO at Freya Pharma Solutions said: "We are very pleased to have Nicole join Freya as President of our Board as we are on the brink of commencing our confirmatory clinical trial with our promising compound Lybrido against FSIAD. She brings exactly the right blend of academic and operational healthtech experience to help guide Freya to the next phase. With her deep knowledge of evolving FemTech science and technology, as well as her views on galvanizing an impassioned patient community, Nicole possesses all the skills to help propel our vision - addressing the urgent unmet medical need of women worldwide suffering from FSIAD." In addition to bringing a wealth of experience from the healthtech industry at Philips, Dr. Hijnen has held a number of senior management and scientific positions worldwide. She obtained vast commercialization experience in the medical device industry and has a deep understanding of the EU and US markets. Within Philips she brought new medical devices to the US market among others, being responsible for end-to-end design, FDA approval, and sales, including claim strategy and setup of sales channels. Dr. Hijnen obtained her MSc in Biomedical Engineering at TU - Eindhoven and her PhD in magnetic resonance-guided high intensity focused ultrasound for non-invasive thermal cancer therapy at TU - Eindhoven and Philips. Currently, she is a non-executive board member of the medical company SyncVR Medical. She is also an active investor in food and healthcare companies and participates in Arches Capital in Amsterdam, a group of business angels bridging the gap between Venture Capital companies (VCs) and business angels by connecting knowledge with capital. Nicole Hijnen, PhD, new President of Freya's Board, commented: "I am excited to be joining Freya as President of the Board. I look forward to working with Freya's excellent leadership team. Our goal is to empower women worldwide to own their sexual health, which is fundamental to the overall health and well-being of individuals, couples and families. The scientific progress is there - women may enjoy its benefits! Freya has a strong, intelligent concept with a formulation of two compounds that have been shown to be safe and effective in a compelling clinical phase 2 trial, successfully improving sexual desire and arousal. I see great potential and look forward to really making a difference by overseeing the preparations for and execution of the decisive confirmatory ALETTA trial with Lybrido. Freya Pharma Solutions is currently preparing the clinical development program with several studies with Lybrido in Europe, to be followed later by additional trials in the United States. In September 2022, Freya received early scientific advice from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) on its upcoming confirmatory ALETTA clinical trial, providing constructive and valuable elements that will contribute to the successful development of the therapy. The company is highly confident that it is well on track with the clinical development of Lybrido as a treatment for women suffering from sexual dysfunction, and the related distress which often negatively interferes with their quality of life and their relationships. About FSIAD Low sexual desire is consistently reported as the most common sexual complaint in women. As a result, many women are dissatisfied with their sex lives, which often affects their social and emotional wellbeing. FSIAD is a sexual dysfunction that is defined in the 2013 version of the DSM-V Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, a publication by the American Psychiatric Association, as a persistent lack or significant reduction of sexual interest and/or arousal. Women can be medically diagnosed after having a well-defined number of symptoms causing clinically significant distress and which have persisted for a minimum of six months. The disorder is specified by severity level and subtyped into lifelong versus acquired, generalized versus situational. About Lybrido A total of 20 phase 1 and phase 2a trials, and large-scale phase 2b trials in 17 research sites in the US have been conducted to date. These trials have investigated the efficacy and safety of two novel on-demand pharmacological treatments that have been designed to treat two FSIAD subgroups: women with low sensitivity for sexual cues (Lybrido) and women with dysfunctional over-activation of sexual inhibition (Lybridos). Lybrido intends to increase central sexual motivation and physiological sexual responses. The therapy can be taken 'on demand' and helps to increase sexual desire and arousal from 3 to 6 hours after intake. This treatment consists of a novel (dual-route, dual-release, fixed-dose) combination tablet containing a testosterone coating for sublingual administration and an inner-core component made of the phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE 5) inhibitor, sildenafil. The inner-core component is coated with a delayed immediate release matrix to ensure that the peak plasma concentration of the PDE 5 inhibitor coincides with the window of increased sexual motivation induced by the testosterone. This combination enables an increase in genital arousal through an increase in responsivity to sexual stimuli. About Freya Pharma Solutions Freya Pharma Solutions is a late clinical stage company focused on developing effective pharmaceutical therapies for FSIAD, building upon fifteen years of solid research. The company has two compounds in development, Lybrido and Lybridos, to address the range of potential causes of FSIAD. Based in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, Freya aims to offer patients a convenient, personalized 'on demand' solution for this recognized unmet medical need. Please contact for further information: Freya Pharma Solutions, Amsterdam Marcel Wijma, CEO [email protected] For media LifeSpring Life Sciences Communication, Amsterdam Leon Melens T: +31 6 538 16 427 E: [email protected] Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1994880/Dr_Nicole_Hijnen_PhD.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1994915/Freya_Pharma_Solutions_Logo.jpg SOURCE Freya Pharma Solutions Combined company will have a broad suite of alternative investment solutions tailored for both institutional and individual investors Highly complementary investment and distribution capabilities expected to capitalize on continued demand for alternatives and fuel growth Transaction structured to preserve Portfolio Advisors' autonomy, high-quality investment teams and alignment with investors PHILADELPHIA and DARIEN, Conn., Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- FS Investments, a pioneer in the democratization of alternative investments with more than $35 billion in assets under management, and Portfolio Advisors, a global middle-market private asset specialist with more than $38 billion in assets under management, today announced they have entered into a definitive agreement to combine their firms. The combined company will be poised for growth with over $73 billion in assets under management, including a significant permanent capital base, and a robust distribution platform. Together, FS Investments and Portfolio Advisors will meet increasing investor demand for alternatives with a diversified suite of alternative investment solutions for both institutional and individual investors. Michael Forman, Chairman and CEO of FS Investments, commented, "I am thrilled to join forces with Portfolio Advisors and applaud our team, led by our Co-Presidents, Enrico Gaglioti and Mike Kelly, for identifying an ideal strategic partner. This transaction is transformative for FS Investments, accelerating our efforts to broaden our institutional client base, diversify our offerings to include growth-oriented products such as private equity, and deepen our in-house investment capabilities. This combination also enhances our financial profile, diversifies our revenue streams and positions us to invest in further growth." Brian Murphy, Co-Founder of Portfolio Advisors, added, "This partnership provides significant new resources that will help support our global institutional clients. At the same time, FS Investments' deep product development expertise and robust distribution platform will bring our leading private markets investment strategies to a broader audience. This combination presents a unique opportunity to expand our reach, launch new strategies and drive growth while providing continuity for our first-rate investment teams and institutional clients." Founded in 1994 to serve institutional investors, Portfolio Advisors offers a variety of innovative investment solutions across private equity, private credit and private real estate. The firm manages a broad range of strategies including direct, secondary, and primary investments and junior and senior credit. Portfolio Advisors also provides institutional clients customized discretionary and non-discretionary portfolio management across its core strategies. Most recently, Portfolio Advisors launched its MVP Private Markets Fund, a registered private equity fund with more than $500 million in assets, which is structured for both wealth management and institutional clients. FS Investments was founded in 2007 with the mission to provide individual investors access to alternative sources of income and growth historically available only to large institutions and the ultra-wealthy. Today, the firm manages a suite of alternative strategies including private credit, real estate credit, opportunistic credit, structured credit, liquid credit and liquid alternatives across a variety of fund structures including business development companies, non-traded REITs and interval, closed-end and mutual funds. FS Investments distributes its funds through an extensive wealth management distribution platform, with hundreds of selling agreements across the wirehouse, RIA and independent broker-dealer channels. In recent years, the firm also launched in-house managed, institutionally focused credit strategies, using CLO and draw-down structures. Strategic Rationale The combined firm will have a well-diversified suite of investment capabilities across alternative asset classes and strategies, including private equity, private and liquid credit, private real estate and liquid alternatives. The combined firm will serve institutional and wealth management clients across the globe, bringing together Portfolio Advisors' extensive institutional client network and international distribution capabilities across North America , Europe and Asia with FS Investments' broad wealth management distribution reach across the wirehouse, RIA and independent broker-dealer channels. , and with FS Investments' broad wealth management distribution reach across the wirehouse, RIA and independent broker-dealer channels. FS Investments will expand Portfolio Advisors' access to wealth management channels, unlocking near-term opportunities for Portfolio Advisor's MVP Private Markets Fund and feeder funds for other Portfolio Advisors strategies. FS Investments and Portfolio Advisors expect to grow existing lines of business while exploring new opportunities to deliver on the shared vision of providing both institutional and wealth management clients a full suite of alternative investments. The combined firm will have over $73 billion in assets under management and will be well positioned for growth with a robust financial profile, including a large permanent capital base, strong margins and diverse revenue streams. Transaction Details Portfolio Advisors will become the institutional investment arm of FS Investments and will continue to operate with its full complement of employees and its offices in Darien , Dallas , London , Zurich , Hong Kong and Singapore . , , , , and . FS Investments' and Portfolio Advisors' executives will have representation on senior leadership committees across both organizations. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2023, subject to applicable regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. UBS Investment Bank served as lead financial advisor and Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP served as primary legal advisor to FS Investments on the transaction, with Dechert LLP serving as special regulatory counsel. Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC and Mizuho Americas also served as financial advisors to FS Investments. Moelis & Company LLC served as financial advisor and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP served as legal advisor to Portfolio Advisors on the transaction, with Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP serving as special regulatory counsel. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. About FS Investments FS Investments is a leading asset manager dedicated to helping individuals, financial professionals and institutions design better portfolios. The firm provides access to alternative sources of income and growth, and focuses on setting industry standards for investor protection, education and transparency. FS Investments has 350 employees and is headquartered in Philadelphia, PA with offices in New York, NY, Orlando, FL and Leawood, KS. About Portfolio Advisors Portfolio Advisors, LLC is a middle-market private asset management specialist that builds value for its clients and partners through a variety of investment programs in private equity, private credit and private real estate. The firm's customized approach to private markets investing has led to high investor retention and broad recognition in the institutional investment consulting arena. Headquartered in Darien, CT, Portfolio Advisors has over 130 employees worldwide, with additional offices in Dallas, London, Zurich, Hong Kong and Singapore. Contact Information Sarah McAssey [email protected] Ryan McDougald / Elizabeth Lake (FGS Global) [email protected] Portfolio Advisors Client Relations [email protected] SOURCE FS Investments New 500 kW Rooftop System Will Produce 750,000+ kWh Annually: Solar-Powered Facility Produces World's First Nailable Solar Shingle SAN JOSE, Calif, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- GAF Energy , a Standard Industries company and the leading provider of solar roofing in North America, has installed a 500 kilowatt solar system on the roof of the company's R&D and manufacturing center in San Jose. The new system will generate more than 750,000 kilowatt hours of solar energy at the 112,000 square-foot facility which produces the company's award winning solar roof, Timberline Solar . Introduced a year ago, Timberline Solar features the world's first nailable solar shingle and is the only roof system to directly integrate solar technology into traditional roofing processes and materials. "We're utilizing solar energy to produce Timberline Solar, not just because it's the right thing to do for the planet, but also because it's the right business decision, " said Martin DeBono, president of GAF Energy. ""We believe that the future of energy is solar roofs, produced in American manufacturing facilities that are fueled by solar power. We're putting our vision of energy from every roof into practice with our own roof here in San Jose." GAF Energy announced the buildout of its San Jose facility in 2021 and began assembling Timberline Solar there last year. Timberline Solar is the most-awarded solar shingle in the world. Since its launch in January 2022, it has received dozens of awards, including from CES, TIME, Fast Company, Popular Science, Green Builder, Good Housekeeping and the National Association of Home Builders. To meet growing demand, GAF Energy is significantly increasing its Timberline Solar manufacturing capacity with the construction of a second manufacturing facility located in Georgetown, Texas. About GAF Energy GAF Energy is transforming the solar and roofing industries to generate energy from every roof. A Standard Industries company, GAF Energy works with North America's largest roofing and waterproofing manufacturer, GAF, to offer homeowners elegant, roof-integrated solar options through a national network of roofer partners. The company's leading product, the Timberline Solar roof system, incorporates the world's first nailable solar shingle to create an attractive, durable, and reliable solar roof. GAF Energy develops and assembles its products at its R&D and manufacturing facility in San Jose, California. About Standard Industries Standard Industries is a privately-held global industrial company operating in over 80 countries with over 20,000 employees. The Standard ecosystem spans a broad array of holdings, technologies and investmentsincluding both public and private companies from early to late-stageas well as world-class building solutions, performance materials, logistics, real estate and next-generation solar technology. Throughout its history, Standard has leveraged its deep industry expertise and vision to create outsize value across its businesses, which today include operating companies GAF, BMI, Grace, GAF Energy, Siplast, SGI, Schiedel, and Standard Logistics, as well as Standard Investments and Winter Properties. For more information, visit www.standardindustries.com. SOURCE GAF Energy The office, led by managing director Larry Samuels, has enjoyed consistent growth since 2008 BRISBANE, Australia, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Givex Corp. (TSX: GIVX) (OTCQX: GIVXF) is celebrating 15 years of growth out of its Australia and New Zealand office, led by managing director Larry Samuels. Created in 2008, Givex Australia and New Zealand was the third regional office for Givex, which now counts 12 regional offices across the globe. "Over the past 15 years, we have enjoyed impressive growth in the Australia and New Zealand market with multi-unit retail brands that need an efficient gift card program with robust reporting options," said Samuels. "We've outlasted our biggest competitor in the market, and our hard-earned reputation as the leader in gift cards enabled us to capture and quickly onboard more than 15 of their recurring revenue clients, adding 3,000 new locations to our footprint." The Givex Australia and New Zealand portfolio includes multi-unit retail, restaurant, fashion, grocery and hotel brands and is supported by a team that is committed to excellent customer service. "Having the right people is key to what we are trying to do, which is supporting our new and existing clients on their journey with Givex," said Tristan Moore, operations manager of Givex Australia and New Zealand. "Each person on the team brings something different that supports the others, and this is why we can collectively respond to anything thrown at us." In addition to gift cards, Givex also offers point-of-sale system GivexPOS, loyalty programs, Kitchen Display System (KDS) and more. "We are proud of the business we have built in Australia and New Zealand over the past fifteen years," said Samuels. "As we look ahead to the future, we plan on introducing new products to the market, expanding our relationships with current clients and adding new clients to our portfolio." About Givex Givex Corp. (TSX: GIVX; OTCQX: GIVXF) is a global fintech company providing merchants with customer engagement, point of sale and payment solutions, all in a single platform. We are integrated with 1000+ technology partners, creating a fully end-to-end solution that delivers powerful customer insights. Our platform is used by some of the world's largest brands, comprising approximately 118,000+ active locations across more than 100 countries. Learn more at www.givex.com . SOURCE Givex DUBLIN, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion Market (2022-2027) by Products, Patient Type, End-Uses, and Geography, Competitive Analysis and the Impact of Covid-19 with Ansoff Analysis" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Global Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion Market is estimated to be USD 2.41 Bn in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 4.25 Bn by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 12.02% Market Dynamics Market dynamics are forces that impact the prices and behaviors of the stakeholders. These forces create pricing signals which result from the changes in the supply and demand curves for a given product or service. Forces of Market Dynamics may be related to macro-economic and micro-economic factors. There are dynamic market forces other than price, demand, and supply. Human emotions can also drive decisions, influence the market, and create price signals. As the market dynamics impact the supply and demand curves, decision-makers aim to determine the best way to use various financial tools to stem various strategies for speeding growth and reducing risks. Competitive Quadrant The report includes Competitive Quadrant, a proprietary tool to analyze and evaluate the position of companies based on their Industry Position score and Market Performance score. The tool uses various factors for categorizing the players into four categories. Some of these factors considered for analysis are financial performance over the last 3 years, growth strategies, innovation score, new product launches, investments, growth in market share, etc. Ansoff Analysis The report presents a detailed Ansoff matrix analysis for the Global Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion Market. Ansoff Matrix, also known as the Product/Market Expansion Grid, is a strategic tool used to design strategies for the growth of the company. The matrix can be used to evaluate approaches in four strategies viz. Market Development, Market Penetration, Product Development and Diversification. The matrix is also used for risk analysis to understand the risk involved with each approach. The analyst analyses the Global Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion Market using the Ansoff Matrix to provide the best approaches a company can take to improve its market position. Based on the SWOT analysis conducted on the industry and industry players, the analyst has devised suitable strategies for market growth. Why buy this report? The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the Global Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion Market. The report includes in-depth qualitative analysis, verifiable data from authentic sources, and projections about market size. The projections are calculated using proven research methodologies. The report has been compiled through extensive primary and secondary research. The primary research is done through interviews, surveys, and observation of renowned personnel in the industry. The report includes an in-depth market analysis using Porter's 5 forces model and the Ansoff Matrix. In addition, the impact of Covid-19 on the market is also featured in the report. The report also includes the regulatory scenario in the industry, which will help you make a well-informed decision. The report discusses major regulatory bodies and major rules and regulations imposed on this sector across various geographies. The report also contains a competitive analysis using Positioning Quadrants, the analyst's competitive positioning tool. Key Topics Covered: 1 Report Description 2 Research Methodology 3 Executive Summary 4 Market Dynamics 4.1 Drivers 4.1.1 Rising Number of Diabetes Patients 4.1.2 Growing Awareness of Advanced Insulin Delivery Devices 4.1.3 Rising Healthcare Expenditure Pertinent to Diabetes 4.2 Restraints 4.2.1 High Cost of Devices 4.2.2 Risk of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) and Skin Infection 4.3 Opportunities 4.3.1 Emerging Technological Advancements Such as AI and IoT 4.3.2 Ongoing Rise in the Number of Product Launches by Market Players 4.4 Challenges 4.4.1 Possible Risks Such as Diabetic Ketoacidosis and Hypoglycemia 5 Market Analysis 5.1 Regulatory Scenario 5.2 Porter's Five Forces Analysis 5.3 Impact of COVID-19 5.4 Ansoff Matrix Analysis 5.5 PESTLE Analysis 6 Global Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion Market, By Products 6.1 Introduction 6.2 Patch Pumps 6.2.1 Basal 6.2.2 Basal and Bolus 6.2.3 Bous 6.3 Tethered Pumps 6.3.1 Battery 6.3.2 Insulin Reservoir and Cartridges 6.3.3 Insulin Set Insertion Devices 7 Global Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion Market, By Patient Type 7.1 Introduction 7.2 Type 1 Diabetes 7.3 Type 2 Diabetes 8 Global Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion Market, By End-Uses 8.1 Introduction 8.2 Homecare 8.3 Hospitals 8.4 Laboratory 9 Americas' Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion Market 9.1 Introduction 9.2 Argentina 9.3 Brazil 9.4 Canada 9.5 Chile 9.6 Colombia 9.7 Mexico 9.8 Peru 9.9 United States 9.10 Rest of Americas 10 Europe's Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion Market 10.1 Introduction 10.2 Austria 10.3 Belgium 10.4 Denmark 10.5 Finland 10.6 France 10.7 Germany 10.8 Italy 10.9 Netherlands 10.10 Norway 10.11 Poland 10.12 Russia 10.13 Spain 10.14 Sweden 10.15 Switzerland 10.16 United Kingdom 10.17 Rest of Europe 11 Middle East and Africa's Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion Market 11.1 Introduction 11.2 Egypt 11.3 Israel 11.4 Qatar 11.5 Saudi Arabia 11.6 South Africa 11.7 United Arab Emirates 11.8 Rest of MEA 12 APAC's Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion Market 12.1 Introduction 12.2 Australia 12.3 Bangladesh 12.4 China 12.5 India 12.6 Indonesia 12.7 Japan 12.8 Malaysia 12.9 Philippines 12.10 Singapore 12.11 South Korea 12.12 Sri Lanka 12.13 Thailand 12.14 Taiwan 12.15 Rest of Asia-Pacific 13 Competitive Landscape 13.1 IGR Competitive Quadrant 13.2 Market Share Analysis 13.3 Strategic Initiatives 13.3.1 M&A and Investments 13.3.2 Partnerships and Collaborations 13.3.3 Product Developments and Improvements 14 Company Profiles 14.1 Apex Medical Corp. 14.2 Byram Healthcare Centers, Inc. 14.3 Cellenovo 14.4 CeQur SA 14.5 SOOIL Developments Co., Ltd 14.6 DEKA Research & Development Corp. 14.7 DexCom, Inc. 14.8 IA Collaborative Holdings, LLC 14.9 Kaleido 14.10 Medtronic, PLC 14.11 Medtrum Technologies, Inc. 14.12 OpenAPS 14.13 Pumps It, Inc. 14.14 Roche Holding Ag 14.15 Shanghai Microport Orthopedics 14.16 Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc. 14.17 Tidepool 14.18 Diabetes Services, Inc., 14.19 Ypsomed Holding 15 Appendix For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/6gxmz2-continuous?w=5 Media Contact: Laura Wood | +353-1-481-1716 | [email protected] Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg SOURCE Research and Markets First Batch Following FDA Approval is Manufactured by Liebel-Flarsheim Company LLC, a Guerbet Group company, in Raleigh, North Carolina Elucirem has the highest relaxivity compared to other non-specific GBCAs (gadolinium-based contrast agents) 1 Elucirem requires only half the gadolinium dose of conventional non-specific GBCAs, addressing practitioners' concerns about gadolinium exposure. 2,3 PRINCETON, N.J., Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Guerbet, a global leader in medical imaging with more than 30 years of experience in MRI, announced today the first production batch has been manufactured and released for Elucirem (gadopiclenol) injection following FDA approval on September 21, 2022, after priority review.4 This next generation GBCA from Guerbet, highly stable macrocyclic gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA), has the highest relaxivity in its class for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and is indicated for use in adults and children aged 2 years and older.1,5 "We are in the process of distributing the first batch of Elucirem to our partners and are eager to get this digital imaging innovation in the hands of physicians across the county," said Jared Houk, Commercial Vice President, North America at Guerbet. "Releasing the first batch from our production facility in North Carolina is an important moment for everyone at Guerbet and we are proud to see the hard work and dedication come to fruition." Elucirem (Gadopiclenol) injection is used to detect and visualize lesions with abnormal vascularity in the central nervous system (brain, spine, and associated tissues) and the body (head and neck, thorax, abdomen, pelvis, and musculoskeletal system).1 GBCAs improve the contrast between lesions and surrounding tissues by accelerating the relaxation of protons thanks to interaction with gadolinium atoms. Gadopiclenol, the active drug substance of Elucirem, has been designed to enable twice as much interaction, resulting in the highest relaxivity among all non-specific GBCAs.5 This allows use at half the conventional gadolinium dose to reveal high quality images. Elucirem is manufactured by Liebel-Flarsheim Company LLC, a Guerbet Group company, in Raleigh, North Carolina and is now available for order. ELUCIREM (gadopiclenol) injection Important Safety Information WARNING: NEPHROGENIC SYSTEMIC FIBROSIS (NSF) See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning Gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) increase the risk for NSF among patients with impaired elimination of the drugs. Avoid use of GBCAs in these patients unless the diagnostic information is essential and not available with non-contrasted MRI or other modalities. The risk for NSF appears highest among patients with: Chronic, severe kidney disease (GFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ), or Acute kidney injury. Screen patients for acute kidney injury and other conditions that may reduce renal function. For patients at risk for chronically reduced renal function (for example, age >60 years, hypertension or diabetes), estimate the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) through laboratory testing. Please see complete Important Safety Information below About Guerbet At Guerbet, we build lasting relationships so that we enable people to live better. That is our purpose. We are a global leader in medical imaging, offering a comprehensive range of pharmaceutical products, medical devices, and digital and AI solutions for diagnostic and interventional imaging. As pioneers in contrast products for over 95 years, with more than 2,600 employees worldwide, we continuously innovate and devote 8%-10% of our revenue to research and development in five centers in France, Israel, and the United States. Guerbet (GBT) is listed on Euronext Paris (segment B mid caps) and generated 732 million in revenue in 2021. For more information, please visit www.guerbet.com. About Gadopiclenol Gadopiclenol, initially invented by Guerbet with subsequent contribution of Bracco intellectual property, is a new macrocyclic gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA) with high relaxivity. The efficacy and safety of Gadopiclenol have been evaluated in MRI of the central nervous system (brain, spine, and associated tissues) and the body (head and neck, thorax, abdomen, pelvis, and musculoskeletal system) in adult and pediatric patients aged 2 years and older. (refer to the approved USPI for full information). Details on Phase III clinical trials are available on www.ClinicalTrials.gov: Efficacy and Safety of Gadopiclenol for Central Nervous System (CNS) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Full Text View - ClinicalTrials.gov Efficacy and Safety of Gadopiclenol for Body Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - Full Text View - ClinicalTrials.gov Gadopiclenol is currently in the process of examination by the European Medicines Agency. Forward-looking statements This press release may contain statements of a forward-looking nature, based on assumptions and predictions made by the management of Guerbet group. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to marked differences between the future results, financial situation, development and performances of the company, and the estimates made here. These factors include those mentioned in the public reports of Guerbet, available on its website www.guerbet.com. The company assumes no responsibility whatsoever in relation to the updating of these forward-looking statements, or how they correspond to future events or developments. Elucirem (gadopiclenol) injection Important Safety Information Indications and Usage ELUCIREM (gadopiclenol) injection is indicated in adult and pediatric patients aged 2 years and older for use with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to detect and visualize lesions with abnormal vascularity in the central nervous system (brain, spine, and associated tissues), and the body (head and neck, thorax, abdomen, pelvis, and musculoskeletal system). Contraindications History of hypersensitivity reactions to ELUCIREM Warnings and Precautions Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis: GBCAs increase the risk for NSF among patients with impaired elimination of the drugs. Avoid use of GBCAs among these patients unless the diagnostic information is essential and not available with non-contrast MRI or other modalities. The GBCA-associated NSF risk appears highest for patients with chronic, severe kidney disease as well as patients with acute kidney injury. GBCAs increase the risk for NSF among patients with impaired elimination of the drugs. Avoid use of GBCAs among these patients unless the diagnostic information is essential and not available with non-contrast MRI or other modalities. The GBCA-associated NSF risk appears highest for patients with chronic, severe kidney disease as well as patients with acute kidney injury. Hypersensitivity Reactions: With GBCAs, serious hypersensitivity reactions have occurred. In most cases, initial symptoms occurred within minutes of GBCA administration and resolved with prompt emergency treatment. Before ELUCIREM administration, assess all patients for any history of a reaction to contrast media, bronchial asthma and/or allergic disorders. These patients may have an increased risk for a hypersensitivity reaction to ELUCIREM. With GBCAs, serious hypersensitivity reactions have occurred. In most cases, initial symptoms occurred within minutes of GBCA administration and resolved with prompt emergency treatment. Before ELUCIREM administration, assess all patients for any history of a reaction to contrast media, bronchial asthma and/or allergic disorders. These patients may have an increased risk for a hypersensitivity reaction to ELUCIREM. Gadolinium Retention: Gadolinium is retained for months or years in several organs. Linear GBCAs cause more retention than macrocyclic GBCAs. Consequences of gadolinium retention in the brain have not been established. Pathologic and clinical consequences of GBCA administration and retention in skin and other organs have been established in patients with impaired renal function. While clinical consequences of gadolinium retention have not been established in patients with normal renal function, certain patients might be at higher risk. These include patients requiring multiple lifetime doses, pregnant and pediatric patients, and patients with inflammatory conditions. Consider the retention characteristics of the agent when choosing a GBCA for these patients. Minimize repetitive GBCA imaging studies, particularly closely spaced studies when possible Gadolinium is retained for months or years in several organs. Linear GBCAs cause more retention than macrocyclic GBCAs. Consequences of gadolinium retention in the brain have not been established. Pathologic and clinical consequences of GBCA administration and retention in skin and other organs have been established in patients with impaired renal function. While clinical consequences of gadolinium retention have not been established in patients with normal renal function, certain patients might be at higher risk. These include patients requiring multiple lifetime doses, pregnant and pediatric patients, and patients with inflammatory conditions. Consider the retention characteristics of the agent when choosing a GBCA for these patients. Minimize repetitive GBCA imaging studies, particularly closely spaced studies when possible Acute Kidney Injury: In patients with chronically reduced renal function, acute kidney injury requiring dialysis has occurred with the use of GBCAs. The risk of acute kidney injury may increase with increasing dose of the contrast agent. Do not exceed the recommended dose. In patients with chronically reduced renal function, acute kidney injury requiring dialysis has occurred with the use of GBCAs. The risk of acute kidney injury may increase with increasing dose of the contrast agent. Do not exceed the recommended dose. Extravasation and Injection Site Reactions: Injection site reactions such as injection site pain have been reported in the clinical studies with ELUCIREM. Extravasation during ELUCIREM administration may result in tissue irritation. Ensure catheter and venous patency before the injection of ELUCIREM. Injection site reactions such as injection site pain have been reported in the clinical studies with ELUCIREM. Extravasation during ELUCIREM administration may result in tissue irritation. Ensure catheter and venous patency before the injection of ELUCIREM. Interference with Visualization of Lesions Visible with Non-Contrast MRI: As with any GBCA, ELUCIREM may impair the visualization of lesions seen on non-contrast MRI. Therefore, caution should be exercised when Gadopiclenol MRI scans are interpreted without a companion non-contrast MRI scan. Adverse Reactions: In clinical trials, the most frequent adverse reactions that occurred in > 0.2% of patients who received ELUCIREM included: injection site pain, headache, nausea, injection site warmth, injection site coldness, dizziness, and localized swelling. Adverse reactions that occurred with a frequency 0.2% in patients who received 0.05 mmol/kg BW ELUCIREM included: maculopapular rash, vomiting, worsened renal impairment, feeling hot, pyrexia, oral paresthesia, dysgeusia, diarrhea, pruritus, allergic dermatitis, erythema, injection site paresthesia, Cystatin C increase, and blood creatinine increase. Use in Specific Populations Pregnancy: GBCAs cross the human placenta and result in fetal exposure and gadolinium retention. There are no available data on ELUCIREM use in pregnant women to evaluate for a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. GBCAs cross the human placenta and result in fetal exposure and gadolinium retention. There are no available data on ELUCIREM use in pregnant women to evaluate for a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Lactation: There are no data on the presence of ELUCIREM in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. However, published lactation data on other GBCAs indicate that 0.01 to 0.04% of the maternal gadolinium dose is excreted in breast milk. There are no data on the presence of ELUCIREM in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. However, published lactation data on other GBCAs indicate that 0.01 to 0.04% of the maternal gadolinium dose is excreted in breast milk. Pediatric Use: The safety and effectiveness of ELUCIREM have not been established in pediatric patients younger than 2 years of age. The safety and effectiveness of ELUCIREM have not been established in pediatric patients younger than 2 years of age. Geriatric Use: This drug is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of adverse reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. This drug is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of adverse reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Renal Impairment: In patients with renal impairment, the exposure of gadopiclenol is increased compared to patients with normal renal function. This may increase the risk of adverse reactions such as nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF). Avoid use of GBCAs among these patients unless the diagnostic information is essential and not available with non-contrast MRI or other modalities. No dose adjustment of ELUCIREM is recommended for patients with renal impairment. ELUCIREM can be removed from the body by hemodialysis You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Please see the full Prescribing Information, including the Medication Guide, for additional important safety information. 1Elucirem [package insert]. Princeton, NJ: Guerbet LLC; 2022 2Loevner LA, Kolumban B, Hutoczki G, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Gadopiclenol for Contrast-Enhanced MRI of the Central Nervous System: The PICTURE Randomized Clinical Trial. Investigative Radiology ():10.1097/RLI.0000000000000944, December 19, 2022. | DOI: 10.1097/RLI.0000000000000944 3Data on file (PROMISE trial. GDX-44-011) 4 US FDA. Priority Review. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/patients/fast-track-breakthrough-therapy-accelerated-approval-priority-review/priority-review. Accessed August 22, 2022 5 Robic, C., Port, M., Rousseaux, O., Louguet, S., Fretellier, N., Catoen, S., Factor, C., Le Greneur, S., Medina, C., Bourrinet, P., Raynal, I., Idee, J. M., & Corot, C. (2019). Physicochemical and Pharmacokinetic Profiles of Gadopiclenol: A New Macrocyclic Gadolinium Chelate With High T1 Relaxivity. Investigative radiology, 54(8), 475484. https://doi.org/10.1097/RLI.0000000000000563 Contacts: Guerbet Leeann Essai, Head of Marketing, North America 609-480-9850/ [email protected] Syneos Health Edie Elkinson, Media Relations 310-430-6838/ [email protected] SOURCE Guerbet BALTIMORE, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Society of Academic Urologists (SAU) and the American Urological Association (AUA) announce the results of the 2023 Urology Residency Matchthe system through which U.S. medical students and other applicants from around the world learn where they will complete their residency. Statistics from the 2023 Urology Residency Match More than 500 medical trainees registered in this year's Urology Match for 386 positions in 145 urology residency training programs across the country. When the matching algorithm was processed, 383 vacancies were matched with 75% of trainees matched to a position in a program. This is up from 365 vacancies matched in 2022. This year's Urology Match was also a paramount year for females applying for and matching with urology programs, as a higher percentage of female participants matched with programs (81%), compared to their male counterparts (73%). Two nonbinary trainees and two transgender trainees also matched with urology residency programs. Of all matched applicants, 5.7% are Black or African American and 11.5% are Latino, Hispanic or of Spanish origin, which is a significant increase over the 7.4% of matched applicants who identified as Latino, Hispanic or of Spanish origin in 2022. "We are extremely proud of the success of the Urology Residency Match and look forward each year to helping medical students begin their practice in urology," said SAU President Raj Som Pruthi, MD. "This program is vital to advancing urology by helping to develop the careers of the people who make up the future of our specialty." On average, the 2023 Urology Match participants submitted 88 applications. Participating programs received an average of 332 applications. Programs granted an average of 42 interviews, with potential residents taking an average of 12 interviews. Matched applicants had an average of 15 programs on their preference lists. "The AUA is honored to host the many applicants pursuing a future in the practice of urology," said AUA President Edward M. Messing, MD, FACS. "We commend all the Match participants for their hard work, resilience and commitment. The future of urology is bright." Urology Match Day is an annual rite of passage for U.S. medical students and other applicants from around the world. Medical students begin the residency application process at the start of their final year in medical school. After applying to various registered programs across the country, select candidates are invited by programs for interviews, which are held in the fall and early winter. Once the interview period is over, both registered parties submit their preference lists to the AUA, which has performed the Urology Match annually on behalf of the SAU for nearly 40 years. Follow the excitement on #AUAMatch. Results of the Urology Residency Match are closely watched as they can be predictors of future trends in physician workforce shortages and supply. View statistics on the 2023 Match and past Match results. About the American Urological Association: Founded in 1902 and headquartered near Baltimore, Maryland, the American Urological Association is a leading advocate for the specialty of urology and has nearly 24,000 members throughout the world. The AUA is a premier urologic association, providing invaluable support to the urologic community as it pursues its mission of fostering the highest standards of urologic care through education, research and the formulation of health policy. About the Society of Academic Urologists: Formed in 2016 when the Society of University Urologists and the Society of Urology Chairpersons and Program Directors merged, the Society of Academic Urologists (SAU), provides academic urologists with a forum to discuss, review and work toward resolving critical issues in all aspects of academic urology. Additionally, SAU maximizes benefits for educational urology programs, streamlines communications with the AUA, RRC, ABU and other societies, as well as gives academic urology a voice in the AUA Match Program. Media Contact: Caitlin Lukacs 410-689-4081 [email protected] SOURCE American Urological Association YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 2, ARMENPRESS. The Government of Armenia approved the concept of introducing the national health insurance system. Minister of Health Anahit Avanesyan, speaking at the Cabinet meeting, described the comprehensive insurance plan as the most important systemic reform in the healthcare sector. The system is designed to provide healthcare services to every citizen. The mandatory insurance plan will be introduced gradually and 2023 will be the preparatory phase. In 2023 the insurance plan options and the prices will be finalized and the universal health insurance system will be mandatory starting 2027. Before that, citizens will be offered to join the coverage voluntarily. Starting 2025, the system will cover pensioners. NEW YORK and TORONTO, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - iAnthus Capital Holdings, Inc. (the "Company") (CSE: IAN) (OTCPK: ITHUF), which owns, operates and partners with regulated cannabis operations across the United States, announces that the Company along with its wholly-owned subsidiary, iAnthus New Jersey, LLC, has entered into an amendment to the senior secured bridge notes (the "Bridge Notes"), due February 2, 2023, with certain related-party lenders (including funds managed by affiliates of Gotham Green Partners, LLC, Oasis Management and Senvest Management LLC). Pursuant to the amendment, the maturity date of the Bridge Notes has been extended from February 2, 2023, to February 2, 2024, and the interest on the principal amount outstanding has increased to a rate of 12% per annum. In addition, an amendment fee equal to 10% of the principal amount of the Bridge Notes on the date hereof will become payable at maturity. As at February 2, 2023, the aggregate principal amount outstanding on the Bridge Notes is approximately US$14 million. About iAnthus iAnthus owns and operates licensed cannabis cultivation, processing and dispensary facilities throughout the United States. For more information, visit www.iAnthus.com . Forward-Looking Statements Statements in this news release contain forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made on the basis of the current beliefs, expectations and assumptions of management, are not guarantees of performance and are subject to significant risks and uncertainty. These forward-looking statements should, therefore, be considered in light of various important factors, including those set forth in Company's reports that it files from time to time with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and the Canadian securities regulators, which you should review including, but not limited to, the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC. When used in this news release, words such as "will", "could", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "may", "potential" "believe", "should" and similar expressions, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may include, without limitation, statements relating to the Company's capital structure. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as predictions of future events, and the Company cannot assure you that the events or circumstances discussed or reflected in these statements will be achieved or will occur. If such forward-looking statements prove to be inaccurate, the inaccuracy may be material. You should not regard these statements as a representation or warranty by the Company or any other person that it will achieve its objectives and plans in any specified timeframe, or at all. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this news release. The Company disclaims any obligation to publicly update or release any revisions to these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date of this news release or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law. The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the content of this news release. SOURCE iAnthus Capital Holdings, Inc. TORONTO, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - ICOM Productions, an innovative learning solutions partner, part of The Learning Network and the Pluribus Technologies (TSXV: PLRB) family, today announced that its customer Purolator won two coveted Gold 2022 Brandon Hall Group Human Capital Management (HCM) Excellence awards in Learning and Development Technology. "We are thrilled to receive the awards and be recognized by Brandon Hall Group for our partnership with Purolator," said Kevin Jones, co-founder of ICOM Productions and CEO of The Learning Network. "Our goal was to develop a learning program that would ensure Purolator's employees had the necessary knowledge and skills to improve performance and to further the company's mission to always protect their employee's health and safety." ICOM Productions and Purolator won the Brandon Hall Group awards across two categories: Best Advance in Augmented and Virtual Reality: Purolator National Hub - Ontario (NHO) Augmented Reality Facility Launch Tour (NHO) Augmented Reality Facility Launch Tour Best Advance in Unique Learning Technology: Purolator National Hub - Ontario (NHO) 3D Modelling Across Training Tennyson Devoe, Vice President Talent, Learning & Safety at Purolator, acknowledged, "ICOM Productions was the ideal partner to assess the learning requirements, and build our digital and traditional learning programs across all roles in our new 430,000+ square-foot National Hub. Their capabilities in using innovative tools and techniques, such as 3D and Augmented Reality, brought leading-edge learning experiences to our audiences." Devoe continued, "Being recognized with two gold awards by the Brandon Hall Group is a testament to the amazing work the Purolator Learning & Development and ICOM teams put into ensuring our learners know how valued they are by the company and the value that Purolator places on learning and development." Entries for the HCM Excellence Awards were evaluated by a panel of veteran, independent senior industry experts, Brandon Hall Group analysts, and executives based upon these criteria: fit the need, design of the program, functionality, innovation, and overall measurable benefits. "We appreciate the recognition from Brandon Hall Group for the innovative work we're doing with our partners and colleagues at Purolator," said Phil Speed, Senior Vice President Business Development at ICOM Productions and The Learning Network. "Their unrivaled commitment to their employees has made them a leader in their industry and we are honoured to be a trusted partner as they continue to evolve their award-winning Learning and Development initiatives." Excellence Award winners were scheduled to be honoured at Brandon Hall Group's HCM Excellence Conference, Jan. 31 - Feb. 2, 2023, in West Palm Beach, Florida. About ICOM Productions and The Learning Network Since 1996, ICOM Productions has been at the forefront of developing innovative learning solutions, partnering with some of the world's largest and most dynamic organizations to create high-impact products with targeted learning objectives. Specializing in online learning, video and motion graphics production, augmented reality and virtual reality, and 3D development and eco learning systems. The Learning Network (TLN) is your learning partner with deep in-house expertise. TLN's professionals offer best-in-class traditional and digital learning solutions to meet your business needs. ICOM Productions is an integrated member of the TLN family of companies bringing strategic vision along with custom and off-the-shelf solutions. (www.learning.net) ICOM Productions and The Learning Network are wholly owned subsidiaries of Pluribus Technologies Corp. (TSXV: PLRB). About Purolator Purolator Inc. is Canada's leading integrated freight, package and logistics solutions provider. Celebrating over 60 years of delivering its customers' promises, Purolator continues to expand its reach and renowned service levels and reliability to more people, more businesses and more places across the country and around the world. Purolator is proud of its Canadian heritage and is focused on sustainably positioning itself for future growth and success. Purolator is also committed to contributing to the well-being of the communities it serves and where more than 14,000 of its employees live, work and play. About Brandon Hall Group Brandon Hall Group operates the largest and longest running awards program in Human Capital Management. As an independent HCM research and analyst firm they conduct studies in Learning and Development, Talent Management, Leadership Development, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Talent Acquisition and HR/Workforce Management. These benchmark studies help organizations by providing strategic insights for executives and practitioners responsible for growth and business results. Coupling the research studies with the best practice from the awards, Brandon Hall Group has helped more than 10,000 clients globally and more than 28 years of delivering world-class research and advisory. At the core of our offerings is a membership program that combines research, benchmarking and unlimited access to data and analysts. Membership enables executives and practitioners to make the right decisions about people, processes, and systems, coalesced with analyst advisory services which aim to put the research into action in a way that is practical and efficient. Brandon Hall Group has also launched professional certifications for business and human capital management professionals to upskill themselves and gain credentials for career advancement. (www.brandonhall.com) For further information: Janet Brideaux Senior Vice President Marketing at The Learning Network Email: [email protected] SOURCE The Learning Network TORONTO, Feb. 1, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - As the world shifts towards a more hybrid and remote work environment, employers and employees alike are searching for ways to bridge the gap between flexibility and productivity. Infinite Concierge Services (ICS) launches the ideal solution. In the face of a rapidly evolving workforce, it's more important than ever for employers to find new ways to engage and retain top talent. Studies have shown that engaged employees are more productive and can drive a 21% increase in profitability for organizations. However, retaining employees is a growing challenge, with 63% of companies reporting it's harder to retain than to hire. And with 75% of employees experiencing burnout, it's essential to find ways to promote work-life balance. Infinite Concierge Services is here to help. The wide range of business support services offered can be tailored to meet the specific needs of any organization. With a flexible subscription model, organizations have the ability to customize the services each month, allowing them to adapt to their changing needs. It also enables employees to focus on their primary responsibilities and enjoy a more balanced work environment. These interns contribute to increasing productivity and reducing retention rates. About Infinite Concierge Services: Infinite Concierge Services Inc. offers comprehensive and customizable concierge services that are designed to cater to the unique needs of your business, helping to create a harmonious environment that boosts efficiency and performance. From managing daily tasks and nurturing client relationships to improving the employee experience and handling administrative functions, we are your dedicated partner in driving the success of your company. With our experience in both the hospitality and corporate sectors, trust us to be your go-to companion in the new era of work. Website: https://www.infinitecs.ca/ SOURCE Infinite Concierge Services Inc DUBLIN, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global Pen Needle Market Research and Forecast, 2022-2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global pen needle market is growing at a considerable CAGR of 9.8% during the forecast period. Increasing need and demand for low costing pen needle is one of the prime factors affecting and driving the market. Growing advancement in insulin pens along with favorable government policies is also estimated to be the key factors that are contributing significantly towards the growth of the market. However, alternative methods present of drug delivery is the major factors constraints that are hindering the growth of the global pen needle market across the globe. Further, growing advancement in technology along with rising application of injection pens related with insulin are some of the key factors that are creating opportunity for the market. New product launches in the market are likely to drive the growth of the global pen needle market. For instance, in January 2020, MedExel Co., Ltd. had introduced its Insulin Safety Pen Needle. This Insulin Safety Pen Needles had been exported by the company to the market of region of European along with the US. Additionally, the company is also planning to enlarge the business area to all over the globe. Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Global Pen Needle Market The global pen needle market is hardly hit by the COVID-19 pandemic since December 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic in the major economies had brought a lot of disruption. Due to COVID-19 pandemic the supply chain were disturbed that slowed down the growth of the market. Segmental Outlook The market is segmented based on type, therapy and purchase. Based on type, the market is segmented into standard pen needles and safety pen needles. By therapy, the market is segmented into insulin, glp-1 and growth hormones. Further, based on purchase the market is segmented into retail and non-retail. Regional Outlooks The global pen needle 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 held a considerable share in 2020 in the global pen needle market. Some factors that are boosting the market growth in North America are raising pervasiveness of diabetes patients. According to Centers for Disease Control (CDC's) National Diabetes Statistics Report for 2020 around 34.2 million cases related with diabetes were estimated. Additionally, increasing technological advancements along with favorable policy of government are some of the other factors that are driving the growth of the market. Asia-Pacific will have Considerable Growth in the Global Pen Needle Market Asia-Pacific region is expected to witness significant growth opportunities for the market. Increasing usage of pen needle due to rise in awareness related with medical treatment is likely to drive the growth of the regional market. Additionally, favorable polices of government in this region especially in South Korea, China and India are supporting the growth of the market. Further, rapid research development, and rising sector related with health care also some of the factors that are affecting and impacting the growth in this market. Market Player Outlook Key players of the global pen needle market are B. Braun Melsungen AG, Berpu Medical Technology Co., Domrex Pharma, MedExel Co., Ltd., and Metier Medical Ltd., among others. To survive in the market, these players adopt different marketing strategies such as product launches and acquisition. For instance, in February 2021, one of the providers of medical technology across the globe named as Terumo Corp. had entered into definitive agreement in order to acquire all the assets of Health Outcomes Sciences, Inc. (HOS). This acquisition of Health Outcomes Sciences along with the ePRISM platform will support in enlarging the presence of the digital healthcare arena as well that will lead to substantially better patient outcomes for Terumo Corp. The Report Covers Market value data analysis of 2020 and forecast to 2027. Annualized market revenues ($ million) for each market segment. Country-wise analysis of major geographical regions. Key companies operating in the global pen needle market. Based on the availability of data, information related to new product launches, and relevant news is also available in the report. Analysis of business strategies by identifying the key market segments positioned for strong growth in the future. Analysis of market-entry and market expansion strategies. Competitive strategies by identifying 'who-stands-where in the market. Key Topics Covered: 1. Report Summary 2. Market Overview and Insights 2.1. Scope of the Report 2.2. Analyst Insight & Current Market Trends 2.2.1. Key Findings 2.2.2. Recommendations 2.2.3. Conclusion 3. Competitive Landscape 3.1. Key Company Analysis 3.1.1. Overview 3.1.2. Financial Analysis 3.1.3. SWOT Analysis 3.1.4. Recent Developments 3.2. Key Strategy Analysis 3.3. Impact of Covid-19 on Key Players 4. Market Determinants 4.1. Motivators 4.2. Restraints 4.3. Opportunities 5. Market Segmentation 5.1. Global Pen Needle Market by Type 5.1.1. Standard Pen Needles 5.1.2. Safety Pen Needles 5.2. Global Pen Needle Market by Therapy 5.2.1. Insulin 5.2.2. Glp-1 5.2.3. Growth Hormones 5.3. Global Pen Needle Market by Purchase 5.3.1. Retail 5.3.2. Non-Retail 6. Regional Analysis 6.1. North America 6.1.1. United States 6.1.2. Canada 6.2. Europe 6.2.1. UK 6.2.2. Germany 6.2.3. Italy 6.2.4. Spain 6.2.5. France 6.2.6. Rest of Europe 6.3. Asia-Pacific 6.3.1. China 6.3.2. India 6.3.3. Japan 6.3.4. South Korea 6.3.5. Rest of Asia-Pacific 6.4. Rest of the World 7. Company Profiles For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/4511ty-pen-needle?w=5 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 PLYMOUTH MEETING, Pa., Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Intelivation Technologies, a medical device company with a cutting-edge spinal and orthopedic implant product portfolio, announced today that they have added a strategic member to the team with the hiring of Dennis Jones as the VP of Manufacturing. Mr. Jones brings over 30 years of medical manufacturing expertise and a rich knowledge of cutting-edge machining methods, processes, and supply chain operations. He started his career in the medical device space with Wilsey Tool Company, after which he ran Globus Medical's manufacturing operations for over a decade. President Amit Sinha remarked, "We are honored to have Dennis join the team. Intelivation is entering an exciting next phase in our vertical integration of the company. We are excited for the addition of Dennis to our team as we scale our operations and continue to serve our customers by bringing new and unique innovations to market." In addition to exhibiting at multiple industry conferences, Intelivation is launching several new products throughout the 2023 calendar year. Their new Center of Excellence, a state-of-the-art manufacturing and R&D facility, will host its ribbon cutting this spring. About Intelivation Technologies Intelivation Technologies, dedicated to research and development, is focused on bringing game-changing products to market that make patients' lives better. For further inquiries, interested parties may email [email protected]. SOURCE Intelivation Technologies RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Jazeera Paints hosted the Saudi-Egyptian Forum for senior designers and architects in Riyadh, the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia and the Arab World. To promote the exchange of experiences and strengthen the business and economic ties between the two neighboring countries, Jazeera Paints intends to continue to host and organize the Saudi-Egyptian Forum annually. Jazeera Paints hosts the Saudi-Egyptian Forum for Senior Designers and Architects (PRNewsfoto/Al Jazeera Paints) Jazeera Paints hosts the Saudi-Egyptian Forum for Senior Designers and Architects (PRNewsfoto/Al Jazeera Paints) Jazeera Paints hosts the Saudi-Egyptian Forum for Senior Designers and Architects (PRNewsfoto/Al Jazeera Paints) The event's program began with receiving the guests, where they enjoyed an introductory tour inside Jazeera Paints' latest and most innovative showroom. During the tour, they learned about the latest products from Jazeera Paints' senior engineers and experts. During the introduction tour, the Egyptian and Saudi engineers engaged in cordial conversation about colors and interior design. As the soothing music started to play, everyone made their way to the workshop area, which was dedicated to offering designers individualized experiences. The latest product from Jazeera Paints, Mini Paint, was the highlight of the workshop, and was an instant hit impressing the guests. After the workshop concluded, the event began with a speech from the CEO, Mr. Abdullah bin Saud bin Marshoud Alromaih, in which he welcomed the honorable guests, on his and his teams behave. He gave a special welcome to the senior Egyptian designers and architects in their second country Saudi Arabia. The CEO explained the purpose and background behind hosting this forum, saying: "We had the idea to organize this forum three months ago after we went to one of the major events in Egypt. Great engineers attended the event, which brought them together via innovation and enlightening discussions. Due to our presence in both Saudi Arabia and Egypt, we have decided to host this event in order to foster more commercial and economic ties between the two partner countries while also bringing together Egyptian and Saudi creative talent." Following the CEO's speech, a pleasant exchange between Egyptian and Saudi engineers began to take place. The engineers and experts of the company took the guests on a tour of Jazeera Paints' various departments as they discussed the company's history and its exterior and interior paint products. There were also conversations regarding colors, their range, and how crucial it is to coordinate them to a home's interior. After the session, everyone was welcomed to dine at the Al-Bujairi, where they all enjoyed the festive mood of the winter season in Riyadh. Commemorative photos were taken after the end of the gala dinner. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1994916/Al_Jazeera_Paints_1.jpg Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1994917/Al_Jazeera_Paints_2.jpg Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1994918/Al_Jazeera_Paints_3.jpg Video link: https://youtu.be/OlwlvO1wIp0 SOURCE Al Jazeera Paints Customers can get 20% off menu-priced pizzas all day long on National Pizza Day STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich., Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- National Pizza Day is a great reason to celebrate everyone's favorite meal to eat. It's an even greater reason to celebrate the best Detroit-Style Pizza around from Jet's Pizza. On Thursday, February 9, Jet's Pizza is offering 20% off all menu-priced pizzas to customers who order online, using code PIZZA23. This offer is available for one day only, for both pick-up and delivery. Jet's Pizza is offering 20% off all menu-priced pizzas to customers who order online, using code PIZZA23. Tweet this 8 Corner Pizza Detroit-Style Pizza Don't forget, in addition to serving up the best Detroit-Style Pizza, Jet's menu also includes hand-tossed rounds, NY Style, Thin Crust, Seasoned Cauliflower, and Gluten-Free Crust. No matter what crust style you choose, you can flavorize it for free! "We love any excuse to celebrate pizza and National Pizza Day is th perfect reason to order your favorite pizza from Jet's," said John Jetts, President and CEO of Jet's America, Inc. "My favorite order is the 8 Corner Pizza Super Special. That's what I'll be eating on National Pizza Day!" For a menu and store hours, go to jetspizza.com. About Jet's Pizza Jet's Pizza is based in Sterling Heights, Michigan. It was founded as Jetts Party Shoppe and Pizzeria in 1978 by brothers, John and Eugene Jetts. Since then, it has now grown to over 400 stores in 20 states. Jet's Pizza is known for its Detroit-style, deep-dish pizzas, and fresh, high-quality ingredients. Every morning the dough is prepared by hand, premium mozzarella is grated, vegetables are hand-cut, and sauce is made with fresh vine-ripened tomatoes mixed with Jet's proprietary spice and herb blend. Media Contact: Gabriella Galloway Jet's America 586-795-8403 [email protected] SOURCE Jet's Pizza Direct private lender closes its third land loan in Peru, and more throughout South and Central America ENGLEWOOD, N.J., Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- It's notoriously difficult to find a lender that's willing or able to close land loans in South America. That's why Innovaciones y Ecologia Aplicada S.A.C. sought out Kennedy Funding to secure a land loan for its "Fundo El Progreso" project. Via Englewood, New Jersey-based direct private lender Kennedy Funding, Innovaciones y Ecologia Aplicada S.A.C. secured a $3.71 million land loan in Piura, a city in northwestern Peru. The loan will be used toward debt payoff and for working capital for agricultural and commercial mixed-use applications across two lots. Kevin Wolfer, CEO of Kennedy Funding, said that closing foreign loans, especially on raw land, can be highly difficult but Kennedy Funding has both the experience and international network needed to swiftly, successfully fund South American deals. The private lending firm boasts over $4 billion in closed loans. "To secure land loans in Peru and other countries outside the U.S., you need to team up with a direct private lender that's well-versed in the locale's real estate markets, political landscapes, and laws," said Wolfer. "These private lenders are the only people with enough expertise to remain compliant with the complex local regulations and paperwork that are part and parcel of real estate, land use, environmental, and title." Innovaciones y Ecologia Aplicada S.A.C. initially purchased the land in 2012. To date, the borrower has invested substantially on infrastructure, installing electric, water, irrigation, and roads across all 15,000 acres of the property. The two new lots purchased via the Kennedy Funding deal cover, respectively, 1,631.78 hectares and 1,226.70 hectares of agricultural land. Both lots are zoned for industrial, residential, or agricultural use. Wolfer said that funding deals often become more challenging when raw land is involved, as most lenders automatically view land as high-risk. "Thoroughly, accurately appraising land in other countries is extremely difficult, but crucial for a successful international loan closing," Wolfer added. "We work with world-renowned firms independent experts for accurate property appraisals so we can provide our borrowers with the largest possible loans." Piura is a city of approximately 325,000 people, making it Peru's eighth-largest city. It's situated along the Piura River within the Sechura Desert. One-third of the population works in agriculture, making the borrower's project a welcome addition to the city. "This property will be used for agricultural and mixed-used purposes in an area home to a large population of agricultural workers," Wolfer said. "We immediately saw why the property is so valuable, and why the deal would be highly beneficial." This newest loan closing follows two previous Kennedy Funding transactions in Peru: a $2.5 million land loan to be used in a mountainous, inland Peruvian city, and a $3.65 million land loan for a real estate development in Lima, the capital and Peru's largest city. Kennedy Funding has developed a reputation internationally for closing loans that other U.S. lenders won't even consider. The firm has closed dozens of loans in other South American countries, including Colombia and Brazil, and throughout the Caribbean, Canada, and Europe. Among the countries where Kennedy Funding has successfully closed loans: Jamaica, Dominican Republic, St. Maarten, the Bahamas, Belize, and St. Barts, among many other international destinations. "We are proud that we have closed our third loan in Peru," said Wolfer. "We get loan requests all across South America, and we are one of only a few lenders that are willing and able to close them. We will always continue to serve this ever-growing market." About Kennedy Funding Kennedy Funding is a global direct private lender specializing in bridge loans for commercial property and land acquisition, development, workouts, bankruptcies, and foreclosures. Kennedy Funding has closed more than $4 billion in loans to date. Its creative financing expertise provides funding up to 75% loan-to-value, from $1 million ($3 million international) to more than $50 million, in as little as five days. The company has closed loans throughout the United States, the Caribbean, Europe, Canada, and Central and South America. www.kennedyfunding.com SOURCE Kennedy Funding Former COO Behind Multi-billion Dollar Apparel Company Re-dedicates Himself to Bringing Back American Manufacturing FARMINGTON, Maine , Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ORIGIN, recognized for its commitment to resurrecting American manufacturing with a domestic supply chain and workforce, announces Kip Fulks as a full-time Strategic Advisor and Partner. "I used to be part of the problem," explains Fulks about his new role, "and now I can be part of the solution." Tweet this After decades at Under Armour, Kip Fulks is now helping to lead ORIGIN, a company recognized for resurrecting American supply chains and manufacturing, to new heights as Strategic Advisor and Partner. "I used to be part of the problem," explains Fulks about his new role, "and now I can be part of the solution." Recalling his earlier days with foreign suppliers, Fulks aims to share lessons learned in business with Pete Roberts, Founder and CEO at ORIGIN, who he believes is leading an important change in the apparel industry with a return to corporate responsibility. According to Roberts, it comes down to consumerism, a cost-benefit analysis, and American communities. "We start with people from the American farmer who grows the cotton, to the communities where we operate our cut and sew factories, and all the way through to the end consumer," explains Roberts, who wants consumers to know that their purchase means more. "We want the them to know that wearing ORIGIN jeans or apparel is not just the latest fashion trend it represents American jobs, innovation, craftsmanship, and a return to pride in 'Made in the USA.'" Communities across the country, that used to be hubs of American production, have suffered the impacts of globalization and trade policies since the late 70's and 80's. Most notably, GATT reform and World Trade Organization PNTR status for China in 2000 which sparked periods of severely escalated trade deficits. Compounding these damages, many traditional "Made-in-the-USA brands" started to outsource with overseas manufacturing to increase profit margin. From 2001 to 2010, the U.S. lost 5.8 million manufacturing jobs and 57,000 manufacturing firms closed their operations. Throughout Maine, where ORIGIN is headquartered, factories abandoned in favor of cheaper overseas labor still stand in ruins as a reminder of what Roberts calls "runaway capitalism and corporate greed." "Machines, jobs, and our self-sufficiency were shipped overseas but we are bringing it back!" explains Roberts. From trying to convince friends and family to support his vision just over ten years ago, to building one of the country's fastest growing private companies, Roberts says the path hasn't been easy but the mission is clear. "With Kip's help, we will continue to show the world what the American people are capable of doing we're reshoring the machines, saving the heritage skills that were almost lost, and training a new generation of makers." In fact, two-thirds of ORIGIN's workforce are millennials. ORIGIN has already expanded to more than 500 employees in six locations, with sales topping nine figures. Now, with Fulks on the team, Roberts feels he has filled a critical piece of the executive structure required for the company's next big leap. "ORIGIN is on a great trajectory already, and I'm excited to help them become the next iconic billion-dollar company," says Fulks. About Kip Fulks Kip Fulks is a serial entrepreneur who enjoys helping great companies reach new heights. As Co-Founder of Under Armour, Fulks helped navigate the company's largest growth years to-date. He held many roles over his 20 years with Under Armour most notably COO, CMO and Head of Apparel and Footwear & Innovation. From humble beginnings in Kevin Plank's grandmother's basement, to a public company with more than $4 Billion in revenue, Fulks was integral to their success. Fulks is now applying his business acumen to new ventures as CEO of Friday Investments & Big Truck Farm Brewery, in addition to his new role with ORIGIN. About ORIGIN ORIGIN was founded when Pete Roberts in 2012, with friends and family, cut down a forest in the woods of Maine, built a timber frame factory, bought an old L.L.Bean sewing machine, hooked up a generator, and started getting to work. Despite most companies importing from China or Pakistan, Pete was naive enough to think he could spearhead a renaissance of manufacturing, and committed that ORIGIN would be built by American workers using an all-American supply chain, without compromise. As ORIGIN grew, abandoned equipment, not used in over 30 years, was reclaimed and transformed into functional machines to produce new products. When the pandemic highlighted the need for American-made products and supply chains, ORIGIN doubled their workforce to meet pent-up demand, invested in two factories and a workforce in North Carolina, and revived the last remaining denim manufacturing plant and wash house in America with full production and staffing. ORIGIN is a salt-of-the-earth family business, manufacturing all-American performance textiles and durable goods, including everyday workwear and clothing, denim, boots, fitness gear, and hunting apparel. OriginUSA.com SOURCE ORIGIN Following the successful addition of USD and GBP accounts in 2022, Klarpay AG extends its commitment to empowering digital businesses through borderless, scalable, bespoke business accounts by enabling 13 new currency IBAN accounts. ZUG, Switzerland, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Klarpay AG marks a significant expansion of its international payment offering with the launch of 13 new currency IBAN accounts. This addition enables digital companies, including online merchants, ad networks, marketplaces, and influencers, to collect and disburse payments in AED, AUD, CAD, DKK, HKD, HUF, JPY, MXN, NOK, PLN, SEK, TRY, and ZAR globally via their corporate Klarpay account in addition to the 80+ payout currencies which are already available. With the introduction of these new currency accounts, Klarpay's customers will now be able to conduct business more efficiently in multiple countries and currencies, thereby expanding their reach and opening up new opportunities for growth. Klarpay's international accounts are ideal for companies looking to expand globally through cross-border transactions. The addition of these new currency accounts furthers the company's commitment to providing its merchant clients with the tools they need to succeed in today's digital economy. "We are excited to offer our customers even more options for conducting cross-border transactions," said Martynas Bieliauskas, CEO of Klarpay. "Our goal is to empower businesses of all sizes to reach new markets and customers, and these new currency accounts are an important step in achieving that goal." Klarpay's all-in-one dashboard and API make it easy for digital businesses to manage their cross-border transactions effectively, while the company's predictable, secure, and cost-effective cross-border payment and FX capabilities ensure that online businesses can focus on growing their operations without having to worry about the logistics of international payments. About Klarpay AG. Klarpay AG is a leading fintech company offering online businesses access to multi-currency IBAN accounts, global payment acceptance, and digital disbursement solutions. As the first Swiss-licensed fintech company to work exclusively with e-commerce, digital entrepreneurs, and social media influencers, Klarpay seeks to empower digital businesses through borderless, scalable, bespoke business accounts and payment solutions. Founded in 2019, Klarpay AG is a deposit-taking financial institution authorised and regulated by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) under the Swiss Federal Banking Act, Article 1b. Media contact: www.klarpay.com [email protected] + 41 41 552 0093 Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1853303/Klarpay_Logo.jpg SOURCE Klarpay AG. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 2, ARMENPRESS. The Australian Institute for Holocaust and Genocide Studies (AIHGS) and the NSW Ecumenical Council have written to the Australian Federal Government, expressing immediate concerns about Azerbaijans blockade against the indigenous Armenians of Artsakh, reported the Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANC-AU). On behalf of distinguished academics from across the country, Dr Darren OBrien, President and Dr Panayiotis Diamandis, Director of the AIHGS, appealed directly to the Foreign Minister, Senator the Hon. Penny Wong and Shadow Foreign Minister Senator the Hon. Simon Birmingham, in an open letter, calling the Australian Governments silence deafening and unacceptable. In the statement, the Genocide scholars said, All Federal Governments since 1974 have maintained consistent policies in support of the human rights of all Cypriots. The Armenians of Artsakh deserve the same treatment. The Open Letter said, At the time when Australian Defence Forces are actively engaged in support of Ukraine, the least we, as Australians, can hope for, are public statements from the Australian Federal Government in support of the indigenous Armenian people of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), in support of ending the inhumane and illegal blockade of civilians, of men, women and children. Now is the time for public action in support of the people of Artsakh. Reverend Myung Hwa Park, President of the NSW Ecumenical Council who attended the ANC-AU Friends of Artsakh Extraordinary Meeting with the countrys Human Rights Defender and former Foreign Minister, also appealed to the government to help bring an end to this mass humanitarian catastrophe. The NSW Ecumenical Council letter read: This ruthless tactic, a disguised environmentalist protesters signal that the blockade is a coordinated attack against the Republic of Artsakh to manufacture irreversible humanitarian consequences for the population, with the clear intent of making life untenable for the Armenians of Artsakh and to achieve the thinly veiled objective of their ethnic cleansing. I urge you to support the people of Artsakh by calling on Azerbaijan to open the only land route between the Republic of Artsakh and the Republic of Armenia and to end the blockade, Rev. Park wrote. The NSW Ecumenical Council expresses the views of 18 highly influential and prominent church communities, including the Anglican Church, Antiochian Orthodox Church, Armenian Apostolic Church, Assyrian Church of the East, The Bruderhof, Congregational Federation of NSW, Coptic Orthodox Church, Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo Church, Greek Orthodox Church, St Thomas Indian Orthodox Church, Lutheran Church of Australia, Mar Thoma Church, Religious Society of Friends, Roman Catholic Church (Diocese of Bathurst, Parramatta and Wagga Wagga), Syrian Orthodox Church, Church of South India, The Salvation Army and Uniting Church Synod of NSW and ACT. On behalf of the over 50-000 strong Armenian-Australian community, the Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANC-AU) welcomed the appeals made by the AIHGS and NSW Ecumenical Council to the Australian Foreign Affairs leaders. The full AIHGS Open Letter was also published in the national Australian-Hellenic media outlet Neos Kosmos. Leading Poke Franchise Rapidly Grows Across United States SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Koibito Poke, the leading healthy fast casual concept known for its build-your-own Hawaiian poke bowls, has announced the plans for the addition of seven new locations across its existing four markets by the summer of 2023. Koibito Poke in Scottsdale, Arizona. Koibito Poke to open seven new locations by summer 2023. The new locations will take the restaurant franchise up to the total of 13 operating storefronts. After a successful year in 2022, the southwest-based franchise will add two locations to their largest market in Arizona, as well as new locations in St. Louis, Mo., Charlotte, N.C., and Las Vegas, Nev. In addition to the restaurant's traditional franchise model, Koibito Poke will also be opening a cloud kitchen concept to operate as a delivery and takeout location only. "After several years of working to perfect our menu and concept, we are excited to look forward to explosive growth throughout the country," says Todd Stottlemyre, Co-Founder and CEO of Koibito Poke, former MLB pitcher and three-time World Series Champion and two-time bestselling author. "We are receiving a lot of interest from prospective franchisees who are looking to participate in our success as we expand across the country throughout 2023." Koibito Poke offers a customizable build-your-own bowl experience that allows each diner to make every bowl to their liking with the freshest seafood, toppings and nine unique sauces. The award-winning concept also serves a handful of Signature Bowls for an easier selection. The company is committed to creating a new standard of excellence in healthy, nutritious, and delicious dining in the Poke space, and continues to set itself apart from other fast casual concepts by serving healthy food that has great advantages to building the body's immune system. In 2023, Koibito Poke will continue to expand in its current markets and is also looking to grow in new markets around the country. For more information on Koibito Poke and its franchise offerings, visit https://koibitopoke.com/franchise/ or follow them on social media @koibito.poke. About Koibito Poke: Founded in 2018, Koibito Poke is the leading Arizona poke restaurant influenced by traditional Hawaiian and Japanese flavors and ingredients. Koibito Poke (Koibito meaning "love" in Japanese) to show their bodies some love by providing them with fresh, clean whole foods that are good for them and taste good too. Koibito Poke is co-founded by former MLB Pitcher and three-time World Champion Todd Stottlemyre who has led the brand's expansion throughout Arizona. The restaurant is expanding its concept with franchises across the country. For more information, visit https://koibitopoke.com/franchise/. Media Contact: Robyn Patterson Mack Media Relations Direct: 480-242-8001 [email protected] SOURCE Koibito Poke MELBOURNE, Fla., Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Kona Gold Beverage, Inc. (OTCPK: KGKG), a holding company focused on product development and distribution in the better-for-you and functional beverage sector is pleased to announce for the first time it has surpassed $500,000 in monthly revenue in January, a huge milestone for the Company. During the same month last year, Kona Gold Beverage had approximately $275,000 in revenue. Historically, the months of December and January are generally the slowest in the beverage industry, which is a testament to the strong growth the Company continues to execute on. The Company hit its revenue targets in January for both its subsidiaries, Kona Gold LLC and Gold Leaf Distribution LLC. Kona Gold LLC has recently partnered with several new distribution partners around the country to distribute its Ooh La Lemin Lemonades and has several new partners coming on board within the next month. Gold Leaf Distribution had a record revenue month in January and they continue to see outstanding growth with popular new products it distributes in addition to the new convenience and grocery chain partnerships. With the spring and summer months being the busiest in the beverage industry, both subsidiaries anticipate a ramp up in revenue as those months get closer. "I am excited to announce to our stockholders we have finally eclipsed the half a million-dollar mark in monthly revenue, which is a huge milestone and accomplishment for our teams across both subsidiaries," stated Robert Clark, CEO of Kona Gold Beverage, Inc. "Kona Gold and Gold Leaf both had a record January in terms of revenue and Gold Leaf had an all-time record month, which is an amazing accomplishment to happen in January. We are ramping up for the busy months of spring and summer and look to continue to increase sales, gain market share, and grow revenue." Kona Gold Beverage recently announced it has signed a distribution agreement with Illinois based distributor, Norman Distribution. Norman Distribution will distribute the Company's 12oz sparkling and 16oz non-sparkling Ooh La Lemin Lemonades in the greater Chicagoland Area, which includes Cook, Dupage, Lake, Will, Kane, McHenry, Winnebago, Boone, Kendall, Dekalb, and Kankakee counties. Norman Distribution will be a key partner in distributing Ooh La Lemin to key accounts such as Mariano's, Pete's Fresh Market, Woodman's, Butera, and Walmart.across the state of Minnesota. For more information regarding Kona Gold Beverage, please visit: https://konagoldbeverage.com/ About Kona Gold Beverage, Inc. Kona Gold Beverage, Inc., a Delaware corporation, has created wholly-owned subsidiaries, Kona Gold LLC, HighDrate, LLC, and Gold Leaf Distribution, LLC. Kona Gold, LLC has developed a premium Hemp-Infused Energy Drink line; please visit its website at www.konagoldhemp.com. HighDrate, LLC has developed the beverage industry's first CBD-Infused Energy Water, available in 6 delicious flavors; please visit its website at www.highdrateme.com. Gold Leaf Distribution, LLC was created to fill the Company's distribution needs in markets that it wants to enter quickly; please visit its website at www.goldleafdist.com. Kona Gold Beverage, Inc. recently rebranded its Lemin Lemonade to Ooh La Lemin Lemonade; please visit its website at www.oohlalemin.com. Kona Gold and its family of companies are located on the east coast of Florida in Melbourne and in Greer and Conway South Carolina. Safe Harbor Statement: The information posted in this release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these statements by use of the words "may," "will," "should," "plans," "expects," "anticipates," "continue," "estimate," "project," "intend," and similar expressions. The Company may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in press releases and other written materials, and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate. The Company cautions that these forward-looking statements are further qualified by other factors including, but not limited to, those set forth in the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or anticipated. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, general economic and business conditions, effects of continued geopolitical unrest and regional conflicts, competition, changes in technology and methods of marketing, delays in completing various engineering and manufacturing programs, changes in customer order patterns, changes in product mix, continued success in technological advances and delivering technological innovations, shortages in components, production delays due to performance quality issues with outsourced components, and various other factors beyond the Company's control. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any statements in this release, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Investor Relations Contact: Robert Clark +1 844-714-2224 [email protected] SOURCE Kona Gold Beverage, Inc. Denver-based business secures Series A Funding through partnerships with Iron Gate Capital and Kozo Keikaku Engineering. DENVER, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- KoreLock, an emerging IoT Smart Lock technology company, is pleased to announce funding to support the development and expansion of its Smart Lock technology and software platform. Private equity firm Iron Gate Capital and engineering firm Kozo Keikaku Engineering, Inc. have invested in the company alongside management. KoreLock serves a vast market of lock manufacturers, specialty lock brands, and software companies looking to convert their existing offline locks into cloud-connected Smart Locks. KoreLock's patent-protected technology is embedded and proven in over 50,000 locking devices worldwide. Tweet this "KoreLock addresses the market need for OEM Smart Lock technology with wireless integration to access control software services," said Grant Walter, KoreLock President and CEO. "Traditional lock companies have tried to develop their own Smart Locks but abandoned these efforts lacking the capabilities to do it themselves." KoreLock specializes in embedded printed circuit board solutions that help lock manufacturers overcome the complexities of developing connected Smart Locks, reduce costs, and shorten their overall time-to-market. "KoreLock offers a unique access control solution for the lock manufacturing industry that fits well with our focus on early-growth stage B2B technology companies," said AJ Dye, Partner, Iron Gate Capital. KoreLock's patent-protected technology is embedded in over 50,000 locking devices in 65+ countries and has been tested and proven for over a decade. "KoreLock is well-positioned for accelerated growth, anchored by partnerships with industry-leading lock brands worldwide," added Walter. "We are investing meaningfully to expand our team, solutions, and customers." About KoreLock KoreLock, Inc. is an IoT technology company that provides turnkey embedded Smart Lock solutions that enable manufacturers of door locks or access control hardware to build and sell connected locking devices. Korelock, Inc. is a privately held company based in Denver, Colorado. About Iron Gate Capital Iron Gate Capital, LLC is a nationally recognized deal-by-deal private equity firm investing in market leading "early growth" technology companies on behalf of over 60 families. Iron Gate Capital is based in Boulder, Colorado. About Kozo Keikaku Engineering, Inc. (KKE) KKE is a professional design and engineering firm that acts as a bridge between the academic and business worlds. KKE strives to solve various issues and challenges that society faces, utilizing its engineering expertise acquired through knowledge exchanges in diverse fields. KKE is based in Tokyo, Japan. Contact: Grant Walter, President and CEO, KoreLock, Inc. [email protected], 303.681.5785 SOURCE KoreLock, Inc. Leading lawsuit settlement funding company now accepting applications for funding up to $15K on Bard and Ethicon hernia mesh cases that qualify. PRINCETON, N.J., Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Legal-Bay Pre-Settlement Funding announces that they are now the leader in mass tort funding of hernia mesh cases with upwards of $15K offered to their clients who have cases that qualify. The premier lawsuit funding company is currently working with mass tort litigation law firms to generate a renewed focus on both Ethicon and Bard lawsuits, two companies with headquarters in central New Jersey. Johnson & Johnson's Ethicon Physiomesh and C.R. Bard's Kugel are two of the most popular brands of hernia mesh. Both companies are also facing lawsuits over their transvaginal mesh products. The devices are currently being recalled due to numerous patient complications. Out of the 100,000+ individual lawsuits filed, many plaintiffs have already been awarded multi-million-dollar verdicts. However, with numerous manufacturers and varying injuries, future cases will most likely take a long time to resolve. It's uncertain if new cases will ever settle or at what values, but based on the success of past hernia mesh lawsuits, a positive outcome is expected for plaintiffs in these litigations. Chris Janish, CEO of Legal-Bay, commented, "While there are no guarantees in some of these lawsuits, Legal Bay nevertheless remains committed to assisting plaintiffs with their presettlement cash advance needs on these two products. Our underwriting team has always been a leader in mass tort funding, and we believe we are now the highest in the market for plaintiffs with buyouts from other firms, up to $15K in qualifying cases." If you're a plaintiff in an active hernia or transvaginal mesh lawsuit and need an immediate cash advance against your impending settlement, please visit Legal-Bay HERE or call toll-free: 877.571.0405. Legal-Bay's pre settlement funding programs are designed to provide immediate cash in advance of a plaintiff's anticipated monetary award. The non-recourse law suit loanssometimes referred to as loans for lawsuit or loans on settlementare risk-free, as the money doesn't need to be repaid should you lose your case. Therefore, the lawsuit loan isn't really a loan, but rather a cash advance. To apply right now, please visit the company's website HERE or call toll-free: 877.571.0405 Contact: Chris Janish, CEO Email: [email protected] Ph.: 877.571.0405 Website: www.Legal-Bay.com SOURCE Legal-Bay, LLC The Innovation Momentum 2023 Global Top 100 Report analyses shifts in patent portfolio strength over the last two years, to identify the companies shaping the future of science and technology ZUG, Switzerland, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- nChain, global leader in blockchain technology, is proud to announce its inclusion in the second annual "Innovation Momentum: The Global Top 100" report by LexisNexis. The Top 100 recognizes companies advancing innovative solutions to today's challenges and laying the intellectual property foundations for further breakthroughs. The report also highlights how the world's most dynamic and innovative companies worldwide are making a difference to technological progress. Christen Ager-Hanssen, CEO nChain Group, said: "At nChain, we are both delighted and proud to be part of this select group of innovative companies for second year running. Innovation is at the core of our company mission to transform the world from Web2 to Web3, and our patents are the foundations for many companies to seamlessly make this transition. Joining this Top 100 is testament to the impact that our patents are making on many businesses that have chosen to adopt our technology for its scalability, speed, and efficiency." The Innovation Momentum report follows the Patent Asset Index, an industry-trusted, scientifically developed index created to assess patents based on size and individual quality of all patent families belonging to a patent portfolio. The Innovation Momentum was developed to provide an unbiased framework to identify innovators who outperformed their peers over the period of the previous two years based on the "Technology Relevance" and "Market Coverage" of their patent portfolios. Owen Vaughan, Director of Research, nChain said: "It is the mission of the nChain R&D team to create the knowledge and tools to build Web3. Our IP covers blockchain infrastructure and applications, cryptography, network analytics, and emerging technologies such as IPv6 and zero-knowledge proofs. We aim to make this knowledge accessible through academic papers, conferences, blogs, and interviews. Having our extensive work in this field recognised by Lexis Nexis drives us to strive for new ideas and inventions that will eventually have a positive impact for many businesses and organisations." To learn more about the Top 100, download the "Innovation Momentum 2023: Global Top 100" intellectual property report, visit www.lexisnexisip.com/innovation-report-2023 About nChain Founded in 2015 and with offices in London (UK), Zug (Switzerland), Ljubljana and Maribor (Slovenia), Stockholm (Sweden), and Manila (Philippines), we are the DNA of Blockchain. nChain unleashes the potential of blockchain technology through ongoing research and development of inventions, including the maintenance of a robust patent portfolio, and by offering software, IP licensing, and consulting services across several industries, including iGaming, supply chain, and finance. nChain also offers solutions in the digital payment space, along with professional services that assist enterprises of all types to benefit from blockchain technology. nChain currently has almost 2,800 registered patent applications of which approximately 500 have been granted and is the developer behind the Bitcoin SV Node software, Teranode, LiteClient, Kensei and more. SOURCE nChain The Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE), in partnership with L.A. Care Health Plan, Health Net, their plan partners, and the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, will make mental telehealth services available to over one million K-12 public school students at no cost to families through Hazel Health. L.A. Care Health Plan and Health Net are allocating up to $24 million over two years to cover the new service. LOS ANGELES, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE), through a historic partnership with L.A. Care Health Plan, Health Net , and the L.A. County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH), is poised to offer access to mental health services for L.A. County's 1.3 million K-12 public school students. The partnership with school-based telehealth company Hazel Health will use virtual care to deliver mental health support for all students, resulting in shorter wait times to connect with qualified therapists, and enabling earlier intervention. B-roll of students and teachers in classroom. Additional b-roll available upon request. To help make mental healthcare more accessible for students, all Local Education Agencies (LEAs) in the county may opt-in to participate in the Hazel Health virtual mental health program. LEAs, such as Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) and Compton Unified School District, have already made the decision to leverage this service. L.A. Care Health Plan and Health Net are allocating up to $24 million to cover the services for all LEAs over two years. Funding is made possible by the Department of Health Care Services' Student Behavioral Health Incentive Program (SBHIP), authorized by Governor Gavin Newsom. "This historic partnership will bring much-needed mental health support to our students across the county," Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Debra Duardo said. "We continue to see the devastating impact the pandemic has had on our children's mental well-being. This crisis has called us to collective action. As a mental health professional, I am keenly aware that partnerships and collaboration across sectors are necessary to meet our children's needs. We must remove barriers to access and continue our efforts to destigmatize help-seeking around mental health. We must also recognize that physical and mental health is crucial to teaching and learning. I look forward to continuing this critical work with our partners as we strive to improve educational and life outcomes for all children." "With unprecedented levels of trauma and stressors facing our students, the need for timely and effective mental health support has never been greater," Los Angeles Unified Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho said. "The groundbreaking solutions in virtual care made possible by our partnership with Los Angeles County will dramatically increase our support capacity, ensuring all students are ready for the world." "We are excited about this endeavor and honored to have such trusted partners join us in our efforts to ensure students receive every support possible on their education journey. Providing access to quality, responsive mental health services is not only important for their academic success, it is also our moral imperative," said Compton Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Darin Brawley. According to the 2022 California Health Care Almanac , 1 in 14 children has an emotional disturbance that limits functioning in family, school, or community activities. And according to the California Master Plan for Kids' Public Health , over 284,000 youth cope with major depression, and 66 percent of youth with depression do not receive treatment. Alarmingly, suicide rates for kids age 10-18 increased 20 percent between 2019-2020. "Even before COVID-19, the incidence of adolescent depression, suicidal ideation, and emergency room visits was on the rise, and mental health resources have not kept pace with rising levels of student distress, depression, and traumatic experiences," said John Baackes, L.A. Care CEO. "L.A. Care saw an opportunity to support the mental health needs of members and students by leveraging telehealth to improve access to prompt evaluation and treatment. We believe this initiative will provide an accessible, expandable, and sustainable model to bring mental health treatment to students across L.A. County." "This significant expansion further demonstrates our commitment to the residents of Los Angeles County," said Brian Ternan, President and CEO of Health Net. "Helping more children is why we partner with agencies like the Los Angeles County Office of Education, and local school districts, who dedicate every day to the health and wellbeing of California's next generation of leaders. These efforts to bring mental health support to youth builds on our previous work with Hazel Health to increase their presence throughout California. This partnership is another large step in the journey to advancing health equity for the state's most vulnerable residents." Timely care is essential for early intervention and prevention. Hazel's virtual mental health platform allows California-licensed therapists across the U.S. to support students conveniently in school and at home. The partners are committed to connecting students to therapists who reflect and understand diverse populations. More than 60 percent of Hazel Health therapists identify as people of color, and more than 30 percent are bilingual. This commitment to culturally competent care is unique among service providers and reflects the LEAs' commitment to equity and inclusion. "Los Angeles County and its partners are rallying together to respond to the growing needs of our youth and the mental health crisis they face. Now, more than ever, the LACDMH believes that providing timely, comprehensive, and culturally responsive care to our community members requires a multi-pronged approach," said Dr. Lisa H. Wong, Interim Director for LACDMH. "As such, L.A. County has led the efforts to expand services for youth through Hazel Health, providing access to virtual mental health services in partnership with schools. Hazel Health will provide students with less intensive mental health services, allowing LACDMH providers increased capacity to deliver intensive services to our most vulnerable youth." "Providing access to early intervention services, systematically, at this scale has the potential to change the trajectory for students struggling with mental health across L.A. County," said Josh Golomb, Chief Executive Officer at Hazel Health. "This model provides more equitable access to care at an unprecedented rate for students from families who may otherwise not benefit from it and can truly change lives." The program will deploy in a phased approach for all L.A. County LEAs that choose to opt-in to the program. District leaders can learn about the implementation process and next steps through information sessions hosted by LACOE and Hazel Health in late January and February. The program with Hazel puts forth a new model of what collaboration between public, private, and community stakeholders makes possible. About The Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) The Los Angeles County Office of Education, based in Downey, is the nation's largest regional education agency, providing a range of services and programs to support the region's 80 school districts and some two million preschool and school-age children. To learn more about LACOE, visit www.lacoe.edu . MEDIA CONTACT: Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) Van Nguyen, Public Information Officer [email protected] SOURCE Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) Partnership adds four LSI team members to MedtechWomen and elevates the 501(c)(3) organization as a sponsor of LSI USA '23 HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif., Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Life Science Intelligence (LSI), the Medtech Market Intelligence company, today announced an expanded partnership with MedtechWomen, the leading organization dedicated to highlighting and connecting women leaders in medtech. With the partnership, the following four LSI team members officially become members of MedtechWomen: Kelly Williams , Vice President of Business Development , Vice President of Business Development Maricela Almonte , Director of Operations , Director of Operations Rebekah Murrietta , Director of Media , Director of Media Amber Hatchell , Operations Associate MedtechWomen was founded in 2010 by medtech executives to connect, educate and inspire fellow medtech women by creating an ongoing content-driven, solutions-oriented dialogue on the future of the medtech industry. The 501(c)(3) organization is dedicated to highlighting and promoting underrepresented medtech leaders, inclusive of all races, ethnicities, and gender identities. "I'm honored to join the distinguished MedtechWomen community and am eager to continue connecting with like-minded women in our industry," said Williams. "MedtechWomen is a unique forum for women in our industry to be exposed to diverse perspectives, celebrate and learn from each other's wins, and serve as role models for future leaders. Our partnership with MedtechWomen reinforces LSI's core belief that we rise by lifting others. Together, we will promote and advance the careers of women in this dynamic industry and continue to shape the future of medtech." "It's my pleasure to welcome these four leaders to our organization and deepen our relationship with LSI," said Jessica Richter, Member of the Board of Directors at MedtechWomen and Executive Vice President, Regulatory, Clinical & Quality Systems at Veranex Solutions. "LSI's commitment to showcasing diverse leaders, paired with their global community, world-class events, and opportunities for thought partnership make them valuable allies in our mission to connect, educate, and inspire women in medtech. We look forward to continuing to work together to advance our shared goals and create a brighter future through medtech." The announcement comes ahead of "LSI USA '23," LSI's flagship partnering event held annually in Dana Point, California. The event will bring together more than 1,000 top innovators, investors and strategics and 250 vetted presenting companies at the world-class Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach. MedtechWomen will be an official sponsor of LSI USA '23. Event attendees can meet the organization's leadership team and hear how they are advancing healthcare at the MedtechWomen sponsored networking breakfast on March 21st at 7:00am (open to all registered attendees). Registration for LSI USA '23 is open, with limited spots still available. To view the agenda and register, visit www.ls-intel.com. About Life ScIence Intelligence (LSI) LSI helps medtech leaders build businesses that save lives. With LSI's ecosystem of market research, media, and partnering events, medtech leaders can access the community, capital, and insights that enable growth. For over 15 years, medtech's global leaders have trusted LSI to cultivate world-class partnering experiences and provide trusted market research and advisory. Based in Huntington Beach, California, LSI is building an enduring company to impact millions of people's health. For more information, visit www.ls-intel.com and follow Life Science Intelligence - LSI on LinkedIn . About MedtechWomen MedtechWomen is a 510(c)(3) educational nonprofit organization dedicated to highlighting and connecting women leaders in medical devices and diagnostics. The organization was founded in 2010 when a group of women acted on their vision of bringing together sector leaders and policymakers to discuss real-world solutions to the most challenging issues in the medical technology industry today. They enlisted the support of their mentors and a broadening circle of colleagues to bring this vision to reality, resulting in the inaugural MedtechVision conference in 2011. Founders and organizing members of MedtechWomen are innovators from across the U.S. in varied aspects of the medtech sector including business leaders, financial investors, researchers, physicians and experts in new product commercialization. For more information please visit www.medtechwomen.org. Press Inquiries Maricela Almonte [email protected] SOURCE Life Science Intelligence Company will provide secure, mission-critical communications services WASHINGTON, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Lumen Technologies (NYSE: LUMN) recently won a $223 million contract from the U.S. Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) to provide secure, mission-critical communications services to the U.S. Department of Defense. Lumen wins $223 million Defense Information Systems Agency contract. "The U.S. Department of Defense has a far-reaching mission to provide military forces to deter war and ensure our nation's security. DoD selected Lumen to deliver voice communications services that will help it carry out its important mission using today's technologies," said Zain Ahmed, senior vice president, Lumen public sector. "DoD is modernizing its network and leveraging cloud-based technologies like the new voice system enabled by Lumen that securely connects our troops with modern communications tools wherever they are." Speed Read: Lumen will supply DISA with modern hybrid-cloud voice and audio-conferencing services that support the Department of Defense (DoD)'s mission both inside and outside the U.S. The new Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) system saves the government money by eliminating the need for desk phones and supporting remote users as DoD transitions to a hybrid workforce. Lumen is serving as a trusted provider of secure, resilient communications services that enable more than 250,000 concurrent connections to DISA's voice cloud system. Lumen is supplying unified communications services via an integrated phone system that runs over the company's fiber network. Delivering voice and conferencing services from cloud data centers that meet DoD Impact Level 5 security standards provides modern capabilities with scalable infrastructure ready to meet warfighters' needs on demand. The new voice services will support DoD's transition to a next generation 911 (NG911) system at military bases that can better pinpoint and route first responders to a caller's location. The Lumen NG911 platform improves the delivery of emergency calls and enables residents to contact 911 not only by making a voice callit also lays the foundation for the delivery of pictures and videos in the future. Tech Talk: The $223 million task order has a base performance period of one year, with three additional one-year options and a potential six-month extension. task order has a base performance period of one year, with three additional one-year options and a potential six-month extension. It was awarded to Lumen under the General Services Administration's 15-year, $50 billion Enterprise Infrastructure Solutions (EIS) program. Enterprise Infrastructure Solutions (EIS) program. Tyto Government Solutions, Inc. is a strategic subcontractor to Lumen. The two companies are working to fulfill the order's technical requirements by delivering phone and conferencing services from highly available, resilient cloud data centers that meet DoD Impact Level 5 (IL5) security standards. Lumen is honored to support military and government agencies with innovative adaptive networking, edge cloud, connected security and collaboration services using the company's platform for advanced application delivery solutions. The company provides a platform for IT modernization that delivers the security and reliability military and civilian agencies need to carry out their important missions. Additional Resources: Learn more about our Defense Information Systems Agency $1.5 billion award to provide network transport to the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Area of Responsibility: http://news.lumen.com/2022-11-01-Lumen-wins-1-5-billion-Defense-Information-Systems-Network-contract award to provide network transport to the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Area of Responsibility: http://news.lumen.com/2022-11-01-Lumen-wins-1-5-billion-Defense-Information-Systems-Network-contract Learn more about our U.S. Department of Agriculture $1.2 billion network services award: https://news.lumen.com/2022-01-20-U-S-Department-of-Agriculture-awards-Lumen-1-2-billion-network-services-contract network services award: https://news.lumen.com/2022-01-20-U-S-Department-of-Agriculture-awards-Lumen-1-2-billion-network-services-contract Learn more about our U.S. Department of the Interior $1.6 billion network services award: https://news.lumen.com/2020-01-16-U-S-Dept-of-the-Interior-Awards-CenturyLink-1-6-Billion-EIS-Network-Services-Win network services award: https://news.lumen.com/2020-01-16-U-S-Dept-of-the-Interior-Awards-CenturyLink-1-6-Billion-EIS-Network-Services-Win Learn more about how Lumen is supporting the public sector here: https://www.lumen.com/public-sector.html About Lumen Technologies: Lumen is guided by our belief that humanity is at its best when technology advances the way we live and work. With approximately 400,000 route fiber miles and serving customers in more than 60 countries, we deliver the fastest, most secure platform for applications and data to help businesses, government and communities deliver amazing experiences. Learn more about the Lumen network, edge cloud, security, communication and collaboration solutions and our purpose to further human progress through technology at news.lumen.com, LinkedIn: /lumentechnologies, Twitter: @lumentechco, Facebook: /lumentechnologies, Instagram: @lumentechnologies and YouTube: /lumentechnologies. Learn more about Lumen's public sector capabilities on Twitter at @lumengov and on LinkedIn at @lumenpublicsector. Lumen and Lumen Technologies are registered trademarks in the United States. SOURCE Lumen Technologies APPOINTMENT OF NEW CHAIRMAN AND NEW CEO FROM WITHIN RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- MAGRABi Retail Group, the Middle East's leading eyewear retailer, marks the beginning of an inspiring new chapter for 2023 and beyond, with the unveiling of its strategic expansion plans, timed with a newly formed leadership structure. The official appointments, which have taken effect as of January 1, 2023, include: Amin Magrabi , having served as Chief Executive Officer for 14 years, will now assume the role of Chairman of the Board . This pivotal seat in the new leadership structure, will see him lead the business forward and oversee strategic expansion goals in the Middle East and beyond, with a new progressive Board of Directors setup. , having served as Chief Executive Officer for 14 years, will now assume the role of . This pivotal seat in the new leadership structure, will see him lead the business forward and oversee strategic expansion goals in the and beyond, with a new progressive Board of Directors setup. Yasser Taher has held the position of Chief Operating Officer for 14 years, where his entrepreneurial spirit, along with a disciplined approach to strategic implementation, have contributed to propelling MAGRABi Retail Group to its current stature. As the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer , Yasser becomes the first non-family member to hold this position in the history of MAGRABi Retail Group. He will drive the Group's transformation with his unrelenting vision, to position it as a world class leader in its category. has held the position of Chief Operating Officer for 14 years, where his entrepreneurial spirit, along with a disciplined approach to strategic implementation, have contributed to propelling MAGRABi Retail Group to its current stature. As the newly appointed , Yasser becomes the first non-family member to hold this position in the history of MAGRABi Retail Group. He will drive the Group's transformation with his unrelenting vision, to position it as a world class leader in its category. Ahmed Ghobashi , formerly Chief Financial Officer, takes over the role of Chief Operating Officer with a big focus on client-centric strategies, aiming to amplify the culture of luxury and excellence across omnichannel operations at every point in the client journey, and elevate standards to compete on the international stage , formerly Chief Financial Officer, takes over the role of with a big focus on client-centric strategies, aiming to amplify the culture of luxury and excellence across omnichannel operations at every point in the client journey, and elevate standards to compete on the international stage Cherine Magrabi , formerly Vice President of Marketing, becomes Chief Marketing Officer. Cherine's entrepreneurial nature and profound understanding of the Middle Eastern client, will lead the fusion of data and creativity and the development of innovative homegrown omnichannel marketing strategies. , formerly Vice President of Marketing, becomes Cherine's entrepreneurial nature and profound understanding of the Middle Eastern client, will lead the fusion of data and creativity and the development of innovative homegrown omnichannel marketing strategies. Sabine Volcic , previously Vice President of Buying and Merchandising, will now assume the role of Chief Merchandising Officer, fostering agile strategies that adapt to the fast-evolving ambitions of clients and markets, as well as driving vertical integration, and elevating the Group's position on the global scene of luxury and fashion-forward eyewear. Its ambitious new leadership structure mirrors the transformation within the Group, and will be followed by the announcement of an innovative and progressive Board of Directors structure. These shifts are also strategically aligned with the Group's accelerated gender equity commitments, targeting a 50:50 gender balance at all levels of the organization by 2025. Amin Magrabi commented on these organizational changes: "Leading MAGRABi as CEO over the last 14 years has been the greatest of privileges. Together with Yasser Taher and with an exceptional team of leaders, we have managed to grow into the Middle East's leading eyewear retailer. This organization, born from the vision of one person 96 years ago, thrives on the passion and commitment of nearly 1500 people today. I am pleased to embark on this new journey alongside our new inspiring C-suite Executives and our new Board of Directors, balanced from a gender standpoint." Yasser Taher also commented: "Having dedicated over 20 years of my career to MAGRABi Retail Group, I have watched it evolve under Amin's leadership into an organization that has the power to move the industry forward. My vision is to consolidate our leading position across the Middle East, and capitalize on the team's exceptional skills to expand the Group further." For further information: Tavistock Communications +44 207 920 3150 [email protected] https://magrabi.com / https://www.doctorm-optics.com/ SOURCE MAGRABi The system, a key technology for energy management in electric vehicles, will be developed and produced in-house by Marelli to be on the market in 2026 DETROIT, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Marelli has been awarded an important contract to supply its Battery Management System (BMS) a core component of electric vehicles design, also regarded as the "brain" of the battery for the future BEV (Battery Electric Vehicles) small-medium cars of a major global carmaker, from 2026. Within the project, Marelli will provide both the hardware and the boot loader software of the Battery Management System for segment A, B, and C full electric vehicles. The supply represents a significant achievement in terms of production volumes. Marelli will supply Battery Management Systems for electric vehicles to a major carmaker "We are glad of this relevant assignment, particularly as this is for a technology which has a key role for energy management in electric vehicles." said Hannes Prenn, President of Marelli's Electric Powertrain division. "This further reinforces our collaboration with global carmakers and recognizes the consolidated experience achieved by Marelli over the years in the development of BMS with different architectures, to fit the specific needs of our customers and co-create with them the vehicles of tomorrow." The awarded Battery Management System will be developed and tested by Marelli Electric Powertrain teams in Italy and Japan. The start of production is planned for 2026, supplying various plants of the carmaker. The BMS will be based on a distributed architecture, requiring reduced harness. The system which in brief has the role to monitor and control the battery incorporates all the lithium battery cell related hardware on a Cell Module Controller (CMC), that is placed directly on the cell module that is being monitored. This solution alleviates the bulk of the cabling, which are limited to a few sensor wires and communication wires between adjacent CMC modules. Consequently, each CMC is more self-contained, and handles measurements and communications as required. Within its main tasks, the Battery Management System manages the stored power and the capacity of the battery to deliver energy to the vehicle, while checking and delivering information on the battery operating conditions and status, ensuring as well the monitoring, optimization and protection of the battery, all of which are fundamental functions in an electric vehicle. Leveraging established capabilities in the development of BMS and all other key technologies for electrification including e-motors, power electronics, integrated e-axles systems coupled with an extensive know-how in thermal design, Marelli's technological portfolio offers a complete range of solutions to control, manage and optimise the energy balance in electric vehicles. About Marelli Marelli is one of the world's leading global independent suppliers to the automotive sector. With a strong and established track record in innovation and manufacturing excellence, our mission is to transform the future of mobility through working with customers and partners to create a safer, greener, and better-connected world. With around 50,000 employees worldwide, the Marelli footprint includes 170 facilities and R&D centres across Asia, the Americas, Europe, and Africa, generating revenues of 1,380 billion JPY (10.6 billion EUR) in 2021. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1994965/Marelli_Battery_Management_System.jpg SOURCE Marelli YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 2, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan participated in the narrow-format session of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The prime ministers of Eurasian Economic Union member states discussed a number of relevant issues related to the Eurasian integration, the Prime Ministers Office said in a press release. The prime ministers particularly addressed the activity of the EEU domestic market, the funding of the industrial cooperative, development of the agro-industrial complex and cooperation in the energy sector. The implementation of the digital agenda, particularly the perfection of the integration information system was highlighted. The enlarged-format session will take place on February 3. ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- MCAP Inc. (OTC: MCAP), today announced the acquisition of QwickBonds ("QB") from Monroe Financial Partners, Inc., and its affiliate, QwickRate, LLC. MCAP Inc. continues to position itself as a leading customer service-driven financial technology company. David Menn, CEO at MCAP, commented, "The addition of the QwickBonds trading platform and its application software will enhance our trading technology product offerings for existing and new institutional customers. QB is a fixed income trading platform focused on the needs of US community banks, credit unions and institutional investors with live offerings in thousands of fixed income securities. The combination of QwickBonds existing customer base and our exclusive partnership with QwickRate will provide MCAP with a vast distribution network for multiple fixed income related products and enhance shareholder value." Dan Kanter, President at Monroe Financial Partners, stated, "We are very excited about this partnership with MCAP. Our QwickRate subscribers will have access to an even greater variety of fixed income choices as well as improved pricing and transaction processing. The partnership with MCAP is a perfect fit with our strategy to provide great value and insight to QwickRate subscribers that is both convenient and affordable." About MCAP Inc. MCAP Inc. operates as a financial technology company. The Company has three subsidiaries: MCAP Technologies LLC, MBIT LLC, and MCAP LLC. MCAP Technologies LLC develops financial technology software and application software utilized in various global financial markets. MBIT LLC is a digital asset company focused on blockchain integration in the global financial markets. MCAP LLC is a U.S. based broker-dealer focused on electronic securities market making. MCAP LLC connects institutional investors, broker-dealers and companies to the global equity and fixed income markets on a 24/7 basis. MCAP focuses on developing technologies to provide customers with customized trading solutions, trading platforms and unique market access. About QwickRate, LLC For over three decades, QwickRate has provided the premier CD Marketplace for non-brokered funding and investing. With more than 3,000 subscribers, the Marketplace offers a cost-effective way for institutions to gain direct access to a nationwide CD market. QwickRate also offers other robust tools for community financial institutions including QwickAnalytics for affordable access to interactive research on all U.S. banks, performance analysis and regulatory tools, including CECLSolver. QwickRate's IntelliCredit division delivers loan review and credit intelligence solutions that provide easy, affordable ways for community banks to expedite loan reviews, detect hotspots and take earlier action to reduce credit losses. QwickRate, a Preferred Service Provider of The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA), is known for its exceptional customer service, which includes unlimited support and valuable on-staff regulatory guidance. For more information, contact QwickRate at [email protected] or 800.285.8626. Source: MCAP Investor Relations - [email protected] Please visit our websites: www.mcapmarkets.com and www.mcaptech.com Please visit: www.QwickBonds.com Forward-Looking Statements This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. The matters discussed in this news release involve goals, forecasts, assumptions, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. SOURCE MCAP Inc. CHICAGO, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, McDonald's Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $1.52 per share of common stock payable on March 15, 2023 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 1, 2023. Upcoming Communications For important news and information regarding McDonald's, including the timing of future investor conferences and earnings calls, visit the Investor Relations section of the Company's Internet home page at www.investor.mcdonalds.com. McDonald's uses this website as a primary channel for disclosing key information to its investors, some of which may contain material and previously non-public information. About McDonald's McDonald's is the world's leading global foodservice retailer with over 40,000 locations in over 100 countries. Approximately 95% of McDonald's restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by independent local business owners. Forward-Looking Statements This document contains certain forward-looking statements, which reflect management's expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date hereof. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations are detailed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the risk factors discussed in Exhibit 99.2 to the Company's Form 8-K filing on January 31, 2023. The Company undertakes no obligation to update such forward-looking statements, except as may otherwise be required by law. SOURCE McDonald's Corporation Expansion of the senior team will support growth opportunities across defense and commercial markets. RESTON, Va., Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Metron Inc. (Metron), a leading provider of advanced research, scientific, and software solutions for government and commercial industries, announced today the appointment of Robert "Bob" Judd, as chief operating officer (COO). In this position, Judd will work closely with Metron's executive team and board of directors to align the company's operational processes for continued growth and financial diversification focused on innovative capability development. His distinguished career includes the development of a wide range of systems, including aerospace power converters, torpedo defense, sonar, imaging, communications, chemical/biological/explosive detection, and through-the-wall radar systems. Prior to joining Metron, Judd was the general manager of Rantec Power Systems, where he had oversight on all day-to-day operations and interfaced with prime contractor leadership on DOD aerospace, missile defense, and counter-UAS platforms. At Ultra Electronics 3 Phoenix, Judd served in a variety of leadership positions cultivating customer and partner relationships across the Navy, DOD, and international commercial sectors. Judd's early career experience includes positions at General Dynamics, Lucent Technologies, and AT&T Federal Systems focused on C4ISR and ASW programs. Since joining Metron in 2019 as director of business development and corporate relations, Judd has led diversification efforts focused on revenue growth, corporate relations, and commercialization. In the past year, Judd played a significant role in the sale of Metron's ORCA division to Systems Planning and Analysis and Metron's exit from the government advisory services market. Trusted technology innovations for the defense, intelligence community, and commercial sectors. Tweet this Metron's new leadership appointments: positioned on the left, Metron COO, Robert "Bob" Judd; center image, Vice President of Metron-XCD, Patrick Kennedy; positioned on the right, Vice President of Corporate Business Development and Growth, Dr. Aaron Wagner. "The board appointment of Bob to chief operating officer is part of our larger strategy to capitalize on emerging opportunities that align with Metron's core capabilities as a solutions provider," stated Van Gurley, CEO Metron. "Bob's impressive reputation for executing on plan and achieving results makes him the perfect choice to lead operations as we continue to drive opportunities for growth." With the transition of Judd to COO, the company has elevated Dr. Aaron Wagner to vice president of corporate business development and growth. Wagner will lead Metron's US and international business development activities and support customer acquisition strategies across defense, space, and commercial markets. Wagner joined Metron in 2014 and during his tenure has led aspects of technical development for a range of Metron contracts, including those for DARPA, NAVAIR, NAVSEA, and ONR. Wagner leads Metron's commercial offshore energy strategic alliance with Anduril Dive-LD. Over the years, Wagner has been a key driver in identifying new opportunities to strengthen the company's position and productize Metron's portfolio of autonomous systems technology and advanced AI/ML applications. From 2020-2022, Wagner was acting chief information officer for Metron, and he recently completed the Wharton Executive Education Chief Technology Officer program. Along with Wagner's promotion, Metron has also elevated Patrick Kennedy to vice president of Metron-XCD. Metron-XCD is a new experimental capability development business unit serving customers across the defense, space, and intelligence community sectors. Metron-XCD will leverage Metron's multi-domain expertise across artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analytics, remote sensing systems, and autonomy to accelerate the development of novel innovations that advance military and intelligence agency mission objectives. Using rapid software prototyping and testing, proven technology solutions can now be fast-tracked into field operational capabilities. Kennedy joined Metron in 2009 as a senior analyst, bringing over 20 years of management and leadership experience with the civilian, defense, and intelligence sectors as well his service as an active duty naval officer. Recently, Kennedy led a small but highly visible R&D project team of engineers and operators that rapidly prototyped and demonstrated new concepts that increase the speed at which operational assets can exploit national-level data streams. This work, originally sponsored by the Department of Defense Special Capabilities Office, has now transitioned into a Navy Program of Record. The success of this program and Kennedy's track record across the DOD value chain was an important factor in Metron establishing Metron-XCD under his leadership. In his new role, Kennedy will lead Metron-XCD's operations and growth strategy to advance the portfolio and ensure concept-to-ready innovations reach government customers. "With these appointments, Metron is strengthening our leadership team to better meet the needs of our customers and deliver true speed to capability. Our goal is to be the obvious choice for technology innovations for defense, intelligence, and commercial applications," added Van Gurley, Metron CEO. "Our team consistently delivers novel solutions that make a difference for the warfighters' hardest problems. Elevating Pat and Aaron in their new roles reflects the strength and impact of their work over the years here at Metron." Metron recently made the news with a U.S. Navy contract award for algorithm and simulation research and development. To learn more about Metron and our capabilities, please visit metsci.com. About Metron Inc. Metron is an award-winning, trusted provider of advanced research, scientific, and software solutions for government and commercial markets. We apply advanced analytics, decision-support tools, machine learning, artificial intelligence, rapid software prototyping and experimentation, and Resilient Mission Autonomy to develop innovative solutions for our customers' most complex problems. Incorporated in 1984 and headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Metron is an employee-owned company with locations in Portland (Oregon), Denver, San Diego, and Honolulu. With expertise spanning advanced mathematics, computer science, physics, and engineering, Metron's tailored solutions solve challenging technical problems through rigorous innovation grounded in first principles. Please visit us at www.metsci.com for more information or follow us on Twitter @MetronInc. The name Metron and Resilient Mission Autonomy are both registered trademarks of Metron Inc. SOURCE Metron, Inc. FARMINGTON, Mich., Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Hirzel Law, PLC is pleased to announce that Kayleigh Long has been elected as a Member, effective January 1, 2023. Ms. Long focuses her practice in the areas of appellate law, community association law, and litigation. Hirzel Law, PLC's newest member, Kayleigh Long. Ms. Long joined Hirzel Law, PLC as an associate attorney in 2018 after graduating in the top 5 of her law school class at the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law. Ms. Long served as the Senior Executive Editor on the Indiana Law Review. "We recognized that Kayleigh Long was an exceptional legal talent early in her career, we are excited to add Ms. Long as Hirzel Law's first female member," said Managing Member, Kevin Hirzel. "Kayleigh Long has demonstrated herself as a true leader in our firm and in the field of community association law field as she provides exceptional customer service to our condominium and homeowners association clients," said Hirzel. Ms. Long has been recognized as an "Up & Coming Lawyer" by Michigan Lawyers Weekly and a Rising Star in Real Estate Law by Super Lawyers, and was named one of Best Lawyers "Ones to Watch in America" for her work in Real Estate Litigation and Real Estate Law. Ms. Long is also active in the Community Associations Institute, as she was a speaker at the 2023 College of Community Association Lawyer's National Law Seminar where she discussed Marketable Title Acts and was recently nominated to CAI's Amicus Review Committee. Ms. Long is also active in the Real Property Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan, where she has authored several articles for the Michigan Real Property Review on community association legal issues, and she is a frequent speaker on short-term rental issues. Hirzel Law, PLC is an award-winning law firm that focuses on condominium, HOA, and real estate law. Hirzel Law was founded in 2018 and is headquartered in Farmington, Michigan, while also maintaining offices in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Traverse City, Michigan, and Chicago, Illinois. Hirzel Law represents condominium associations, cooperatives, homeowners associations, and summer resorts throughout Michigan and Illinois. The firm also represents individuals and corporate clients in various real estate matters. Call Hirzel Law at (866) 394-4642 to learn how our condo, HOA, and real estate attorneys can assist with your community association or real estate matters. SOURCE Hirzel Law, PLC The collaboration utilizes The University of Texas' Tabletop Terawatt Laboratory laser system to expedite breakthroughs in disease prevention and cures, as well as semiconductor chips and more Sponsored Research Agreement allows TAU and UT Austin personnel to work together to develop fundamental elements of laser-plasma interaction Patent License Agreement signed by both parties grants TAU an exclusive license to future patents on laser-plasma interaction for particle acceleration AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- TAU Systems , a producer of ultrafast, compact plasma accelerators, today announced the signing of a suite of crucial agreements with The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) to focus on the fundamental elements of laser-plasma interactions, advancing the science and technology of compact accelerator systems and advanced light sources, with the goal of making these tools widely available to a broad range of end-users and industry. TAU Systems and University of Texas at Austin Team TAU Systems is developing the world's first compact particle accelerators and specialized X-ray free-electron lasers that combine the capabilities of large accelerators with a small footprint to provide easy and affordable beam-time access for any company or research institute. Led by experts in laser-driven particle accelerators, TAU is democratizing accelerator access for the progress of biotechnology, nuclear and battery technology, and more. These agreements included a Sponsored Research Agreement and a Patent License Agreement. The Sponsored Research Agreement enables TAU Systems and UT Austin personnel to work together in laboratories and collaborate on researching the fundamental elements of laser-plasma interaction. TAU will fund UT Austin laboratory staff in exchange for shared access to UT Austin laboratories, including TAU personnel working in the capacity of UT Austin research affiliates. The Patent License Agreement establishes an exclusive license to a foundational patent on laser-plasma interaction for particle acceleration. As part of the agreement, UT Austin has been issued shares in TAU Systems. "Thanks to our Sponsored Research Agreement, we will begin utilizing the state of the art UT Austin Tabletop Terawatt Laboratory laser, which enables our team to further explore the fundamental elements of laser-plasma interaction, a key part of our compact plasma accelerators," said Bjorn Manuel Hegelich, TAU Systems CEO. "We have also signed a Patent License Agreement with UT Austin that grants us an exclusive license to a foundational patent on laser-plasma interaction for particle acceleration." Christine Dixon Thiesing, associate vice president for Discovery to Impact at UT Austin said, "This collaboration with TAU Systems highlights how the impact of academic research can be greatly amplified through startups. UT Austin is committed to supporting businesses like TAU Systems in their efforts to bring products and services to the market that change the world." This announcement further expands TAU Systems' network with the world's leading academic institutes and builds on the recently announced partnership with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory to demonstrate the U.S.'s first laser-driven vacuum UltraViolet free-electron laser at the BELLA Center. For more information on TAU Systems' solutions and service details, visit www.tausystems.com. About TAU Systems TAU Systems is an Austin, Texas-based deep-tech company developing the first compact particle accelerators and specialized X-ray free-electron lasers that combine the capabilities of large accelerators with a small footprint to provide easy and affordable beam-time access for any company. Led by premier experts in laser-driven particle accelerators, TAU is democratizing access for the progress of biotechnology, nuclear and more. Learn more at www.tausystems.com . About The University of Texas at Austin Discovery to Impact at UT Austin is the connection among campus innovators, industry, and the investment community. We cultivate ideas, uncover pathways to market, and foster commercial collaborations that advance academic research into services and products that benefit society. Visit discoveries.utexas.edu to learn more, view our startup portfolio and IP available for partnering, and connect with the team. Media enquiries: [email protected] SOURCE TAU Systems WebMAP Web Forms provides support for .NET 7 which enables better performance and security, greater scalability and functionality BELLEVUE, Wash., Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Mobilize.Net, the leading provider of code understanding and migration tools today announced WebMAP Web Forms support for .NET 7. This edition of WebMAP enables customers to move away from ASP.NET Web Forms to more modern frameworks including Angular, React and Blazor. ASP.NET Web Forms was released in 2002 and has many deficiencies that hinder organizations from scaling their businesses. Modern frameworks address security vulnerabilities, provide cloud functionality and scalability and also bring substantial performance improvements. Mobilize.Net WebMAP Web Forms Supports .NET 7 "ASP.NET Web Forms was released almost 21 years ago and lacks the features and community that customers require," said John Browne, Technical Product Manager at Mobilize.Net. "WebMAP Web Forms provides the jumpstart organizations need to migrate their old .ASPX to the latest version of .NET." Learn more about WebMAP Web Forms at https://www.mobilize.net/products/app-migrations/webforms Sample code including pre- and post-migration can be found at https://github.com/MobilizeNet/WebFormsEshopDemo WebMAP Web Forms blog post at https://www.mobilize.net/blog/moving-asp.net-web-forms-to-asp.net-core-7 About Mobilize.Net Growth Acceleration Partners (GAP), a strategic technology solutions partner, announces it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the Application Migration Business Unit of Mobilize.Net a software company based in Bellevue, Washington. Mobilize.Net is the global leader in automated modernization tools and services aimed at legacy Windows and Java applications. More Information, Please Contact: Dee Dee Walsh VP, Marketing and Business Development 425-609-8458 [email protected] SOURCE Mobilize.Net Only 29% of respondents are highly confident they have a robust mechanism to test their environments against the most current threat vectors CAMBRIDGE, England, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Darktrace, a global leader in cyber security artificial intelligence, today announced a new IDC InfoBrief, sponsored by Darktrace, 'Building the Case for a Virtuous Cycle in Cybersecurity'*. The research was conducted to identify the key challenges facing cyber security professionals operating in increasingly noisy cyber security environments, and the report outlines recommended solutions to bolster cyber readiness. IDC conducted a survey of 300 organizations across the U.S. and Europe spanning multiple verticals including financial services, transportation, and healthcare. The data revealed the key challenges facing most of these organizations concern the ability to effectively prioritize and contextualize the large amounts of data organizations get from several cyber security alert systems, as well as identifying the key actions necessary for effective mitigation of threats and vulnerabilities. The study's key findings are: Evolving attack vectors make it difficult to prepare proactively, with only 31% of respondents highly confident that their tools can continuously adjust to new configurations There is a lack of dynamic testing capabilities, as 65% of participants agreed that pen testing provides only a snapshot in time which is of limited value, as it quickly becomes out of date While 76% of surveyed professionals thought visualizing attack paths was of moderate or high importance, only 29% were highly confident they had a robust mechanism to test their environments against the most current threat vectors The number of organizations that can continuously run preventative exercises such as pen tests and attack surface evaluation is between just 24% and 31% across all sectors The IDC InfoBrief calls for the adoption of a 'virtuous cycle' model as a way of closing these critical security gaps, incorporating prevention, detection, response, and healing. It calls for "a multipronged approach that includes establishing a security posture and proactively managing the access and assets, monitoring what is happening in the environment, and ensuring a fit-for-purpose remediation approach including backup and disaster recovery." The study also highlights AI as the solution for improved detection and response capabilities and continuous monitoring, as well as playing an integral part in the 'virtuous cycle', citing AI's ability to look for subtle changes in the behaviors of entities within a network. "It's clear from this study that organizations need to adopt a holistic approach to improve their readiness," commented Christopher Kissel, Research Vice President of IDC's Security & Trust Products. "The solution is to create a virtuous cycle, leveraging AI to create an ecosystem across an entire organization able to continuously stress-test environments, give an instantaneous response, and determine if remediation is working." "Security teams don't need more data, they need clear prioritization, and intelligent automation to lighten the load and this report sets that out in concrete terms," said John Allen, VP of Cyber Risk and Compliance at Darktrace. "Security professionals are overwhelmed with vulnerabilities, and they can't get to them all in time. At Darktrace we're committed to delivering an AI Loop that can provide continuous visibility, prioritized into meaningful actions for security teams, and harden weak points. That's how we're helping security teams get proactive." Darktrace PREVENT is the third of four product families in Darktrace's Cyber AI Loop which also includes Darktrace DETECT and RESPOND. The final part of Darktrace's Cyber AI Loop, Darktrace HEAL, will go to market in 2023. Commenting on the efficacy of PREVENT and its ability to augment an entire security ecosystem, Jim Webber, Vice President of Information Technology at Direct Federal Credit Union, said: "PREVENT is continuously looking for assets that live outside of our internal IT environment. With PREVENT constantly doing vulnerability testing on our behalf, I don't need worry about missing something - that is very reassuring." *doc #EUR149649622, January 2023 IDC InfoBrief Methodology In July 2022, IDC surveyed senior security professionals at 300 companies across Europe and the U.S., looking at where security professionals are challenged in implementing preventative security measures and the gaps in their security postures that they are struggling to fill. All organizations surveyed had over 500 employees. Individuals surveyed were predominantly IT directors, IT managers, IT security management specialists, CIOs and CTOs. The full IDC Infobrief can be viewed here. About Darktrace Darktrace (DARK.L), a global leader in cyber security artificial intelligence, delivers complete AI-powered solutions in its mission to free the world of cyber disruption. Breakthrough innovations from the Darktrace Cyber AI Research Centre in Cambridge, UK and its R&D centre in The Hague, The Netherlands have resulted in over 125 patent applications filed and significant research published to contribute to the cyber security community. Darktrace's technology continuously learns and updates its knowledge of 'you' for an organization and applies that understanding to achieve an optimal state of cyber security. It is delivering the first ever Cyber AI Loop, fuelling a continuous end-to-end security capability that can autonomously prevent, detect, and respond to novel, in-progress threats in real time. Darktrace employs over 2,200 people around the world and protects over 8,100 organizations globally from advanced cyber-threats. It was named one of TIME magazine's 'Most Influential Companies' in 2021. Media Contacts SOURCE Darktrace HUNTINGTON, Ind., Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Northeast Indiana Bancorp, Inc., (OTCQB: NIDB), the parent company of First Federal Savings Bank, has announced that the Corporation will hold its twenty eighth annual shareholders' meeting on April 25, 2023, at 1:00 PM local time. The meeting will be held in the boardroom of First Federal Savings Bank at 100 Frontage Road, Huntington Indiana. The holders of record date for the annual meeting will be March 6, 2023. The Company also announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.32 per common share. This cash dividend will be payable on March 2, 2023 to common shareholders of record on February 16, 2023. The book value of NIDB's stock was $35.80 per common share as of December 31, 2022. The last reported trade of the Company's stock at the close of business on February 1, 2023 was $43.50 per common share and the number of outstanding common shares was 1,216,335 as of the same date. The annualized dividend yield is currently 2.9% when annualizing the current quarter cash dividend of $0.32 per common share against the February 1, 2023 closing price of $43.50 per common share. Northeast Indiana Bancorp, Inc. is headquartered at 648 N. Jefferson Street, Huntington, Indiana. The company offers a full array of banking and financial brokerage services to its customers through its main office in Huntington and six full-service Indiana offices in Huntington (2), Warsaw(2) and Fort Wayne(2). The Company is traded on the OTC Markets Group, Inc. (www.otcmarkets.com) utilizing the OTCQB platform under the symbol "NIDB". Our web site address is www.firstfedindiana.bank. SOURCE Northeast Indiana Bancorp, Inc. Investment in North Office Building to bring downtown campus capacity to 9,000 and serve as expanded hub for employees, financial representatives, and business and community partners MILWAUKEE, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Northwestern Mutual today announced plans to invest more than $500 million in its North Office Building located at 818 East Mason Street in downtown Milwaukee to expand its world-class workplace and employee experience. The development plans include extensive interior and exterior renovations to the 540,000-square-foot building to mirror the iconic and award-winning architecture of the Tower and Commons, new connecting structures, and a pedestrian plaza on Cass Street. The plan is contingent on City of Milwaukee approval of a tax incremental financing (TIF) plan that will bring millions of dollars in additional property tax revenue to the City. "We are doubling down on our Milwaukee campus by investing in the future of the workplace for Northwestern Mutual and a thriving downtown community," said Northwestern Mutual Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer John Schlifske. "We are expanding our world-class campus so that our teams can best serve our clients and policyowners in helping them achieve financial security by protecting what they've already built and creating future prosperity." Schlifske added, "Our strategic investment will further our goal of creating an unparalleled campus experience, fostering connection and collaboration across employees, financial representatives and the community while attracting and retaining the next generation of talent right here in southeast Wisconsin." As part of the company's plans, employees will be relocated from Northwestern Mutual's Franklin, Wis. campus over the next three to five years. Nearly 2,000 employees will transition to the reimagined downtown campus, which will also accommodate planned company growth. "Northwestern Mutual is an incredible community partner and their investment in Milwaukee will signal to the state, region and nation that Milwaukee is the place to do business," said Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson. "Their wide-ranging investments in our city have and will continue to move Milwaukee forward." Pending City of Milwaukee approvals, construction could begin as early as fall 2023, with potential occupancy in 2027. Expanding the Tower and Commons Experience to the North Office Building, Activating Cass Street Northwestern Mutual's North Office Building was completed in 1990 nearly three decades before the company's signature Tower and Commons was completed in 2017. "We were proud to partner with City officials to help transform Milwaukee's skyline and provide an unparalleled experience to thousands of Northwestern Mutual employees with our Tower and Commons project," said Schlifske. "With this exciting new endeavor, we will extend that same experience to all our employees by aligning our North Office Building to the Tower and Commons experience." The transformation of the North Office Building will include a full building renovation to visually complement the Tower and Commons Building, enhanced employee amenities, events space, and public engagement. The redesign and more efficient use of the space will result in additional usable square footage and overall downtown campus capacity. As part of the project, Northwestern Mutual is proposing the creation of a pedestrian plaza at the intersection of Mason and Cass Streets that will better activate the area for the public, employees and visitors. Plans call for the elimination of automobile traffic on a portion of North Cass Street between East Mason and East Wells Streets. While initial design renderings have been created, more detailed designs are expected by mid-2023. Franklin Campus Served the Company Well for Two Decades More than 20 years ago, Northwestern Mutual developed the first phase of a suburban office campus located at 1 Northwestern Mutual Way in Franklin, Wis. Since that initial development, Northwestern Mutual has continued its investment in and around its Franklin campus and in neighboring Oak Creek, Wis., and has helped attract major development in both communities. Today, the Franklin campus includes two buildings totaling more than 880,000 square feet of office space, plus an additional 16 acres for future development. Amenities include ample parking, walking trails, and ponds. The company has no immediate plans to sell or lease the buildings, as employees will continue to operate from the Franklin location for three to five years; however, the company anticipates the property will be highly desirable to a future company seeking Class A office space. According to Schlifske, the Franklin campus has served Northwestern Mutual well, but it is time to adapt and lean into the future by bringing people together, consolidating, modernizing, and positioning the Milwaukee campus as the primary cultural and operational center of Northwestern Mutual. "The City of Franklin has been a valued partner for more than 20 years," said Schlifske. "We have invested in the community and transformed 80 acres of land, with 16 acres remaining for future development. It is our hope that our investment will attract another great out-of-state company to call Wisconsin home." Investment Builds on Success of Tower and Commons Project The announcement comes almost exactly 10 years after Northwestern Mutual announced its 1.1 million-square-foot Tower and Commons project. The plan agreed to by the City of Milwaukee included significant goals around the vendors, firms and labor utilized in the construction of the Tower and Commons, which the company successfully met. "Our decision to build the Tower and Commons downtown made a huge statement about metro Milwaukee's attractiveness as a place to live and work and created job opportunities for our broader community that continue to have a ripple effect to this day," said Schlifske. "We believe in Milwaukee which has been our hometown for nearly all of our 165-plus year history which is why we were up to the challenge to ensure we met and exceeded the bold hiring goals advanced with the City." As part of the Company's 2012 agreement with the City, Northwestern Mutual committed to award 25 percent of the total value of applicable contracts to Milwaukee Small Business Enterprises (SBEs). Northwestern Mutual exceeded this goal, awarding $127 million, or 31 percent of the total value of applicable construction and professional services contracts, to local SBEs. The company also committed to ensure at least 40 percent of labor hours on the project would be worked by Milwaukee residents eligible under the Residents Preference Program (RPP). Northwestern Mutual also exceeded this goal, with Milwaukee residents eligible under the RPP performing 43 percent of the construction hours on the project. The City's monetary obligation under the Tower and Commons tax incremental district (TID) is anticipated to be fully paid earlier than expected. Developer-funded TIF to Pave the Way for Major Investment "To complement Northwestern Mutual's investment, the city is advancing a financing tool that adds value without imposing a burden on city taxpayers," said Mayor Johnson. "Over the long run, the city's participation adds tax base and economic strength to Milwaukee." According to Johnson, like the Tower and Commons project, the City of Milwaukee has proposed a tax increment financing (TIF) plan to facilitate this new project. As was the case with the Tower and Commons project, rather than have the City borrow money to finance the plan, the proposed financing would be structured as a developer-funded tax incremental district (TID). Under this method, Northwestern Mutual will initially pay for all the costs of the project. Once the company's new building is producing property tax revenue beyond that generated by the current North Office Building, a portion of those "incremental" taxes will be returned to Northwestern Mutual. These payments are contingent on numerous commitments including: Utilizing SBEs for at least 25 percent of construction and supply costs and at least 18 percent of professional services costs on the construction of the project; Utilizing unemployed and underemployed residents, pursuant to the City's RPP, for no less than 40 percent of total onsite construction "worker hours" expended on construction of the project; Adhering to the requirements contemplated by the City's Community-Oriented, Responsible and Equitable (CORE) Development Zone Resolution, which applies to certain workers and requires a starting $15 per hour minimum wage with built-in escalators; per hour minimum wage with built-in escalators; Committing to have no less than 5,375 employees assigned to its downtown campus upon completion of the project and no less than 5,750 employees assigned to its downtown campus by January 1, 2030 and for the duration of the term of the TID; and and for the duration of the term of the TID; and Continued and enhanced investment in Milwaukee communities through the Northwestern Mutual Foundation. Northwestern Mutual will receive 75 percent of the tax increment and the City will receive 25 percent until a net present value total of $30 million is paid to the company. If for some reason the project produces less property tax revenue than expected, Northwestern Mutual may not have the full $30 million developer funding repaid to it. "Northwestern Mutual has proven time and again that they are committed to our City," said Milwaukee Common Council President Jose Perez. "Their growth, success and investment in Milwaukee benefits our entire community." Commitment to Milwaukee In addition to calling Milwaukee its home for more than 165 years and being the largest property taxpayer in the City of Milwaukee, Northwestern Mutual and its employees support the community in many ways. The Northwestern Mutual Foundation has given more than $465 million to nonprofits nationwide since its inception in 1992; $248 million of those funds stayed in Wisconsin and more than 52 percent of the foundation's grants have benefitted organizations in southeastern Wisconsin. In 2022, the Northwestern Mutual Foundation's total giving exceeded $23 million. Northwestern Mutual employees are also leaders in volunteerism. In 2022 alone, employees donated over 28,800 employee volunteer hours. Since 2013, Northwestern Mutual, through its Foundation, has invested nearly $15 million in Milwaukee's Amani, Metcalfe Park and Muskego Way neighborhoods, supporting nonprofit organizations focused on fostering safe neighborhoods, healthy and thriving youth, and strong families. Most recently, in 2022 the company announced $1.7 million in grants to nearly 30 nonprofit organizations in these neighborhoods. Locally, the company also collaborates with schools and educational programs to increase access to quality education and supports the leading attractions that make Milwaukee a great place to live and visit. Northwestern Mutual is among the largest corporate donors to the United Way of Greater Milwaukee and the United Performing Arts Fund with employee, retiree and foundation contributions to the organizations totaling more than $100 million since 2022. To read more about the company's community impact, view the 2022 Sustainability Report here. 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 $561 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 wealth and investment management 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 As area layoffs mount, the company's investment and expansion will bring up to 70 employment opportunities to Silicon Valley in 2023 SAN JOSE, Calif., Feb. 1, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Northwestern Mutual, a leading financial security company, announced the appointment of Kate Michaels as managing partner of the company's new network office in San Jose. The office will provide up to 70 employment opportunities to those in Silicon Valley in 2023, following nearly 75,000 layoffs in the past year, according to tech job tracker layoffs.fyi. "Creating financial security for more families in the San Jose community will be a top priority for our office," Michaels said. "The area is going through some significant changes, and many people are experiencing financial anxiety. At a time when large employers are pulling back, we're excited to make this investment in Silicon Valley, to guide clients on their financial journey and to provide career opportunities to top talent in the area." In addition to supporting the office's advisors and providing them with the resources they need to best serve their clients, Michaels will oversee client growth and retention. She is also committed to constructing a staff that is diverse and representative of the greater San Jose community. Michaels began her career in 2008 as a campus recruiter in Rochester, N.Y., and has since excelled in many roles within the company, including internship development officer, chief recruiting officer and financial advisor. In 2014, Michaels launched the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council for the company's network office in Syracuse, N.Y., and was the inaugural graduate of Northwestern Mutual's Women's Leadership Development Program. Prior to her new role, Michaels served as the district director in Syracuse where she drove significant increases in productivity among new advisors. After 15 years with Northwestern Mutual, Michaels is looking forward to relocating to the West Coast and furthering her passion for developing talent and building relationships. In partnership with the company's Distribution Growth Ventures (DGV) team, which is focused on growing the company's distribution system, the San Jose network office is a part of Northwestern Mutual's investment and expansion in California. 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 $561 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 wealth and investment management 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 YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 2, ARMENPRESS. On February 2, Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan received Sergey Kopyrkin, the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Armenia. During the meeting, issues on regional security and stability, as well as Armenian-Russian relations were discussed, the foreign ministry said in a read-out. North American lithium-ion battery supply chain boosted through localization of lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6) production BOSTON, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Orbia's Fluorinated Solutions business Koura today announced that it has signed a technology licensing agreement with Kanto Denka Kogyo for lithium hexafluorophoshate (LiPF6), a critical lithium-ion battery material. The agreement provides Koura with access to Kanto Denka Kogyo's world-class technology and industry expertise in commercial LiPF6 production. Currently, there is no large-scale production of LiPF6 in North America. With significant growth of the U.S. electric vehicles market, demand for lithium-ion batteries and materials is increasing. Orbia is working to secure North America's supply of key battery materials and recently announced the first U.S. manufacturing plant for LiPF6 in St. Gabriel, Louisiana, partially funded by a $100 million U.S. Department of Energy Award. "Kanto Denka Kogyo is recognized by the major battery producers for its reliable and high quality LiPF6 technology. We are excited to extend this production know-how to Koura, as they are best suited to build and operate a LiPF6 plant in North America with their vertically-integrated fluorspar and fluorine value chain. Customers will now have access to known LiPF6 performance in North America," said Junichi Hasegawa, President of Kanto Denka Kogyo. "As one of the pioneers and known leader in the high quality manufacture of LiPF6, Kanto Denka Kogyo is the ideal partner for Koura to progress our energy strategy and be ready to meet growing demand for a domestic supply of LiPF6," said Gregg Smith, President of Orbia Fluorinated Solutions (Koura). "Accessing a proven technology with our license from Kanto Denka Kogyo along with support from the U.S. Department of Energy ensures we are ready to meet customer needs as lithium-ion battery plants are built and the market grows." As the operator of the world's largest fluorspar mine, Koura is working with industry partners and researchers to convert the material into a wide range of advanced battery materials, including electrolyte salts, binders and high-performance electrolyte additives for lithium-ion batteries. Koura's unique 'mine-to-market' vertically integrated position, expertise in fluorine technology and investment in recycled and alternative sources of Lithium enables the business to tackle today's challenge of the domestic supply chain for lithium-ion batteries. About Orbia Orbia is a company driven by a shared purpose: to advance life around the world. Orbia operates in the Polymer Solutions (Vestolit and Alphagary), Building and Infrastructure (Wavin), Precision Agriculture (Netafim), Connectivity Solutions (Dura-Line) and Fluorinated Solutions (Koura) sectors. The five Orbia business groups have a collective focus on expanding access to health and wellness, reinventing the future of cities and homes, ensuring food and water security, connecting communities to information and accelerating a circular economy with basic and advanced materials, specialty products and innovative solutions. Orbia has a global team of over 23,000 employees, commercial activities in more than 110 countries and operations in over 50, with global headquarters in Boston, Mexico City, Amsterdam and Tel Aviv. The company generated $8.8 billion in revenue in 2021. To learn more, visit: orbia.com. About Orbia Fluorinated Solutions (Koura) Orbia's Fluorinated Solutions business Koura is a global leader in the development, manufacture and supply of fluoroproducts that play a fundamental role in enhancing everyday lives and shortening the path to a sustainable, circular economy. Backed by over 35 years of experience, Koura's products are used in a vast range of applications including electric vehicles and energy storage, urban and rural infrastructure, indoor climate management, food and medicine refrigeration and even in treating respiratory conditions through the development of healthy and innovative low-GWP propellants for metered-dose inhalers. Koura has 1,600 employees and 13 manufacturing facilities worldwide, serving 60 countries through a global sales and distribution network. About Kanto Denka Kogyo Since its founding in 1938, Kanto Denka Kogyo Co., Ltd. has built up specialized technologies and know-how in electrolysis and other fields as well as over 50 years of experience in the manufacture of fluorochemicals. Kanto Denka Kogyo fluorochemical products are indispensable for the manufacture of semiconductors and flat panel displays and their quality is held in extremely high esteem by the market. Lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6), a high-purity electrolyte for lithium-ion secondary batteries that Kanto Denka Kogyo started manufacturing in 1997, is supplied to many customers worldwide. Kanto Denka Kogyo are the only company in Japan to mass-produce this product. Kanto Denka Kogyo will continue striving to be a creative development-driven company, developing unique, highly competitive products that provide value to the world's most advanced technology and contributing to the realization of a sustainable society. Media Contact, Orbia Kacy Karlen Chief Communications Officer, Orbia [email protected] 865.410.3001 Media Contact, Koura Valeria Barragan Villanueva Director, PM Chemicals and Strategic Marketing, Koura [email protected] +44 7873 626557 Media Contact, Kanto Denka Kogyo Legal & General Affairs Dept. [email protected] SOURCE Koura, an Orbia business Culinary Institute of America Launches Richard Capizzi Memorial Scholarship NEW YORK, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Pastry Chef Richard Capizzi will be honored this February 19th with a tribute dinner and fundraiser at Lincoln Ristorante, where he practiced his craft for the last decade. A star-studded lineup of Chefs Thomas Keller, Shea Gallante, Jonathan Benno, Artem Orlovskyy and Chad Palagi will cook a sumptuous dinner in homage to their beloved friend, while Pastry Chefs Sebastien Rouxel, Stefanie Morgado, Kara Blitz, Katie Backlund and Scott Cioe will collaborate on desserts. Pastry Chef Richard Capizzi Chef Capizzi's tragic passing this past September left the culinary community stunned and bereft. The vibrant and dynamic Capizzi suffered from glioblastoma, an aggressive type of brain cancer. Delaware North's Patina Restaurant Group conceived of the tribute dinner as a fundraiser for Capizzi's family, with all proceeds benefiting his wife Phyllis and their two children. The evening provides an opportunity for the restaurant community who loved him to gather and remember him, and an opportunity to launch a scholarship in his honor at his Alma Mater, The Culinary Institute of America. The evening will celebrate Chef Capizzi's life and legacy and the enormously positive impact he had on those around him. Capizzi was a rare expert in all the pastry arts: a gifted baker, confectioner, chocolatier and maker of gelato and sorbetto. Yet it was his teaching, leadership, camaraderie, generosity and grace that made him beloved to those whose paths he crossed. "Richard was a tremendous talent and tremendous human being who graced our teams at Per Se and Bouchon Bakery. We owe to Richard how we make our Bouchons, how we make our confections, and so much else at the bakery. His legacy is everywhere," said Thomas Keller. The February 19th tribute includes a cocktail hour followed by lavish six-course dinner with wine pairings. Priced at $1250 pp all-inclusive of beverage, tax and gratuity, all proceeds will go to the Capizzi family. Lincoln Ristorante will offer a donation for the scholarship through the remainder of the year of $1 for every Tortino di Ciccolato con Pizelle dessert and every Big Easy Capizzi cocktail sold. This legacy chocolate dessert is made with hazelnuts, which Capizzi loved. The cocktail was Capizzi's favorite libation: a signature blend of rye whiskey, fennel liqueur, spice bread syrup, ground black pepper, and Peychaud's bitters. Richard Capizzi Tribute Dinner Sunday, February 19, 2023 6 pm Cocktail Hour 7 pm Dinner at Lincoln Ristorante, 142 West 65th Street, New York, NY 10023 lincolnristorante.com Reservations are open via https://www.lincolnristorante.com/richard-Capizzi-Tribute-Dinner RICHARD CAPIZZI TRIBUTE DINNER Sunday, February 19, 2023 APERITIVO CANAPES Chickpea Panelle, Smoked Eggplant Puree, Pomegranate Risotto Al Salto, Black Garlic Aioli, Crispy Garlic Chip Smoked Sable Fish, Pastrami Spice, Cauliflower Panna Cotta Beef Tartare, Feuille De Brick, Chives Duck Presse, Dates, Marsala Onions, Pistachio Lanson Rose Champagne, Big Easy Capizzi Cocktail AMUSE Potato Torta, Hen Egg Mousse, Black Truffle Chef Artem Orlovskyy Lanson Rose Champagne, Big Easy Capizzi Cocktail ANTIPASTI Japanese Hamachi Regiis Ova ossetra caviar, with green apple and cucumber Chef Thomas Keller and Chef Chad Palagi Feudi Di San Gregorio 'Cutizzi' Greco di Tufo '21 PRIMI Rigatoni with Octopus "Fra Diavolo" Housemade rigatoni with San Marzano tomato, octopus, Calabrian chili and guanciale Chef Shea Gallante Cecchi Coevo Toscana IGT '13 SECONDI Brasato Red wine braised beef short rib, cavolo nero, Marsh Hen Mills polenta, shaved black truffles Chef Jonathan Benno Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino '17 DOLCE Noisette Chocolat Milk chocolate cremeaux, praline croustillant and hazelnut nougatine Chef Sebastien Rouxel Lanson Brut Champagne, L'Aperitivo Nonino, Amaro Nonino Riserva PETIT FOURS Chefs Stefanie Morgado, Kara Blitz, Katie Backlund, Scott Cioe About Richard Capizzi: Pastry Chef Richard Capizzi crafted refined renditions of Italy's classics: light, lush, and beautifully constructed. He was known for a highly attuned attention to detail and fine artistry. Richard worked in what might be called the golden age of pastry, when no well-regarded restaurant would ever be without a pastry chef and often a pastry department. Earlier in his career, before becoming pastry chef at Lincoln Ristorante, he was a pastry assistant at The Russian Tea Room, the pastry sous chef at the opening of Per Se and later pastry chef for the restaurant and Bouchon Bakery. He had stints at Le Cirque, Chef Jean Louis Palladin's Napa Restaurant, The Royaume du Chocolat in Lyon and Monte Carlo's Grand Hotel. With each position, he honed his craft, methodically perfected his skills. Richard graduated first in his class at The Culinary Institute of America. He won the title of Pastry Chef of the Year, as well as gold medals for "Most Artistic Plated Dessert," The Vatel Club's "Technical Prize" and the Societe Culinaire Philanthropique's Award for Exceptional Taste at the 14th Annual US Pastry Competition in New York in 2003. He was the youngest and the first pastry chef ever to sweep the entire competition. While at Per Se Dessert Professional honored Richard as one of the top 10 best pastry chefs in 2009. With him as pastry chef, Lincoln Ristorante was awarded two New York Times stars and one Michelin star. In 2021 the covid pandemic led him to expand his pastry role and serve as executive chef at Lincoln. He undertook the challenge with his usual focus and determination. Due to his selfless nature, only those close to him knew that he had become ill with glioblastoma. He passed away in September 2022 at the age of 45, mourned by his wife, children, and all who knew him. This press release was issued through 24-7PressRelease.com. For further information, visit http://www.24-7pressrelease.com. SOURCE Lincoln Ristorante New Regional Hub Seeks Specialists in Applied Cryptography and Security NEW YORK, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Paxos , the most comprehensively regulated blockchain and tokenization infrastructure platform, announced it is launching an engineering research & development center of security and cryptography excellence in Israel. Paxos plans to expand its Israel engineering center with senior, staff and principal engineers with specialized skills in enterprise-grade security, applied cryptography and blockchain technology given the strong tech talent pool in Israel. Paxos intends for this center of excellence to become an incubation hub for cryptography researchers, and security experts to build, maintain and rigorously assess secure solutions on top of blockchain, including multiparty computation. The Paxos platform relies on hardware technology and advanced cryptography to ensure the security of its solutions. Engineers joining the Israeli center of excellence will be responsible for building out and refining some of the most important aspects of our product and operations -- transaction signing and the security of digital asset custody. The Paxos platform is used to secure billions of dollars' worth of transactions and must deliver timely transaction processing at scale with high availability. Paxos upholds the highest level of risk management standards and practices to offer its clients security, stability and transparency at all times. Managers and individual contributors joining Paxos will have a significant impact on the future of the platform and our ability to serve leading multinational enterprises. Vitaliy Liptinchisky, Senior Director of Engineering of Paxos, stated, "Israel has emerged as a global hub for cryptography and security engineering. Some of the most talented developers in this field are based in Israel and possess the highly specialized skills that Paxos needs. We're redefining financial markets and we believe our next generation of both software and hardware technical experts call Israel home. As a safe, regulated platform that has continuously and steadily grown amidst all past digital asset market volatility, Paxos offers talented developers the opportunity to join a strong team uniquely positioned to serve some of the most sophisticated global enterprises. Marina Bunin, Director of Engineering of Paxos in Israel, added, "Paxos intends to grow its team in the region over the course of 2023 and we plan to expand further beyond that. At Paxos, engineers will have the opportunity to build products at the cutting edge of financial services and impact the future of the global economy." Paxos is a remote-first workplace but maintains satellite locations where team members can also opt to work in an office environment. Paxos has more than 200 engineers globally and has consistently been recognized on the Forbes Fintech 50, CB Insights Blockchain 50 and Built In's "Best Places to Work" lists. Paxos team members have significant ownership and impact on the business, as well as benefits like company equity, family leave, stipends for development and home office setup and unlimited PTO. To learn more about Paxos and the teams shaping the financial future, visit our website . 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, 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. Media Contact: Becky Mcclain [email protected] SOURCE Paxos HONG KONG and SHANGHAI, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. ("Ping An" or the "Group", HKEx:2318; SSE:601318) announced that Ping An has been ranked the World's Most Valuable Insurance Brand for the seventh year in a row by leading brand valuation consultancy Brand Finance. Ping An, with a brand value of US$44.7 billion, ranked 30th among the world's most valuable brands and 5th among Global Financial Enterprises. Deepened Finance + Healthcare strategy for steady operating profit growth In 2022, amid continued turbulence in the global economic environment and recurring COVID cases in China, Ping An pressed ahead with Ping An Life's quality-oriented reform and transformation It continued to strengthen the advantages of integrated financial services and built the health maintenance organization "managed care model" to provide customers with a "worry-free, time-saving, and money-saving" experience. In the first nine months of 2022, Ping An delivered a 19.9% annualized operating return on equity (ROE), with operating profit attributable to shareholders of the parent company rising 3.8% year-on-year to RMB123,288 million. Net profit attributable to shareholders of the parent company decreased 6.3% year-on-year to RMB76,463 million. Drove high-quality development from reform and innovation Ping An's retail customers increased 2.6% in the first nine months of 2022 to nearly 228 million as of September 30, 2022. Contracts per customer grew 1.7% in the year to date to 2.96. Ping An Life continued to advance its "product+channel" reform in the first three quarters of 2022, resulting in more than 22% year-on-year growth in new business value (NBV) per agent and 17.4% year-on-year growth in operating profit of the life and health insurance business, to RMB86,486 million. Premium income of Ping An Property and Casualty increased 11.4% year-on-year to RMB222,024 million while the combined ratio remained healthy at 97.9%. Ping An Bank revenue grew 8.7% year-on-year to RMB138,265 million and net profit rose 25.8% year-on-year to RMB36,659 million. Advanced healthcare ecosystem strategy to complement the finance business Ping An has responded to the "Healthy China" government strategy by establishing a world-leading healthcare services ecosystem. The ecosystem seamlessly combines differentiated healthcare services with financial businesses in which Ping An act as a player to provide "online, in-store, and home-delivered" one-stop healthcare services to customers. As of the end of September 2022, more than 146 million retail customers had used the services provided by Ping An's healthcare ecosystem. Nearly 16.5 million life insurance customers used the "insurance + health management" services, with an overall satisfaction rate of 99%. In December 2022, Ping An launched a free around-the-clock online consultation service for pandemic prevention, serving 15 local government service platforms and securing pandemic prevention materials and drug supplies, with over 3 million daily consultations on the platform. As of the end of 2022, Ping An's healthcare ecosystem has partnered with over 3,000 hospitals and 208,000 pharmacies to offer one-hour drug delivery in over 150 cities, 24 hour, seven-days-a-week drug delivery services in 80 cities and partnered with over 100,000 health services providers. Continued to promote sustainability and green finance Ping An has integrated the core philosophies and environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) standards into its corporate management and taken an active role in realizing sustainability. It was awarded an A in the MSCI ESG Ratings, ranking first in the multi-line insurance & brokerage industry in Asia Pacific. As of September 30, 2022, Ping An's green investment and financing totaled approximately RMB319.8 billion, and its green banking business totaled RMB184.2 billion. Premium income of environmentally sustainable insurance products totaled approximately RMB110.5 billion in the first nine months of 2022. Ping An is continuing to innovate in its green finance products and services. In 2022, Ping An Bank launched China's first debit-cum-credit carbon account, Low Carbon Home and Ping An P&C was the first in the insurance industry to provide "Land + Ocean" carbon sink insurance services. Ping An has also been actively promoting rural revitalization. As of December 30, 2022, Ping An's investment in rural revitalization totaled more than RMB65 billion. Ping An places huge importance on customer-oriented approaches. It is committed to realizing people's aspirations for a better life and customers' need for high-quality integrated financial and healthcare services. With these priorities, Ping An is achieving long-term, balanced, outstanding and sustainable development of the Group, while creating steadily growing value to customers, employees, shareholders and society. About Ping An Group Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. ("Ping An") strives to become a world-leading retail financial services group. With nearly 228 million retail customers, Ping An is one of the largest financial services companies in the world. Ping An advances intelligent digital transformation and employs technologies to improve the quality and efficiency of its financial businesses and enhance risk management. The Company believes "Expertise Creates Value" and "Expertise makes life simple". Ping An develops the "integrated finance + healthcare" service system and builds the "finance + elderlycare" and "finance + healthcare" industry ecosystems to provide professional "financial advisory, family doctor, and elderlycare concierge" services. As China's first joint stock insurance company, Ping An is committed to upholding the highest standards of corporate reporting and corporate governance. The Group is listed on the stock exchanges in Hong Kong and Shanghai. Ping An ranked 17th in the Forbes Global 2000 list in 2022 and ranked 25th in the Fortune Global 500 list in 2022. For more information, please visit www.group.pingan.com and follow us on LinkedIn - PING AN . SOURCE Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. Subsidiaries now #5 in correspondent, #10 in overall originations MERIDEN, Conn., Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Planet Financial Group, LLC, parent of national mortgage lender and servicer Planet Home Lending, LLC and asset manager Planet Management Group, LLC (PMG), continued to gain market share in 2022. During 2022, Planet Home Lending's servicing portfolio grew 47% to $73.6 billion, including $17.5 billion in sub-serviced assets managed by Planet Management Group. Correspondent volume rose to $24.1 billion, up 5.4%. Planet Financial Group CEO and President Michael Dubeck "The 2022 mortgage market was a dynamic, rapidly evolving space that required the ability to navigate complexity and the vision to capitalize on long-term opportunities," said Michael Dubeck, CEO and President of Planet Financial Group. "Planet's multichannel business model delivered gains in servicing, correspondent, and asset management in one of the most difficult markets the industry has experienced in the past two decades." To support the 2022 expansion, Planet raised $720 million in financing to fund Planet's growth in correspondent, co-issuance, and MSRs, and to support Planet's total enterprise goals throughout 2023. Servicing Planet Home Lending's servicing portfolio ended the year at $73.6 billion, up 47% from $49.7 billion at yearend 2021. Total units rose to approximately 282,000, increasing 34% from approximately 211,000 at yearend 2021. The average loan size in the portfolio was $259,830 at yearend, up about 10% from $235,570 at yearend 2021. In March 2022, Planet earned Fannie Mae's 2021 Servicer Total Achievement and Rewards (STAR) Program recognition, which acknowledges mortgage servicers for their effective, standardized processes that help drive their performance and operational success. Planet Home Lending was recognized in the General Servicing and Solution Delivery categories, a dual accomplishment shared with only 10 other servicers. Issuers continue to recognize Planet's stellar servicing platform, naming it as the servicer for six securitizations in 2022. "Planet has successfully managed our growth through the application of flexible solutions and technology to support a wide range of potential servicing situations," Dubeck said. "Our best-in-class platform houses a full borrower toolset, offering quick and easy access, resulting in a stress-free, equitable, and streamlined customer experience." Asset Management The company's sub-servicing portfolio expanded significantly during 2022, ending the year with assets under management of $17.5 billion, up more than 400% from 2021's $3.2 billion. Planet Management Group continued to add private clients in all asset class sectors, as enhancements in technology delivered improved execution for investors with complex and niche portfolios. At yearend, PMG's active managed portfolio climbed to approximately 36,000 assets, including Non-QM, Residential Transitional Loans (fix-and-flip), Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) loans for investment properties, Non-Performing Loans (NPL), and small balance commercial private client portfolios. Originations Highlights of Planet Home Lending's originations include a rise in correspondent volume to $24.1 billion in 2022, slightly up from 2021's $22.9 billion. The midyear acquisition of certain HomePoint Financial Corporation (Homepoint) assets added volume and more than doubled the correspondent channel's customer base. By yearend 2022, 83% of Planet's 800 correspondent customers were delivering loans monthly. Planet Home Lending was the #3 government correspondent lender and #5 overall as of December 2022, according to data from Refinitiv, up from #5 and #13, respectively at yearend 2021. "We continue to develop loyal correspondent partnerships through competitive pricing, exceptional service, and our flexibility in tailoring processes to increase our customers' efficiency and profitability," Dubeck said. Total retail direct originations were $2.3 billion in 2022, decreasing from 2021's $5.1 billion. The company's Distributed Retail channel originated $1.4 billion in home loans in 2022, a 44% drop from $2.5 billion, outperforming the MBA's projected total origination decline of 49% in 2022. Planet Home Lending rose to #10 in all originations as measured in December 2022, up from #23 at December 2021, Refinitiv data show. "Planet's commitment to Distributed Retail continued throughout 2022," Dubeck said. "We were strategically opportunistic in this channel, continuing to support our existing branch network while prudently adding branches and mortgage loan officers. We also see this as an area for possible M&A activity in 2023." Retention originations decreased to $0.9 billion in 2022, down 65% from 2021's $2.6 billion. MBA estimates total refinance volume fell 74% during the same period. The Retention channel's retail recapture rate for Planet-originated loans was 41% overall for 2022, and 60% for refinance, more than triple the industry average of 18% reported by Black Knight, Inc. About Planet Financial Group, LLC Planet Financial Group, LLC, Meriden, Connecticut, is a fully integrated family of companies delivering innovative origination, servicing, and asset management solutions. Through this synergistic ecosystem of products, services, and technologies, PFG provides best-in-class experiences for investors pursuing value maximization and borrowers seeking streamlined end-to-end loan lifecycle support. PFG is the parent of Planet Home Lending, LLC and Planet Management Group, LLC, which also does business under the name Planet Renovation Capital. About Planet Home Lending, LLC Planet Home Lending, LLC, Meriden, Connecticut, (NMLS #17022) is an approved originator and servicer for FHA, VA and USDA, as well as a Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae Seller/Servicer, a full Ginnie Mae Issuer and approved sub-servicer and a Standard & Poor's Global Ratings- and Fitch Ratings-rated special and prime residential servicer. Planet Home Lending, LLC has been assigned a corporate family rating by Moody's Investors Service viewable at www.moodys.com. Its correspondent division offers a full suite of government, agency and niche home loans. Planet Home Lending, LLC is also a special servicer managing diverse investor portfolios. Its customized servicing solutions maximize asset recovery and optimize performance through active management at the portfolio and loan levels. Planet Home Lending, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Lender. For more information about Planet Home Lending, LLC, please visit https://planethomelending.com. For more information about Planet Home Lending's Correspondent offerings, please visit https://phlcorrespondent.com. About Planet Management Group, LLC Planet Management Group, LLC, Melville, N.Y., maximizes the value of diverse investor assets through active management. For more information about Planet Management Group, please visit https://planetmanagementgroup.com. Press Contacts: Dona DeZube Vice President, Communications Planet Home Lending, LLC [email protected] (443) 263-2832 SOURCE Planet Home Lending, LLC Texas Homeowner Sues Holcim For Damages in Excess of $1,000,000.00 DALLAS, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Holcim (HCMLF), a Swiss multinational company that manufactures building materials, is accused of gross negligence, fraud, trespass, and intentional infliction of emotional distress, in a lawsuit filed by The Pinkerton Law Firm on behalf of Graylanda Elder, a Cedar Hill homeowner (Dallas County, Texas). "Despite knowing that they were creating property damage in nearby communities, Holcim continued to detonate explosives at peak particle velocities in an apparent disregard for the property rights of Texas citizens generally, and Graylanda Elder specifically. Not only that, but they conducted themselves in a deceptive manner in effort to appease homeowners," attorney Chad Pinkerton said Thursday. According to the lawsuit, after complaints to the company, Holcim's Midlothian plant manager directed employees to reduce the intensity of limestone quarry blasts to create seismic data suggesting the explosions were not strong enough to cause damage or interfere with the use and enjoyment of area homeowners' properties. Once monitoring equipment was removed, high-intensity blasts continued. However, Holcim used the lower-intensity data to conceal their true actions. "I have long-lasting and very expensive property damageand it's terrifying to experience the feeling of an earthquake because some company is setting off explosives in your backyard on a regular basis," Elder said. According to the lawsuit, Elder claims physical damage to her property, including foundation damage, cracking in her patio, damage to interior and exterior walls, and broken household items. "Out-of-state corporate actors do not get to come to Texas, profit from Texas resources, operate with intent to deceive, then harm Texas citizens and their properties in the process. Texas and its judicial system and citizens will not stand for it," Pinkerton said. Elder seeks monetary relief of over one-million dollars ($1,000,000.00) to include compensation for loss of use and enjoyment of her home, property repairs, out-of-pocket expenses, and mental anguish. "Holcim owes the community a duty of care not to create conditions that substantially interfere with the use and enjoyment their property by causing unreasonable discomfort or annoyance. The irony of Holcim manufacturing building materials while simultaneously causing enough man-made ground disturbance to compromise the infrastructure of nearby homes in their quest to make money is not lost on me," Pinkerton said. The Pinkerton Law Firm will hold a public meeting to discuss homeowners' rights related to quarry blasting on February 7 at the Duncanville Recreation Center (201 James Collins Blvd) at 5:30 PM and 7:00 PM. SOURCE The Pinkerton Law Firm DENVER, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Platte River Equity ("Platte River"), a Denver-based private equity firm that makes control investments in North American industrial and value-added distribution companies, is excited to announce it has acquired Womack Machine Supply Company ("Womack" or the "Company"). Womack is a value-added industrial distributor of components and solutions for hydraulic, pneumatic and automation control systems. "Platte River is honored to carry on the legacy that the Rowlett family has established over the past 17 years," said Mark Brown, Platte River Managing Director. "Womack is a premier solution provider representing global manufacturers and related components used in the fluid power and automation industry. We are thrilled to partner with the management team of Womack as we seek to expand the company's strong market position." "We have known the Platte River team for a number of years and are excited to partner with them given their track record, industrial distribution expertise and culture," said Matt Oldroyd, CEO of Womack. "We look forward to expanding the service and support we provide to our suppliers and customers and plan to leverage Platte River's extensive experience to continue our strong growth trajectory. We could not be more excited about this partnership and the alignment of our strong cultures." "We look forward to partnering with Matt and the management team to capitalize on Womack's attractive growth opportunities, including organic initiatives and complementary acquisitions," added Mike Reilly, Vice President of Platte River. William Blair acted as financial advisor, and Nelson Mullins provided legal counsel to Womack. Bartlit Beck LLP served as legal counsel to Platte River. About Womack Founded in 1953 and based in Farmers Branch, TX, Womack is a value-added distributor of industrial fluid power and automation solutions. The Company serves a diverse customer base across 13 facilities. For additional information, please visit www.womackmachine.com. About Platte River Equity Founded in 2006 and based in Denver, CO, Platte River Equity is a private equity firm focused on investments in established lower middle market operating companies within targeted industrial sectors where it has substantial operating and investing experience. Platte River utilizes conservative capital structures in order to invest in future growth opportunities and withstand changing economic environments. The firm also provides significant ongoing support to its portfolio companies through dedicated resources across functional areas. The firm has raised funds with committed capital in excess of $1.3 billion and is currently investing out of its $625 million fourth fund. The Platte River team is the largest collective investor across its funds, deeply aligning the firm with its investors and portfolio company management teams. For additional information, please visit www.platteriverequity.com. Contact Brian P. Klaban Director of Business Development & Debt Capital Markets Phone #: +1 303 292 7317 Email: [email protected] Lauren A. Metz Vice President of Business Development Phone #: +1 303 292 7321 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Platte River Equity Visit the Powering Chicago EV Learning Center for expert answers on all EV-charging questions plus a chance to win an EV charger CHICAGO, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Powering Chicago , the labor-management partnership between the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 134 and the Electrical Contractors' Association of Chicago and Cook County (ECA), will return as premier sponsor of the 2023 Chicago Auto Show, February 11-20 at McCormick Place, and the expanded indoor EV Test Drive Track. This year, Powering Chicago invites attendees to the all-new Powering Chicago EV Learning Center, a one-stop shop where they can learn about everything involved in switching from gas-powered to electric vehicles (EVs). Industry experts from the electrical, energy, and transportation sectors will join Powering Chicago onsite to educate businesses and consumers on critical topics such as EV charging infrastructure installation and the different types of EV chargers available, rebates and tax incentives, energy needs, safety considerations and more. "Powering Chicago is proud to sponsor the Chicago Auto Show, demonstrate the unmatched qualifications of IBEW Local 134 electricians and signatory electrical contractors and help attendees navigate the transition to EVs," said Executive Director Elbert Walters III. "We spent the last year talking with thousands of consumers, business owners and public officials and understand people want to learn more about powering EVs. That's why we're bringing in experts across the industry to meet with the public and answer all their questions about charging EVs at the Powering Chicago EV Learning Center." The Powering Chicago EV Learning Center will be adjacent to the Chicago Drives Electric EV Test Track. Throughout the show, the 4,000-sq.-ft. space will host consumer workshops and stations where attendees can meet with experts. The area will also feature Powering Chicago's mobile field trip truck, a 73' semi-truck and trailer outfitted with current and emerging electrical technology, as well as EV charging infrastructure. Visit PoweringChicago.com/EV before coming to the show for a schedule of sessions taking place at the Powering Chicago EV Learning Center. Additionally, Powering Chicago will give away an HQ 200 Smart Home Level 2 EV Charging Station, compliments of Blink Charging, to one lucky attendee enter to win at the Powering Chicago EV Learning Center. Chicago Drives Electric Expanded EV Test Track Powering Chicago will once again sponsor the show's indoor EV Test Track, which will feature five different manufacturers with models ranging from Volkswagen ID.4 to the Cadillac Lyriq, where attendees can learn and compare EVs side-by-side. "The Chicago Drives Electric indoor test track returns to the auto show floor bigger and better than before covering 100,000 sq. ft. of show floor space," said 2023 Chicago Auto Show Chairman Kevin Keefe. "It is clear to us that Chicago consumers are interested, now more than ever, in EVs and this EV test track and education hub is the perfect place to come and get your questions answered, compare EV models and learn about home charging. We're proud to have Powering Chicago on board again as a premier partner of the show." Powering Chicago's EV E-book: All You Need To Know About EV Charging Coinciding with the show, Powering Chicago will release the e-book titled The Time is Now: Considerations for EV Charging Infrastructure . Aimed at business owners, facilities managers, municipal leaders and other officials, the booklet provides an overview of the current EV landscape, business benefits, as well as a step-by-step guide to approaching the installation of Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE). It also includes the latest on incentives, including the Clean Vehicle Credit (tax credits up to $7,500 for new EVs and up to $4,500 for used EVs), the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Tax Credit (tax credits up to $1,000 for the purchase of qualified residential fueling equipment, including electric), and the Illinois EPA's upcoming Charging Incentive Program (up to 80% of Level 2 or Level 3 EV charger installation costs may be funded for public and private organizations and companies). The Powering Chicago Difference Powering Chicago has long been at the forefront of the area's steady shift toward EVs. Union electricians and licensed electrical contractors have been installing EV chargers in the region since 2008 and, for decades, Powering Chicago has been training members on this specialized electrical work at the IBEW/NECA Technical Institute (IN-Tech) in Alsip, Ill. At IN-Tech, apprentices complete 8,000 hours of combined classroom and on-the-job training, and complete 200-300 hours of safety-specific training, during the five-year apprenticeship program. The state-of-the-art facility houses a Renewable Energy Training Field, which provides a hands-on learning experience that encompasses all aspects of renewable energy, including EV charging. For the latest EV resources and more information on Powering Chicago, visit PoweringChicago.com/EV . About Powering Chicago Bringing together the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 134 electricians and the Electrical Contractors' Association (ECA) of Chicago and Cook County, Powering Chicago is an electrical industry labor-management partnership that invests in consistently better construction, better careers, and better communities within the metro Chicago region. Employing the latest technology, its members are elevating industry performance through their commitment to safety, level of experience and reliability, while also investing in the future of skilled labor through an innovative apprenticeship program that is paving the way for the next generation of skilled electricians. For additional information, visit poweringchicago.com . About the Chicago Auto Show First staged in 1901, the Chicago Auto Show is the nation's longest running auto exposition in North America. The show is produced by the Chicagoland's new-car dealer association, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association, which has staged the show since 1935. The 2023 public show is Feb. 11-20 at McCormick Place. For more information and the latest updates, visit ChicagoAutoShow.com or Facebook.com/ChicagoAutoShow.com. SOURCE Powering Chicago VANCOUVER, BC, Feb. 1, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - International Battery Metals Ltd. (the "Company") (CSE: IBAT) is providing you this update to its news release of January 14, 2021, and February 11, 2021, as it relates to the acquisition of common shares of the Company by each of Ensorcia Metals Corporation ("Ensorcia") and Beaty Limited ("Beaty") pursuant to pre-emptive rights granted them under a private placement completed on August 21, 2019 (the "Pre-emptive Right"). The Pre-emptive Right permits each of Beaty and Ensorcia to acquire such common shares of the Company, for a period of two years, so as to permit them to maintain their equity ownership in the Company as determined following the closing of the private placement. Throughout the period commencing July 9, 2020, and ending December 14, 2020, the Company issued in aggregate 50,600,000 common shares (the "2020 Private Placements"). Pursuant to the 2020 Private Placements each of Ensorcia and Beaty were provided with notice of their Pre-emptive Right to acquire 2,332,153 common shares at CAD$0.305, which were subsequently acquired and issued on February 11, 2021. On November 17, 2022, the Company wrote to each of Beaty and Ensorcia advising each of them of their right to acquire an additional 3,331,162 common shares at a price per common share of CAD$0.305 pursuant to the Pre-Emptive Right (the "Supplemental Pre-Emptive Right Notice"). The Supplemental Pre-emptive Right Notice was delivered following an internal review of the Issuer's accounting records for the Issuer's 2020 Private Placements wherein it issued 50,600,000 common shares and wherein each of Beaty and Ensorcia were permitted to acquire 2,332,153 common shares of the Issuer pursuant to the Pre-Emptive Right. As a result of the review, it was determined that each of Beaty and Ensorcia are entitled to an additional 3,331,162 common shares and notified Beaty and Ensorcia of this right under the Supplemental Pre-emptive Right Notice. The Company has since received written confirmation from each of Ensorcia and Beaty of their acceptance of the 2022 Pre-emptive Right Notice as well as approximately CAD$2,032,008.52 as payment by Ensorcia and Beaty, and accordingly, will issue 6,662,324 common shares at a price per common share of CAD$0.305. In accordance with this issuance, the Company is also filing with the Canadian Securities Exchange a Form 9 Notice of Proposed Issuance of Listed Securities. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD "Garry Flowers" Garry Flowers, Chief Executive Officer Neither Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain assumptions, estimates, and other forward-looking statements regarding future events. Such forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties and are subject to factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control that may cause actual results or performance to differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Forward looking and cautionary statements This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any state in the United States in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements. This release may contain statements within the meaning of safe harbour provisions as defined under securities laws and regulations. This release may contain certain forwardlooking statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and business of the Company and certain of the plans and objectives of the Company with respect to the same. There is no assurance that the company's apparatus will be able to commercially produce lithium at the stated capacity. The purpose of the tests is to determine if it will be able to do so and successful completion of the tests cannot be assured as they are subject to risks and uncertainties associated with any new mineral processing method and characteristics of the material being processed. By their nature, forwardlooking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future and there are many factors that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forwardlooking statements. SOURCE International Battery Metals Ltd. The carbon-neutral campus includes three hyperscale data centers and a district-heating partnership with Saeby Varmeverk SAEBY, Denmark, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Prime , a global provider of hyperscale and wholesale data centers, today announced plans to expand its EMEA footprint to Denmark with a 124-megawatt campus. Located at Energivej in Saeby, Prime Denmark features three hyperscale data centers and will be marketed to international cloud providers, Internet businesses, AI, and the Global Fortune 500. A rendering of Prime's 124-megawatt data center campus in Saeby, Denmark. "Denmark represents a strong growth opportunity for Prime," commented Nicholas Laag, Founder & CEO of Prime. "The project will provide much-needed capacity as Denmark's projected data center needs accelerate at a 25% CAGR through 2030. Additionally, this will be Prime's most sustainable campus developed to date with a unique PUE offering that is neutral, reinforcing the company's commitment to our customers, ESG, and to building the foundation for global technology advancement." The Saeby campus is designed to achieve the country's first DGNB Gold certification for sustainability. Waste heat will be recycled and used to provide district heating from Saeby Heat Plant to the local community. SHP returns chilled water to the campus. Prime Denmark will be carbon neutral and powered by 100% renewable energy delivering a net-positive environmental impact. Additional sustainability highlights include biofuel-powered backup generators, environmentally friendly building materials, and a customer option for in-rack cooling that efficiently handles power densities of up to 50 kilowatts per cabinet. This feature is offered through Prime's partnership with New Nordic Data Cooling ApS. "As a non-profit focused on being Denmark's leader in zero-carbon district heating, we are excited to partner with Prime on this initiative," stated Trine Saaby, Chairwoman of the Board at Saeby Varmevaerk. "Working together, we can raise awareness of the value of district heating and expand its impact throughout Denmark and beyond." "Working with the local government, Invest in Denmark, the Danish Data Center Association, Saeby Varmeverk, Redbrooks EMEA, NNDC, and other project partners, it is clear why Denmark is rated as the world's most sustainable country," commented Michael Wall, Prime's Senior Vice President of Development and Construction for Europe. "This project will prove that data centers can have net-positive environmental impacts on local communities, a critical capability for industry continuity over the years to come." Visit primedatacenters.com/denmark-data-center/ for more information. About Prime Prime is a global provider of hyperscale and wholesale data centers. Data-driven organizations such as cloud providers, Internet businesses, and the Global Fortune 500 choose Prime for build-to-suit, powered-shell, and Prime-design data centers that help them advance, defend, and achieve their technology and sustainability objectives. Prime differentiates with risk mitigation, nimble operations for predictable results, and data centers delivered on customer terms such as unique ownership options and dynamic lease structures. At the company's core, Prime's mission is to be the go-to infrastructure solutions partner for its customer base. With a roadmap of more than two gigawatts of critical power capacity spread across established and emerging markets, Prime will be where they need to grow next over the long term. Prime | Data Driven. Follow Prime: primedatacenters.com LinkedIn YouTube Twitter . Media Contact: JSA [email protected] SOURCE Prime Data Centers YEREVAN, 2 FEBUARY, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs Armenpress that today, 2 February, USD exchange rate up by 0.30 drams to 396.04 drams. EUR exchange rate up by 4.01 drams to 434.97 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate stood at 5.65 drams. GBP exchange rate up by 0.13 drams to 487.72 drams. The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals. Gold price up by 44.03 drams to 24522.45 drams. Silver price up by 6.59 drams to 299.16 drams. Platinum price stood at 16414.1 drams. Approval from the Thailand Ministry of Public Health Gives Access to Qvin Q-Pad Technology, Providing Women Access to Revolutionary Menstrual Blood Testing SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Qvin, the biotechnology company that developed the first and only healthcare service that scientifically collects menstrual blood to test for HR-HPV and other critical healthcare information, announced FDA approval in Thailand for its Q-Pad technology. Thailand has a population of 30 million women ages 15 years and older who are at risk of developing cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer deaths in women ages 15-44 in Thailand. This approval will make it possible for Thailand residents who menstruate to test for HR-HPV with Qvin's Q-Pad this year. Thailand incidence is nearly three times higher than in the USA, even with Thailand's universal health coverage, which includes screening, suggesting that alternative approaches are needed to reduce the burden of cervical cancer statistics. The Q-Pad will provide an alternative diagnostic test to the Pap smear, providing an accessible and non-invasive way to screen for HR-HPV. It is a novel menstrual pad used twice during menstruation and will help remove additional barriers from traditional pap smear testing, which can be barbaric, not easily accessible, time-consuming, and expensive. Each Q-Pad includes a removable cotton strip which is sent to a laboratory for clinical testing. Users receive their lab report results in the Qvin app, their health care provider, or an appropriately trained outreach worker. Qvin Menstrual Blood Diagnostic Device Receives FDA Approval in Thailand Tweet this "As part of our efforts to help women in Thailand prevent cervical cancer, we believe Qvin's Q-Pad is one of the most innovative ways to screen for HR-HPV earlier. We believe this is a progressive, modern-day approach to cervical cancer prevention and an excellent alternative to Pap smears in our hospital system" said Dr. Chairat Panthuraamphorn, Managing Director and CEO at Samitivej Hospital. "Receiving FDA approval in Thailand is exciting and contributes to our vision of a world where women do not die from cancers, like cervical cancer, that are entirely preventable if caught early," said Dr. Sara Naseri, MD, CEO and Co-founder, Qvin. "Approval not only marks a milestone on our journey to move the study of women forward, but it means we can provide accessible testing to millions of people in Thailand to identify HR-HPV earlier to try and eliminate cervical cancer there and look for more countries to follow." "It is well known that regular HPV screenings save lives by leading to detection of cervical pre-cancer, which enables patients and providers to treat it effectively before it turns into cervical cancer, a leading cause of death for women globally," said Dr. Paul D. Blumenthal, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emeritus, at Stanford University. "I'm thrilled that the Q-Pad has been cleared in Thailand, which has high cervical cancer rates. Access to testing means users will be able to take control of their health easily and efficiently." The FDA Thailand regulatory clearance was accomplished in collaboration between Qvin, N Health Laboratories and Bangkok Health Research Center (BHRC). In addition to regulatory clearance, Bangkok Health Research Center plans to conduct a 1,500-person comparative study on HR-HPV using both Q-Pads and PAP smears. The data collected will be used to further understand the prevalence of HPV and cervical cancer in Thailand and develop official strategies to screen for HR-HPV sooner and save lives. About Qvin Qvin is on a mission to make menstrual blood meaningful. In 2014, Qvin (pronounced kwin, named after the Danish word, woman) developed the Q-Pad which is the first and only menstrual blood diagnostic device intended to provide people with menstrual cycles accessible and non-invasive diagnostic testing for prevention and early detection between physician visits. Qvin eliminates common barriers to traditional laboratory testing, which can be difficult for many globally due to areas like lack of access, cultural shame, religious beliefs or financial means. Removing these barriers to care can lead to earlier and more accurate diagnoses of health testing for people who menstruate. The Q-Pad was initially created to identify biomarkers for HR-HPV and has expanded and identified additional biomarkers to test for, including thyroid, blood sugar, ovarian reserve, inflammation and fertility hormones. Qvin is also undergoing FDA approval in the U.S. To learn more, visit: https://www.qvin.com . SOURCE Qvin This revised release supersedes the prior release by (i) reducing the aggregate principal amount of Reinvestment Tenders and Simple Tenders, (ii) reducing the aggregate principal amount of Reinvestment Tenders and Simple Tenders accepted and (iii) reducing the Maximum Purchase Amount, in each case in respect of both the 4.000% 2024 Bonds and 8.125% 2024 Bonds. BOGOTA, Colombia, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Republic of Colombia (" Colombia ") previously announced a tender offer (the " Tender Offer ") to purchase its outstanding 4.000% Global Bonds due 2024 (the " 4.000% 2024 Bonds ") and 8.125% Global Bonds due 2024 (the " 8.125% 2024 Bonds ", and collectively with the 4.000% 2024 Bonds, the " Old Bonds ") on the terms and subject to the conditions contained in the Offer to Purchase, dated January 24, 2023 (the " Offer to Purchase "). Colombia instructed J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, as the billing and delivering bank for the Tender Offer, to accept, subject to proration and other terms and conditions contained in the Offer to Purchase, valid Reinvestment Tenders and Simple Tenders of the Old Bonds in an aggregate principal amount of U.S. $516,964,000. All capitalized terms used but not defined in this communication have the respective meanings specified in the Offer to Purchase. The Maximum Purchase Amount and the aggregate principal amount of Reinvestment Tenders and Simple Tenders of the Old Bonds and the aggregate principal amount of Reinvestment Tenders and Simple Tenders of each series that have been accepted are shown in the table below. Appropriate adjustments will be made so that purchases are made in the minimum denominations set forth in the Offer to Purchase. Old Bonds ISIN Maximum Purchase Amount Aggregate Principal Amount of Reinvestment Tenders Aggregate Principal Amount of Reinvestment Tenders Accepted Aggregate Principal Amount of Simple Tenders Aggregate Principal Amount of Simple Tenders Accepted 4.000% Global Bonds due 2024 US195325BQ70 U.S. $391,548,837 U.S. $235,901,000 U.S. $235,901,000 U.S. $158,408,000 U.S. $158,408,000 8.125% Global Bonds due 2024 US195325BD67 U.S. $127,683,855 U.S. $102,464,000 U.S. $102,464,000 U.S. $20,191,000 U.S. $20,191,000 The settlement of the Tender Offer occurred on Monday, January 30, 2023 (the " Tender Offer Settlement Date "). Failure to deliver Old Bonds on time may result, in Colombia's sole discretion, in any of the following: (i) the cancellation of a holder's tender and the holder becoming liable for any damages resulting from that failure, and/or (ii) 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, and/or (iii) in the case of Reinvestment Tenders, the cancellation of a holder's tender and the holder remaining obligated to purchase its allocation of New Bonds in respect of its related Indication of Interest. Colombia reserves the right, in its sole discretion, not to accept any or all Tender Orders and to terminate the Tender Offer for any reason. The Offer to Purchase may be downloaded from the Information Agent's website at www.dfking.com/colombia or obtained from the Information Agent, D.F. King & Co., Inc., at 1-866-342-4884 or from any of the Dealer Managers. The Dealer Managers for the Tender Offer are: BBVA Securities Inc. Attention: Liability Management 1345 Avenue of the Americas, 44th Floor New York, New York 10105 Collect: +1 212 728-2446 Toll-Free: +1 800 422-8692 Itau BBA USA Securities, Inc. Attention: Debt Capital Markets 540 Madison Avenue, 24th Floor New York, New York 10022 Collect: +1 212 710-6749 Toll-Free: +1 888 770-4828 J.P. Morgan Securities LLC Attention: Latin America Debt Capital Markets 383 Madison Avenue, 6th Floor New York, New York 10179 Collect: +1 212 834-7279 Toll-Free: +1 866 846-2874 The Billing and Delivering Bank for this Tender Offer was: J.P. Morgan Securities LLC Questions regarding the Tender Offer may be directed to the Dealer Managers at the above contact. Colombia has filed a registration statement (including the prospectus) and the preliminary prospectus supplement with the SEC for the New Bonds Offering. Before you invest, you should read the prospectus in that registration statement and other documents Colombia has filed with the SEC for more complete information about Colombia and the New Bonds Offering. You may get these documents for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov. Alternatively, the Joint Book-Running Managers or the Dealer Managers, as the case may be, will arrange to send you the prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus for the New Bonds Offering if you request it by calling any one of them at the numbers specified above. Important Notice The distribution of materials relating to the New Bonds Offering and the Tender Offer and the transactions contemplated by the New Bonds Offering and the Tender Offer may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions. Each of the New Bonds Offering and the Tender Offer is void in all jurisdictions where it is prohibited. If materials relating to the New Bonds Offering or the Tender Offer come into a holder's possession, the holder is required by Colombia to inform itself of and to observe all of these restrictions. The materials relating to the New Bonds Offering or the Tender Offer, including this communication, 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 on behalf of Colombia in that jurisdiction. Owners who may lawfully participate in the Tender Offer in accordance with the terms thereof are referred to as "holders." This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities nor will there be any sale of the New Bonds or the Tender Offer in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction. The offering of the New Bonds and the Tender Offer will be made only by means of the New Bonds Offering prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and an offer to purchase in Canada, under applicable exemptions from any prospectus or registration requirements. The New Bonds may be sold and the Tender Offer is made in Canada only to purchasers purchasing, or deemed to be purchasing, as principal that are accredited investors, as defined in National Instrument 45-106 Prospectus Exemptions or subsection 73.3(1) of the Securities Act (Ontario), and are permitted clients, as defined in National Instrument 31-103 Registration Requirements, Exemptions and Ongoing Registrant Obligations, and who are not individuals. Any resale of the New Bonds must be made in accordance with an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the prospectus requirements of applicable Canadian securities laws. The New Bonds and the Old Bonds will not be registered under Chilean Law No. 18,045, as amended, with the Comision para el Mercado Financiero de Chile (Financial Market Commission of Chile or "CMF") and, accordingly, the New Bonds and the Old Bonds cannot and will not be offered or sold to persons in Chile except in circumstances which have not resulted and will not result in a public offering under Chilean law, and in compliance with Norma de Caracter General (Rule) No. 336, dated June 27, 2012, issued by the CMF. The New Bonds may not be offered, sold or negotiated in Colombia, except in compliance with Part 4 of Decree 2555 of 2010. The Offer to Purchase and the New Bonds Offering prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus do not constitute and may not be used for, or in connection with, a public offering as defined under Colombian law. The New Bonds are not intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to and should not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to any retail investor in the European Economic Area ("EEA"). For these purposes, a retail investor means a person who is one (or more) of the following: (a) a retail client as defined in point (11) of Article 4(1) of Directive 2014/65/EU (as amended, "MiFID II"); or (b) a customer within the meaning of Directive (EU) 2016/97 as amended, where that customer would not qualify as a professional client as defined in point (10) of Article 4(1) of MiFID II. Consequently, no key information document required by Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 (as amended, the "PRIIPs Regulation") for offering or selling the New Bonds or otherwise making them available to retail investors in the EEA has been prepared and therefore offering or selling the New Bonds or otherwise making them available to any retail investor in the EEA may be unlawful under the PRIIPs Regulation. The Old Bonds and New Bonds may not be offered or sold and will not be offered or sold in Hong Kong by means of any document other than (a) in circumstances which do not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of the Companies (Winding Up and Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance (Cap. 32, Laws of Hong Kong) (the "CWUMPO"), or (b) to "professional investors" as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571, Laws of Hong Kong) (the "SFO") and any rules made thereunder, or (c) in other circumstances which do not result in the document being a "prospectus" as defined in the CWUMPO. No advertisement, invitation or document relating to the Old Bonds or New Bonds has been or will be issued, or has been or will be in the possession of any person for the purpose of issue (in each case whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere), which is directed at, or the contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the public in Hong Kong (except if permitted to do so under the securities laws of Hong Kong) other than with respect to the Old Bonds or New Bonds which are or are intended to be disposed of only to persons outside Hong Kong or only to "professional investors" as defined in the SFO and any rules made thereunder. The Old Bonds and the New Bonds, and the Offer to Purchase and the New Bonds Offering prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, and any other documents or materials related to such offers have not and will not be registered with the Italian Securities Exchange Commission (Commissione Nazionale per le Societa e la Borsa or "CONSOB") pursuant to applicable Italian laws and regulations. The Tender Offer and the New Bond Offering are being carried out pursuant to the exemptions provided for, with respect to the Tender Offer, in Article 101 bis, paragraph 3 bis of Legislative Decree No. 58 of 24 February 1998, as amended (the "Consolidated Financial Act") and Article 35 bis, paragraph 4, of CONSOB Regulation No. 11971 of 14 May 1999, as amended; and, with respect to the New Bonds Offering, in article 1, paragraph 4, letter c), of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129. Holders or beneficial owners of the Old Bonds that are resident and/or located in Italy can tender the Old Bonds for purchase, and the New Bonds can be offered, sold and delivered, through authorized persons (such as investment firms, banks or financial intermediaries permitted to conduct such activities in Italy in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2017/1129, the Consolidated Financial Act, the CONSOB Regulation No. 20307 of 15 February 2018, as amended, and Legislative Decree No. 385 of September 1, 1993, as amended) and in compliance with any other applicable laws and regulations or with any requirements imposed by CONSOB or any other Italian authority. Each intermediary must comply with the applicable laws and regulations concerning information duties vis a vis its clients in connection with the bonds or the relevant offering. The New Bonds have not been and will not be registered under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act of Japan (Act No. 25 of 1948, as amended, the "Financial Instruments and Exchange Act") and each Joint Book-Running Manager has represented and agreed that it has not offered or sold, and will not offer or sell any New Bonds, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to, or for the benefit of, any resident of Japan (as defined under Article 6, Paragraph 1, Item 5 of the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act of Japan (Act No. 228 of 1949, as amended)), or to others for re-offering or resale, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to, or for the benefit of, a resident of Japan, except pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of, and otherwise in compliance with, the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act and any other applicable laws, regulations and ministerial guidelines of Japan. Neither the Offer to Purchase or the New Bonds Offering prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus, nor any other documents or materials relating to the Tender Offer or the New Bonds Offering have been approved by or will be submitted for the approval of, the Mexican National Banking and Securities Commission (Comision Nacional Bancaria y de Valores; the "CNBV") and, the New Bonds have not been and will not be registered with the Mexican National Securities Registry (Registro Nacional de Valores) maintained by the CNBV, and therefore the Old Bonds and New Bonds have not and may not be offered or sold publicly in Mexico. However, investors that qualify as institutional or qualified investors pursuant to the private placement exemption set forth in article 8 of the Mexican Securities Market Law (Ley del Mercado de Valores), may be contacted in connection with, and may participate in the Tender Offer and New Bonds Offering, and can be offered with or purchase New Bonds. The participation in the Tender Offer or the acquisition of New Bonds will be made under such investor's own responsibility. Neither the New Bonds Offering nor the Tender Offer is intended for any person who is not qualified as an institutional investor, in accordance with provisions set forth in Resolution SMV No. 021-2013-SMV-01 issued by Superintendencia del Mercado de Valores (Superintendency of Capital Markets) of Peru, and as subsequently amended. No legal, financial, tax or any other kind of advice is hereby being provided. The New Bond Offering prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus, and the Offer to Purchase have not been and will not be registered as a prospectus with the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Neither the New Bonds Offering nor the Tender Offer constitutes an offering of securities in Singapore pursuant to the Securities and Futures Act, Chapter 289 of Singapore (the "SFA"). Each Joint Book-Running Manager has represented and agreed that it has not offered or sold or caused the New Bonds to be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase and will not offer or sell such New Bonds or cause such New Bonds to be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase, and has not circulated or distributed, nor will it circulate or distribute, the New Bonds Offering prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus or any other document or material in connection with the offer or sale, or invitation for subscription or purchase, of such New Bonds, whether directly or indirectly, to persons in Singapore other than (i) to an institutional investor (as defined in Section 4A of the SFA) under Section 274 of the SFA, (ii) to a relevant person (as defined in Section 275(2) of the SFA) pursuant to Section 275(1), or any person pursuant to Section 275(1A), and in accordance with the conditions specified in Section 275, of the SFA, and (where applicable) Regulation 3 of the Securities and Futures (Classes of Investors) Regulations 2018 of Singapore or (iii) otherwise pursuant to, and in accordance with the conditions of, any other applicable provision of the SFA. Where the New Bonds are subscribed or purchased in reliance on an exemption under Sections 274 or 275 of the SFA, the New Bonds shall not be sold within the period of six months from the date of the initial acquisition of the bonds, except to any of the following persons: an institutional investor (as defined in Section 4A of the SFA); a relevant person (as defined in Section 275(2) of the SFA); or any person pursuant to an offer referred to in Section 275(1A) of the SFA, unless expressly specified otherwise in Section 276(7) of the SFA or Regulation 37A of the Securities and Futures (Offers of Investments) (Securities and Securities-based Derivatives Contracts) Regulations 2018 of Singapore. Where the New Bonds are subscribed or purchased under Section 275 of the SFA by a relevant person which is: a corporation (which is not an accredited investor (as defined in Section 4A of the SFA)) the sole business of which is to hold investments and the entire share capital of which is owned by one or more individuals, each of whom is an accredited investor; or a trust (where the trustee is not an accredited investor) whose sole purpose is to hold investments and each beneficiary of the trust is an individual who is an accredited investor, securities or securities-based derivatives contracts (each term as defined in Section 2(1) of the SFA) of that corporation or the beneficiaries' rights and interest (howsoever described) in that trust shall not be transferred within six months after that corporation or that trust has acquired the New Bonds pursuant to an offer made under Section 275 of the SFA except: to an institutional investor or to a relevant person as defined in Section 275(2) of the SFA, or (in the case of such corporation) where the transfer arises from an offer referred to in 276(3)(i)(B) of the SFA or (in the case of such trust) where the transfer arises from an offer referred to in Section 276(4)(i)(B) of the SFA; where no consideration is or will be given for the transfer; where the transfer is by operation of law; as specified in Section 276(7) of the SFA; or as specified in Regulation 37A of the Securities and Futures (Offers of Investments) (Securities and Securities-based Derivatives Contracts) Regulations 2018 of Singapore . The New Bonds Offering prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus is not intended to constitute an offer or solicitation to purchase or invest in the New Bonds described therein in Switzerland, except as permitted by law. The New Bonds may not be publicly offered, directly or indirectly, in Switzerland within the meaning of the Swiss Financial Services Act ("FinSA") and will not be admitted to any trading venue (exchange or multilateral trading facility) in Switzerland. Neither the New Bonds Offering prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the New Bonds constitutes a prospectus as such term is understood pursuant to the FinSA, and neither the New Bonds Offering prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the New Bonds may be publicly distributed or otherwise made publicly available in Switzerland. Neither the communication of the Offer to Purchase nor the New Bonds Offering prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus nor any other offer material relating to the Tender Offer or the New Bonds Offering has been approved by an authorized person for the purposes of section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (the "FSMA"). The Offer to Purchase and the New Bonds Offering prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus are only being distributed to and are only directed at (i) persons who are outside the United Kingdom; (ii) investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the FSMA (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (as amended, the "Order"); or (iii) high net worth entities falling within Articles 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such other persons together being referred to as "relevant persons"). Any investment or investment activity to which the Offer to Purchase and the New Bonds Offering prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus relate is available only to relevant persons and will be engaged in only with relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on the Offer to Purchase or the New Bonds Offering prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus or any of its contents. The New Bonds will only be available to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire the New Bonds will be engaged in only with, relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on the New Bonds Offering prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus or any of its contents. The New Bonds are not intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to and should not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to any retail investor in the United Kingdom ("UK"). For these purposes, 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 domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 ("EUWA"); or (ii) a customer within the meaning of the provisions of the FSMA and any rules or regulations made under the FSMA to implement Directive (EU) 2016/97, where that customer would not qualify as a professional client, as defined in point (8) of Article 2(1) of Regulation (EU) No 600/2014 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the EUWA. Consequently, no key information document required by Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the EUWA (the "UK PRIIPs Regulation") for offering or selling the New Bonds or otherwise making them available to retail investors in the UK has been prepared and therefore offering or selling the New Bonds or otherwise making them available to any retail investor in the UK may be unlawful under the UK PRIIPs Regulation. Contact information: D.F. King & Co., Inc. 48 Wall Street, 22nd Floor New York, New York 10005 Toll Free: 1-866-342-4884 Email: [email protected] Website: www.dfking.com/colombia SOURCE Republic of Colombia Reduces Appliance Gas Leakage in Off State by 90 Percent Versus Regulations. Redundant Gas Shutoff Adds Another Layer of Environmental Protection. Robertshaw Also Has Expertise to Reduce NOx Emissions from Combusted Gas from Appliances in Use. ITASCA, Ill., Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Robertshaw has developed an innovative and comprehensive sustainability solution that drastically reduces greenhouse gas emissions from gas stoves in the off state. Robertshaw's patent pending Master Gas Regulator addresses a major environmental concern for both manufacturers of appliances including gas ovens, cooktops and ranges, and the public. All gas ovens and ranges in the United States are subject to gas leakage limits established for the industry by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Robertshaw's Master Gas Regulator reduces appliance gas leakage by 90 percent compared to the ANSI standard. The Master Gas Regulator also detects pressure at the gas inlet and shuts down the appliance to limit gas leakage into the home environment. In addition to its leak detection and shutdown capabilities, the Robertshaw solution includes two redundant shutoff valves, for a third layer of leak protection. In addition to the Master Gas Regulator, Robertshaw can address indoor air quality by reducing nitrogen dioxide (NO) emissions in appliances. NO can trigger inflammation in the airway and irritate the lungs, worsening respiratory illnesses such as asthma. A patented Robertshaw ultra-low NOx burner technology could be applied to top burners on gas ovens, cooktops, and ranges. "The kitchen is where families gather. It's the center of our home. We believe consumers are looking for sustainability in their life choices, and Robertshaw is committed to helping our customers deliver on their expectation of innovation, environmental quality, and safety for a sustainable future," said John Hewitt, Robertshaw CEO. "The Master Gas Regulator is the latest of countless Robertshaw innovations that are designed to improve gas appliance performance, safety, and indoor air quality for the families for whom the kitchen is the heartbeat of the home." For more information, please visit us at Booth B3523 at the upcoming AHR show or contact us at [email protected]. Visit Robertshaw.com for more information. Robertshaw is a leading global design, engineering and manufacturing company that sells components and systems solutions into the residential white goods, commercial appliance, HVAC, and transportation industries. Robertshaw has been a leading innovator in flow control of gas, water, and other fluids for over 120 years. We are headquartered in Itasca, Illinois, and employ more than 6,500 employees in 14 countries. Robertshaw's mission is to deliver unquestionable service to our customers by being the best at delivering innovative product solutions that increase safety, improve productivity, and protect the environment. Robertshaw helps manufacturers bring their visions to market. Contact: Marisa Rave [email protected] +1 630 284 9995 SOURCE Robertshaw Nation's leading employer recognition program, based solely on employee feedback, awards SageSpring for excellence. FRANKLIN, Tenn., Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- SageSpring Wealth Partnersa prominent wealth advisory firmhas been awarded Energage's prestigious Top Workplaces USA Award for 2023. "We have always strived to create a healthy and flourishing work atmosphere," said SageSpring President Jeff Dobyns. "This award demonstrates our commitment to that goal, and I look forward to what lies ahead for our company and our employees." Winners of the Top Workplaces USA Award are chosen through employee nominations and survey feedback. Organizations are then analyzed through Energage to determine survey outcomes. Winners receive national recognition for their achievement. Applauded for their strong, healthy work culture, SageSpring has been recognized as a Top Workplace for the last three consecutive years. They seek employees who are passionate about the community and eager to help people achieve their life's goals, and they offer comprehensive mentorship and financial service training to the right candidates. A uniquely principled organization, SageSpring's leadership holds themselves accountable to their core values, including a devotion to their employees' wellbeing. "Consistently being selected as a Top Employer purely based on our team's feedback affirms to me that our company culture is thriving," said Chris Warner, SageSpring's Chief People Officer. "It's not just words in a mission statement." About SageSpring From its humble beginnings in 2002 to today, SageSpringformerly Southwestern Investment Grouphas continuously taken a holistic approach to financial advice. By prioritizing clients' wellbeing, SageSpring gets to know what matters to clients in order to tailor counsel, helping clients reach their financial goals. SageSpring's comprehensive money-management strategies are designed to help clients build a life of wealth and long-lasting financial independence. For more information or to speak to an advisor, visit sagespring.com. Investment advisory services offered through SageSpring Wealth Partners, an independent registered investment adviser. SageSpring Wealth Partners is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Representatives may not be registered to offer securities and advisory services in all states. Tennessean Top Workplaces Award (2023) More than 42,000 companies participated and only about 1000 were recognized as one of the Tennessean Top Places to work. The Tennessean welcomed anyone to nominate an organization and partnered with Energage, who also reached out to companies. Any employer was eligible, as long as it had at least 35 employees in Middle Tennessee. Employees could be public, private, nonprofit or governmental. Once employers were nominated, employees were asked to fill out an online questionnaire that gave more information about the companies they worked for. Information gathered included issues relating to workplace culture, including Alignment, Connection, Effectiveness, Engagement, Leadership, and the Basics, including pay, benefits, flexibility, training, and expectations. Employers were then ranked among groups of similar size to most accurately compare results, with those that scored high being recognized. This ranking is based upon the period from 01/01/2022 to 12/31/2022, and was published February 1, 2023. The ranking may not be representative of any one client's experience, is not an endorsement, and is not indicative of an advisor's future performance. Neither Raymond James nor any of its Financial Advisors or RIA firms pay a fee in exchange for this award/rating. Neither Energage nor the Tennessean is affiliated with Raymond James. Media Contact Sarah Esposito Director of Advisor Business Development, SageSpring Branch Associate, RJFS 615.861.6098 801 Crescent Centre Drive, Suite 600 Franklin, TN 37067 SOURCE SageSpring Wealth Partners NEW YORK, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- With the support and guidance of Rachelle Hamblin, MD, MPH, the Mollie Biggane Melanoma Foundation and the San Antonio Fire Department announce a partnership to promote skin cancer prevention among the city's 1,800 uniformed fire fighters. Running into burning buildings and battling out of control fires aren't firefighters only risk. This year, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) designated firefighting a Group 1 Known Human Carcinogen. According to the CDC/National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), firefighters and first responders have a higher risk of developing skin cancer than the general population. They have a 20-60% increased risk of getting melanoma and up to a 30% increased risk of other skin cancers than the general population. Additionally, in a study published in the JAMA of Dermatology, fire fighters were also diagnosed with melanoma at younger ages an average of 42. San Antonio Fire Department and Mollie Biggane Melanoma Foundation implement Skin cancer awareness program Tweet this The San Antonio initiative is a unique 3- prong outreach bringing together the San Antonio Fire Department administration, Dr. Hamblin and her volunteer health care professionals from the San Antonio community, and Mollie's Fund. Dr. Hamblin, the San Antonio Fire Department, SAFD Occupational Cancer Committee, the Fire Training Academy, and San Antonio Professional Firefighters Local 624 were instrumental in helping organize and recruit doctors and health care professionals to physically screen the firefighters on Jan. 14-15 and Jan. 27-28 at the San Antonio Fire Training Academy. More than 40 volunteers, including medical students, residents, family medicine physicians, dermatologists, community physicians and health care professionals, participated in the screening of their San Antonio firefighters. These volunteers came from all over the San Antonio community and beyond - CHRISTUS Health, UT Health San Antonio, University of the Incarnate Ward, Brooke Army Medical Center, Lackland Air Force Base, Ft. Hood, and numerous private practices including the Bariatric Medical Institute of Texas and Dermatology Associates of San Antonio. Lucid Diagnostics helped coordinate these screenings and offered free esophageal cancer screenings in parallel. The Firefighter Cancer Support Network also lent their support. Raffle prizes for participating firefighters were donated by Ancira Auto Group, Los Barrios Family Restaurants, San Antonio Laser Engraving, CP Skin Health, and Black Jack Speed Shop. A total of 675 firefighters, more than one-third of the entire department, were screened over two weekends. Firefighters were informed of and directed to appropriate follow up as needed to help prevent, catch, and treat any skin cancers, and were also educated about sun safety. Mollie's Fund worked with the SAFD to design posters to further educate firefighters about skin cancer prevention. These posters will be circulated through the city's 54 fire stations and training academy. The foundation developed a skin cancer education module facilitated by Dr. Elizabeth Hale, MD, NYU Associate Professor of Dermatology. Made available on the SAFD website, this program will be incorporated into the trainees' classroom curriculum. "Our training academy prides itself on training and preparing our firefighters to handle any situation...everything from fires and medical runs to self-care. We believe the right knowledge and tools are the keys to success. Skin cancer knowledge and skin care are critical self-help tools," says Captain Brandon Murray, former head of the Fire Training Academy, now Battalion Chief. Mollie's Fund also donated sunscreen dispensers to be placed at the Training Center and strategic locations so that the firefighters, trainees and instructors have easy access to sunscreen. "We value our partnerships with the FDNY, CT, NJ and other firefighter communities," stressed Jack Biggane, President of Mollie's Fund. "And, we know San Antonio's firefighters are prepared and informed, but we are striving to help them be personally safe too. They need to be healthy and skin cancer education and prevention is critical." Dr. Hamblin concurred adding, "This partnership is part of a dream come true. We are determined to have our firefighters lead healthy lives. I am so grateful to SAFD with Chief Hood's leadership, their occupational cancer committee, the union, the training academy, and all who have worked tirelessly to make extinguishing firefighter cancer a priority. Thank you to all the volunteers who stepped up to take care of the people who are taking care of everyone else. Thank you again to Mollie's Fund for partnering with us at SAFD and their unwavering dedication to helping educate and prevent skin cancer in our firefighters." Media Contact: [email protected] SOURCE Mollie Biggane Melanoma Foundation Bob Woodruff Foundation and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County Host Summit Feb. 14 Public, private, and nonprofit sector leaders to convene in Military City USA to identify solutions to gaps in services for veterans, service members, and their families SAN ANTONIO, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In partnership with the United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County and with generous support from Craig Newmark Philanthropies, the Bob Woodruff Foundation will host its Got Your 6 Summit in San Antonio on February 14, from 9 am-5 pm. San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg and Brigadier General Russell Driggers, Commander, 502nd Air Base Wing and Joint Base San Antonio, will open the Summit with a conversation on opportunities to further strengthen veteran and military services in San Antonio through collaboration. Texas Public Radio's Military and Veterans' Issues Reporter Carson Frame will moderate. More than 300 public, private, and nonprofit sector leaders will gather to discuss interconnected challenges our veterans and service members facehealth, housing, food, employment, and community buildingand solutions to those issues. Panelists will present national trends and local insights related to the needs of and services for our veterans and military, and include: Katherine Kuzminski , Director of Military, Veterans and Society Programs at Center for New American Security , Director of Military, Veterans and Society Programs at Center for New American Security Kathy Roth-Douquet , President and CEO of Blue Star Families , President and CEO of Blue Star Families Mia Garcia , the Executive Director of Texas Veteran Network at Combined Arms , the Executive Director of Texas Veteran Network at Combined Arms Delia Johnson , VP of Operations for Military Family Advisory Network , VP of Operations for Military Family Advisory Network Meg Harrell , Ph.D., Chief Program Officer, Bob Woodruff Foundation With breakout sessions led by local agencies, attendees will dive into topics critical to veteran, service member, and military family wellbeing, including: Food Insecurity and Basic Needs Military Cultural Competency in Education, Housing, and Healthcare Exceptional Family Member Program Services and Caregiver Support Military Families-Childcare, Education, and Employment Access to Housing (affordable housing and security) Mental Health Care Navigating Resources for Veterans Navigating Resources for Active-Duty Families Gen. Ed Rice, Jr., USAF (Ret.), Community Impact Committee Chair of United Way of San Antonio, will introduce a veteran's perspective on supporting veterans and military families in San Antonio and Chris Martin, President and CEO of United Way of San Antonio, will provide closing remarks. "With one of the nation's largest active and retired military populations, San Antonio, also known as Military City USA, is strategically important to the Bob Woodruff Foundation's mission to ensure veterans, service members, and their families have the support and resources they need," said Anne Marie Dougherty, CEO of the Bob Woodruff Foundation. "The Got Your 6 Summit is creating space for nonprofits and military and civic leaders to identify best practices from Military City USA, which our Foundation will amplify and support across the country. Last year, the Bob Woodruff Foundation invested over $9 million in food and housing, access to mental health services, employment, and community building. With the impactful lessons learned at this Summit, we will do even more." "Our city is known across the country as being diverse in its culture and steeped in militaristic pride. Yet, service members and their families still face numerous and varied challenges," said Andrew Sasseville, Senior Vice President of Accountability and Community Services for United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County. "San Antonio has a wealth of support services available to the community, some catering specifically to the distinct needs of the military. Our challenge is to educate and adapt to the dynamic needs of our service members, veterans and their families as they navigate this robust but complex network of resources." About the Bob Woodruff Foundation The Bob Woodruff Foundation (BWF) was founded in 2006 after reporter Bob Woodruff was wounded by a roadside bomb while covering the war in Iraq. Since then, the Bob Woodruff Foundation has led an enduring call to action for people to stand up for heroes and meet the emerging and long-term needs of today's veterans, including suicide prevention, mental health, caregiver support, and food insecurity. To date, BWF has invested over $124 million to find, fund, and shape programs that have empowered impacted veterans, service members, and their family members, across the nation. Visit the Bob Woodruff Foundation for more information. About the United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County launched its first campaign in 1940 and has grown into the largest private investor in health and human services programs in San Antonio and Bexar County. United Way focuses on preparing children for school and life, helping students graduate and succeed, strengthening the well-being of individuals and families, and providing safety net services. United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County also operates the 2-1-1 Helpline, Mission United, and fosters volunteerism through the Volunteer Center at United Way. More Information 2023 Got Your 6 Summit Craig Newmark Philanthropies Brigadier General Russell Driggers San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg Media Contacts: Mary Ullmann Japhet, Japhet Media, 210-414-9030, [email protected] Kevin Femmel, United Way of San Antonio, 210-836-8616, [email protected] SOURCE Bob Woodruff Foundation Satellite communication systems have gained popularity in recent years due to their ability to provide communication services to remote and underserved areas. Additionally, increasing demand for global connectivity and growing adoption of the Internet of Things (IoT) devices have also contributed to the increased use of satellite communication systems. PORTLAND, Ore., Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Satellite Communication System Market by Satellite Orbit (Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), and Geostationary Orbit (GEO)), Component (Equipment, and Services) and End User (Maritime, Aerospace And Defense, Industrial, Government, Transportation And Logistics, Media, and Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2022-2031." According to the report, the global satellite communication system market was valued at $25.8 billion in 2021, and is projected to reach $61.5 billion by 2031, registering a CAGR of 9.5% from 2022 to 2031. The report offers a detailed analysis of changing market trends, top segments, key investment pockets, value chains, regional landscapes, and competitive scenarios. Download Free Sample Report @ https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/10016 Drivers, Restraints, and Opportunities- The increase in Internet of Things (IoT) and autonomous systems, rise in demand for military and defense satellite communication solutions, and increase in adoption of satellite communication system in online streaming services, radio, and TV broadcast across the world drive the growth of the global satellite communication system market. On the other hand, interference in satellite data transmission restrains the growth to some extent. However, high-end technological advancements in satellite missions have paved the way for lucrative opportunities in the industry. Covid-19 scenario- Satellite systems have also been used to support remote learning, enabling students and teachers to continue their education despite school closures. This has been particularly important in rural and remote areas with limited internet connectivity. Satellite communication systems have been used to support emergency response coordination, allowing public safety officials and other first responders to communicate and share information effectively in the midst of a crisis. The Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) segment to maintain its dominance during the forecast period- By satellite orbit, the Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) segment garnered the highest share during the forecast period. Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellites orbit at an altitude of around 8,000 to 12,000 kilometers, which is higher than Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, but lower than Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) satellites. This orbital altitude provides a balance of coverage and capacity, making it well-suited for a wide range of applications, including telecommunications, navigation, and earth observation. Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellites have a relatively short signal delay, which is important for applications such as mobile communications and satellite-based navigation systems. They also have a large field of view, which is useful for earth observation and remote sensing applications. The services segment to maintain its dominance during the forecast period- By component, the services segment accounted for highest market revenue in 2021, and is projected to retain the lion's share by 2031. The services segment includes a wide range of activities such as satellite-based communication, navigation, and remote sensing services, which are critical for a wide range of industries and applications. These services are essential for industries such as telecommunications, transportation, and agriculture, among others. The increasing demand for high-speed internet and streaming services is expected to drive growth in the services segment. Interested to Procure the Data? Inquire Here (Get Full Insights in PDF - 381 Pages) @ https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/10016 Media and Government segment to maintain its dominance during the forecast period. By end user, media and government segment accounted for highest market revenue in 2021 and is projected to retain its position by 2031. The media and government segment includes a wide range of activities such as satellite-based broadcasting, surveillance, and remote sensing services, which are critical for a wide range of applications. These services are essential for industries such as television and radio broadcasting, defense, and intelligence. The increasing demand for high-definition television and streaming services is expected to drive growth in the media and government segment. Europe garnered the major share in 2021- By region, Europe contributed the highest share in 2021. Increase in cooperation among civil, defense, and space industries in the European region is set to boost the growth of the satellite communication system market. The rise in demand for high-speed internet across Europe also increases the adoption of satellite communication services. Asia-Pacific, on the other hand, would portray the fastest CAGR of 10.97% during the forecast period. This is due to the rise in the use of satellite communication systems in Asia-Pacific regional market over the forecast period is attributable to the rising use of satellite antennas in the communications, IT, aerospace, and automotive industries. Enquire for Customization with Detailed Analysis of COVID-19 Impact in Report @ https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-for-customization/10016?reqfor=covid Leading Market Players- Advantech Wireless Technologies Inc. (Baylin Technologies) Al Yah Satellite Communications Company PJSC (Yahsat) Gilat Satellite Networks Inmarsat Communications Iridium Communications Inc. KVH Industries, Inc. L3Harris Technologies Inc. Orbcomm Inc. Thales Group ViaSat Inc The report analyzes these key players of the global satellite communication system market. These players have adopted various strategies such as product launch, acquisition, innovation, partnership, 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, developments, and product portfolios of every market player. Key Benefits for Stakeholders: This report provides a quantitative analysis of the market segments, current trends, estimations, and dynamics of the satellite communication system market analysis from 2021 to 2031 to identify the prevailing satellite communication system market opportunity. The market research is offered along with information related to key drivers, restraints, and opportunities. Porter's five forces analysis highlights the potency of buyers and suppliers to enable stakeholders make profit-oriented business decisions and strengthen their supplier-buyer network. In-depth analysis of the satellite communication system market outlook assists to determine the prevailing market opportunities. Major countries in each region are mapped according to their revenue contribution to the global market. Market player positioning facilitates benchmarking and provides a clear understanding of the present position of the market players. The report includes the analysis of the regional as well as global satellite communication system market trends, key players, market segments, application areas, and market growth strategies. Satellite Communication System Market Key Segments: Component Equipment Services Satellite Orbit Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) Geostationary Orbit (GEO) End User Maritime Aerospace and Defense Industrial Government Transportation and Logistics Media Others By Region North America (U.S., Canada , Mexico ) (U.S., , ) Europe (UK, Germany , France , Spain , Rest of Europe ) (UK, , , , Rest of ) Asia-Pacific ( China , Japan , India , South Korea , Rest of Asia-Pacific ) ( , , , , Rest of ) LAMEA ( Latin America , Middle East , Africa ) Buy this Research Report at Discounted Price @ https://bit.ly/3l56S2a Trending Reports in Semiconductor and Electronics Industry (Book Now with 10% Discount + COVID-19 Scenario): Satellite Modem Market was valued at $354.6 million in 2020, and is projected to reach $1033.4 million by 2030, registering a CAGR of 16.5% from 2021 to 2030. Optical Communication and Networking Equipment Market size was valued at $15.72 billion in 2019, and is expected to reach $26.83 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 7.2% from 2020 to 2027. Defense Tactical Radio Market size was valued at $9.46 billion in 2020, and is projected to reach $26.59 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 10.5% from 2021 to 2030. VCSEL for Data Communication Market size is expected to reach $358.41 million by 2027 from $120.52 million in 2019, growing at a CAGR of 13.54% from 2020 to 2027. Satellite Amplifier Market: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2030 Business Communication Systems Market: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2027 About Us: Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain. We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Allied Market Research CEO Pawan Kumar is instrumental in inspiring and encouraging everyone associated with the company to maintain high quality of data and help clients in every way possible to achieve success. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry. Contact: David Correa 5933 NE Win Sivers Drive #205, Portland, OR 97220 United States USA/Canada (Toll Free): +1-800-792-5285, +1-503-894-6022 UK: +44-845-528-1300 Hong Kong: +852-301-84916 India (Pune): +91-20-66346060 Fax: +1(855)550-5975 [email protected] Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/636519/Allied_Market_Research_Logo.jpg SOURCE Allied Market Research Rise in demand for semiconductor stepper systems from end use industries such as automotive, medical, robotics, communication, consumer electronics, and others drive the growth of the global semiconductor stepper systems market. PORTLAND, Ore., Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Semiconductor Stepper Systems Market by Type (Extreme ultraviolet (EUV), Deep ultraviolet (DUV)), by Business (OEM, Aftermarket), by Application (Micro-Electro- Mechanical System (MEMS), LED Devices, Advanced Packaging): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2031" According to the report, the global semiconductor stepper systems industry generated $18.2 billion in 2021, and is anticipated to generate $45.0 billion by 2031, witnessing a CAGR of 9.5% from 2022 to 2031. Download Free Sample Report (263 Pages PDF with Insights, Charts, Tables, Figures): https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/32223 Prime determinants of growth Rise in demand for semiconductor stepper systems from end use industries such as automotive, medical, robotics, communication, consumer electronics, and others drive the growth of the global semiconductor stepper systems market. Furthermore, the gradual increasing adoption of AI-enabled chips connected devices across the globe is anticipated to positively affect the semiconductor stepper systems market growth. Moreover, major businesses in the semiconductor stepper systems market offer a wide range of products, to meet customers' needs. They constantly innovate their offerings and expand their business by employing development strategies such as business expansion, product launch, and collaboration, which is presenting new opportunities in the coming years. Covid-19 Scenario The outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic had a negative impact on the global semiconductor stepper systems market, owing to temporary closure of the production of many components in the semiconductor stepper systems market during the lockdown. The economic slowdown initially resulted in reduced spending on semiconductor stepper systems equipment by their end-users. However, owing to the introduction of various vaccines, the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic significantly reduced. This led to the full-fledged reopening of businesses in the semiconductor stepper systems market at their full-scale capacities. The Deep ultraviolet (DUV) segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period Based on product type, the Deep ultraviolet (DUV) segment held the highest market share in 2021, accounting for more than four-fifths of the global semiconductor stepper systems market, and is estimated to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period. It is extensively used for the production of chips with node sizes of 90, 65, 45, and 28 nanometers, making it ideal for the production of chips where extremely small node size is not an essential requirement. However, the Extreme ultraviolet (EUV) segment is projected to manifest the highest CAGR of 10.3% from 2022 to 2031. EUV is a relatively recent development in the semiconductor manufacturing industry. It can easily suffice the requirements for high volume manufacturing (HVM) of chips to the 7nm scale and even lower. EUV is considered to be a highly strategic machine to achieve dominance in the semiconductor manufacturing industry. Buy this Research Report @ https://bit.ly/3QXD83s The OEM segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period Based on business, the OEM segment held the highest market share in 2021, holding around three-fourths of the global semiconductor stepper systems market, and is estimated to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period. OEMs are typically known for their high-quality equipment, be it the entirely assembled semiconductor stepper systems or its spare parts. However, the aftermarket segment is projected to manifest the highest CAGR of 10.0% from 2022 to 2031. Aftermarket parts and services are known for their cheap prices, typically at an acceptable lower quality. Typically, aftermarket companies manufacture non-critical support devices and parts, such as monitoring systems, motors, and other electronic and mechanical systems. The Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) segment to maintain its lead position during the forecast period Based on application, the Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) segment accounted for the largest share in 2021, contributing to nearly three-fifths of the global semiconductor stepper systems market, and is projected to maintain its lead position during the forecast period. Sensors and actuators are one of the primary building blocks of modern machinery, they are used in a variety of applications like controlling and handling equipment, such as automotive, industrial machinery, robots, AI systems, and others, which drives the segment. However, the advanced packaging segment is expected to portray the largest CAGR of 10.8% from 2022 to 2031. Companies offer a wide range of semiconductor stepper systems for advanced packaging, which boosts the segment Asia-Pacific to maintain its dominance by 2031 Based on region, Asia-Pacific held the highest market share in terms of revenue in 2021, accounting for more than four-fifths of the global semiconductor stepper systems market, and is likely to dominate the market during the forecast period. This region is expected to witness the fastest CAGR of 9.8% from 2022 to 2031. The high concentration of semiconductor manufacturers is expected to drive the demand for semiconductor stepper systems in Asia-Pacific. Purchase Inquiry: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/32223 Leading Market Players: - Canon Inc., JEOL Ltd., SUSS MicroTec SE, S-Cubed, Veeco Instruments Inc., Carl Zeiss AG, ASML Holdings N.V. Nikon Corporation Onto Innovation, Inc Vistec Electron Beam GmbH Trending Reports in Industrial ceramics Industry (Book Now with 10% Discount): Global semiconductor inspection system market is projected to reach $8.9 billion by 2031. Global semiconductor production equipment market is projected to reach $209.9 billion by 2031. Global semiconductor assembly equipment market is projected to reach $8,162.3 million by 2030. Global smart packaging market is expected to reach $38,662.0 million by 2030. Global semiconductor metrology and inspection market is projected to reach $13.3 billion by 2031. Mechanical Power Transmission Equipment Market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2030 Piezoelectric Smart Materials Market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2030 About Us: Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain. We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Allied Market Research CEO Pawan Kumar is instrumental in inspiring and encouraging everyone associated with the company to maintain high quality of data and help clients in every way possible to achieve success. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry. Contact Us: David Correa 5933 NE Win Sivers Drive #205, Portland, OR 97220 United States USA/Canada (Toll Free): +1-800-792-5285, +1-503-894-6022 UK: +44-845-528-1300 Hong Kong: +852-301-84916 India (Pune): +91-20-66346060 Fax: +1(855)550-5975 [email protected] Web: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/reports-store/construction-and-manufacturing Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/636519/Allied_Market_Research_Logo.jpg SOURCE Allied Market Research The boot camp is best suited for project/product/program professionals, managers and engineers. It will be delivered in a blended learning approach and will consist of a combination of live virtual classes. SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Simplilearn, the world's #1 online boot camp for digital skills training, collaborated with The McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin for a boot camp in Project Management . The boot camp will be launched in the US market and covers strategizing and management of project, program, risk, quality, and complexity; customer-centric digital transformation; PMO implementation; Agile; and Scrum skills. It will help the company expand in Texas and the Southwest region. This boot camp is best suited for project/product/program professionals, managers and engineers who want to gain the right digital age skills and credentials to put their careers on an accelerated growth path, industry veterans who would like to move into Project Leadership roles, and senior executives who would like to keep up with the pace of the business transformation. To enroll in this boot camp, individuals need to have an undergraduate degree and be professionals in any domain. The boot camp has a duration of 6 months and comprises four courses: a PMP certification course, Agile Scrum Master, Microsoft Project, and Implementing PMO. It also includes elective courses such as PMI-Risk Management Professional and Lean Six Sigma Green Belt. It is aligned with PMI-PMP, EXIN-Agile Scrum Master and IASSC-Lean Six Sigma certifications. The curriculum includes the operational and leadership skills required to deliver large, complex, transformational projects while balancing the trade-off between cost-quality-risk and aligning with organizational goals. The program incorporates industry-aligned projects and a capstone project. The boot camp is delivered in a blended learning approach with a combination of live virtual classes conducted by PMI-authorized Instructors and self-paced learning content. In addition to world-class learning, program graduates become eligible for UT Austin's Alumni Association membership. Speaking on the boot-camp, Mr. Anand Narayanan, Chief Product Officer, Simplilearn, said, "Project management as a profession has continued to be very relevant in all types of business, whether this is achieved in an iterative, agile way or through deep planning. There are very few relevant programs that cover the entire spectrum of project management. We are pleased to have teamed with one of the most prestigious universities in the US, UT Austin, to offer the boot camp in Project Management. This program will help learners receive all the necessary skills and tools needed to accelerate their journeys in the field of Project Management." The boot camp will assist the learners in earning 146 PDUs for PMI-related certifications with 35 contact hours. The learners will experience 8X higher live interaction in live online classes by industry experts. The Capstone projects in 3 domains will require learners to implement the skills learned during this program, as will the 17 hands-on projects, 30 tools, 15+ simulation exams, and PMI-authorized PMP examination preparation content. UT Austin will be producing and hosting at least one masterclass from the faculty of Texas Executive Education/McCombs School of Business Foundation at the University of Texas at Austin every month, depending on the number of cohorts. Simplilearn conducts more than 3,000 live classes, with an average of 70,000 learners who together spend more than 500,000 hours each month on the platform. Simplilearn's programs allow learners to upskill and get certified in popular domains. About Simplilearn Founded in 2010 and based in San Francisco, California, and Bangalore, India, Simplilearn, a Blackstone company is the world's #1 online Boot camp for digital economy skills training. Simplilearn offers access to world-class work-ready training to individuals and businesses around the world. The Boot camps are designed and delivered with world-renowned universities, top corporations, and leading industry bodies via live online classes featuring top industry practitioners, sought-after trainers, and global leaders. From college students and early career professionals to managers, executives, small businesses, and big corporations, Simplilearn's role-based, skill-focused, industry-recognized, and globally relevant training programs are ideal upskilling solutions for diverse career or/and business goals. For more information, please visit www.simplilearn.com/ Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1100016/Simplilearn_Logo.jpg SOURCE Simplilearn Solutions Private Limited LORTON, Va., Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Southern Home Services ("Southern") announced the acquisition of AirPlus Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical ("AirPlus" or the "Company") on Monday. The acquisition of AirPlus represents Southern's second investment in northern Virginia and expands their existing heating, air conditioning and plumbing service offering to include electrical service and Generac generator installation. Pictured: Joe Allen, Owner of AirPlus Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical and Drew Poskon, COO of Southern Home Services (PRNewsfoto/Southern Home Services) For over eighteen years, AirPlus has offered high-quality heating, air conditioning, electrical, plumbing and generator installation services to homeowners throughout Arlington, Alexandria, Lorton, Fredericksburg and surrounding areas. Customers have long known AirPlus for its exceptional customer service and best-in-class service and workmanship. "We are thrilled that Joe and the AirPlus team have bought into our growth strategy in the mid-Atlantic market. AirPlus has a dominant presence in and around Arlington, Alexandria and Lorton as well as the valuable Fredericksburg market on the southern end of the greater D.C. metro area. We see a lot of value in partnering them up with the M.E. Flow team in order to better serve our customer base. The Company's customer-first approach and brand recognition made it an excellent fit for the Southern Home Services family of brands," said Jarrod Brinker, Chief Strategy Officer at Southern Home Services. "Our goal is to provide best-in-class service to the thousands of homeowners that call this area of Virginia home. With more scale, we have the ability to invest in each and every employee and provide them with the tools and training needed to advance their careers. Customers can expect the same great service they have always enjoyed from AirPlus." "We have evaluated several potential partners over the years but we didn't have a strong cultural fit until we were introduced to Southern. We chose to partner with them because of the strong alignment with our family-friendly company culture and values. Our employees will have more resources and growth opportunities and our customers can expect even better service levels," said Joe Allen, CEO & Owner of AirPlus. "I look forward to the partnership and seeing the continued growth of the Company." Northern Virginia area homeowners can learn more about AirPlus' products and services through their website, www.airplusair.com or by calling (703) 634-5400. Headquartered in Maitland, Florida, Southern Home Services operates heating, air conditioning, plumbing and electrical home service businesses in the United States. As part of the broader Southern team, AirPlus joins Southern's family of twenty-one other service brands across ten states. Since its inception in 2016, Southern Home Services has remained one of the home service industry's premier growth platforms driving both organic initiatives and an accretive acquisition strategy focused on industry-leading brands. For more information about Southern's acquisition program, visit www.southernhomeservices.com/acquisitions. Contact: Lilah Wiatr [email protected] SOURCE Southern Home Services YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 2, ARMENPRESS. In the sidelines of the session of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council held in Almaty, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a meeting with Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Mikhail Mishustin, ARMENPRESS was informed from the Office of the Prime Minister. In his speech, the Prime Minister of Russia stated: "Dear Nikol Vovaevich, dear colleagues, I am happy for this new meeting. First of all, I would like to convey to you the best wishes of the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin. You recently talked with him on the phone and discussed the most important issues of our bilateral agenda. For my part, I would like to convey my greetings to the President of Armenia, Honorable Vahagn Garnikovich Khachaturyan. We sincerely appreciate the allied and partnering relations with Armenia. Our countries are connected by good, fraternal relations, based on the historical friendship of the Russian and Armenian peoples. At the government level, very active work is being done in the direction of strengthening trade and economic cooperation. And, despite the difficult external situation, our cooperation is developing successfully. Russia is Armenia's leading foreign trade partner and the main investor in the economy. Let me give examples. In January-November last year, mutual trade increased by 77% compared to 2021. It exceeded 4.1 billion USD, which for today is a record-high indicator in our mutual trade. The volume of Russian investments is about 2 billion USD. More than 40 leading Russian companies operate in the Armenian market and are among the largest taxpayers in Armenia. We suggest to launch new joint projects more actively. Dear Nikol Vovaevich, we discussed the industrial cooperative in detail with you a while ago. And the sectors that may traditionally be of interest, are peaceful nuclear power, energy, mining, transport, logistics and digital technology. Practical issues are resolved at the level of the intergovernmental commission. On our side, it is led by Alexey Overchuk. The economic cooperation program for the period until 2025 is in effect. Our cooperation is also expanding through the Russian Export Center. During 2022, we organized 24 business missions to Armenia with the participation of dozens of regions of Russia. Armenian businessmen now have excellent opportunities to work in our market due to the withdrawal of unfriendly countries from it, I mean not only large business, but also small and medium enterprises, which will contribute to the growth of jobs. And, of course, we traditionally attach special importance to our education. About 5,000 Armenian students study in Russian universities. The Government of the Russian Federation allocated a quota of 250 scholarships for the coming academic year. Dear Nikol Vovaevich, we are consistently advocating the unblocking of economic and transport communications in Transcaucasia. We consider it important to ensure the implementation of the agreements reached by the leaders of Russia, Armenia and Azerbaijan. The creation of new transport infrastructure routes is in the interests of all states of the region. And I am ready to discuss with you, dear Nikol Vovaevich, all the topical issues of our bilateral agenda." In turn, Prime Minister Pashinyan noted. "Thank you, dear Mikhail Vladimirovich, dear colleagues, I'm glad to see you all. You emphasized that there is a new dynamic in our trade and economic relations and mutual trade, it is true, we have recorded a good and big growth. I have talked about it many times, that there are some objective reasons, but I want to emphasize that there is the special personal role of Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, your personal role and the role of Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk in this dynamic. You know that unfortunately we often face logistical problems and we are very grateful that you always respond very promptly and make decisions that contribute to the quick solution of these problems. Everything is good with us in the field of economy, you know that the Russian Federation is the key partner of Armenia in the field of security and, unfortunately, the situation is not so good with us in the field of security. You know that Lachin Corridor has been blocked for more than a month, and according to the trilateral declaration of the President of the Russian Federation, the President of Azerbaijan and the Prime Minister of Armenia, it should be under the control of Russian peacekeepers. Now it turns out that the Lachin Corridor is not under the control of Russian peacekeepers, which creates specific problems. Now we can say that a humanitarian crisis is escalating in Nagorno Karabakh. It is a very important and sensitive issue in our bilateral relations. Unfortunately, we have certain issues in the field of security also in the multilateral format, in the CSTO, and we hope that we will manage to solve all these issues. We are working, we are interested, but unfortunately, frankly speaking, we see no progress in those directions. During the CSTO Yerevan summit, it seemed to us that we had reached concrete agreements regarding the opening of regional economic and transport infrastructures. Vladimir Vladimirovich had arrived with specific proposals and we agreed on aspects of those agreed options for opening up regional infrastructure, but unfortunately, these agreements could not be implemented later due to the unconstructive and counterproductive position of the Republic of Azerbaijan. But you know that we are not only ready, but are also interested in the opening of transport and economic infrastructures, because in fact the Republic of Armenia has been under Azerbaijani blockade for the last 30 years and we are of course very interested in opening all transport and economic infrastructures in the region. We believe that this should happen in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Armenia. I mean point 9 of the trilateral declaration of November 9, 2020, which we made more concrete in the trilateral statement of January 11, 2021. We have repeatedly said that in the implementation of point 9 of the trilateral declaration, we must act in accordance with the legislation of the countries through the territories of which those infrastructures pass. Of course, the agenda of our relations is very broad and I am sure that today we will talk about all issues." WINTER HAVEN, Fla., Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- SouthState Bank has hired five bankers who bring years of financial expertise and relationship building to the Commercial and Wealth teams in Georgia, Virginia and Alabama. SouthState has hired five bankers to support business and wealth customers in Georgia, Virginia and Alabama "Across our footprint, these talented bankers will immediately make a significant contribution as they enhance SouthState's reputation for exceptional service and client-focused relationships," said Richard Murray, SouthState president. "We look forward to leveraging their talents to help our commercial and business customers grow, as well as helping our wealth management customers optimize and expand their portfolios." Bankers joining the SouthState team include: Ryan Berry financial consultant, Richmond, Virginia joins SouthState having spent over a decade in Wealth Management and five years as a commercial banker, all with BB&T. He held several roles, including that of director of the Wealth Lending Group where he served on the senior leadership team of the Wealth Division and managed the team responsible for originating and servicing more than $6 billion in credit commitments. In the community, Berry has been an active leader in outreach and volunteer projects in both Virginia and North Carolina. He is excited to apply his knowledge and skills to helping propel the growth of Investment Services in the Virginia market. Rob Hertenstein commercial banker, Birmingham, Alabama is a banking industry veteran with commercial, retail and investment experience. He joins SouthState from PNC, where he served as relationship manager. Hertenstein's business development experience in the small business and commercial segment will enhance local efforts to expand the SouthState footprint. Lorrian Heard premier private banker, Savannah, Georgia comes to SouthState from Cadence Bank where she was a relationship manager for the past two years. She has vast financial sector experience from teller to market leader to retail market manager with banks including Wells Fargo and Synovus. Heard looks forward to assisting small business owners and professionals with their business and personal banking needs. Rob Hallett business banking relationship manager, Huntsville, Alabama also joins SouthState from Cadence Bank with more than 10 years of experience in the banking and financial services sectors. He previously held the roles of relationship manager at Cadence and branch manager at Regions Bank. In the community, Hallett serves on the executive committee and oversees the finance committee for The CARE Center. He plans to concentrate his efforts on growing SouthState's small business banking segment across North Alabama. David Perry business banking relationship manager, Augusta, Georgia brings more than 15 years of leadership and sales experience. Most recently, he worked for Augusta Mortgage Company as a loan originator. Perry led efforts to advise and educate clients on loan options to deliver them the best product for their needs. SouthState Corporation (NASDAQ: SSB) is a financial services company headquartered in Winter Haven, Florida. SouthState Bank, N.A., the company's nationally chartered bank subsidiary, provides consumer, commercial, mortgage and wealth management solutions to more than one million customers throughout Florida, Alabama, Georgia, the Carolinas and Virginia. The bank also serves clients coast to coast through its correspondent banking division. Additional information is available at SouthStateBank.com. SOURCE South State Bank N.A. Divestiture supports continued simplification of portfolio Enables greater focus on larger businesses and fast growth end market opportunities Proceeds to be used towards organic and inorganic initiatives and returning capital to shareholders SALEM, N.H., Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Standex International Corporation (NYSE:SXI) announced today that it previously signed an agreement to sell its Procon Pumps business to Investindustrial, a leading European investment and advisory group, at an enterprise value of $75 million, subject to customary post-closing adjustments. The transaction is expected to close during the month of February. The Procon business was previously part of the Specialty Solutions segment. In fiscal year 2022, Procon's net revenues were $33.7 million. "After a thorough competitive process, we are pleased to announce the sale of our Procon business to Investindustrial," said Standex President & CEO David Dunbar. "Investindustrial's portfolio of companies includes the CEME Group, which manufactures solenoid pumps, rotary pumps, and solenoid valves in Italy and across the globe. We believe CEME Group is well-placed to enable the Procon business to grow and reach its strategic potential. I would like to thank our Procon colleagues for their contributions to Standex and wish them much success as they start a new chapter for the business." Standex intends to use the proceeds from the sale in accordance with its current capital allocation framework, comprised of organic growth opportunities, inorganic initiatives, and returning capital to shareholders. About Investindustrial and CEME Group Founded in 1990, Investindustrial is a leading European investment and advisory group with over 12 billion of raised fund capital. It provides industrial solutions and capital to high-quality mid-market companies. Among its portfolio of companies is CEME Group, which manufactures solenoid pumps, rotary pumps, and solenoid valves in Italy and across the globe. CEME Group is known for its technical engineering know-how, quality, flexibility and for its unique ability to develop innovative solutions for customers in Italy and other international markets. About Procon Procon is a global supplier of custom fluid solutions that combines collaborative design expertise, bespoke solution engineering, and a high-quality, highly-engineered portfolio of niche positive displacement pumps. It is a valued channel partner to a diverse base of "top tier" OEMs and distributors offering tailored solutions for critical and challenging fluid system applications. The company is a leading innovator in the rotary vane and gear pump segments About Standex Standex International Corporation is a global multi-industry manufacturer in five broad business segments: Electronics, Engraving, Scientific, Engineering Technologies, and Specialty Solutions with operations in the United States, Europe, Canada, Japan, Singapore, Mexico, Brazil, Turkey, South Africa, India, and China. For additional information, visit the Company's website standex.com. Safe Harbor Language Statements contained in this Press Release that are not based on historical facts are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "should," "could," "may," "will," "expect," "believe," "estimate," "anticipate," "intend," "continue," or similar terms or variations of those terms or the negative of those terms. There are many factors that affect the Company's business and the results of its operations and that may cause the actual results of operations in future periods to differ materially from those currently expected or anticipated. These factors include, but are not limited to: the impact of pandemics such as the current coronavirus on employees, our supply chain, and the demand for our products and services around the world; materially adverse or unanticipated legal judgments, fines, penalties or settlements; conditions in the financial and banking markets, including fluctuations in exchange rates and the inability to repatriate foreign cash; domestic and international economic conditions, including the impact, length and degree of economic downturns on the customers and markets we serve and more specifically conditions in the automotive, construction, aerospace, defense, transportation, food service equipment, consumer appliance, energy, oil and gas and general industrial markets; lower-cost competition; the relative mix of products which impact margins and operating efficiencies in certain of our businesses; the impact of higher raw material and component costs, particularly steel, certain materials used in electronics parts, petroleum based products, and refrigeration components; the impact of higher transportation and logistics costs, especially with respect to transportation of goods from Asia; the impact of inflation on the costs of providing our products and services; an inability to realize the expected cost savings from restructuring activities including effective completion of plant consolidations, cost reduction efforts including procurement savings and productivity enhancements, capital management improvements, strategic capital expenditures, and the implementation of lean enterprise manufacturing techniques; the potential for losses associated with the exit from or divestiture of businesses that are no longer strategic or no longer meet our growth and return expectations; the inability to achieve the savings expected from global sourcing of raw materials and diversification efforts in emerging markets; the impact on cost structure and on economic conditions as a result of actual and threatened increases in trade tariffs; the inability to attain expected benefits from acquisitions and the inability to effectively consummate and integrate such acquisitions and achieve synergies envisioned by the Company; market acceptance of our products; our ability to design, introduce and sell new products and related product components; the ability to redesign certain of our products to continue meeting evolving regulatory requirements; the impact of delays initiated by our customers; our ability to increase manufacturing production to meet demand including as a result of labor shortages; and potential changes to future pension funding requirements. In addition, any forward-looking statements represent management's estimates only as of the day made and should not be relied upon as representing management's estimates as of any subsequent date. While the Company may elect to update forward-looking statements at some point in the future, the Company and management specifically disclaim any obligation to do so, even if management's estimates change. SOURCE Standex International Corporation SUNY Ulster joins Uwill as 5th New York institution offering free teletherapy to students NATICK, Mass., Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- SUNY Ulster, today, announced a partnership with Uwill, the leading teletherapy solution for colleges and students, to enhance and expand the college's existing counseling capabilities. Research suggests that community college students may be in greater need of mental health support. Uwill's best-in-class technology facilitates immediate appointments with licensed mental health counselors based on student needs and preferences. "Providing equitable and flexible care is critical in supporting each student in their academic journey," said Alison Buckley, Ed.D., President at SUNY Ulster. "Adding Uwill gives our students additional access to resources for the individualized support they deserve." Recent survey data from Uwill and NASPA shows a continued decline in student mental health. 72% of student affairs and counseling leadership said the overall trajectory of campus mental health worsened during the past year. "We're proud to be able to support colleges in a way that provides immediacy to students, with no obstacles," said Michael London, Founder and CEO of Uwill. "Our solution empowers students to select a therapist they feel most comfortable with when it is convenient for them." Utilizing its proprietary technology and counselor team, Uwill pioneered the first student and therapist matching platform. The solution offers an immediate appointment with a licensed counselor based on student preferences, all modalities of teletherapy, a direct crisis connection, wellness events, realtime data, and support. Uwill partners with more than 100 institutions including Dartmouth College, Santa Fe Community College, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Gettysburg College. About Uwill Uwill has become the leading mental health and wellness solution for colleges and students. The most cost-effective way to complement a college's mental health offering, Uwill partners with more than 100 institutions including Boston College, University of Michigan, American Public University System, and University of Maryland, College Park. Uwill is also the teletherapy education partner for NASPA. For more information, visit uwill.com Contact: Brett Silk [email protected] SOURCE Uwill, Inc NEW YORK, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- According to Technavio, the global superconductor market size is estimated to grow by USD 4,472.26 million from 2022 to 2027. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of almost 8.7% during the forecast period. APAC will account for the largest share of the global market during the forecast period. The report includes historic market data from 2017 to 2021. In 2017, the market was valued at USD 6316.30 million. For more Insights on market size Request a sample report Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Superconductor Market 2023-2027 Global superconductor market - Five Forces The global cloud data warehouse market is fragmented, and the five forces analysis covers Bargaining power of buyers The threat of new entrants Threat of rivalry Bargaining power of suppliers Threat of substitutes Interpretation of porter's five models helps to strategize the business, for entire details buy the report! Global superconductor market Customer Landscape The report includes the market's adoption lifecycle, from the innovator's stage to the laggard's stage. It focuses on adoption rates in different regions based on penetration. Furthermore, the report also includes key purchase criteria and drivers of price sensitivity to help companies evaluate and develop their growth strategies. Global superconductor market - Segmentation Assessment Segment Overview Technavio has segmented the market based on type (Low-temperature superconductors and High-temperature superconductors), and product (Magnets, Cables, Transformers, and Energy storage devices. The low-temperature superconductors segment will account for a significant share of the global market during the forecast period. Factors such as low-temperature superconductors are widely used in applications such as high-energy physics, automobiles, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) devices. Currently, commonly used MRI magnets are cylindrical superconducting magnets made from low-temperature Niobium-titanium (NbTi) superconductors. NbTi magnets are compact, demonstrate reliable performance, and are cost-effective. These advantages of low-temperature NbTi superconductors drive their adoption in MRI applications. Such factors will drive the growth of the low-temperature superconductors segment in the global superconductor market. Geography Overview By geography, the global superconductor market is segmented into APAC, North America, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa. The report provides actionable insights and estimates the contribution of all regions to the growth of the global superconductor market. APAC is estimated to account for 47% of the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Governments of countries in APAC are investing significantly in developing high-voltage power grids. For instance, in November 2022 , Sun Cable signed a deal with the Government of Indonesia to develop the world's largest intercontinental solar and storage project. The growing investments in power grid projects will accelerate the demand for superconducting cables, transformers, and generators. This, in turn, will drive the growth of the market in APAC during the forecast period. Download a Sample Report Global superconductor market Market Dynamics Key factor driving market growth The development of smart grids is notably driving the superconductor market growth . is notably driving the superconductor market growth Smart grids provide various benefits, such as managing the power supply efficiently during blackouts. They are prepared for emergencies such as natural disasters, as they re-route the electrical supply to working lines and isolate the fault lines. Electrical equipment, components, and transmission lines carry high currents and voltage at high temperatures, which necessitates the use of superconductor materials. As superconductor devices are suitable for high-temperature applications, they need to be integrated across generators and transformers. Therefore, with the growing interest in smart grid deployment across the world, the need for superconductor devices will drive the market's growth during the forecast period. Leading trends influencing the market The emergence of SMES systems is a key trend influencing the superconductor market. is a key trend influencing the superconductor market. A superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) system stores the energy in a magnetic field inside a superconducting coil. SMES is a direct electric energy storage technology and is in its early phase of commercialization. It has high power with high energy conversion efficiency, along with instantaneous response time. The growth of the global energy storage market is driven by carbon emission targets, rising smart grids and renewables, and increasing electrification of transport. Vendors are investing in developing improved SMES systems with higher power storage capacities to keep pace with the growing demand for large-scale energy storage applications. The growing global demand for power due to climate change concerns, depleting non-renewable energy resources, and rapidly increasing global population is expected to accelerate the demand for SMES. This trend will support the demand for superconducting magnets during the forecast period. Major challenges hindering the market growth The high lead time may impede the superconductor market growth . may impede the superconductor market growth The extensive lead time required in the development of superconductor technology requires constant government support. Moreover, partnerships between the government and industry play an essential role in this process. Governments have funded many projects to install superconductor cables and products in power grids. However, if the funding is restricted, grid operators may not continue to use superconductor cables and products in their projects. In-grid demonstrations of superconductor power cables are essential to convince the operators of utilities and power grid operators about the benefits of this technology. Moreover, governments and other organizations are skeptical about the adoption of superconductor technology due to the high lead time and expensive manufacturing processes. This can challenge the growth of the market during the forecast period. Drivers, trends, and challenges have an impact on market dynamics, which can impact businesses. Find more insights in a sample report! What are the key data covered in this superconductor market report? CAGR of the market during the forecast period Detailed information on factors that will drive the growth of the superconductor market between 2023 and 2027 Precise estimation of the size of the superconductor market size and its contribution to the market in focus on the parent market Accurate predictions about upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior Growth of the superconductor market industry across APAC, North America , Europe , South America , and Middle East and Africa , , , and and A thorough analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information about vendors Comprehensive analysis of factors that will challenge the growth of superconductor market vendors Gain instant access to 17,000+ market research reports. Technavio's SUBSCRIPTION platform Related Reports: The degaussing systems market size is expected to increase to 12915.00 units from 2021 to 2026, and the market's growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of 3.80%. This report extensively covers market segmentation by end-user (bulk carrier, oil tanker, container ships, and others) and geography (MEA, APAC, South America, Europe, and North America). The size of the wind energy market in Austria is expected to increase by 165.58 megawatts from 2021 to 2026, and the market's growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of 9.24%. This report extensively covers market segmentation by end-user (commercial and domestic) and installation sites (offshore and onshore). Superconductor Market Scope Report Coverage Details Page number 176 Base year 2022 Historic period 2017-2021 Forecast period 2023-2027 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 8.7% Market growth 2023-2027 USD 4,472.26 million Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 8.6 Regional analysis APAC, North America, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa Performing market contribution APAC at 47% Key countries US, China, Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan Competitive landscape Leading Vendors, Market Positioning of Vendors, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks Key companies profiled Advanced Magnet Lab Inc., American Superconductor Corp., BASF SE, Bruker Corp., Can Superconductors s.r.o., Cryomagnetics Inc., evico GmbH, Fujikura Co. Ltd., Furukawa Electric Co. Ltd., Hitachi Ltd., Hyper Tech Research Inc., Kobe Steel Ltd., LS Corp., Mitsubishi Corp., Siemens AG, Southwire Co. LLC, Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd., Supercon Inc., THEVA Dunnschichttechnik GmbH, and TOSHIBA CORP Market dynamics Parent market analysis, Market growth inducers and obstacles, Fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, COVID-19 impact and recovery analysis and future consumer dynamics, Market condition analysis for 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 Market Segmentation by Product 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 2022 3.4 Market outlook: Forecast for 2022-2027 Exhibit 14: Chart on Global - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 15: Data Table on Global - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 16: Chart on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 17: Data Table on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 4 Historic Market Size 4.1 Global superconductor market 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 18: Historic Market Size Data Table on Global superconductor market 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 4.2 Type Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 19: Historic Market Size Type Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 4.3 Product Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 20: Historic Market Size Product Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 4.4 Geography Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 21: Historic Market Size Geography Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 4.5 Country Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 22: Historic Market Size Country Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 5 Five Forces Analysis 5.1 Five forces summary Exhibit 23: Five forces analysis - Comparison between 2022 and 2027 5.2 Bargaining power of buyers Exhibit 24: Chart on Bargaining power of buyers Impact of key factors 2022 and 2027 5.3 Bargaining power of suppliers Exhibit 25: Bargaining power of suppliers Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027 5.4 Threat of new entrants Exhibit 26: Threat of new entrants Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027 5.5 Threat of substitutes Exhibit 27: Threat of substitutes Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027 5.6 Threat of rivalry Exhibit 28: Threat of rivalry Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027 5.7 Market condition Exhibit 29: Chart on Market condition - Five forces 2022 and 2027 6 Market Segmentation by Type 6.1 Market segments Exhibit 30: Chart on Type - Market share 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 31: Data Table on Type - Market share 2022-2027 (%) 6.2 Comparison by Type Exhibit 32: Chart on Comparison by Type Exhibit 33: Data Table on Comparison by Type 6.3 Low temperature superconductors - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 34: Chart on Low temperature superconductors - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 35: Data Table on Low temperature superconductors - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 36: Chart on Low temperature superconductors - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 37: Data Table on Low temperature superconductors - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 6.4 High temperature superconductors - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 38: Chart on High temperature superconductors - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 39: Data Table on High temperature superconductors - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 40: Chart on High temperature superconductors - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 41: Data Table on High temperature superconductors - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 6.5 Market opportunity by Type Exhibit 42: Market opportunity by Type ($ million) 7 Market Segmentation by Product 7.1 Market segments Exhibit 43: Chart on Product - Market share 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 44: Data Table on Product - Market share 2022-2027 (%) 7.2 Comparison by Product Exhibit 45: Chart on Comparison by Product Exhibit 46: Data Table on Comparison by Product 7.3 Magnets - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 47: Chart on Magnets - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 48: Data Table on Magnets - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 49: Chart on Magnets - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 50: Data Table on Magnets - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 7.4 Cables - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 51: Chart on Cables - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 52: Data Table on Cables - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 53: Chart on Cables - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 54: Data Table on Cables - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 7.5 Transformers - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 55: Chart on Transformers - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 56: Data Table on Transformers - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 57: Chart on Transformers - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 58: Data Table on Transformers - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 7.6 Energy storage devices - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 59: Chart on Energy storage devices - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 60: Data Table on Energy storage devices - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 61: Chart on Energy storage devices - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 62: Data Table on Energy storage devices - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 7.7 Market opportunity by Product Exhibit 63: Market opportunity by Product ($ million) 8 Customer Landscape 8.1 Customer landscape overview Exhibit 64: Analysis of price sensitivity, lifecycle, customer purchase basket, adoption rates, and purchase criteria 9 Geographic Landscape 9.1 Geographic segmentation Exhibit 65: Chart on Market share by geography 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 66: Data Table on Market share by geography 2022-2027 (%) 9.2 Geographic comparison Exhibit 67: Chart on Geographic comparison Exhibit 68: Data Table on Geographic comparison 9.3 APAC - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 69: Chart on APAC - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 70: Data Table on APAC - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 71: Chart on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 72: Data Table on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.4 North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 73: Chart on North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 74: Data Table on North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 75: Chart on North America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 76: Data Table on North America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.5 Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 77: Chart on Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 78: Data Table on Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 79: Chart on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 80: Data Table on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.6 South America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 81: Chart on South America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 82: Data Table on South America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 83: Chart on South America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 84: Data Table on South America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.7 Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 and - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 85: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) and - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 86: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) and - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 87: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) and - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 88: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.8 China - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 89: Chart on China - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 90: Data Table on China - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 91: Chart on China - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 92: Data Table on China - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.9 US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 93: Chart on US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 94: Data Table on US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 95: Chart on US - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 96: Data Table on US - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.10 Taiwan - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 97: Chart on Taiwan - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 98: Data Table on Taiwan - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 99: Chart on Taiwan - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 100: Data Table on Taiwan - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.11 South Korea - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 101: Chart on South Korea - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 102: Data Table on South Korea - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 103: Chart on South Korea - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 104: Data Table on South Korea - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.12 Japan - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 105: Chart on Japan - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 106: Data Table on Japan - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 107: Chart on Japan - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 108: Data Table on Japan - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.13 Market opportunity by geography Exhibit 109: Market opportunity by geography ($ million) 10 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10.1 Market drivers 10.2 Market challenges 10.3 Impact of drivers and challenges Exhibit 110: Impact of drivers and challenges in 2022 and 2027 10.4 Market trends 11 Vendor Landscape 11.1 Overview 11.2 Vendor landscape Exhibit 111: Overview on Criticality of inputs and Factors of differentiation 11.3 Landscape disruption Exhibit 112: Overview on factors of disruption 11.4 Industry risks Exhibit 113: Impact of key risks on business 12 Vendor Analysis 12.1 Vendors covered Exhibit 114: Vendors covered 12.2 Market positioning of vendors Exhibit 115: Matrix on vendor position and classification 12.3 American Superconductor Corp. Exhibit 116: American Superconductor Corp. - Overview Exhibit 117: American Superconductor Corp. - Business segments Exhibit 118: American Superconductor Corp. - Key offerings Exhibit 119: American Superconductor Corp. - Segment focus 12.4 BASF SE Exhibit 120: BASF SE - Overview Exhibit 121: BASF SE - Business segments Exhibit 122: BASF SE - Key news Exhibit 123: BASF SE - Key offerings Exhibit 124: BASF SE - Segment focus 12.5 Bruker Corp. Exhibit 125: Bruker Corp. - Overview Exhibit 126: Bruker Corp. - Business segments Exhibit 127: Bruker Corp. - Key news Exhibit 128: Bruker Corp. - Key offerings Exhibit 129: Bruker Corp. - Segment focus 12.6 Cryomagnetics Inc. Exhibit 130: Cryomagnetics Inc. - Overview Exhibit 131: Cryomagnetics Inc. - Product / Service Exhibit 132: Cryomagnetics Inc. - Key offerings 12.7 evico GmbH Exhibit 133: evico GmbH - Overview Exhibit 134: evico GmbH - Product / Service Exhibit 135: evico GmbH - Key offerings 12.8 Fujikura Co. Ltd. Exhibit 136: Fujikura Co. Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 137: Fujikura Co. Ltd. - Business segments Exhibit 138: Fujikura Co. Ltd. - Key news Exhibit 139: Fujikura Co. Ltd. - Key offerings Exhibit 140: Fujikura Co. Ltd. - Segment focus 12.9 Furukawa Electric Co. Ltd. Exhibit 141: Furukawa Electric Co. Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 142: Furukawa Electric Co. Ltd. - Business segments Exhibit 143: Furukawa Electric Co. Ltd. - Key news Exhibit 144: Furukawa Electric Co. Ltd. - Key offerings Exhibit 145: Furukawa Electric Co. Ltd. - Segment focus 12.10 Hitachi Ltd. Exhibit 146: Hitachi Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 147: Hitachi Ltd. - Business segments Exhibit 148: Hitachi Ltd. - Key news Exhibit 149: Hitachi Ltd. - Key offerings Exhibit 150: Hitachi Ltd. - Segment focus 12.11 Kobe Steel Ltd. Exhibit 151: Kobe Steel Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 152: Kobe Steel Ltd. - Business segments Exhibit 153: Kobe Steel Ltd. - Key offerings Exhibit 154: Kobe Steel Ltd. - Segment focus 12.12 Mitsubishi Corp. Exhibit 155: Mitsubishi Corp. - Overview Exhibit 156: Mitsubishi Corp. - Business segments Exhibit 157: Mitsubishi Corp. - Key news Exhibit 158: Mitsubishi Corp. - Key offerings Exhibit 159: Mitsubishi Corp. - Segment focus 12.13 Siemens AG Exhibit 160: Siemens AG - Overview Exhibit 161: Siemens AG - Business segments Exhibit 162: Siemens AG - Key news Exhibit 163: Siemens AG - Key offerings Exhibit 164: Siemens AG - Segment focus 12.14 Southwire Co. LLC Exhibit 165: Southwire Co. LLC - Overview Exhibit 166: Southwire Co. LLC - Product / Service Exhibit 167: Southwire Co. LLC - Key offerings 12.15 Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd. Exhibit 168: Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 169: Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd. - Business segments Exhibit 170: Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd. - Key news Exhibit 171: Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd. - Key offerings Exhibit 172: Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd. - Segment focus 12.16 THEVA Dunnschichttechnik GmbH Exhibit 173: THEVA Dunnschichttechnik GmbH - Overview Exhibit 174: THEVA Dunnschichttechnik GmbH - Product / Service Exhibit 175: THEVA Dunnschichttechnik GmbH - Key offerings 12.17 TOSHIBA CORP Exhibit 176: TOSHIBA CORP - Overview Exhibit 177: TOSHIBA CORP - Business segments Exhibit 178: TOSHIBA CORP - Key offerings Exhibit 179: TOSHIBA CORP - Segment focus 13 Appendix 13.1 Scope of the report 13.2 Inclusions and exclusions checklist Exhibit 180: Inclusions checklist Exhibit 181: Exclusions checklist 13.3 Currency conversion rates for US$ Exhibit 182: Currency conversion rates for US$ 13.4 Research methodology Exhibit 183: Research methodology Exhibit 184: Validation techniques employed for market sizing Exhibit 185: Information sources 13.5 List of abbreviations Exhibit 186: 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 TAMPA, Fla., Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Rashmi Roy, senior thyroid surgeon at the Clayman Thyroid Center operating at the Hospital for Endocrine Surgery, has been selected as a finalist for Tampa Bay Business & Wealth's Business Women Awards by an outside panel of judges. The awards program received nearly 300 unique nominations and narrowed it down to just three finalists in the health & wellness category. "Women empowerment starts with the magic that happens when a woman realizes that not only does she belong in the room, but there is a seat at the table with her name on it." Tweet this Dr. Rashmi Roy, senior thyroid surgeon at the Clayman Thyroid Center, operating exclusively at the Hospital for Endocrine Surgery in Tampa, Florida. The award comes at the end of Thyroid Disease Awareness Month, recognized by Dr. Roy and the Clayman Thyroid Center through a series of expertly published articles and resources during the month of January. The Tampa Bay Business Women Awards is a unique awards program, created by Tampa Bay Business & Wealth Magazine, to recognize distinguished women leaders whose dedication to their industries and communities deserves particular recognition. Judges looked at business and professional success, community involvement and mentorship as pillars in their judging. Dr. Roy was recognized for her experience and expertise in thyroid surgery, as well as for her significant achievements as a woman in a male dominated field. She is believed to be the highest volume female thyroid surgeon in the world, operating exclusively at the Hospital for Endocrine Surgery. "Women empowerment starts with the magic that happens when a woman realizes that not only does she belong in the room, but there is a seat at the table with her name on it," says Dr. Roy. "There's a ripple effect that happens when a woman recognizes and owns her identity and innate power and finds a way to maneuver beyond the "gatekeepers"." Dr. Roy's leadership and innovation were strong suits in her nomination. She recently began a free thyroid screening program which brings quick and efficient thyroid ultrasounds to the local community. Her first thyroid screening initiative was held at a women's wellness retreat in August 2022 where 49% of the women screened were found to have significant thyroid growths that required follow-up. The following day, Dr. Roy personally called each of those women and went over their ultrasound findings with them in detail with five women requiring surgery for potential thyroid cancer. Additional events are scheduled this year at Berkeley Preparatory School and a number of employer-sponsored health expos. Dr. Roy launched an educational YouTube channel in 2021 with the goal of informing those suffering from thyroid disease. The channel is heavily focused on thyroid goiters (enlarged thyroid) that require surgery, but also addresses thyroid cancer and how to check your own neck for signs of cancer. "I stumbled across Dr. Roy's video on how to check yourself for thyroid cancer and figured I'd give it a try," says Sherry G., a recent patient at the Hospital for Endocrine Surgery. "Well lo and behold, I felt something, and it prompted me to schedule a follow-up appointment. I ended up having my thyroid removed and the pathology came back as cancerous. If I hadn't come across Dr. Roy's channel, I would've had no idea. One sixty second video literally saved my life." Dr. Roy says she is passionate about providing these types of resources to not only the local Tampa community, but to the masses she can reach through the internet. "No one's access to quality healthcare should be limited by geography," she said. Dr. Roy joined the Clayman Thyroid Center in 2018 and has helped it to become the nation's highest volume thyroid surgery practice. She has helped increase the number of patients seeking an evaluation for thyroid surgery by 77% over the past 12 months. "The timing of Dr. Roy's selection for this award is very exciting," says Dr. Jim Norman, one of the founders of the Hospital for Endocrine Surgery. "The Clayman Thyroid Center set a record last week with 101 new patients seeking evaluation for thyroid surgery in a single week. This is certainly due in part to Dr. Roy's efforts to grow her program and the practice." The Clayman Thyroid Center is a full-service thyroid surgery practice, performing more than 2,000 thyroid operations annually. It specializes in all types of thyroid surgery, including scarless robotic thyroid surgery. The Clayman Thyroid Center moved into its new home at the Hospital for Endocrine Surgery in 2022, uniting with its sister surgeons at the Norman Parathyroid Center and Carling Adrenal Center to become the world's highest volume endocrine surgery practice. The Hospital for Endocrine Surgery is a first-of-its-kind facility, solely dedicated to the surgical treatment of thyroid, parathyroid and adrenal tumors and cancers. 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 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 (941) 468-3002 [email protected] SOURCE Clayman Thyroid Center Challenge Seeks Innovative Sensors for Navigation of Autonomous Vehicles in the Dark; Top Ideas to Share $75K Prize Purse ABU DHABI, UAE, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Technology Innovation Institute (TII), a leading global scientific research center and applied research pillar of Abu Dhabi's Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), and HeroX, the leading platform and open marketplace for crowdsourced solutions, today launched the crowdsourcing competition, the TII Infrared Tracking Challenge. The Challenge seeks approaches for effectively tracking objects in low-light conditions, both in structured and unstructured environments. Challenge Seeks Innovative Sensors for Navigation of Autonomous Vehicles in the Dark; Top Ideas to Share $75K Prize Purse New generation autonomous vehicles must successfully navigate environments with challenging lighting conditions, and current perception-based tracking algorithms often fall short. TII is, therefore, exploring the use of radiometric sensors, which can provide infrared, rather than photometric frames for object tracking in low-light conditions. "Autonomous vehicles are the future," said Dr. Najwa Aaraj, Chief Researcher, Cryptography Research Center, and Chief Researcher, Autonomous Robotics Research Center, at the Technology Innovation Institute. "While autonomous driving technology still has some ways to go in achieving operational and technical impeccability, this Challenge will help innovators find solutions to ensure that autonomous vehicles on our roads operate as safely as possible. Such advancements will launch us into a bold, new phase of our autonomous transportation journey, and we are eager to see what the crowd comes up with." "You can always count on our network of innovators to push the envelope and propel us in exciting new directions," said Kal K. Sahota, CEO, HeroX. "Enhancing autonomous vehicles is no exception: tapping the HeroX crowd is a strategic and efficient way to source innovations that will bring us into a thrilling new era for autonomous vehicles." The Challenge: The TII Infrared Tracking Challenge is open to innovators, start-ups, research institutes, and university students from anywhere in the world. Challengers are encouraged to leverage publicly available datasets with similar content as TII's provided sample dataset and utilize color-to-thermal domain adaptation techniques when necessary. Submissions will be evaluated based on TII-defined criteria. The Prize: Three winners will be awarded prizes totaling $75,000 USD by May 17, 2023. The first-place winner will be awarded $40,000; second place, $20,000; and third place, $15,000. Eligibility to Compete and Win Prize(s): The prize is open to anyone aged 18 or older participating as an individual or as a team. Individual competitors and teams may originate from any country, if United States federal sanctions do not prohibit participation (some restrictions apply). To accept the challenge, visit herox.com/TIIInfraredTracking. ABOUT HEROX HeroX is a platform and open marketplace for crowdsourcing innovation and human ingenuity, co-founded in 2013 by serial entrepreneur, Christian Cotichini and XPRIZE Founder and Futurist, Peter Diamandis. HeroX offers a turnkey, easy-to-use platform that supports anyone, anywhere, to solve everyday business and world challenges using the power of the crowd. Uniquely positioned as the Social Network for Innovation, HeroX is the only place you can build, grow and curate your very own crowd. Explore the latest challenges at www.herox.com. Media Contact: Alexandra Pony [email protected] 250.858.0656 About Technology Innovation Institute (TII) The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) is the applied research pillar of Abu Dhabi's Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC). TII is a pioneering global research and development hub that focuses on solving tomorrow's challenges, today. It has ten dedicated research centers in advanced materials, autonomous robotics, cryptography, AI and digital science, directed energy, quantum, secure systems, propulsion and space, biotechnology, and renewable and sustainable energy. By working with exceptional talent, universities, research institutions, and industry partners from around the world, TII connects an intellectual community and contributes to building an R&D ecosystem that reinforces the status of Abu Dhabi and the UAE as a global hub for innovation. For more information, visit www.tii.ae or crowdchallenge.tii.ae Media Contact: Jinan Warrayat [email protected] +971 50 471 3552 SOURCE Technology Innovation Institute and HeroX The world's first crowd-sourced tequila brand has launched an at-home tasting experience perfect for tequila novices, aficionados and spirited gatherings alike HOUSTON, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The next era of tequila is typically thought up within a brand's boardroom, where executives and distillers deliberate on the newest expression they'd like to bring to market. Tequila de la Gente thinks that things can be done a little differently. With a tasting kit of four different tequila anejos, the world's first crowd-sourced tequila brand is opening up the decision-making process. Consumers are invited to try each unique sampling and collaboratively vote on the brand's first full bottle release to be announced in late 2023. The world's first crowd-sourced tequila brand has made accessible a process previously exclusive to tequila executives. Tweet this The worlds first crowd-sourced tequila brand has launched an at-home tasting experience perfect for tequila novices, aficionados and spirited gatherings. The next era of tequila is typically thought up within a brands boardroom, where executives and distillers deliberate on the newest expression theyd like to bring to market. Tequila de la Gente thinks that things can be done a little differently. https://sip.tequiladelagente.com/go The Tequila de la Gente tasting kit contains four 200ml bottles of tequila anejo, aged varyingly from 12 to 16 months in ex-bourbon barrels at the Casa Maestri Distillery. Samples are distilled from a unique mixture of Jalisco highlands and lowlands agave matured between 6 to 14 years. Each 40% ABV tequila is different from each other, chock full of flavors and aromas of vanilla, chocolate, black pepper and honeysuckle. Inside each box, you'll also find access to a digital "How To Host A Tequila Tasting for Non-Tequila Aficionados" book, how-to videos and TLDG's internal rating system. With these tools, you'll be ready to vote on your favorite expression. The crowd-favorite will be crowned the brand's first full-size bottle release in 2023. "We want to create something special, not just a bottle on the shelf, but an experience that brings people together," says Tequila de la Gente co-founder Jorge Rodriguez. Tequila de la Gente boxes are available now at tequiladelagente.com for MSRP $109. Tequila de la Gente is available, direct to consumer, in 27 different states. For full info on availability, see tequiladegente.com. About Tequila de la Gente Tequila de la Gente is a Texas-based brand founded by four friends who spent years navigating the industry, narrowing in on the perfect expressions to represent their mission. They began to host tasting parties with friends and family to help them make the important decision. Soon, they realized that the community that grows around tequila is just as important as the tequila itself. As the world's first crowd-sourced tequila, TLDG aims to foster an ethos that will change the relationship between drinkers and producers into a collaborative one. SOURCE Spirits Cohort HOUSTON, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Happiness Project, an initiative developed by Easy Honda in an effort to make a lasting impact and inspire happiness throughout the Houston community, had a successful and fulfilling 2022. Since its inception in 2021, the Happiness Project has now raised more than $30,000 for 12 different organizations and, through our partnership with the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, helped make a life-changing impact on 4 military children by providing them with full scholarships. In February, the Happiness Project hosted a puppy adoption event with Houston Pets Alive at Easy Honda. In addition to helping find forever homes for multiple pets, Easy Honda donated $100 for every vehicle sold over the weekend, raising a total of $2600 for the organization. In June, the Happiness Project raised over $6,000 for Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital as part of the #TeamHondaCares Community Impact Campaign. Easy Honda donated $100 for every sale made during the campaign with the funds going to provide enrichment activities and other essentials for patients. In October, the Happiness Project sponsored the seventh annual Power of Literacy Luncheon in support of the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation's Ladies for Literacy Guild. The luncheon's theme was "Blooming with Books" and helped foster the organization's mission of improving lives through the power of literacy. In addition to these events, the Happiness Project also took part in multiple Blood Drive events with the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center that helped save over 135 lives in the Houston Community. "The Happiness Project gives us the opportunity to advance causes that matter to both our employees and our customers," said Brijen Dave, Managing Partner for Easy Honda. "It's just one of the ways we're able to give back to our community that has given so much to us." Moving forward, the Happiness Project looks forward to making an even bigger impact in 2023. Events with partners are being organized and our first blood drive of the year for Gulf Coast Blood Center has been scheduled for February 17th at Easy Honda. Easy Honda is located at 10250 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77043. For more information, please contact Dalaine Whitlock at 254-421-3431 Contact: DALAINE WHITLOCK Email: [email protected] SOURCE Easy Honda Interactive sessions focus on the latest trends and best practices in internal audit LAKE MARY, Fla., Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Institute of Internal Auditors - (IIA) - the internal audit profession's leader in standards, certifications, education, research, and technical guidance worldwide will host its annual General Audit Management (GAM) conference from March 13-15 in Grapevine, Texas, along with a virtual attendee option. The IIA's GAM conference is designed to help internal audit executives stay on top of the biggest changes occurring in the profession and discuss how best to navigate and stay ahead of global trends. "The GAM conference is our largest 2023 event in North America," said IIA President and CEO Anthony J. Pugliese, CIA, CPA, CGMA, CITP. "It's an opportunity for internal audit leaders to come together to discuss the issues that are driving business and re-shaping their organizations and our profession. This is an exciting time to be an internal auditor; there are new opportunities emerging every day and a growing business need for the kinds of expertise and insights that only an internal auditor can provide. GAM is the best opportunity to glimpse into the future of internal audit and understand how The IIA is helping to build that future." The conference features more than 35 interactive sessions focused on emerging topics in the internal audit profession, including: Anthony Pugliese's keynote, which will focus on current issues shaping the profession, such as ESG and cybersecurity, the future of the profession , The IIA's historic project to reimagine its global Standards, and more. keynote, which will focus on current issues shaping the profession, such as ESG and cybersecurity, , The IIA's historic project to reimagine its global Standards, and more. The emergence of artificial intelligence and how it can be used effectively for agile planning and risk assessment, as well as some of the downsides and ethical dilemmas associated with it. and how it can be used effectively for agile planning and risk assessment, as well as some of the downsides and ethical dilemmas associated with it. An exploration of digital internal audit, including the upside and risks of the Metaverse . . A discussion of risks in cash-intensive industries like cannabis . . The importance of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives to improve employee retention. initiatives to improve employee retention. The common challenges facing internal auditors as they assess the evolving risk landscape around environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues and begin their pathway to ESG assurance. and begin their pathway to ESG assurance. The current state of cryptocurrency following the collapse of FTX , the regulatory conditions associated with it, and an overview of the practical applications of cryptocurrency and blockchain. following the , the regulatory conditions associated with it, and an overview of the practical applications of and blockchain. The emergence of cyber risk and how to develop an efficient threat-focused cyber risk program. The IIA will also release its 2023 North American Pulse of Internal Audit report, which provides an annual snapshot of the state of the profession and serves as a valuable benchmarking tool for internal audit teams and their organizations. GAM also features a pre-conference workshop that will help prepare attendees for the changes stemming from The IIA's IPPF Evolution project. Attendees will learn how Standards changes relate to quality assessments and how to create strategies for the timing of performing quality assessments considering the effective date of the new Standards. Media representatives are invited to attend the GAM conference in person or virtually. About The Institute of Internal Auditors The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) is an international professional association that serves more than 230,000 global members and has awarded more than 185,000 Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) certifications worldwide. Established in 1941, The IIA is recognized throughout the world as the internal audit profession's leader in standards, certifications, education, research, and technical guidance. For more information, visit theiia.org. SOURCE The Institute of Internal Auditors SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Miller Law Firm has recovered $3,950,000 for a boutique Ocean Avenue condominium association for construction defect related damages in only 11 months, amounting to a significant per-unit recovery of $263,333. 1490 Ocean Avenue (also known as "The Crimson") is a 4-story luxury midrise located in the Westwood Park neighborhood near Ingleside. The Board of Directors of this mixed-use condominium and commercial building engaged specialty defect counsel The Miller Law Firm when the building was only 4 years old in their pursuit against the builder parties, including San Mateo based Real Estate Developer Dragonfly Investments Group, now called Veev Group Inc., known as a tech startup focused on building in the San Francisco Bay Area. Faced with serious construction defects, including, but not limited to, stucco water intrusion and resultant elevated moisture levels and fungal growth, cracked and discolored stucco with ultraviolet deterioration, efflorescence and corrosion throughout the project, as well as a life-safety concern when veneer tiles dislodged from the exterior of the building falling onto the pedestrian sidewalk in front of the commercial units, the Board of Directors turned to The Miller Law Firm and served the builder entities with a notice of construction defects and building standards violations in October of 2021. The $263,333 per-unit recovery was reached in mediation facilitated by Gerald A. Kurland, Esq. of JAMS only 11 months later. According to Senior Partner Rachel M. Miller, "It's important for consumers and real estate investors to understand that even buildings marketed and sold as 'luxury' are not immune to construction defects, and high-end condo and townhome communities experience serious water intrusion and resulting damage. Fortunately, these claims can be resolved efficiently in under one year and Boards of Directors have recourse in preserving homeowner investments under the SB 800 claims process." According to Founding Partner Thomas E. Miller, "The 1490 Ocean Board of Directors relied on our local expertise and reputation of maximizing per-unit recoveries for our HOA clients. At over $260k per-unit, this far exceeds the average construction defect settlement in the Bay Area and the Association is well equipped to restore the luxury building to its original value." Celebrating 40 years of practice, The Miller Law Firm (www.constructiondefects.com) continues to be California's construction defect authority and leading resource for San Francisco homeowners, Boards of Directors, and community management. The newly released 3rd Edition of, Home and Condo Defects: A Consumer Guide to Faulty Construction (2022), was written to aid and assist homeowners, board members and association management companies in pursuing legitimate claims against builders and their insurance companies. Contact Communications Director Sara Brown for more information on how to receive a copy. ([email protected]) The Miller's legal treatise, Handling Construction Defects, now in its fourth edition, remains the definitive practice guide for lawyers, mediators, arbitrators and judges. Media Contact: Rachel Miller (415) 437-1800 [email protected] SOURCE The Miller Law Firm YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 2, ARMENPRESS. The International Court of Justice left for the deliberation room to make a decision over the cases of Armenia v. Azerbaijan and Azerbaijan v. Armenia, ARMENPRESS reports Armenias Representative for International Legal Matters Yeghishe Kirakosyan informed on his Facebook page, adding that after making the decision, the Court will read it during an open and online broadcast session. The Court will inform the parties about the date of reading the decision. According to the Court, the decision should be taken as soon as possible. "On January 30-31, hearings on requests to apply interim measures in the cases of Armenia v. Azerbaijan and Azerbaijan v. Armenia were held at the International Court of Justice. Both parties substantiated their claims for interim measures, brought evidence in support of them, and then presented objections to each other's claims. Note that Armenia requested to apply the following interim measures: NOIDA, India, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a new report published by UnivDatos Markets Insights, the Multimodal Imaging Market is expected to reach USD 2.7 billion by 2028 and grow at a CAGR of around 5% from 2022-2028. The analysis has been segmented into the Technology (PET/CT, SPECT/CT, PET/MRI, and Others); Application (Oncology, Cardiology, Neurology, and Others); End-users (Hospitals, Diagnostic Centers, and Others); Region/Country. Click here to view the Report Description & TOC https://univdatos.com/report/multimodal-imaging-market/ The multimodal imaging 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 Multimodal Imaging market. The multimodal imaging 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 multimodal imaging market at the global and regional levels. Request for Sample Pages https://univdatos.com/get-a-free-sample-form-php/?product_id=32655 Market Overview Multimodality imaging is widely considered to involve the incorporation of two or more imaging modalities, usually within the setting of a single examination. The demand for multimodal imaging systems is increasing due to the rising number of chronic diseases along with the increasing geriatric population. For instance, as per the WHO, approximately 1.71 billion people have musculoskeletal conditions worldwide. Musculoskeletal conditions are the leading contributor to disability worldwide, with low back pain being the single leading cause of disability in 160 countries. Furthermore, technological advancements and increasing research & development expenditures also attributes to the market growth of multimodal imaging systems. Some of the major players operating in the market include Some of the major players operating in the market include Canon Medical Systems Corporation, Carl Zeiss AG, GE Healthcare, Heidelberg Engineering, Infraredx Inc., Koninklijke Philips N.V., Mediso Medical Imaging Kft, MILabs B.V., Neusoft Medical Systems Co. Ltd., and Siemens Healthineers AG COVID-19 Impact COVID-19 has a staggering effect and a negative impact on the global economy due to imposed lockdowns and government restrictions. However, the market for multimodal imaging was not much affected by the pandemic. This mainly owing to the increased research effort to study the effects of the SAR-CoV-2 virus. Furthermore, the virus also had side effects on other organs as well which is an important reason for the market to witness growth even during a pandemic. Based on the technology, the market has been categorized into PET/CT, SPECT/CT, PET/MRI, and others. Among them, the PET/CT segment holds a considerable share of the market. Rising demand for the early diagnostics of cancer as well as the increasing incidences of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease attributed to the segmental growth of the PET/CT in the market. Based on application, the market has been categorized into oncology, cardiology, neurology, and others. The oncology segment is expected to witness a higher CAGR during the forecast period. The rising prevalence of cancer along with increasing demand for accurate diagnostics of the disease attributes to the growth of the adult segment. For instance, as per the WHO, Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020, or nearly one in six deaths. Based on the end-user, the market has been categorized into hospitals, diagnostic centers, and others. Among them, the hospital segment holds a considerable share of the market. This is due to the presence of qualified professionals, the availability of specialized equipment, and a huge patient base. Furthermore, the installation of technologically advanced multimodal imaging systems also catalyzes the segmental growth of hospitals. Have a Look at the Chapters https://univdatos.com/report/multimodal-imaging-market/ Multimodal Imaging 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 , and the Rest of Asia-Pacific ) ( , , , and the Rest of ) Rest of the World North America is anticipated to grow at a substantial rate during the forecast period. The major factors such as the higher investment in research & development and the presence of well-established healthcare infrastructure in the region. For instance, the United States investments in R&D increased by 13% in 2020 in comparison with 2018 which accounted for US$ 5,86,959 in 2018 and reached US$ 6,64,058 in 2020. The major players targeting the market include Canon Medical Systems Corporation Carl Zeiss AG GE Healthcare Heidelberg Engineering Infraredx Inc. Koninklijke Philips N.V. Mediso Medical Imaging Kft MILabs B.V. Neusoft Medical Systems Co. Ltd. Siemens Healthineers AG 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 Multimodal Imaging 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 multimodal imaging market? Which factors are influencing the multimodal imaging market over the forecast period? What are the global challenges, threats, and risks in the multimodal imaging market? Which factors are propelling and restraining the multimodal imaging market? What are the demanding global regions of the multimodal imaging 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. About UnivDatos Market Insights (UMI) Browse Other Related Research Reports from UnivDatos Market Insights Multimodal Imaging Market Report Coverage Report Attribute Details Base year 2021 Forecast period 2022-2028 Growth momentum Accelerate at a CAGR of over 5% Market size 2028 USD 2.7 Billion Regional analysis North America, Europe, APAC, Rest of World Major contributing region North America to Dominate the Global Multimodal Imaging Market Key countries covered United States, Canada, Germany, United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, France, China, Japan, India, and Australia Companies profiled Canon Medical Systems Corporation, Carl Zeiss AG, GE Healthcare, Heidelberg Engineering, Infraredx Inc., Koninklijke Philips N.V., Mediso Medical Imaging Kft, MILabs B.V., Neusoft Medical Systems Co. Ltd., and Siemens Healthineers AG 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 Technology; By Application; By End-User; By Region/Country About UnivDatos Market Insights UnivDatos Market Insights (UMI) is a passionate market research firm and a subsidiary of Universal Data Solutions. We believe in delivering insights through Market Intelligence Reports, Customized Business Research, and Primary Research. Our research studies are spread across topics across the world, we cover markets in over 100 countries using smart research techniques and agile methodologies. We offer in-depth studies, detailed analysis, and customized reports that help shape winning business strategies for our clients. Contact UnivDatos Market Insights Ankita Gupta Director Operations Ph: +91-7838604911 Email: [email protected] Website: https://univdatos.com/ Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1225049/UnivDatos_Logo.jpg SOURCE UnivDatos Market Insights Pvt. Ltd. Due to the increase in COVID-19 cases and other diseases such as influenza. As many employees prepare to return to the office, the level of cleanliness becomes a priority for American workers. MIAMI, Feb.2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Five years ago, mopping the floors and cleaning the restrooms of corporate buildings used to be the standard of a "clean office space." As pandemic protocols are left behind and employees begin to reimagine life at the office, many questions come to mind, includinghow clean will my office space be? This is a question and concern for many today, but there are a few things Grupo EULEN invites you to take into consideration, especially as we continue to deal with Covid-19 cases and other viruses on a daily basis. Covid-19 is not the only virus that haunts us. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the overall burden of influenza (flu) for the 2021-2022 season was an estimated 9 million flu illnesses, 4 million flu-related medical visits, 100,000 flu-related hospitalizations, and 5,000 flu deaths. "As they contemplate returning to the office, the American worker's expectations have shifted from visibly clean to microscopically safe," says Dija Ziane, Head of Facility Services Division at Grupo EULEN. "We are living in a world where there is a war for talent and corporations are investing in amenitizing their office spaces and offering employees perks to lure them back into the officea high level of cleanliness should be one of them." According to Harvard Business Review, with the U.S. turnover rate projected to jump nearly 20% in 2022 over the pre-pandemic average, according to Gartner, and 31% of American workers actively thinking about or looking to leave their organization, according to KPMG, companies that don't adapt risk losing their employees to the competition. "As we head into a recession, corporations need partners that will not cut costs but that will leverage innovations and deliver tailored solutions," she added. Clean does not mean pristine white anymorethe pandemic taught people much more. The industry of facility services is ramping up and gearing towards an awakening where employees expect the grade of cleanliness seen in hospitals. If employees do not feel comfortable at their workspace or coming into work five days a week because they don't feel safe, chances are they will leave to another working environment. The facility services industry offers technologies that will help make sure that the office and public spaces are safe and clean focusing on cleaning with process optimization. These processes usually include Sanitizing & Electrostatic Spraying technology and registered EPA Chemicals, providing clean, disinfected, and sanitized facilities in compliance with CDC and OSHA recommendations. About Grupo EULEN Founded in 1962 and with a presence in 14 countries, including the United States, Grupo EULEN is a leader in providing services and innovative solutions to companies. It specializes in aviation services, cleaning, security, auxiliary services (logistics, general, and telemarketing), FSM (Facility Services & Management), socio-health services, comprehensive maintenance, and global solutions for human resources, employment, and the environment. Since its inception, Grupo EULEN has stood out for the excellent quality of the services it offers. With more than 14 years established in the local market, Grupo EULEN in the US currently has a staff of approximately 3,000 specialist professionals across Florida, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, and Washington DC. https://eulen.com/us/ SOURCE EULEN Americas Audits in the supply chain of the toy industry / TUV Rheinland successfully goes through qualification process of the ICTI Ethical Toy Program (IETP) LITTLETON, Mass., Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- TUV Rheinland can start offering audits as part of the ICTI Ethical Toy Program (IETP) with immediate effect. The globally active testing service provider has now qualified to neutrally and independently audit companies' compliance with the standards defined by the IETP. To become part of the program, TUV Rheinland successfully went through a qualification process that included scrutinizing the quality of TUV Rheinland's audits and the company's own compliance systems. In the future, TUV Rheinland auditors will audit supplier companies in the toy industry, primarily in China and Southeast Asia. Compliance with social and environmental standards in the supply chain is becoming increasingly important, not least due to legal requirements. By getting certified according to the standards of the IETP, suppliers can show their customers that they reliably comply with the required social and environmental standards. The standards defined in the IETP deal, for example, with occupational safety, exclusion of child labor and all forms of modern slavery, and compliance with environmental regulations. The IETP is an independent, non-profit organization founded in 2004 to secure and improve ethical and sustainable standards in the global supply chain of the toy industry. Member companies include the likes of Mattel, Lego and Walmart. Further information on supply chain audits by TUV Rheinland is available at www.tuv.com/supply-chain-audits. About TUV Rheinland TUV Rheinland stands for safety and quality in virtually all areas of business and life. The company has been operating for more than 150 years and ranks among the world's leading testing service providers. It has more than 20,000 employees in over 50 countries and generates annual revenues of around 2.1 billion euros. TUV Rheinland's highly qualified experts test technical systems and products around the world, support innovations in technology and business, train people in numerous professions and certify management systems according to international standards. In doing so, the independent experts generate trust in products as well as processes across global value-adding chains and the flow of commodities. Since 2006, TUV Rheinland has been a member of the United Nations Global Compact to promote sustainability and combat corruption. Website: www.tuv.com Contact us for press inquiries: Joel Pekay Telephone: +1 224 318 4098 Email: [email protected] Mariana Taborda do Amaral Telephone: +55 11 3514 5867 Email: [email protected] Michael Garcia Telephone: +52 55 9140 1824 Email: [email protected] SOURCE TUV Rheinland ECW Director Yasmine Sherif Statement: 500 Days After Taliban Ban on Girls' Secondary Education in Afghanistan - #LetAfghanGirlsLearn NEW YORK, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today marks an unacceptable low point for humanity. For 500 days, the Taliban have denied secondary school-aged girls in Afghanistan their inherent human right to an education. This ban and more recent bans on Afghan girls from university education do not mirror the culture and faith of Afghanistan, a country representing a profoundly spiritual belief in Islam alongside a legitimately strong commitment to independence. ECW Director Yasmine Sherif in Afghanistan. Banning girls from school at higher levels harms all that Afghanistan stands for, and most importantly, harms the wellbeing of its people and the future of this war-torn country. These bans are rudimentary and in contravention of universal human rights, they violate the very principles of Islam, and the emphasis on education and learning for all - while also being a clear violation of girls' and women's basic human rights. Please join Education Cannot Wait and key leaders around the world including UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed and UN Special Envoy for Global Education The Rt. Hon. Gordon Brown in uniting for, and uniting with, every girl and woman in Afghanistan, while also calling on their sons, brothers and husbands to stand by them. Together, we must continue global efforts to push for the respect of all girls' and women's human rights in Afghanistan, including their fundamental right to inclusive, equitable, quality education. By banning girls' access to secondary school, barring young women from taking university exams, and taking extraordinary steps to limit girls' and women's roles in Afghan society, the Taliban are exacerbating the suffering of the Afghan people and deepening the humanitarian catastrophe that will create lasting socio-economic impacts on Afghanistan a country already on the brink of starvation, facing extreme poverty and devastating climate-disasters. The proud, resilient and stoic people of Afghanistan have suffered enough. It is time to embrace the very tenants of the Islamic religion that embody the concepts of peace, humanity, learning and education. By allowing all Afghan girls and boys to go to school, the de facto authorities have the opportunity to build a strong society, to end hunger and poverty for the Afghan people, and to rebuild a nation that has immense potential to recover and stand strong as a fiercely independent country. By providing access to education for every Afghan child, girl and boy, they have a chance to make a mark on history. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1995091/ECW_Director_Yasmine_Sherif.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1656121/Education_Cannot_Wait_Logo.jpg SOURCE Education Cannot Wait SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Alcor, a leading partner in the digital transformation space and global provider of cloud solutions and implementation services, is revolutionizing the employee appreciation process with their product High5. High5 is an automated, seamless, and collaborative solution built on ServiceNow that aims to foster a gratitude-centric workplace culture, improve employee morale, unite teams, and motivate employees to do more. With customizable user interfaces, streamlined reward-added surveys, and confidential employee suggestions box, High5 is the perfect solution for businesses of all sizes. According to a survey conducted by Alcor across various industries worldwide, 81% of employees believe that performance recognition programs are effective, and 89% believe that they increase engagement of employees. High5 is an easy-to-use and convenient solution that ensures maximum engagement at a low cost. Its machine-learning capabilities and automated features integrated with social platforms, top-tier gift redemption options, and self-service reports and dashboards, distinguish it as a stand-alone product on the ServiceNow App Store. "Today's economic downturn resulting in global layoffs is impacting the morale of the employees who survived the layoffs. The increased pressure of work due to a reduction in the workforce can cause anxiety, insecurity, and disengagement. Rewards and recognition becomes a vital tool for organizations to keep their employees motivated, respected, valued, and satisfied. This could be achieved through adequate rewards and recognition and transparent communication. Additionally, organizations should focus on developing an effective feedback system to understand employee needs and foster a culture of trust and collaboration," says Pulkit Agrawal, Marketing Manager at Alcor. Alcor is hosting a webinar "Maximizing Employee Engagement and Retention During Organizational Change and Transition with High5" on February 28 at 10 am PST | 6 pm GMT to discuss more about its challenges, opportunities, and benefits of a highly motivated and engaged workforce. To join the webinar and discover how High5 can help you revolutionize your organizational culture and improve overall employee engagement, please register here: https://alcortech.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYuduqqqzMjHt3f1BhheS_jBqUdV5GoWsb4 To learn more about High5, you can visit High5 Webpage or download the application from the ServiceNow App Store . For more information on Alcor Solutions, 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 on 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, Oracle Partner, and works with several other cutting edge technologies including Microsoft, Salesforce, FireEye, and more. Alcor Enabling Cloud is a registered trademark of Alcor. Contact: Monisha Singh, [email protected] SOURCE Alcor Solutions Inc. More than $25 Million Pledged by Company Since 2021 for After School Access Project CHICAGO, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- After donating more than $12 million in wireless hotspots and connectivity to nonprofit organizations in 2022, UScellular is extending its commitment to help connect youth in 2023 with up to $13 million in new funding to address the homework gap in the United States. The company's initiative, After School Access Project, provides mobile hotspots and two years of service to nonprofits that support youth after the school day has ended and offers safe internet access for homework and education. The donations of hotspots and service through After School Access Project will help up to 50,000 youth get the connectivity they need to continue learning outside of the school day. UScellular extends commitment to help connect youth in 2023 with up to $13 million in new funding. Tweet this "For the second year running, we are thrilled to continue our commitment to help bridge the digital divide connecting more youth in our local communities to what matters most," said Laurent Therivel, president and CEO of UScellular. "The nonprofits who support unserved youth are the real heroes in the fight to end the digital divide. We encourage more organizations to apply for this program and help us bring reliable wireless internet access to youth across America." After School Access Project was started in 2021 in response to the "homework gap" among youth who lack access to reliable internet outside the classroom. To date, the company has donated more than 10,500 hotspots and service, a value of $12.8 million, through this initiative. The initiative has supported more than 100 organizations, including YWCA USA, which received nearly 4,000 hotspots to help connect more than 15,000 youth to ensure they have internet access at their local YWCA and at home. "The access to internet through these hotspots has been a valuable resource for our students, families and communities," said Margaret Mitchell, chief executive officer of YWCA USA. "The possibilities to discover, grow and pursue more educational opportunities seem endless with access to this technology." Nonprofit organizations who meet the following criteria are welcomed to apply at afterschoolaccessproject.com: Certified 501c3 nonprofit organizations Operate within UScellular's service area Focused on kindergarten through 12 th grade grade Not a school or government entity UScellular is focused on addressing gaps in STEM education and is committed to connecting more than 200,000 of tomorrow's innovators each year with the resources they need today to help shape future opportunities. Since 2009, UScellular has invested more than $35 million in monetary donations, technology resources and countless experiences to nonprofit organizations across the country. For more information about UScellular's corporate social responsibility initiatives, visit https://newsroom.uscellular.com/community/ About UScellular UScellular is the fourth-largest full-service wireless carrier in the United States, providing national network coverage and industry-leading innovations designed to help customers stay connected to the things that matter most. The Chicago-based carrier provides a strong, reliable network supported by the latest technology and offers a wide range of communication services that enhance consumers' lives, increase the competitiveness of local businesses and improve the efficiency of government operations. Through its After School Access Project, the company has pledged to provide hotspots and service to help up to 50,000 youth connect to reliable internet. Additionally, UScellular has price protected all of its plans, promising not to increase prices through at least the end of 2024. To learn more about UScellular, visit one of its retail stores or www.uscellular.com. To get the latest news, visit newsroom.uscellular.com. SOURCE UScellular Second Generation GENOSYL DS is the first and only Inhaled Nitric Oxide delivery system that is FDA-approved for rebreathing anesthesia, which provides a significant advantage in patient comfort, helping patients retain heat and moisture 1,2,3 ATLANTA, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- VERO Biotech Inc., a commercial-stage healthcare business dedicated to neonatal intensive care and the acute care hospital community, today announced FDA approval of its innovative second generation GENOSYL Inhaled Nitric Oxide (iNO) delivery system for use with rebreathing anesthesia in the operating room setting. Second generation GENOSYLDS is now the first and only device for iNO delivery that is approved for use in both rebreathing and non-rebreathing anesthesia methods, improving patient care, saving money for the hospital, and reducing environmental pollution from waste anesthetic gas. The advantages of rebreathing anesthesia have made this method the standard of care for anesthesia administration in the OR setting. There is a significant advantage in patient care, helping patients retain moisture and body heat. The loss of body heat and moisture can be key complications of anesthesia faced by every patient, especially smaller patients. Rebreathing also allows lower fresh gas flows, which reduces costs for the hospital as well as environmental pollution from anesthetic gas waste.1,2,3 VERO Biotech's Second Generation GENOSYL Delivery System (DS) Receives FDA Approval in Anesthesia in the Surgical Suite Tweet this The expected benefits of the second generation GENOSYL DS as approved for rebreathing anesthesia include the following: Ability to use rebreathing anesthesia : lower gas flows, i.e., less use of costly anesthetic agents and savings for the hospital; increased patient comfort (by preserving patient body temperature and moisture) : lower gas flows, i.e., less use of costly anesthetic agents and savings for the hospital; increased patient comfort (by preserving patient body temperature and moisture) Streamlined process of care : seamless iNO delivery from the ICU through surgery to post-operative care, resulting in process and workflow improvements for the health care organization that reduce overall cost to the hospital : seamless iNO delivery from the ICU through surgery to post-operative care, resulting in process and workflow improvements for the health care organization that reduce overall cost to the hospital Set and forget : allows anesthesiologists to continue to use rebreathing anesthesia and therefore could prevent potentially dangerous, cumbersome, and time- consuming workarounds : allows anesthesiologists to continue to use rebreathing anesthesia and therefore could prevent potentially dangerous, cumbersome, and time- consuming workarounds Reduced environmental impact of anesthesia delivery: reduction in release of anesthetic to the environment "Second generation Genosyl DS has proven to be the only iNO delivery system capable of accurately delivering iNO with an anesthesia machine under rebreathing conditions, enabling low flow anesthesia with all its benefits4,5," commented Mark Twite, MD, Director of Pediatric Cardiac Anesthesia, Children's Hospital Colorado and University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado. "Anesthesia providers can now simply set the iNO dose without adjusting fresh gas flow or anesthetic agent. This decreases provider distractions, maintains focus on the patient, and facilitates the transition of care between the ICU and OR for ventilated patients," he added. "We believe this new indication for our second generation device will now provide significant benefits to the anesthesiology and surgical care communities whose patients require inhaled nitric oxide in the operating room setting," said Brent V. Furse, CEO and President, VERO Biotech. "We have addressed an unmet need in facilitating rebreathing anesthesia, a further demonstration of our continuous commitment to neonatal intensive care and the acute care hospital community in providing solutions to the challenges they face," he added. It is important to note the FDA approval of the GENOSYL DS for use with rebreathing anesthesia in the operating room setting is for the second generation device. The recently approved third generation GENOSYL DS has not been tested with rebreathing anesthesia. VERO Biotech is currently in the process of conducting similar validations and expect to have the data available Q1-2023. If you have questions regarding which GENOSYL DS is in your hospital, please contact your VERO Biotech Representative at 877-337-4118. GENOSYL DS is the first tankless inhaled nitric oxide delivery system approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Inhaled Nitric Oxide dilates pulmonary blood vessels and may be used to improve oxygenation in neonates with hypoxic respiratory failure and pulmonary hypertension. Unlike tank-based systems, GENOSYL DS generates and delivers iNO at the bedside using a small disposable cassette. This eliminates the need for hospitals to manage large, cumbersome tanks and helps to simplify clinical workflow. About GENOSYL Indication GENOSYL (nitric oxide) gas, for inhalation, is indicated to improve oxygenation and reduce the need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in term and near-term (>34 weeks gestation) neonates with hypoxic respiratory failure associated with clinical or echocardiographic evidence of pulmonary hypertension in conjunction with ventilatory support and other appropriate agents. Important Safety Information GENOSYL is contraindicated in the treatment of neonates dependent on right-to-left shunting of blood. in the treatment of neonates dependent on right-to-left shunting of blood. Abrupt discontinuation of GENOSYL (nitric oxide) gas, for inhalation may lead to worsening oxygenation and increasing pulmonary artery pressure. Methemoglobin levels in the blood increase with the dose of nitric oxide; following discontinuation or reduction of nitric oxide, methemoglobin levels return to baseline over a period of hours. Methemoglobin, NO2, and PaO2 should be monitored during nitric oxide administration. In patients with pre-existing left ventricular dysfunction, GENOSYL may increase pulmonary capillary wedge pressure leading to pulmonary edema. The most common adverse reaction is hypotension. Nitric oxide donor compounds may have an additive effect with GENOSYL on the risk of developing methemoglobinemia. GENOSYL must be administered using a calibrated GENOSYL Delivery System. Only validated ventilator systems or nasal cannulas should be used in conjunction with GENOSYL. Please visit www.vero-biotech.com for the full Prescribing Information for GENOSYL. Bengtson JP, Sonander H, Stenqvist O. Comparison of costs of different anaesthetic techniques, Acta Anaesthesiol. Scand. 32, 33-35 (1998). Cotter SM, Petros AJ, Dore CJ, Barber ND, White DC. Low-flow anaesthesia. Practice, cost implications and acceptability. Anaesthesia 46, 1009-1012 (1991). Feiss P, Demontoux MH, Colin D. Anasthetic gas and vapor saving with minimal flow anesthesia. Acta Anaesthesiol. Belg. 41, 249-251 (1990). Twite M, Anderson S, Roebuck A. A novel, cassette-based nitric oxide delivery system accurately delivers inhaled nitric oxide via the anesthesia machine at low fresh gas flows [abstract]. In: The Society for Technology in Anesthesia; 2023 Jan 11-14 ; Las Vegas, Nevada (NV): STA; 2023. Abstract nr 44. Twite M, Anderson S, Roebuck A. A novel, cassette-based nitric oxide delivery system accurately delivers inhaled nitric oxide via the anesthesia machine independent of fresh gas flow rate and volatile anesthetic agent [abstract]. In: The Society for Technology in Anesthesia; 2023 Jan 11-14 ; Las Vegas, Nevada (NV): STA; 2023. Abstract nr 45. About GENOSYL DS GENOSYL DS is a tankless and portable system engineered with redundant backup features, which delivers a constant concentration of inhaled nitric oxide gas to patients with an easy-to-use interface and portability features. This proprietary delivery system eliminates the need for large nitric oxide tanks and the associated logistical burden. GENOSYL DS recently received FDA approval for its innovative dual-cassette design and secondary adaptive sensor technology to further optimize patient care. About VERO Biotech VERO Biotech Inc. is a privately held company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia focused on saving lives, alleviating suffering, and improving health economics in the neonatal intensive care and the acute care hospital communities. Forward Looking Statements This press release and any statements of representatives of VERO Biotech Inc. related thereto that are not historical in nature contain, or may contain, among other things, certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements may include, without limitation, statements with respect to VERO Biotech's plans, objectives, projections, expectations and intentions and other statements identified by words such as "projects," "may," "will," "could," "would," "should," "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "estimates," "seeks," "intends," "plans," "potential" or similar expressions, including statements with respect to the potential benefits, advantages or market opportunity of the products. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of VERO Biotech's management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ significantly from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that are subject to change based on various risk factors (many of which are beyond the control of VERO Biotech). For information, please visit www.vero-biotech.com or contact Ray Russo at [email protected] or (908) 313-7172. Contact: Ray Russo (908) 313-7172 [email protected] SOURCE VERO Biotech Inc. VMFH Home Recovery Care at St. Joseph Medical Center will bring all essential elements of a hospital stay into the comfort of patients' homes TACOMA, Wash. and NASHVILLE, Tenn., Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH) launched VMFH Home Recovery Care at St. Joseph Medical Center in Tacoma in collaboration with Contessa, an Amedisys company. Home Recovery Care brings all the essential elements of a hospital into the comfort of patients' homes, offering a convenient and safe alternative to the traditional inpatient stay. The program will expand access to high-acuity care and increase crucial inpatient capacity while reducing the overall cost of care. St. Joseph Medical Center, Tacoma "As we launch VMFH Home Recovery Care, we look forward to defining a new standard for care delivery that improves patient outcomes, while lowering the overall cost of care," said Ketul J. Patel, CEO of Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. "This innovative care model allows us to offer our patients a more convenient way to receive care while increasing our inpatient capacity for patients with the highest acuity." Contessa is a nationwide leader in delivering comprehensive care at home. This model, on average, reduces readmission rates by 44% and decreases the mean length of a hospital stay by 35% while delivering high patient satisfaction and improved outcomes. "We are pleased to partner with Virginia Mason Franciscan Health to provide the region with greater access to high-quality care in the comfort of patients' homes," said Travis Messina, CEO of Contessa. "Contessa's comprehensive home-based care model supports VMFH's commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the communities they serve by giving their patients more choices for where to receive care." Eligible patients at St. Joseph Medical Center can choose Home Recovery Care instead of a hospital stay. Patients are transported back to their homes to receive hospital-level care the same day, supported by staff and the medical equipment they need for their recovery. The service is ideal for patients with a variety of acute conditions who would otherwise be admitted to the hospital, such as COVID-19, RSV, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), congestive heart failure, and urinary tract infections. Key components of Home Recovery Care include: A physician-led care plan. A combination of in-person visits, and 24/7 virtual care by a physician, an acute care nurse, and a recovery care coordinator through a computer tablet, provided at no additional cost. Seamless remote monitoring of vitals including blood pressure, pulse, heart rate, weight, as well as daily health assessments in adherence to the care plan. High-quality medical care at home, including IVs, wound care, and dressing changes. Assessments for patient success, including medication reconciliation, and identifying social determinants of health, such as food insecurity, that can be addressed to improve the patient's overall health and recovery. The program is initially available only to Medicare fee-for service patients. Virginia Mason Franciscan Health is exploring opportunities to expand to additional locations and include patients with other health plans in the future. About Virginia Mason Franciscan Health Virginia Mason Franciscan Health is an integrated health system serving the Puget Sound region, offering access to some of the country's most prestigious experts and hospitals that are internationally known for superior quality. With a team of 18,000 team members, including nearly 5,000 employed physicians and affiliated providers, we unite the brightest health care minds in the region to provide world-class clinical excellence at 10 hospitals and nearly 300 sites of care throughout the Puget Sound area. We are proud to be the home of Bailey-Boushay House, the first skilled nursing and outpatient chronic care management program in the United States designed specifically to meet the needs of people with HIV/AIDS, and Benaroya Research Institute, which is internationally recognized for autoimmune disease research. We embrace our community's uniquely vibrant, active culture by providing holistic, personalized and patient-centered care. We are committed to caring for the most vulnerable in our communities, especially the poor and underserved, providing more than $300 million in community benefit free, subsidized, and reduced cost health care and programs. Learn more at www.vmfh.org. About Contessa: Based in Nashville, Contessa is the leader and pioneer of Home Recovery Care, a risk-based model that combines all the essential elements of inpatient hospital care in the comfort of patients' homes. Founded in 2015, Contessa utilizes Care Convergence a proprietary technology platform to power the seamless delivery of Home Recovery Care that is safe, affordable and improves patient outcomes. Contessa's turnkey solution provides upfront savings to health plans, enables health systems to reinvent their care delivery model and helps physicians deliver a better experience for patients. For more information, visit contessahealth.com or follow us at @contessahealth. About Amedisys: Amedisys, Inc. is a leading healthcare at home Company delivering personalized home health, hospice, personal care and high-acuity care services. Amedisys is focused on delivering the care that is best for our patients, whether that is home-based personal care; inpatient hospital, palliative, and skilled nursing facility ("SNF") care in their homes; recovery and rehabilitation after an operation or injury; care focused on empowering them to manage a chronic disease; or hospice care at the end of life. More than 3,000 hospitals and 102,000 physicians nationwide have chosen Amedisys as a partner in post-acute care. Founded in 1982, headquartered in Baton Rouge, LA with an executive office in Nashville, TN, Amedisys is a publicly held company. With approximately 20,000 employees, in 532 care centers in 37 states and the District of Columbia, Amedisys is dedicated to delivering the highest quality of care to the doorsteps of more than 465,000 patients in need every year, performing more than 11.2 million visits annually. For more information about the Company, please visit: www.amedisys.com . Forward-Looking Statements: When included in this press release, words like "believes," "belief," "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "intends," "projects," "estimates," "may," "might," "would," "should," "will" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements involve a variety of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described therein. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to the following: the impact of the novel coronavirus pandemic ("COVID-19"), including the measures that have been and may be taken by governmental authorities to mitigate it, on our business, financial condition and results of operations, the impact of current and proposed federal, state and local vaccine mandates, including potential staffing shortages, changes in or our failure to comply with existing federal and state laws or regulations or the inability to comply with new government regulations on a timely basis, changes in Medicare and other medical payment levels, our ability to open care centers, acquire additional care centers and integrate and operate these care centers effectively, competition in the healthcare industry, changes in the case mix of patients and payment methodologies, changes in estimates and judgments associated with critical accounting policies, our ability to maintain or establish new patient referral sources, our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel, our ability to keep our patients and employees safe, changes in payments and covered services by federal and state governments, future cost containment initiatives undertaken by third-party payors, our access to financing, our ability to meet debt service requirements and comply with covenants in debt agreements, business disruptions due to natural disasters or acts of terrorism, widespread protest or civil unrest, our ability to integrate, manage and keep our information systems secure, our ability to realize the anticipated benefits of acquisitions, and changes in law or developments with respect to any litigation relating to the Company, including various other matters, many of which are beyond our control. Because forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified, you should not rely on any forward-looking statement as a prediction of future events. We expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking, and we do not intend to release publicly any updates or changes in our expectations concerning the forward-looking statements or any changes in events, conditions or circumstances upon which any forward-looking statement may be based, except as required by law. SOURCE Virginia Mason Franciscan Health Rise in the prevalence of sports-related injuries and musculoskeletal disorders among the elder population, increase in R&D activities in the field of walkers and rollators, and significant investments by the government to improve healthcare infrastructure drive the global walkers and rollators market growth PORTLAND, Ore., Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Walkers and Rollators Market by Type (3-wheeler rollator and walker, 4-wheeler rollator and walker, Others), by Application (65 to 85 years old, Above 85 years old, Young population), by Distribution Channel (Online, Offline): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2031" According to the report, the global walkers and rollators industry generated $1.66 billion in 2021, and is estimated to reach $2.91 billion by 2031, witnessing a CAGR of 5.7% 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. Download Free Sample Report: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/11826 Drivers, Restraints, and Opportunities Rise in the prevalence of sports-related injuries and musculoskeletal disorders such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis among the elder population, increase in R&D activities in the field of walkers and rollators, enhanced healthcare services, and significant investments by the government to improve healthcare infrastructure drive the growth of the global walkers and rollators market. However, high cost associated with these medical devices impedes the global market growth. On the other hand, a rapid increase in geriatric population of countries, such as China, Brazil, and India, the increasing incidence of ailments and chronic diseases such as Parkinson's and arthritis among the population, and lack of healthcare facilities in underdeveloped and developing nations are expected to open new opportunities for the walkers and rollators market growth during the forecast period. Covid-19 Scenario During the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, the global walkers and rollators market experienced a decline, owing to supply chain disruption. The pandemic impacted the overall shipping and logistics of mobility and personal care products globally which also resulted in high cost of container shipping. The rising cost of supply chain and logistics had an adverse effect on the company's finances and liquidity. However, the market was expected to achieve a steady growth in 2021 and grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. This is attributed to rising rates of bone diseases, such as arthritis, an increase in the prevalence of Parkinson's disease, and a surge in the geriatric population. The market has stabilized post the pandemic. The 4-wheeler rollator and walker segment to dominate during the forecast period Based on type, the 4-wheeler rollator and walker segment was the largest market in 2021, contributing to nearly three-fifths of the global walkers and rollators market, and is expected to maintain its leadership status during the forecast period. The same segment is projected to witness the fastest CAGR of 6.2% from 2022 to 2031, owing to the advantages offered by 4-wheel rollators, such as their ability to provide more support and stability and accommodate a wider range of heights and higher weight capacities than 3-wheel rollators. Purchase Inquiry: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/11826 The 65 to 85 years old segment to maintain a prominent growth during the forecast period Based on application, the 65 to 85 years old segment held the largest market share of nearly half of the global walkers and rollators market in 2021 and is expected to maintain its dominance during the forecast period. The same segment is projected to witness the fastest CAGR of 6.2% from 2022 to 2031. This is due to the fact that the elderly population is highly prone to falling, which can result in hip, pelvis, femur, and spine fractures, thus driving the segment. Asia-Pacific to achieve the fastest growth by 2031 Based on region, Asia-Pacific is expected to manifest the fastest CAGR of 6.7% during the forecast period, owing to the presence of pharmaceutical medical device manufacturers in the region as well as the rise in the geriatric population in countries, such as China and India. Moreover, a rise in the prevalence of arthritis and an increase in the number of road accidents in the region drive the segmental growth. However, North America captured the largest share of around two-fifths of the global walkers and rollators market in 2021 and is expected to dominate in terms of revenue in 2031. The presence of several major players and the advancement in technology of walkers and rollator devices in the region would drive the growth of the market. Leading Market Players Eurovema AB Karman Healthcare, Inc. Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare Compass Health Brands Human Care HC AB Invacare Corporation GF Health Products, Inc. Evolution Technologies Benmor Medical Briggs Healthcare The report analyzes these key players of the global walkers and rollators 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 by every market player. Trending Reports in Healthcare Industry (Book Now with 10% Discount): Human Growth Hormone (hGH) Market by Application (Growth Hormone Deficiency, Prader-Willi Syndrome, Turner Syndrome, Small for Gestational Age, and Others), Route of Administration (Intravenous, Intramuscular, Subcutaneous, and Oral), and Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacy, Retail Pharmacy, Clinics, and Online Pharmacy): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2030 Protein Chip Market by Technology (Analytical Microarrays, Functional Protein Microarrays, and Reverse Phase Protein Microarrays), Application (Diagnostics, Proteomics, and Antibody Characterization), and End User (Hospitals & Clinics, Diagnostic Laboratories, Academic & Research Institutes, and Pharmaceutical & Biotechnological Companies): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2030 Single Cell Analysis Market By Product (Consumables, Instruments), By Techniques (Flow Cytometry, Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Mass Spectrometry, Others), By End User (Academic and Research Laboratories, Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Companies, Hospitals and Diagnostic Laboratories, Others), By Application (Oncology, Immunology, Neurology, Stem cell, Non-Invasive Prenatal Diagnosis, In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF), Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2031 Over The Counter (OTC) Test Market by Product Type (Glucose Monitoring Test, Pregnancy & Fertility test, Coagulation Monitoring Test, Urinalysis Test, Cholesterol Test, and Other Test), Technology (Lateral Flow Assays, Immunoassays, and Dipsticks), and Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacy, Retail Pharmacy, and Online Pharmacy): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021--2030 Mobile Imaging Market by Service Type (X-Ray, CT Scan, Ultrasound, MRI, Mammography, Nuclear Imaging, and Others), Patient Type (Adult and Pediatric), and Facility (Hospitals & Clinics, Home Healthcare, and Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2030 Gene Editing Market By Technology (Zinc Finger Nucleases (ZFNs), Transcription Activator-Like Effector-based Nucleases (TALENs), CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing, Restriction Enzymes, Others), By Application (Gene editing, Cell Line Engineering, Animal Genetic Engineering, Plant Genetic Engineering, Drug development, Others), By End User (Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Companies, Academic and Government Research Institutes, Contract Research Organizations): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2031 Hearing Amplifiers Market by Product (Behind-the-ear, In-the-ear), Type (Analog Hearing Aids, Digital Hearing Aids) and Distribution Channel (Hospital pharmacies, online pharmacies, others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2030 About Us Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain. We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Allied Market Research CEO Pawan Kumar is instrumental in inspiring and encouraging everyone associated with the company to maintain high quality of data and help clients in every way possible to achieve success. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry. Contact: David Correa 5933 NE Win Sivers Drive #205, Portland, OR 97220 United States USA/Canada (Toll Free): +1-800-792-5285, +1-503-894-6022 UK: +44-845-528-1300 Hong Kong: +852-301-84916 India (Pune): +91-20-66346060 Fax: +1(855)550-5975 [email protected] Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/636519/Allied_Market_Research_Logo.jpg SOURCE Allied Market Research VANCOUVER, BC, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Western Copper and Gold Corporation ("Western" or the "Company") (TSX: WRN) (NYSE American: WRN) is pleased to announce the results of an updated study on the potential economic impact of the development of its wholly owned Casino Copper-Gold Project ("Casino" or the "Project") on the Yukon and Canada recently completed by MNP LLP (the "Report"). The Report incorporates the results from the Casino Feasibility Study dated August 8, 2022. The Report highlights the impressive cumulative economic effect that developing Casino will have on the Yukon and Canada during the project's construction, operation, closure, and reclamation. The Casino project is estimated to contribute $44.3 billion to Canada's Gross Domestic Product ("GDP"), create 132,280 full-time equivalent positions ("FTE"), and generate $12.8 billion in wages and salaries over the entire life of the Project. Note that the use of FTEs is a method to account for partial employment or employment for different durations and 1.0 FTE is equivalent to a full-time job for one year of employment. The Report estimates the GDP generated in Yukon by the construction of Casino at $1.7 billion. The construction phase is estimated to contribute $3.6 billion to Canada's economy while generating 25,580 FTEs resulting in $2.1 billion in wages and salaries across Canada. During each of its 27 years of operation, the Casino Project is expected to contribute $1.3 billion to Yukon's economy. Operation of the mine is estimated to contribute $1.5 billion to Canada's GDP annually while creating 3,880 FTEs and generating $391 million in wages and salaries across Canada. The Casino Project is also expected to generate $11.2 billion in taxes and royalties to various governments during the life of mine. "The Casino Project is one of the most significant critical minerals projects in Canada and in addition to providing much needed minerals to assist the energy transition will provide great economic benefit to the Yukon and Canada," said Dr. Paul West-Sells, President and CEO of Western. "Additionally, the Casino project will provide additional benefits such as training, education, and infrastructure enhancements, which will benefit the Yukon over the longer term. Importantly, we can do this while developing the Casino Project in a way that reflects Yukoners environmental and socio-cultural values." ABOUT WESTERN COPPER AND GOLD CORPORATION Western Copper and Gold Corporation is developing the Casino Project, Canada's premier copper-gold mine in the Yukon Territory and one of the most economic greenfield copper-gold mining projects in the world. The Company is committed to working collaboratively with our First Nations and local communities to progress the Casino project, using internationally recognized responsible mining technologies and practices. For more information, visit www.westerncopperandgold.com On behalf of the board, "Paul West-Sells" Dr. Paul West-Sells President and CEO Western Copper and Gold Corporation Cautionary Disclaimer Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Information This news release contains certain forward-looking statements concerning anticipated developments in Western's operations in future periods. Statements that are not historical fact are "forward-looking statements" as that term is defined in the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" as that term is defined in National Instrument 51-102 ("NI 51-102") of the Canadian Securities Administrators (collectively, "forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "potential", "possible" and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions or results "will", "may", "could" or "should" occur or be achieved. In making the forward-looking statements herein, the Company has applied certain material assumptions including, but not limited to, the assumption that general business conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner. Forward-looking statements are statements about the future and are inherently uncertain, and actual results, performance or achievements of Western and its subsidiaries may differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements due to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors. Such risks and other factors include, among others, risks involved in fluctuations in gold, copper and other commodity prices and currency exchange rates; uncertainties relating to interpretation of drill results and the geology, continuity and grade of mineral deposits; uncertainty of estimates of capital and operating costs, recovery rates, production estimates and estimated economic return; risks related to joint venture operations; risks related to cooperation of government agencies and First Nations in the development of the property and the issuance of required permits; risks related to the need to obtain additional financing to develop the property and uncertainty as to the availability and terms of future financing; the possibility of delay in construction projects and uncertainty of meeting anticipated program milestones; uncertainty as to timely availability of permits and other governmental approvals; and other risks and uncertainties disclosed in Western's AIF and Form 40-F, and other information released by Western and filed with the applicable regulatory agencies. Western's forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, expectations and opinions of management on the date the statements are made, and Western does not assume, and expressly disclaims, any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by applicable securities legislation. For the reasons set forth above, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. SOURCE Western Copper and Gold Corporation Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who is in Washington for negotiations with high-ranking politicians on increasing support for Ukraine, has called for Ukrainian troops to be provided with all the weapons they need. February 2, 2023, 10:01 Johnson to Western Governments: Save Time, Money, Lives, and Give Ukraine Weapons It Needs STEPANAKERT, FEBRUARY 2, ARTSAKHPRESS: Johnson supported providing Ukraine with all the types of weapons it needs, in response to a question about F-16 fighter jets. "All I will say is that every time we have said it will be a mistake to give such and such an item of weaponry, we end up doing it, and it ends up being the right thing for Ukraine," Fox News quotes Johnson. "I remember being told that it was the wrong idea to give them the anti-tank shoulder-launched missiles. Actually, they were indispensable, and the United States under Donald Trump gave them the Javelins as well. They were indispensable in those battles to repel the Russian tanks," the former British Prime Minister said. "People said that we should not give the HIMARS [to Ukraine]. I remember having arguments about the multiple-launch rocket systems, the MLRS. Actually, they have proved invaluable for the Ukrainians. And the same with tanks," Johnson added. Johnson believes it is necessary to "save time, save money, save lives, and give the Ukrainians what they need as fast as possible". Johnson rejected the idea that Russian President Vladimir Putin might be ready to turn the war into a nuclear conflict. Master's graduates in computer vision and machine learning collect degrees in historic UAE ceremony ABU DHABI, UAE, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) in Abu Dhabi, celebrated its inaugural commencement on January 30 with 52 students from 24 countries, receiving post-graduate degrees in the key AI fields of computer vision and machine learning. Students, faculty and dignitaries at MBZUAIs inaugural commencement. (PRNewsfoto/Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI)) The event was attended by His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Zayed Al Nahyan; H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, President-Designate of COP28 UAE and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of MBZUAI; H.E. Bruno Le Maire, French Minister for Economy and Finance and other dignitaries. Following the ceremony, MBZUAI held the AI and Sustainability Symposium which saw AI experts discuss next generation solutions to drive sustainability. Professor Eric Xing, President and University Professor of MBZUAI joined Professor Daniela Rus, Director of the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory at MIT and a member of MBZUAI's Board of Trustees as well as Phil Blunsom, Chief Scientist at Cohere.AI, and Professor at Oxford. The panel was moderated by Professor Timothy Baldwin, MBZUAI Acting Provost. "When MBZUAI was founded by our leadership in 2019, its mission was clear: and that is to harness the power of artificial intelligence to advance global progress" Al Jaber said. "MBZUAI was specifically designed as a catalyst for research across multiple sectors, including business, IT, energy, transportation, education and healthcare and sustainability and you, the inaugural graduating class of MBZUAI will be the pioneers that help turn that research into reality." At the time of commencement, 63% of the inaugural class have confirmed employment, Ph.D. placements, paid internships or startups; and 91% will remain in the UAE. Female students represent about 35% of the total class. H.E. Bruno Le Maire, French Minister for Economy and Finance, said: "France and the UAE have a long and well-established diplomatic relationship, one built on strong strategic, cultural, business, and economic ties, that will become even closer over the coming decades as our two nations continue to find ways to leverage technology for the betterment of our countries. AI is a key technology on which France and the UAE will collaborate in the coming decade." "As a bedrock for technological competitiveness in artificial intelligence, MBZUAI is committed to performing transformative research, developing cutting-edge technology, and training creative and hardworking talent," said Professor Xing. "We aspire for our graduates to further advance the boundaries of knowledge and technology and be empowered by the knowledge they gained from the University to serve society." About MBZUAI MBZUAI is a graduate, research university focused on AI, computer science, and digital technologies across industrial sectors. The university aims to empower students, businesses, and governments to advance AI as a global force for positive progress. For more information, visit www.mbzuai.ac.ae To apply for admission, visit mbzuai.ac.ae or contact [email protected] Press inquiries: Aya Sakoury Head of Communications [email protected] Roger Field/Aaya AbuNahwa [email protected] Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1994222/Graduates_and_dignitaries_at_the_Commencement.jpg SOURCE Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) DUBLIN, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Connected Device Market for Consumer, Enterprise, and Industrial IoT Devices by Use Case, Device Type, Applications, and Industry Verticals 2023 - 2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. This report assesses the connected device market segment including consumer, enterprise, and industrial devices with associated connected device market sizing from 2023 to 2028. It evaluates applications and solutions in each market segment for major industry verticals including agriculture, advertising and media, automobiles, energy management, healthcare, manufacturing, oil & gas, public safety, and telecommunications. Select Report Findings: The global market for IoT connected devices in the government sector will reach $52.4 billion by 2028 by 2028 The global market for devices in support of energy management (air conditioners, temperature controllers, smart lighting, smart windows, etc.) will reach $8.9 billion 2028 2028 The global market for consumer appliances (TV, refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, microwaves, cooking appliances, coffee machines, etc.) will reach $4.1 billion by 2028 by 2028 The global market for devices in support of government security and monitoring equipment (CCTV, cameras, etc.) and structural health monitoring devices will reach $8.1 billion by 2028 by 2028 The global market for devices in support of hospital equipment (mobile furniture, Monitoring and diagnostic equipment, surgical tools, pathology and laboratory equipment, ambulance, etc.) will reach $5.2 billion by 2028 The number, type, and purpose of connected devices is rapidly expanding as the IoT evolves beyond the current state of limited applications, many of which remain isolated and purpose-built for a given use case, industry verticals, and companies. Some of these applications will be enhanced through communication with a smart device, which is a connected device that benefits embedded intelligence. In contrast, an IoT Device need not be smart, and in fact, many are relatively unintelligent devices that are typically single-purpose and rely upon intelligence to be provided elsewhere for data processing, analytics, analysis, and dispersal of actionable information, typically via a cloud services model. It is important to note that cloud services may be either centralized or distributed via Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC) infrastructure. MEC will also facilitate an entirely new class of low-power devices that rely upon MEC equipment for processing. Stated differently, some IoT devices will be very light-weight computationally speaking, relying upon edge computing nodes for most of their computation needs. However, AIoT is a dominant trend that the publisher of this report sees supporting connected devices via both distributed and centralized AI support for devices. As AIoT causes networks and systems to become increasingly more cognitive in nature, connected devices that previously acted in a purely deterministic manner will leverage AI for decision-making, which may occur locally via edge computing and/or centrally via core cloud computing. As part of this evolution, devices will also increasingly engage in peer-to-peer communications including signaling and data exchange. This will create both an opportunity and a challenge connected device management as they will need to rely upon the AI-based cybersecurity solutions involving trust management. Continued 5G standardization is anticipated to provide marked improvements for the connected device market. For example, there are provisions for hybrid devices that have 5G IoT market needs that range between mMTC and eMBB and URLLC. For example, some devices will require relatively high availability and latency, but not to the degree of some critical applications that require full URLLC. Some of these same hybrid capability devices will also require some eMBB type functionality, such as relatively high reliability and latency for video. for example, the wearable technology market will have some devices in this category as some wearables will require relatively high bandwidth and battery life. In general, hybrid connected devices will be characterized as being more complex than mMTC devices, but less complex than eMBB or URLLC devices. Introduction of these reduced-capability devices into the connected device market will have an impact on network operations including device identification, authentication and authorization as networks must ensure that these devices are only used for the intended use cases. This is because these hybrid-connected devices will have reduced capabilities such as fewer antennas, reduced control-channel monitoring, and other factors that may affect the QoS/QoE for various use cases. Accordingly, IoT authorization and authentication procedures will adjust to these changing requirements as some use cases will be prohibitive for reduced-capability devices, but on the other hand, these same hybrid devices will be able to perform any function a typical mMTC device can do and more. Key Topics Covered: 1.0 Executive Summary 2.0 Introduction 3.0 Smart and Connected IoT Device Ecosystem 3.1 Connected IoT Device Systems 3.2 Consumer IoT Connected Devices 3.2.1 Enterprise IoT Connected Devices 3.2.2 Industrial IoT Connected Devices 3.2.3 IoT Software and Connected Applications 3.3 IoT Device Management Technology and Solutions 3.4 IoT Interoperability and Enabling Technology 3.5 Cloud Deployment and Open Architecture Model 3.6 Connected IoT Device Supply Chain 3.7 Business Models and Strategies 3.8 Machine Learning and other AI Solutions 3.9 Smart Workplace and Automation Systems 3.10 5G, MEC, and Connected IoT Applications 4.0 Smart and Connected Device Technology Enablers 4.1 Artificial Intelligence 4.2 Broadband Wireless 4.3 Computing (Centralized and Edge) 4.4 Data Analytics 4.5 IoT Convergence 5.0 Smart and Connected IoT Device Market Drivers 5.1 Consumer 5.1.1 Localized Intelligence 5.1.2 Autonomous Operation 5.2 Enterprise 5.2.1 Smart Workplace 5.2.2 Smart Products 5.2.3 Business Automation 5.3 Industrial 5.3.1 Industrial Evolution 5.3.2 Industrial Convergence 6.0 Global Markets for Connected Devices 2023 - 2028 6.1 Connected Devices by IoT in Consumer, Enterprise, Industrial and Government Segments 6.2 Connected Devices by Region 2023 - 2028 7.0 Market for Connected Devices in Consumer IoT 2023 - 2028 7.1 Global Market for Connected Devices in Consumer IoT 2023 - 2028 7.2 Regional Markets for Connected Devices in Consumer IoT 2023 - 2028 8.0 Market for Connected Devices in Enterprise IoT 2023 - 2028 8.1 Global Market for Connected Devices in Enterprise IoT 2023 - 2028 8.2 Regional Markets for Connected Devices in Enterprise IoT 2023 - 2028 9.0 Market for Connected Devices in Industrial IoT 2023 - 2028 9.1 Global Market for Connected Devices in Industrial IoT 2023 - 2028 9.2 Regional Markets for Connected Devices in Industrial IoT 2023 - 2028 10.0 Market for Connected Devices in Government IoT 2023 - 2028 10.1 Global Market for Connected Devices in Government IoT 2023 - 2028 10.2 Regional Markets for Connected Devices in Government IoT 2023 - 2028 11.0 Company Analysis 11.1 Select Strategies Initiatives 11.2 IBM Corporation 11.3 Google Inc. 11.4 Apple Inc. 11.5 Microsoft Corporation 11.6 General Electric 11.7 ABB Ltd. 11.8 LG Electronics 11.9 Koninklijke Philips N.V 11.10 Hewlett Packard Enterprise 11.11 Samsung Electronics Co Ltd. 11.12 Honeywell International Inc. 11.13 Sony Corporation 11.14 HTC Corporation 11.15 Vuzix Corporation 11.16 Schneider Electric 11.17 Siemens AG 11.18 Whirlpool Corporation 11.19 AB Electrolux 11.20 Oracle Corporation 11.21 Advantech Co. Ltd 11.22 PTC Corporation 11.23 Telit Communications PLC 11.24 Wind River Systems Inc. 11.25 Cumulocity GmBH (Software AG) 11.26 Amplia Soluciones SL 11.27 Nokia Corporation 11.28 Dell Technologies Inc. 11.29 ARM Limited (NVidia) 11.30 Aeris Communication Inc. 11.31 Smith Micro Software Inc. 11.32 Xively (Google) 11.33 Motorola Inc. 11.34 Lenovo Group Ltd. 11.35 Technicolor 12.0 Future of Smart and Connected Devices 12.1 Ubiquitous Distribution and Presence 12.2 Localized Intelligence and Computing 12.3 Autonomous Decision-Making and Actions 12.3.1 Consumer Market 12.3.2 Enterprise Market 12.3.3 Industrial Market 13.0 Conclusions and Recommendations For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/qcnkdg-device?w=5 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 BEIJING, Feb. 1, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Sheng Hong Holding Group, a leading high-tech enterprise in Suzhou, signed a contract to settle its battery gigafactory and new energy research institute projects involving a total investment of about 30.6 billion yuan in Zhangjiagang City of east China's Jiangsu Province. Photo shows the site of the contract signing ceremony on January 31, 2023 in Zhangjiagang, east China's Jiangsu Province. The projects will be completed in phases and are expected to generate annual revenue of more than 56 billion yuan upon completion. Among them, the first phase of the 24GWh project and the new energy battery research institute project involving a total investment of 14 billion yuan are expected to be completed and put into operation in three years, with their annual revenue expected to reach 24 billion yuan. Han Wei, Party chief of Zhangjiagang, said that the city has been committed to creating advantageous business environment for major projects and high-quality enterprises and providing a solid guarantee for the implementation of projects. As one of the Fortune Global 500 companies growing in Suzhou, Sheng Hong Holding Group has developed into an international high-tech industrial group integrating the whole industrial chain of petrochemical refining, new energy, new materials and high-end textiles. Miao Hangen, chairman of Sheng Hong Holding Group, said the projects launched by the group are expected to inject impetus into the economic development of Zhangjiagang City. In addition, Zhangjiagang witnessed the signing of 100 major projects involving a total investment of 59.72 billion yuan at a major project promotion event held on January 29, 2023, including 22 foreign-funded projects worth of 10.18 billion yuan. Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/332497.html SOURCE Xinhua Silk Road SINGAPORE, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- XT.COM , the world's first socially infused trading platform, is thrilled to announce the listing of IPV on its platform in the main zone and the IPV/USDT trading pair will be open for trading from 2023-02-02 06:00 (UTC). Users can deposit IPV for trading at 2023-02-02 05:00(UTC) Withdrawals for IPV will open at 2023-02-03 06:00 (UTC) About the IPV Token IPVERSE (IPV) is an ERC20 token deployed on the Ethereum blockchain with a max supply of 3,000,000,000. The token is created as the official currency of the IPVERSE, a secure and reliable digital IP transaction network that solves modern IP issues related to transparency and changes to ownership. The IPV token is used in all dApp services and platform processes of IPVERSE, such as registration of IP information, content production and profit distribution, and funding activities. Additionally, IPV is used as a medium for providing accurate IP data and distribution of data to creators and for transactions on the blockchain-distributed book. It is also used to make profits from IP content instead of using fiat currency. One of the key features of IPVERSE is its focus on privacy and security. The platform provides users with a secure and private environment for their digital activities, and the IPV token plays a key role in this by providing users with a fast and secure means of exchanging value within the platform. The token is also designed to be highly accessible, with low transaction fees and fast transaction times, making it ideal for use in a variety of applications, including online transactions, decentralized data storage, and encrypted communication. About the IPVERSE Network The intellectual property (IP) market is the primary focus of the blockchain-based network IPVERSE. It creates an IP transaction blockchain network of IP and addresses the issue of IP transaction transparency. It is a secure and trustworthy digital IP transaction network. With the support of blockchain technology, IPVERSE intends to be an independent ecosystem that offers intellectual property new value and enhances access to IP transactions. By verifying the validity of the block, the IPVERSE network's decentralized record-keeping and administration system guard data in the system against forgery and modification. The network also records and manages the creation and distribution of digital information such as music sources, patents, characters, and artworks. Furthermore, the creator's IP rights can be confirmed through blockchain-based registration and management systems. Website: ipverse.io Whitepaper: ipverse.pdf Twitter: https://twitter.com/ipverse Telegram: https://t.me/officialIPVERSE "We're delighted to have IPV listed on our trading platform. 2023 will be a great turning point for XT.COM as I'll be ensuring the utmost quality in trading opportunities and experience for XT.COM users," said Albin Warin , CEO of XT.COM. "The company is headed toward a brighter future and users can look forward to more unique web3 opportunities with our various trading portfolios." About XT.COM Founded in 2018, XT.COM crypto exchange now serves more than 6 million registered users, over 1,000,000+ monthly active users, 40+ million users in the ecosystem, and 800+ trading pairs. Covering a rich variety of trading categories together with an NFT aggregated marketplace, our platform strives to cater to its large user base by providing a secure, trusted, and intuitive trading experience. As the world's first social-infused digital assets trading platform, XT.COM also supports social networking platform-based transactions to make our crypto services more accessible to users all over the world. Furthermore, to ensure optimal data integrity and security, we see user security as our top priority at XT.COM. Website: https://www.xt.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/XTexchange Telegram: https://t.me/XTsupport_EN SOURCE XT.com COLUMBIA, Miss., Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Yak Access, LLC ("Yak" or the "Company"), the nation's leading provider of temporary access roads and related services, announced today that it has executed a Restructuring Support Agreement (the "RSA") with holders of approximately 78% of its funded debt obligations, as well as its principal equity holder, Platinum Equity. Under the RSA, Yak expects to conduct an expedited recapitalization that will substantially reduce its debt and improve its liquidity. Under the RSA, Platinum Equity has committed to backstop $121,000,000 of new money investments in Yak and will remain in control of a majority of Yak's common equity. The RSA also contemplates the placement of new revolving credit facility that will further bolster the Company's liquidity. Strong majorities of lenders across the Company's capital structure have supported the proposed transaction, including an exchange of their existing loans into a combination of equity and new loans maturing in 2028, resulting in the elimination of over $500,000,000 of debt, reducing net leverage and associated debt service by more than half. As a result, Yak will emerge from its recapitalization with ample liquidity and a healthy, sustainable balance sheet. Jonathan Duhon, the chief executive officer of Yak, commented, "This agreement is an important step forward for Yak's business. With this strong show of support from the Company's lenders and equity sponsor, I am confident that the Company's recapitalization process will provide our business with ample liquidity over the long-term and position Yak to capture increasing demand for its best-in-class services. I especially appreciate the cooperation of Yak's vendors and customers through this process, the steadfast support of our lenders and Platinum Equity, and the continued hard work of our employees to implement our shared vision." Under the RSA, Yak expects to consummate the recapitalization transaction as efficiently as possible through an out-of-court exchange. "This is a great day for our partnership with Yak and its stakeholders," said Jacob Kotzubei, a Platinum Equity partner. "Platinum Equity's commitment to invest is founded on our confidence in the Company's strong operational foundation, its core values, and its proven track record of innovation. We continue to see a scalable platform with room for strong organic growth." About Yak Yak is a national provider of temporary roadways to remote construction sites. A dominant player in the industry, the Company specializes in selling and leasing mats that often run over rough environmental terrain. In addition to providing mats, Yak offers a suite of related services, including site design, mat installation and removal, and environmental remediation. Yak is headquartered in Columbia, Mississippi, and primarily serves the power line, renewable, industrial, and pipeline industries. Forward-Looking Statements Yak has included statements in this press release that constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended, and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. As a general matter, forward-looking statements are those focused on future or anticipated events or trends, expectations and beliefs including, among other things, the Company's expectations with respect to the amend and extend transaction described herein. Such statements are intended to be identified by using words such as "believe," "expect," "intend," "estimate," "anticipate," "will," "project," "plan" and similar expressions in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance. Any forward-looking statements are and will be based upon the Company's then-current expectations, estimates and assumptions regarding future events and are applicable only as of the dates of such statements. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those projected in this press release. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Contact: Dan Whelan Platinum Equity [email protected] SOURCE Platinum Equity Study Is Most Comprehensive Comparative-Brand-Personality Study To Date Of U.S. Brands PHOENIX , Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Zion & Zion, a full-service, global marketing agency, released part two of a study that explores the relative brand personalities of 45 top U.S. brands. In part two of the four-part study, the Zion & Zion research team explored six dimensions of brand personality utilizing Freling, Crosno, and Henard's (2011) brand personality appeal dimensions (BPA) and Haji's (2014) negative brand personality dimensions (NegBP). The Freling et al. BPA scales applied in this study measure the dimensions of Brand Personality Clarity and Brand Personality Originality with a total of nine traits. While the Aaker scale from our first study describes the character of each brand's personality, the BPA approach investigates whether the personality, seen in totality, creates a clear and original brand image. Freling et al. suggest that is the overall appeal of the brand's personality that influences target consumers' purchase decisions and helps to sustain the endurance of a brand. The Haji NegBP scale measures the dimensions of Egotistical, Boring, Crude and Socially Irresponsible with 15 traits describing the negative side of each brand's personality. Brands can be seen in a negative light due to their actions or products. "Combined, the BPA and the NegBP scales significantly extend our understanding of brands and their personalities," said Zion & Zion CEO Aric Zion. "Aaker's classic scale allows brands to measure their perceived personalities; however, it does not allow them to quantify the degree to which those personalities are perceived by audiences as clear and original." When comparing the two BPA dimensions to each other, the Zion & Zion research team found that the top brands score higher on Clarity than on Originality. This indicates that brands are clear about who they are but are often not seen as original. The application of NegBp revealed that brands scored highest (worst) on Egotistical, followed by Boring and Socially Irresponsible, while scoring lowest on Crude. This highlights that Crudeness is less of a perception problem than the other three negative dimensions. View the full research report here: Part II: The Brand Personality Of 45 Major U.S. Brands. About Zion & Zion Zion & Zion is an agency that provides global clients with an integrated, multidimensional set of services aimed at holistically understanding and improving customer experience. These services range across branding, market research, marketing technology, analytics, data visualization, creative, content, communications, UX/CX and digital media. Zion & Zion's clients include American Eagle Outfitters, Bally Sports, BD (Becton Dickinson), Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Goodwill, McDonald's, NASCAR, the Phoenix Suns, Robert Half, and Walmart. Learn more at http://www.zionandzion.com or follow us on Twitter @ZIONandZION, Instagram @zionandzion, Facebook @ZionandZionAgency and LinkedIn Zion & Zion. SOURCE Zion & Zion United States Congresswoman Katie Porter called on the Biden administration to take immediate steps to end the blockade of Lachin corridor. February 2, 2023, 11:12 Congresswoman Katie Porter calls on U.S. government to end all military assistance to Azerbaijan STEPANAKERT, FEBRUARY 2, ARTSAKHPRESS: I rise today to condemn Azerbaijans blockade of the Lachin corridor, the only humanitarian lifeline connecting the people of Artsakh to the Republic of Armenia, Porter said in Congress. For nearly two months, the regions 120,000 Armenians have been denied food, fuel, medicine and other essentials as a result of this cruel and inhumane blockade. Azerbaijans goal is clear, to force the ethnic Armenians of Artsakh from their homeland by imposing conditions that make life impossible. We must hold Azerbaijan accountable for its aggression. I continue to call on the administration to take immediate steps to end this blockade. We must end all U.S. military assistance to Azerbaijan. American taxpayers shouldnt be subsidizing Azerbaijans constant aggression against the Armenian people. I continue to stand in solidarity with the Armenian people and the Armenian-American community. Russia has made no request to member states of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) for assistance in the special military operation in Ukraine, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with TV journalist Dmitry Kiselyov on Thursday, Tass informs. February 2, 2023, 14:27 Russia made no request for CSTO assistance in Ukraine, Lavrov says STEPANAKERT, FEBRUARY 2, ARTSAKHPRESS: The TV host mentioned article 4 of the Collective Security Treaty stipulating that in case of an act of aggression against any member state, all of the blocs other members will immediately provide it assistance, including through military means, upon its request. "We have not approached any of them [CSTO member states] with such a request. We proceed from the fact that we have all the necessary to solve the tasks of the special military operation and end that war that the West started through the Ukrainian regime already after the state coup," Lavrov said. Washington, Feb 2 : The US Department of Justice (DOJ) conducted a "planned search" of President Joe Biden's home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, on Wednesday. "Today, with the President's full support and cooperation, the DOJ is conducting a planned search of his home in Rehoboth, Delaware," Biden's personal lawyer, Bob Bauer, said in a statement obtained by US media outlets. "Under DOJ's standard procedures, in the interests of operational security and integrity, it sought to do this work without advance public notice, and we agreed to cooperate," Bauer wrote. "The search today is a further step in a thorough and timely DOJ process we will continue to fully support and facilitate," the attorney said. "We will have further information at the conclusion of today's search." The DOJ conducted a search of Biden's home in Wilmington, Delaware, on January 20 after documents with classified markings were also found at the Biden Penn Centre in Washington, D.C., in November 2022, Xinhua news agency reported. DOJ special counsels are separately investigating the handling of classified documents by Biden and former US President Donald Trump. Former US Vice President Mike Pence told Congress last week that classified documents had been found at his home in Indiana. The US National Archives and Records Administration has recently requested that former Presidents and Vice-Presidents "conduct an assessment" to determine whether they have any classified materials in their possession. Under the Presidential Records Act, all US Presidents' and Vice-Presidents' records, including any classified documents, must be turned over to archives by the ends of their terms. Vienna, Feb 2 : Leading oil officials on Wednesday recommended to maintain the current oil output policy of OPEC+, the OPEC and its allies, amid an uncertain global economic outlook. The OPEC+ agreed in October 2022 to cut production by 2 million barrels per day from the following month until the end of 2023. The cut equals to about 2 per cent of the annual global oil demand, Xinhua news agency reported. Members of the OPEC+ Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee (JMMC) "reaffirmed their commitment" to the current output plan at a virtual meeting on Wednesday and "urged all participating countries to achieve full conformity and adhere to the compensation mechanism," according to an OPEC statement. The JMMC comprises oil ministers from the OPEC+ countries. It has no decision-making power but provides policy recommendations for the OPEC+ ministerial meeting, the group's decision-making body. It has also the authority to request additional OPEC+ ministerial meetings "at any time to address market developments," according to OPEC. The JMMC has reviewed the oil production data for November and December last year and "noted the overall conformity" for the OPEC+ countries, OPEC added. The next JMMC meeting is scheduled for April 3. The next OPEC+ ministerial meeting, where the group will formally decide its output policy, is set for June 4. Jerusalem, Feb 2 : Israel intercepted a rocket from the Gaza Strip on Wednesday evening, a day after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken left the region in a visit that aimed at calming escalating violence. The rocket triggered sirens in the southern city of Sderot and in communities near the besieged Palestinian enclave, an Israeli military spokesperson said in a statement. No injuries have been reported so far, Xinhua news agency reported. The firing of the rocket came amid surging violence between Israelis and Palestinians, mainly in the occupied West Bank. Over the weekend, Israel carried out airstrikes on targets which the military said was an "underground rocket manufacturing site" in the central Gaza Strip that belongs to Hamas, an Islamist militant group that governs the Palestinian enclave. The attack followed six rockets that were fired from Gaza at southern Israel. No injuries were reported on both sides. Tehran, Feb 2 : Iranian Parliament Speaker has submitted the law for Iran's membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to the country's President for final approval and implementation. Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf handed over the law to Ebrahim Raisi in a letter for final approval and implementation on Wednesday, according to semi-official Tasnim news agency. The move follows Iranian Constitutional Council spokesman's announcement on Saturday that the vetting body had approved the bill on the country's membership in the SCO, Xinhua news agency reported. Hadi Tahan Nazif noted that, after reviewing the bill, the council did not see it as being in contradiction with the country's religious regulations and constitution, reported the Mizan news agency of the Iranian judiciary. In November 2022, the Iranian Parliament approved the bill for Iran's SCO membership by the overwhelming majority of the lawmakers. In September 2021, the 21st summit of the SCO leaders held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan declared the decision to start admitting Iran as a full member of the SCO. Tehran, Feb 2 : The parts and explosives used in a recent drone attack on a military plant in the central Iranian province of Isfahan were transferred into the country by "hostile" Kurdish groups based in the Iraqi Kurdistan region, semi-official Nour News agency reported. The groups transferred the parts of the micro air vehicles (MAVs) and the explosives used in Saturday night's attack through the northwestern border at the order of a foreign intelligence service to a workshop in a border city, said Nour News affiliated with Iran's Supreme National Security Council, quoting unidentified sources on Wednesday. In August 2022, the Iranian Intelligence Ministry busted a "terrorist" group of "opposition Kurdish individuals," which had been organised by Israel to create an explosion in an industrial facility in Isfahan, according to Nour News. Iran's Defence Ministry said early Sunday that a drone attack took place at about 11:30 p.m. local time on Saturday in one of its military plants in Isfahan, causing no casualties and only minor damage to the roof of a workshop in the plant, Xinhua news agency reported. Iran has identified the manufacturer of one of the drones used in the attack, Nour News reported on Tuesday, without providing more details. Athens, Feb 2 : Nicos Anastasiades, outgoing President of Cyprus, urged a functional and viable solution to the Cyprus problem during his visit here on Wednesday. Anastasiades, who is not a candidate in the presidential elections this Sunday, thanked Greece for its steady support to efforts to resolve the long-standing problem. "I think we have adequately shielded Cyprus, so that it can negotiate a solution that is functional and viable," he said during his meeting with Greece's Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the country's national news agency AMNA reported. Nicosia sought a solution that would be beneficial to both the Greek and the Turkish Cypriot communities, "thus contributing to peace prevailing," he said. Cyprus was partitioned when TArkey sent troops to intervene in the island's northern part in 1974 in response to a coup staged by the military rulers of Greece at the time, Xinhua news agency reported. Several UN-led efforts to negotiate an agreement for the divided island have been inconclusive to date. The two leaders also visited Mati, a coastal resort near Athens that was scorched by a wildfire in July 2018, which left more than 100 dead and hundreds homeless. Cyprus has donated 10 million euros ($10.91 million) for the construction of some 100 apartments, as well as the creation of a park. Works are still underway there. "Working closely together in solidarity we support each other," Anastasiades said. Mitsotakis thanked him "for this gesture, which contributes to efforts to heal the wounds caused by this huge catastrophe". (1 euro = $1.09) Cairo, Feb 2 : At least three people were killed and 32 others wounded in a fire that broke out on Wednesday at a charitable hospital in the capital Cairo, said the Egyptian Health Ministry in a statement. The accident took place at the radiology department of the hospital located in the El Matareya district and 12 ambulances were sent to the spot, according to the Ministry's spokesman Hossam Abdel-Ghaffar. The injured suffered from burns, fractures or suffocation, and most of them have been taken to nearby hospitals, said Abdel-Ghaffar as quoted by Xinhua news agency report. Kiev, Feb 2 : Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov has said that he met French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss Ukraine's defence needs. Describing the conversation as "frank and productive," he tweeted on Wednesday that the urgent operational needs of the Ukrainian Army were on the agenda. Reznikov, who arrived in France on Tuesday for a two-day visit, thanked Macron and the French people for their support for Ukraine, Xinhua news agency reported. In a separate tweet, the Minister said he signed a memorandum with French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu and the Thales Group on the supply of MG-200 radars for Ukrainian air defenders. The radars, Reznikov added, will help the Ukrainian military to spot enemy drones and missiles, including ballistic missiles. Kiev, Feb 2 : Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has met with his visiting Austrian counterpart, Alexander Van der Bellen, to discuss bilateral cooperation and assistance for Kiev, the Ukrainian presidential press service said. During the talks on Wednesday, Zelensky and Van der Bellen talked about energy, economic and humanitarian cooperation between the two countries, and the development of Ukrainian communities. "We have also discussed the issues of our political cooperation in Europe and other international platforms," the Ukrainian President told reporters after the talks. Zelensky thanked Austria for pushing forward humanitarian ties and providing 200 million euros (about $219 million) in assistance for Ukraine, Xinhua news agency reported. He also urged Austrian businesses to increase cooperation with their Ukrainian partners on the reconstruction and the modernisation of Ukraine's energy sector. For his part, Van der Bellen, who arrived in Kiev earlier on Wednesday, said Austria will strongly support the Ukrainian people by all possible means, including through the provision of humanitarian aid. New Delhi, Feb 2 : The Serendipity Arts Foundation and Les Rencontres d'Arles have announced the second edition of the biggest photography, video and new media grant, supported by the French Institute in India/Embassy of France in India, with the shared purpose of promoting cultural practices in South Asia. The grant amount going to the winner this year will be of 15,000 euros and will support lens-based practitioners from South Asian countries, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The open call for entries began on January 30, and the process of receiving applications will close on March 15. Sunil Kant Munjal, Founder and Patron, Serendipity Arts, said, "This grant is the coming together of Serendipity Arts and Rencontres d'Arles to jointly support lens-based practitioners and to promote the diverse creative expressions of the South Asian region. The first edition of the grant showed us the possibilities emerging from this association and the second edition will show our commitment to back and support artists from the region and help promote their work on a global scale." Christoph Wiesner, Director, Rencontres d'Arles, added, "I am very happy to continue this collaboration. The SAG offers the winner, through its exhibition, international visibility and possibilities of exchange with the lens-based practice and allows the professional and the general public of the festival to discover and deepen the richness of the South Asian scene." A jury comprising artists, authors, Foundation directors, and personalities from diverse artistic domains, will review the proposals and shortlist five artists. The first stage will recognise and support five artists with a grant of Rs 70,000. Along with receiving a part of the grant, these five shortlisted candidates will also be given the opportunity to showcase their work at the upcoming edition of the Serendipity Arts Festival, scheduled to take place later in the year in Goa, India. Finally, at the 2023 festival, the same jury will unanimously declare the finalist, from among the five previously shortlisted artists, who would then receive a grant of 15,000 euros, to develop the project and show the final presentation at Rencontres d'Arles, France, in 2024. The French Consulate General in Istanbul has suspended its work, the fifth country to take such a step. February 2, 2023, 16:17 France becomes 5th country to close consulate in Istanbul STEPANAKERT, FEBRUARY 2, ARTSAKHPRESS: The French Consulate General in Istanbul is closed to the public on Thursday, February 2 and Friday, February 3. For administrative matters, we can be contacted by e-mail, as news.am informs, the consulate informed. Turkish Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu on Thursday called the closure by several European countries of their consulates in Istanbul a psychological war against the country amid claims from the U.S. of a terrorist threat. Earlier, the consulates general of Sweden, the Netherlands, Great Britain and Germany in Istanbul declared that they had stopped receiving visitors because of the threat of terrorist attacks in the city center. The Russian Consulate said that it continued to work in a normal mode. The U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul does not plan to stop receiving visitors after the four Western countries because of the threat of terrorist attacks in the city, which it warned about. The consulates, with the exception of the U.S. Embassy, are located on or near the Istiklal pedestrian street in the central Beyoglu district, where the November 2022 attack took place. New York, Feb 2 : The US has received sufficient number of applications to reach the cap for additional 18,216 H-2B visas made available for returning workers for the first half of fiscal year (FY)-2023, the country's federal agency for immigration services said on Wednesday. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in December had announced H-2B supplemental cap temporary final rule for employers seeking to petition additional workers at certain periods of the FY before September 15, 2023. Under this rule, the USCIS began accepting H-2B petitions increasing the cap by up to 64,716 additional H-2B non-immigrant visas for FY-2023. Of the 64,716 additional visas, 44,716 were available only for returning workers. The remaining 20,000 visas are set aside for nationals of Haiti, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, who are exempt from the returning worker requirement. The USCIS said it will continue to accept petitions for H-2B non-immigrant workers for the additional 20,000 visas allotted for nationals of Haiti, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras. "Petitioners whose workers were not accepted for the 18,216 returning-worker allotment are encouraged to file under the Haiti, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras allotment while visas remain available," USCIS added. As of January 26, 2023, USCIS received petitions requesting 4,260 workers under the 20,000 visas set aside for nationals of Haiti, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras. The USCIS said it will also continue to accept H-2B petitions for those who are exempt from the Congressionally mandated cap. This includes present H-2B workers in the US petitioning to extend their stay and, if applicable, change the terms of their employment or change their employers. While the cap for the supplemental H-2B visas for the first half of FY 2023 is 18,216, cap for the early second half of FY 2023 (April 1 to May 14), has been set at 16,500 visas limited to returning workers regardless of country of nationality. For the late second half of FY 2023 -- May 15 to Sept 30 -- there are 10,000 visas limited to returning workers regardless of country of nationality. The H-2B visas are issued for seasonal/temporary jobs which allow employers to hire skilled or unskilled workers to fulfil the shortage of workers in the US. The employer must obtain a Department of Labor certification before the visa application can be initiated. Kiev, Feb 2 : Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov said that Russia is planning a major new offensive against the war-torn nation on February 24 to mark the first anniversary of Moscow's ongoing invasion of Kiev. The Minister made the remarks on Wednesday during a trip to France where he struck a deal to purchase additional MG-200 air defence radars, which he said would "significantly increase the capacity of the armed forces to detect air targets, including winged and ballistic missiles, and drones of various types", the BBC reported. Speaking to the French BFM network, Reznikov claimed that Moscow had mobilised some 500,000 troops for the potential offensive but also suggested that the true figure recruited and deployed to Ukraine could be far higher. "Officially they announced 300,000 but when we see the troops at the borders, according to our assessments it is much more," the BBC quoted the Minister as saying to BFM. The Defence Minister further said that Ukraine's commanders would seek to "stabilise the front and prepare for a counter-offensive". "I have faith that the year 2023 can be the year of military victory," he said, adding that Ukraine's forces "cannot lose the initiative" they have achieved in recent months. Reznikov's comments come as Ukrainian intelligence alleged that Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered his forces to seize Ukraine's Donbas region before the end of spring. Meanwhile, Ukraine's Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Malyar said on Wednesday that intense fighting was continuing in Donbas, where Russian forces and Wagner Group mercenaries have been trying to take the town of Bakhmut, the BBC reported. She added that Moscow's troops were also trying to seize Lyman -- the former Russian logistics hub that Ukrainian troops retook in October 2022. "Russian troops are actively trying to reach the borders of Donetsk and Luhansk regions," she wrote on the Telegram messaging app. "Our soldiers defend every centimetre of Ukrainian land." In his nightly video address to the nation, Zelensky warned that the situation on the front lines of the conflict was testing his forces. "There is a certain increase in the occupiers' offensive actions at the front, in the east of our country. The situation is becoming even more severe. "The only way to stop Russian terrorism is to defeat it. By tanks. Fighter jets. Long-range missiles," the President added. Bengaluru, Feb 2 : The Karnataka High Court in an important judgment stated that the fine can be collected from the property or from the successors who inherit from the accused even after his death. The bench headed by Justice Shivashankar Amarannavar gave this order on Wednesday while looking into the petition by late Tottile Gowda from Hassan. He had submitted the petition when he was alive. The bench stated that the petitioner will not get an exemption from accountability of paying fine as per the court order even in case of his death. No family member has submitted the petition after the death of the petitioner to continue the case. The counsel for late Tottile Gowda submitted that legal heirs do not want to continue the petition. The successor of the property should have to pay the fine amount, the bench said. The Additional Sessions Court of Hassan has imposed Rs 29,204 fine under the Sections 135, 138 of the Electricity Act, 2003 convicting petitioner late Tottile Gowda on December 12, 2011. Tottile Gowda filed an appeal before the High Court and questioned the order of the lower court then. But, Tottile Gowda died while the petition was being heard in the High Court. The High Court quashed the appeal petition in the backdrop of the death of petitioner. The court had also ordered to collect the fine amount from the property or from the successors of the property. New Delhi, Feb 2 : The Central government on Thursday will move a motion for thanks on the President's address in the Lok Sabha. The motion would be moved by the BJP MP C.P. Joshi. The Lower House will discuss the motion on the address delivered by President Droupadi Murmu to both Houses of Parliament on January 31, the first day of the Budget Session. Two reports of the standing committee on transport regarding demands for grants for the current fiscal for the ministry of road transport and highways as well as ministry of tourism, will also be laid in the Lok Sabha. Washington, Feb 2 : A lawyer for US President Joe Biden has said that no classified documents were found in the latter's beach house in in Rehoboth, Delaware, during an FBI search of the property. Wednesday's search was the latest in a series carried out at various locations, after classified documents were found at the Penn Biden Center, an office space that Biden had used when he was Vice President, in Washington D.C. last November, which was not made public at the time, the BBC reported. More documents were discovered at another of Biden's homes in Wilmington, Delaware, in searches conducted in December 2022 and last month. In a statement issued late Wednesday, Biden's lawyer, Bob Bauer, said the search that lasted from 8.30 a.m. to 12 noon was "planned" with the President's "full support". "No documents with classified markings were found," he said, adding that some "materials and handwritten notes" that appear to date to Biden's time as Vice President between 2009 and 2017 were taken for "further review". The exact number of classified records recovered till date remains unclear, although at least a dozen were found during the January searches alone. Wednesday's search came a day after special counsel Robert Hur officially began his duties overseeing the probe into the documents, reports the BBC. Former President Donald Trump and former Vice President Mike Pence have also been embroiled in controversy over the handling of classified documents. In Pence's case, a "small number of documents bearing classified markings" were found at his home in Carmel, Indiana, according to a letter sent to the National Archives by his lawyer. The documents were recovered by the FBI from a safe at the property on 19 January, with two boxes more delivered to the Archives on January 23. An August 2022 search of Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida uncovered dozens of boxes and about 11,000 documents, including about 100 with classified markings. Under the US Presidential Records Act, all Presidents' and Vice-Presidents' records, including any classified documents, must be turned over to the National Archives by the end of their terms. Seoul, Feb 2 : North Korea said on Thursday it will take the "toughest reaction" to the US' move to expand joint military exercises with South Korea. The North's warning came US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin visited Seoul earlier this week for talks with his South Korean counterpart and said there would be more deployments of strategic assets, including F-22 and F-35 jets, to Seoul in order to deter Pyongyang's evolving military threats, reports Yonhap News Agency. Pyongyang's Foreign Ministry claimed the US has been driving the security situation on the Korean Peninsula toward an "extreme red-line" and is pushing to spur further tensions through joint military drills of larger scale and scope with South Korea. "This is a vivid expression of the US dangerous scenario which will result in turning the Korean Peninsula into a huge war arsenal and a more critical war zone," the Ministry said in a statement carried by the North's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). North Korea will "take the toughest reaction" to any military action by the US under the principle of "nuke for nuke and an all-out confrontation for an all-out confrontation", it added. The North said it is ready to counter any military challenges from the US with the "most overwhelming nuclear force," while stressing it is not interested in any dialogue with Washington as long as the latter pursues a "hostile policy". Earlier on Thursday, South Korea and the US staged combined air drills, involving B-1B strategic bombers, as well as F-22 and F-35B stealth fighters, from the US Air Force, in a show of Washington's "will and capabilities" to provide credible extended deterrence against North Korea's military threats. North Korea launched around 70 ballistic missiles last year alone, the most in a single year, amid persistent speculation it may conduct a nuclear test in the near future. The North's leader Kim Jong-un called for an "exponential" increase in its nuclear arsenal and the need to mass-produce tactical nuclear weapons at a key party meeting held late last year. North Korea is likely to hold a military parade on February 8 to mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of its armed forces. Washington, Feb 2 : A funeral service for Tyre Nichols, an African-American man who died last month after being beaten by police officers, was held in Memphis amid an outcry over police brutality in the US. The 29-year-old died in a hospital on January 10, three days after a traffic stop by Memphis police, reports Xinhua news agency. On January 27, he Memphis Police Department released four graphic videos, totalling more than an hour of footage, showing the five former police officers, who are also black, brutally beating the victim. At the funeral service on Wednesday, Vice President Kamala Harris told the Nichols family that Americans "mourn with you" while calling for police reform. "Mothers around the world, when their babies are born, pray to God when they hold that child that that body and that life will be safe," she said. "Yet we have a mother and a father who mourn the life of a young man who should be here today." She called Nichols' death "an act of violence at the hands and the feet of people who have been charged with keeping them safe", and called on Congress to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. American civil rights figure Al Sharpton delivered the eulogy for Nichols, saying that they will continue to fight for justice and "won't stop until we hold you accountable and change the system". He said Nichols was murdered in the same city as Dr Martin Luther King Jr 55 years before. There's "nothing more insulting and offensive" than police officers beating their "brother" to death, he said. "If that man had been white you wouldn't have beat him like that that night," he said, pledging to never let Nichols' "memory die". The five police officers involved in the death of Nichols were fired after an internal investigation and are facing criminal charges, including second-degree murder. The Memphis Police Department's so-called SCORPION unit, to which the fired officers belonged, has been permanently deactivated. The fallout has also reached other agencies, including the Memphis Fire Department, which fired three emergency medical technicians. Two additional Memphis police officers have recently been relieved of duty. "My brother was robbed of his life, his passions, and his talents, but not his light," Keyana Dixon, a sister of Nichols', said on Wednesday. "I see the world showing him love and fighting for his justice," Dixon said through tears. "But all I want is my baby brother back." The death of Nichols came nearly three years after the police murder of African-American man George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Floyd, 46, died on May 25, 2020, after an encounter with Minneapolis police, during which white officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for more than nine minutes while making an arrest with other colleagues. The police killing of Floyd sparked outrage and protests across the United States in the summer of 2020 against police brutality and systemic racism. Police killed 1,186 people in the US last year, according to Mapping Police Violence. African-Americans were 26 per cent of those killed by police in 2022 despite accounting for only 13 per cent of the population. New Delhi, Feb 2 : Leaders of various Opposition parties will meet this morning to devise strategy for the floor of the House ahead of Parliament proceedings. A Congress Strategy Committee meeting is also scheduled before the proceedings begin. Congress whip Naseer Hussain said, "Congress Strategy Committee to meet in CPP office in Parliament building and like-minded Opposition parties to meet in LOP Mallikarjun Khargeji's Chamber in Parliament at 10 a.m." The opposition is meeting at Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge's room a day after the budget was presented by the Finance Minister. The government is likely to deliver a motion of thanks to the President for her address to the joint sitting of Parliament. Brasilia, Feb 2 : Brazilian Senate President Rodrigo Pacheco and lower house speaker Arthur Lira were both re-elected with a majority of votes in the National Congress elections. Lira, 53, won in the biggest landslide in the country's history of lower house elections by obtaining 464 ballots from 509 deputies who participated in the voting on Wednesday, reports Xinhua news agency. The speaker from the centrist Progressive Party gained support from 20 political parties. The 46-year-old Pacheco from the Social Democratic Party held onto his Senate leadership job despite the challenge by his main rival, Rogerio Marinho, from former President Jair Bolsonaro's camp. He received 49 votes in the 81-member upper house, lower than the 57 ballots he gained in the 2021 election. During their speeches following the victory, both Pacheco and Lira condemned Bolsonaro supporters' intrusion into state power institutions in Brasilia on January 8. Pacheco said "toxic polarization" needs to be eradicated in Brazil, while Lira said the South American country "has no more room for those who attack state power institutions". Pacheco and Lira were elected for a two-year term. Dakshina Kannada, Feb 2 : The Karnataka police have launched a probe into the mysterious death of a 23-year-old specially-abled woman from Chhattisgarh in Ullal town of this Karnataka district, police said on Thursday. Sarita Varma's body was found hanging on January 30 with her mouth gagged. A foul play is being suspected in the incident. According to police officials, the deceased was deaf and mute. The cloth had been thrusted tightly into her mouth. It appears that she was killed before being hanged by miscreants, they said. The woman was living with her brothers and a sister-in-law on the first floor of a rented accomodation. All of them were out when the incident took place. The house owner is an ailing elderly person who lives on the ground floor. Preliminary investigations reveal that a youth used to frequent the house to deliver food to the house owner. Two youths have been taken into police custody and are being interrogated. Defence Secretary Ben Wallace (PA Wire) Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has refused to rule out Britain sending fighter jets to Ukraine but warned there is "no magic wand in this horrendous conflict. Speaking at a press briefing following a UK-Australia ministerial summit in Portsmouth, Mr Wallace said the UK would respond to Ukraines requests as it seeks to repel Vladimir Putins forces. On the question of jets, one thing Ive learned over the last year is dont rule anything in, dont rule anything out, he said. That is the simple reality. We respond to the needs of the Ukrainians at the time, based on what the Ukrainians tell us, what we see in intelligence, in our knowledge of the Russians on the battlefield. Right now what the Ukrainians need is the ability to form military formations on the ground in order to use combined artillery to push back Russian forces. The issue here is its easy to get carried away. Last week we gave tanks, what next? The Defence Secretarys comments come after Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky appealed to Western allies to supply advanced combat jets to protect the countrys skies from Russian attacks. Mr Zelensky said: We have to unlock the supply of long-range missiles to Ukraine, it is important for us to expand our co-operation in artillery, we have to achieve the supply of aircraft to Ukraine. And this is a dream... a task. An important task for all of us. Modern western planes would be a major upgrade on Ukraines Soviet-era fighting jets - mostly MiGs, which were largely made before the country declared independence from the USSR in 1991. But US President Joe Biden has ruled out sending US Air Force F-16 jets and Downing Street has insisted it is not practical to send any of its RAF Typhoon or F35 fighter jets to Ukraine. No 10 said on Thursday that the UKs current fast jet training programme takes five years. Mr Wallace agreed that training Ukrainian pilots to use UK fighter jets would take months, and suggested the priority should be helping train Kyivs forces to take back territory. Story continues Britain has agreed to send a squadron of 14 Challenger 2 tanksto bolster Ukraines forces in the coming weeks. Meanwhile Mr Wallace said defence spending could need to increase for decades as the UK faces an increasingly dangerous world. The Defence Secretary said a "growing proportion" of government spending would need to go towards keeping the country safe. He said: "There's a recognition that as the world gets more dangerous, unstable, defence should continue to get a growing proportion of spend, we can then debate how much that proportion should be," he said. "But my point is the direction of travel is: the world is more dangerous and unstable, and likely to remain so for a decade or two. "And I think that's just about changing that perception. Earlier this week Mr Wallace told MPs the armed forces had been "hollowed out and underfunded". Ankara, Feb 2 : Turkey will not approve Sweden's bid to join NATO as long as it continues to allow Quran-burning protests, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said, adding that his country looks positively on Finland's application for membership of the military alliance. "Sweden! Don't even bother to try. We cannot say 'yes' to your joining NATO as long as you continue to allow burning and tearing of my sacred book, the Quran," Erdogan said in an address to Parliament on Wednesday. "Our view on Finland is positive, but not for Sweden," he added. Ankara's backlash against Stockholm's NATO bid comes after the latter's permission for recent protests involving Quran burning in the Nordic country, as well as the issue of extradition of people affiliated with anti-Turkey groups. The Swedish police allowed a protest in which a far-right politician burned a copy of the Quran outside the Turkish Embassy in Stockholm in January. Sweden and Finland submitted their formal requests to join NATO in May 2022, which were initially opposed by Turkey, an alliance member, citing their support for anti-Ankara Kurdish organisations and political dissidents. A month later, Turkey, Sweden and Finland reached a memorandum of understanding (MoU) ahead of the NATO summit held in Madrid. Under the MoU, Turkey agreed to lift its veto on the NATO bids by Finland and Sweden, which in return pledged to support Ankara's fight against terrorism and address its "pending deportation or extradition requests of terror suspects expeditiously and thoroughly". The Turkish parliament has not ratified the Nordic countries' NATO bids so far, citing that they have yet to meet Ankara's requests. Los Angeles, Feb 2 : Hollywood star Dave Bautista means it when he says 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3' will be his final outing as Drax the Destroyer. During a recent visit on 'The Tonight Show', the actor stuck to his guns about exiting the Marvel Cinematic Universe and questioned why it's still news at this point, reports 'Variety'. "Yeah, it's weird. I don't know why it's news," Bautista said. "This is my seventh film as Drax. And my third 'Guardians' (movie). It was like our trilogy. That's kind of what we all signed up for, to do a trilogy. And I think this will be the last version of our 'Guardians of the Galaxy.'" For Bautista, writer-director James Gunn has crafted the "perfect exit" for his character. It's so perfect in fact that Bautista said coming back to Marvel as Drax would "tarnish" the character. Not even a big Marvel paycheck would warrant ruining Drax's perfect ending. "We all had those perfect character arcs and such a storybook ending," Bautista said. "I constantly relate it to the way I ended my wrestling career. I ended it on a storybook note. And I would never go back and tarnish that. And it's the same with this." "With Drax, I just got to end the perfect way," he added. "And I would never sign up for another job as Drax just to get a paycheck. I would tarnish that (perfect ending), and I won't do it." Bautista told GQ magazine in January that he was excited to leave Drax behind and start flexing more mature acting muscles. As the actor put it: "It wasn't all pleasant. It was hard playing that role. The makeup process was beating me down. And I just don't know if I want Drax to be my legacy -- it's a silly performance, and I want to do more dramatic stuff." Next up for Bautista is M. Night Shyamalan's 'Knock at the Cabin' and an expanded supporting role in Denis Villeneuve's 'Dune Part II'. Gaza, Feb 2 : A delegation of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) militant group will head to Egypt on Thursday for dialogue on defusing the escalating tensions between Israel and Palestine, an official said. Dawood Shehab, a PIJ leader from Gaza, told reporters that the group's secretary-general Ziad Al-Nakhala, at the invitation of Egypt, will lead the delegation to discuss the escalating violence in the West Bank and Jerusalem with Egyptian security intelligence officials. The meeting comes after a series of deadly incidents in the region. On January 26, Israeli forces raided the Jenin refugee camp in the occupied northern West Bank and killed nine Palestinians and wounded 16 others. A day later, a gunman opened fire on people near a synagogue at a Jewish settlement in East Jerusalem, killing at least seven people. Egypt has been mediating between Israel and the Palestinians and brokered several ceasefire agreements to end hostilities in the region. New Delhi, Feb 2 : Two girls, aged 5 and 6 years, were allegedly molested by a man in Delhi's Dwarka area, said an official on Thursday. Police said that they arrested the accused and identified him as Deepak (25). According to a senior police official, on Thursday around 1.20 a.m., a complaint was received in which the complainant said that she along with her family, including her sisters came to her aunty's house at Uttam Nagar to attend a birthday party. "After the party, her daughters, aged 6 years and 5 years, were not found in the house and upon search they were found inside the jhuggi of the accused. They alleged that Deepak molested them," said the official. "A case under section 342 (wrongful confinement), 354 (criminal force to any woman, intending to outrage or knowing it to be likely that he will there by outrage her modesty) of the Indian Penal Code and 10/12 Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act was registered at Uttam Nagar police station. The accused Deepak has been arrested," the official said. Police also said that any other relevant sections of the IPC will be added after 164 CrPC statement and as per facts that emerge in investigation Mumbai, Feb 2 : On the occasion of Abhishek Bachchan's birthday, producer Anand Pandit has expressed the desire to work with the star again as he announced that the sequel to the 2021 film 'The Big Bull' is in the works. Pandit says, "I was being asked continuously whether I would make a sequel... Yes, I am happy to share that an exciting sequel to 'The Big Bull' is in the works and this film certainly will offer a worthy progression to the premise of a financial genius who once again goes too far." This announcement is significant in view of Abhishek Bachchan's birthday on February 5. Pandit says, "Yes, I want to create a film that does justice to the immensity of his talent. He is a very gifted actor and it has been an absolute pleasure to work with him." "The sequel hopefully will give us another opportunity to make magic together." The producer is in the process of buying the rights of a book and says, "I can't divulge much about what the sequel will be based on but the premise is going to be very interesting." 'The Big Bull' was released on Disney Plus Hotstar in 2021 and was a fictional tale of a notorious stockbroker named Hemant Shah. Meeting of Like minded Opposition parties at Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Khargeji's Chamber in Parliament House. Image Source: IANS News Meeting of Like minded Opposition parties at Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Khargeji's Chamber in Parliament House. Image Source: IANS News Meeting of Like minded Opposition parties at Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Khargeji's Chamber in Parliament House. Image Source: IANS News Meeting of Like minded Opposition parties at Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Khargeji's Chamber in Parliament House. Image Source: IANS News New Delhi, Feb 2 : Rajya Sabha proceedings were adjourned till 2 p.m. on Thursday after Chairman Jagdeep Dhankar rejected the suspension notice of nine members, including Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge (LoP), leading to sloganeering. While rejecting the notice, the Chairman said, "The notices are not in order to be accepted," and referred to the December 8 ruling about acceptance and rejections of the rule 267 notices which is invoked to suspend business. Later, the members objected to the ruling and Dhankar adjourned the House till 2 p.m. Ahead of the House proceedings, leaders of various like-minded opposition parties met at LoP's chamber. They included Congress, DMK, AITC, SP, JD(U), Shiv Sena, CPI(M), CPI, NCP, IUML, NC, AAP, and Kerala Congress. The government is likely to move a motion of thanks to President Droupadi Murmu for her address to joint the sitting of Parliament. Tokyo, Feb 2 : A Tokyo civic group said it has detected high concentrations of potentially harmful substances known as PFAS in the blood samples of some inhabitants of the western area of the Japanese capital, suggesting contamination of local water supply, local media reported. In a statement to the media, the group said that PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are found in firefighting foam used on American military bases but it was unclear whether the contamination had any relation to the Yokota Air Base, a US Air Force installation located in the Tama area of western Tokyo, Xinhua reported citing Kyodo News. Koji Harada, associate professor of public health at Kyoto University who headed the testing efforts, said, however, the concentrations of PFAS found should not cause serious damage to health, said the report. PFAS is a general term for a group of artificial chemicals, such as PFOS, or perfluorooctane sulfonate, and PFOA, or perfluorooctanoate. The group began carrying out tests in November to determine the source of the contamination, which involved 87 people, mostly residents of Kokubunji and some from other cities, such as Kodaira, Koganei and Musashino, according to Kyodo News. The interim results showed that 21 of them were found to have exceeded acceptable levels of PFOS in their bloodstream while six of the 21 had unacceptable levels of PFOA. Harada said that the concentration is evidently high for some residents, which leads one to think potable water is the main cause of it. The state and local governments must deal with the issue from the perspective of what to do with the source of contamination, Harada added. Jaipur, Feb 2 : The first G20 Employment Working Group meeting will commence in Rajasthan's Jodhpur from Thursday. The city has been decked up for the three-day meeting. Over 100 officials along with 74 foreign delegates from 29 countries will participate in the meeting. Members from 19 member countries and nine guest countries have started arriving here. Apart from this, the members of some international organisations will also participate in the meeting. The G20 conference, which will be held in different cities for a year in India, will have the meeting of the Employment Working Group in four different phases. Jodhpur will host its first group meeting which will be followed by Guwahati ( April 3 to 5). Next conference is in Geneva where meetings are scheduled on June 1 and 2 and after that in Indore where the meeting is scheduled on July 19 and 30. Along with this, the meeting of Labour and Employment Ministers of G20 countries will also be held in Indore on July 21. The Employment Working Group at the G20 Summit will focus on three key areas in different meetings throughout the year. Presentations will be prepared on these topics and solutions will also be found for the problems being faced by these G20 countries. The three areas include addressing global skill gaps; gig and platform economy and social protection and sustainable financing of social security. A total of 74 delegates will be included, out of which 54 delegates will be from 19 member countries, 15 delegates will come from nine guest countries and seven members will be from international organisations. The three-day meet will begin with a presentation on skill development on Thursday at 2.00 p.m. at Taj Hari Hotel which will be chaired by Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. Tumakuru : , Feb 2 (IANS) The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal have submitted a petition to the Deputy Commissioner of Tumakuru city in Karnataka asking the authorities to prevent traders of other faiths to carry out business within the premises of a historical temple during the celebration of a festival. The three-day festival will take place at the historical Gosala Gubbi Channabasaveshwara temple from Thursday. To avoid any untoward incident, authorities have already beefed up the security in the area. In their petition, the two Hindu groups warned of a response if such traders are allowed to carry out business directly or indirectly in the premises of the temple or in a 100-metre surrounding. They have also requested the police department to ensure implementation of clauses of the law in the Muzrai department in this regard. "The clause is very clear that there is no scope for persons of other religions to carry out business in the premises of temples and at religious fares. This law should be enforced," VHP President G.K. Srinivas said. The boycotting trend which seemed to have settled down in Karnataka comes to the fore again with the latest development. New Delhi, Feb 2 : Both houses of Parliament were adjourned till 2 p.m. on Thursday amid noisy protests by Congress-led opposition parties over research group Hindenburg's report on Adani Group. As soon as Lok Sabha convened for the day, opposition members rushed to the Well raising slogans. Speaker Om Birla had just welcomed a Parliamentary delegation from Zambia and started the Question Hour, when the ruckus began. Birla objected to the noisy scenes and asked the members not to make unsubstantiated claims. As the slogan shouting continued, he adjourned the proceedings till 2 p.m. Rajya Sabha too was adjourned over protests by opposition parties on the same issue. A US-based research firm Hindenburg has accused the Adani group of "brazen stock manipulation and accounting fraud scheme over the course of decades". Opposition parties have been seeking to raise the Adani issue, Chinese transgressions at the border and the role of Governors in states. Peshawar, Feb 2 : The January 31 suicide bombing at the sprawling mosque in Peshwar's Malik Saad Shaheed Police Lines area was among the deadliest to hit this city. Headquarters to capital city police and half a dozen other units including the frontier reserve police, the special security unit of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, the counter terrorism department, the elite force, telecommunication, rapid response force and special combat unit, it is no ordinary facility, Dawn reported. With a single entry and exit point, where guards ask all visitors for identification and search their vehicles, it is a mystery how a suicide bomber managed to sneak in, and that too with explosives. Investigators acknowledge it is not an easy case to solve. With more than 2,000 staff working for the many units, and two to three hundred visitors daily, profiling each individual alongside reviewing hours of CCTV footage from the lone camera outside the mosque's front gate and the compound, will be a time-consuming and painstaking task. Equally difficult is collecting forensic evidence from underneath the debris of the collapsed roof that caused the most damage and casualties, Dawn reported. A chapter of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) from MohAmand, which accepted responsibility for the attack, desAcribed the bomber as 25-year-old Huzaifa -- probably an orgAaAniAsational name given to an individual, like Ehsanullah Ehsan. Police have so far recovered two heads from under the rubble, so mutilated that they could not be run through the Nadra database for positive identification. Efforts are now on to reconstruct the faces and produce identikits, Dawn reported. The high-walled compound is manned by police round the clock. It is difficult to get in without being questioned and asked for identity papers. However, in the absence of a single command authority, six to eight police guards can barely cope with the task of searching and establishing the identities of the 2,000-plus staff and the hundreds of visitors that pass these gates every day. "There was a security lapse," acknowledged the Inspector General of Police, Moazzam Jah. Senior police officials say that while there has been an alarming and disturbing increase in threat alerts of possible militant attacks in some key districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, there was no specific threat from the intelligence agencies regarding the Police Lines compound, Dawn reported. Investigators continue to pore over hours of video footage and check the personal profiles of thousands of employees to look for possible suspects. There are also procedural questions: did the bomber walk in through the main gate; did he carry the explosives on him or was there someone inside the compound that helped him smuggle the explosives in beforehand. Intelligence and police sources speculate that the bomber couldn't have pulled off such an audacious task without inside help, Dawn reported. Soon after the bombing, TTP's Mohmand chapter -- formerly known as the Jamaatul Ahrar -- claimed responsibility for the attack through its social media handles, saying that it was carried out to avenge the death of its leader, Umar Khalid Khurasani, who was killed in Afghanistan in August 2022, the fourth such revenge attack so far. A little later, however, TTP Central issued a denial, insisting it was against its policy to attack mosques. Investigators believe this was a distraction, since the militant commander who accepted responsibility for the bombing had only recently been appointed by TTP Central to head the Zhob Division (Wilayah in militants' parlance) in Balochistan. Amaq, a news agency linked to the Islamic State, also made its own claim of responsibility for the attack, Dawn reported. Police and investigating agencies, however, see the TTP's fingerprints on the attack. Investigators believe that the militant groups that form the TTP enjoy operational independence, even if their actions are at variance with the organisation's central policy guidelines. Bengaluru, Feb 2 : A female dentist from Lucknow committed suicide in Bengaluru after being constantly harassed by a colleague at a hospital here, police said. The victim worked at the MS Ramaiah Memorial Hospital. According to the police, she was being pestered by her colleague, identified as Sumit who worked in the same hospital. It is alleged that Sumit had forced the victim to marry him and also compelled her to consume alcohol and smoke. The accused was also pestering the deceased to give him money. But she turned down all his requests, the police said. Enraged by this, Sumit allegedly spread rumours about the the victim's character at the hospital, following which she took the drastic step. The incident had taken place on January 25 and the Sanjaynagar police are investigating the case. Patna, Feb 2 : Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav has attacked the BJP and RSS and said that they are "putting dog collars on the necks of some people and are asking them to indulge in hooliganism". Yadav said this while addressing a gathering in Patna Gyan Bhawan on the birth anniversary of Late Jagdev Prasad on Wednesday. "We are strong believers in Lord Rama. Those who are giving knowledge on Lord Rama, Lord Krishna and Hindu religion, I want to tell them that the religion is not the copyright of some people. We do not need certificates from them," he said. "BJP, after coming into power in the country, is choking the neck of democracy. BJP and RSS have defamed Hindu religion more than any other party. They have put dog collars on the neck of some people who are involved in hooliganism. They are creating differences in the society and forcing them to fight against each other. They are asking our children to study Hindi and Sanskrit which is good but their children are studying in convent schools," Tejashwi said. Earlier, Chandrashekher Yadav, the education minister of Bihar under the RJD quota had said that Ramcharitmanas and two more books, Manu Smriti and a bunch of thoughts spread hatred in the society. This has led to huge controversy nationwide and even the RJD partner JD(U) has criticized it. New Delhi, Feb 2 : The Supreme Court on Thursday declined to scrap a rule, which allows candidates to contest from more than one constituency in a general election. A bench headed by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud said, "It's a policy matter...an issue of political democracy". The bench, also comprising Justices P.S. Narasimha and J.B. Pardiwala stressed, "It's for Parliament to take a call." The plea filed by advocate Ashwini Upadhyay sought to restrict a candidate from contesting from more than one constituency in a general election. During the hearing, the bench orally told senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayan, representing the petitioner, that the leader of a national party would also want to show his pan-India image and show that I can stand from west, east, north, and south India. The bench further added that there is nothing wrong with that and there are historical figures who had that kind of popularity, and told the counsel that if Parliament wants to amend it can, and the court will not do it. The counsel argued that the candidates should be asked to deposit more if they are standing from two constituencies. The bench noted that candidates may contest from different seats due to a variety of reasons and whether this would further the course of democracy is up to Parliament. The apex court concluded that permitting a candidate to contest from more than one seat is a matter of legislative policy since ultimately its Parliament's will on whether the political democracy is furthered by granting such choice. Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 2 : The Kerala Assembly on Thursday witnessed angry exchanges between the treasury and the opposition benches after a Congress MLA accused the ruling CPI(M) of having links with the mafia. Congress legislator Dr Mathew Kuzhalnadan's allegations also left Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan fuming. Kuzhalnadan was seeking leave for an adjournment motion on an incident wherein a CPI(M) councillor at Alappuzha -- A.Shahnawaz -- was suspended by his Alappuzha district party unit, last month after his lorry carrying banned tobacco products was taken into custody. Two people arrested with the consignment turned out to be close associates of the councillor, who first refused to acknowledge the two arrested. But later, their pictures at Shahnawaz's birthday celebrations apparently forced the party to take action. While the two members of the youth wing of the CPI(M) were ousted from the party, the powerful Shahnawaz was only suspended, for his closeness with State Minister for Culture, Fisheries Saji Cherian, who till recently was the Alappuzha district secretary. In the Assembly, Kuzhalnadan alleged that the ruling CPI(M) and its top leaders harbour their cadres engaged in undesirable activities and the situation is very grave when even Ministers come in their support of their cadres. At this, Vijayan lost his cool and said just because someone is a legislator, it doesn't give him the right to say ridiculous things about a party like CPI(M). It will not be accepted, he asserted. Soon Leader of Opposition V.D.Satheesan got up and said , it was he who had authorised Kuzhalnadan to present this incident in the Assembly and that he had only stated facts. However, State Excise Minister M.B.Rajesh dismissing brushed aside the allegations levelled by Kuzhalandan and said a probe is on and the wrong-doers will not be allowed to go scot free, but the Opposition just cannot name who is the accused and arrest cannot happen on their demands. "The problem is the Opposition presently is down and out politically is unable to function constructively and hence this impasse from them," said Rajesh. With the Speaker disallowing a discussion to the adjournment motion, the entire opposition staged a walk-out of the house. San Francisco, Feb 2 : Photo-sharing social media platform Pinterest is reportedly laying off about 150 employees amid cost-cutting measures. The move affected less than 5 per cent of Pinterest's total workers, reports Bloomberg, citing sources. "We're making organisational changes to further set us up to deliver against our company priorities and our long-term strategy," a Pinterest spokeswoman, was quoted as saying. "Our employees are the heart of how we're able to serve our Pinners around the world. All of the employees who were impacted contributed to Pinterest and as they transition, we're committed to supporting them with separation packages, benefits and other services," she added. The photo-sharing social media company had about 4,000 employees as of the end of the third quarter, said the report. Moreover, the report mentioned that the job cuts came from teams across the US-based company, though not all were affected to the same degree. With this, Pinterest joins other tech companies such as Amazon, Microsoft, Meta and Google parent Alphabet that have cut thousands of jobs. Meanwhile, Digital payments company PayPal also announced that it is laying off 2,000 full-time employees, or about 7 per cent of its global workforce, to address the "challenging macroeconomic environment." PayPal President and CEO Dan Schulman said that these job reductions will occur over the coming weeks, with some organisations impacted more than others. Chennai, Feb 2 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, M.K. Stalin on Thursday conducted a surprise inspection at the Adi Dravidar school in Vellore district to check on the breakfast scheme and whether it was being served properly. Stalin was accompanied by Vellore district collector Kumaravel Pandian and Vellore corporation commissioner, P. Ashok Kumar. The Chief Minister reached the school around 7.30 a.m. and enquired with the headmaster Anbazhagan on the requirements of the school as well as the quality of breakfast being served there. The school headmaster Anbhazhagan while speaking to media persons said, "The Chief Minister was very polite, but I was speechless on seeing him in person. He even served breakfast to a few students." Stalin, according to the headmaster enquired about the number of students in the school, their studies, and the quality of breakfast being served. It is to be noted that this is a Government school maintained by the Department of Adi Dravidar and Tribal welfare. The school has presently 132 students which includes 73 girl students. Most of the students are from the Tribal Irula community. The Chief Minister also visited a wellness centre at Sathuvachari which is within the Vellore corporation limits. The Vellore corporation has already constructed 20 wellness centres at a cost of Rs 25 lakh each. M.K. Stalin also visited the community kitchen where the breakfast is prepared under the state government scheme of free breakfast for school students. The community kitchen at Vellore prepares breakfast for 3,269 students and serves 48 corporation-run schools. Mumbai, Feb 2 : Actor-producer Arbaaz Khan is all set to take us on a nostalgia trip with his upcoming six-part chat series titled 'The Invincible'. The first episode will feature his father and veteran screenwriter Salim Khan. The actor will be hosting the evergreen stars of Hindi cinema and take us down memory lane. The show stars Salim Khan, Javed Akhtar, Helen, Waheeda Rahman, Shatrughan Sinha and Mahesh Bhatt. Talking about 'The Invincibles', Arbaaz says, "Cinema is evergreen and I wanted to create a series that evoke nostalgia. Quite often, I have this fear that the stories we've grown up listening to will get lost if we don't document them." He added: "This is my attempt at playing a biographer for an industry that I have seen up closely. I want to chronicle the legendary stories and celebrate the people who've created gold in the process." Curated by Arbaaz and his team, the list of guests is a good mix of star writers, filmmakers, and superstars to give a wholesome view of the Hindi movie industry and how things worked before the corporatisation of cinema. The show will commence on February 3 on Bollywood Bubble. Hyderabad, Feb 2 : YSR Telangana Party president Y. S. Sharmila on Thursday dared Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao to walk along with her for just three kilometres to know the plight of people in the state. She threw this challenge at KCR before embarking on the last leg of her Praja Prasthanam padayatra. Addressing a news conference in Hyderabad, Sharmila said that KCR has failed to fulfill any of the promises he made to the people of the state. "For the past nine years, there is no section in the state that has not suffered from this autocratic and inefficient rule. From farmers' plight to the youth's distress, women's issues to education, KCR has failed to keep every promise he made," she said. The daughter of former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy said that when she tried to expose his failures and corruption, her padayatra was ruthlessly attacked. "Today, I challenge the chief minister to walk with us for a full day and if you show us that every person in the state is happy and has no problems for you to solve, then I will withdraw from politics. I'm gifting this brand new pair of shoes to walk. This is as per your size and there is a bill to exchange in case it doesn't fit." After a break of two months, Sharmila is set to resume her padyatra in Warangal district where it was stopped by the state government. Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) workers had allegedly set afire her bus and pelted stones on other vehicles in Warangal district on November 28. Later, police arrested Sharmila as she refused to call off the padyatra in view of the tense situation in the area. Sharmila was later shifted to Hyderabad. The next day, she was arrested again amid high drama while leading a protest march towards the chief minister's official residence. She was driving a car damaged in the attack and wanted to stage a protest in front of the chief minister's residence. The police, however, stopped her en route. When she refused to come out of the car, the police towed it away to a police station. The padyatra, however, could not resume as the police had not given the permission. The YSRTP approached Telangana High Court, which asked Sharmila to abide by the conditions imposed earlier while allowing her to resume the walkathon. New Delhi, Feb 2 : India's aviation industry suffered a loss of over Rs 24,000 crore in the last two financial years during 2020-22. As per the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation, the industry in FY 2020-21 suffered a loss of Rs 12,479 crore and in FY 2021-22 it was Rs 11,658 crore. In a reply at the Lok Sabha on Thursday, the Ministry said the Centre has taken various initiatives to support the aviation industry. The reduction in Value Added Tax (VAT) on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) was taken up with state governments and union territories levying high VAT on ATF. As a result, VAT on ATF has been reduced by 17 states and UTs. The reply said that Goods and Services Tax (GST) on rate has been reduced from 18 per cent to 5 per cent for domestic Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services. The Ministry further informed that the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and other airport developers have targeted a capital outlay of approximately Rs 98,000 crore in the next five years for expansion and modification of new and existing terminals as well as the strengthening of runways, among other activities. The Centre has also approved the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) to the aviation sector, according to the Ministry. Based on the industry demand, the scope of ECLGS has been enhanced to provide credit support to these companies upto 100 per cent of their total credit outstanding (both fund based and non-fund based outstanding) as on reference dates, subject to a cap of Rs 1,500 crore per borrower, whichever is lower, it said in its reply. Firefighters from several area departments responded to a barn fire behind a house in the village of Moravia Thursday. The fire was reported at 15 Church St. around 11:42 a.m., the Cayuga County 911 center said. Crews remained on the scene as of 2 p.m. The barn, which is located behind a house on the property, was destroyed. Crews dispatched to the scene included firefighters from departments in Aurelius, Moravia, Locke, Sempronius, West Niles, Oswasco, Fleming, New Hope, Scipio and Groton. Four Town and Southern Cayuga ambulance squads also responded. Additional information was not immediately available. New Delhi, Feb 2 : Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday sought a probe by a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) or by a team under the Chief Justice of India's supervision into the Hindenburg research report on Adani group. Addressing a press conference at Vijay Chowk, just outside Parliament, Kharge sought the probe in the matter along with leaders from other opposition parties like DMK, Trinamool Congress, Samajwadi Party, JD(U), Shiv Sena-Thackeray, CPI(M), CPI, NCP, IUML, NC, AAP and Kerala Congress. The decision to seek a judicial or a JPC probe was taken after a meeting in Kharge's chamber, where members of the aforementioned parties were also present. Later Kharge told reporters that he along with other leaders had given a notice for adjournment of proceedings of the Rajya Sabha to discuss the Adani group issue, but it was rejected by Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar. Samajwadi Party leader Ram Gopal Yadav said the matter was very "serious". The Opposition has alleged that public money of LIC and SBI invested in Adani firms is in danger of sinking and the government is not taking action. AAP MP Sanjay Singh sought to know why the government was silent on the matter. Bharat Rashtra Samithi member Keshav Rao questioned Dhankhar for rejecting adjournment notices given by the opposition leaders. Earlier, amid protests by the opposition parties on the Adani issue, both Houses of Parliament were adjourned till 2 p.m. New Delhi, Feb 2 : Road safety body International Road Federation (IRF) has said that the increased allocation of Rs 10 lakh crore as capital expenditure in the Union Budget for the year 2023-24 will help boost logistics and connectivity across the nation. "The Union budget gives a boost to infrastructure development and has earmarked Rs 10 lakh crore as capital expenditure for financial year 2023- 24. This is significantly higher (33 per cent) than the Rs 7.5 lakh crore allocated in the fiscal 2022-23. The provision of Capital outlay of Rs 2.40 lakh crore for Railways, Rs 10,000 crore for urban infra fund, Rs 75,000 crore for 100 critical transport infra projects, promises strong development in the infrastructure space." said Satish Parakh, President, International Road Federation (IRF) India Chapter welcoming the Budget. "The announcement of 50 new airports and heliports will contribute to improved connectivity. The Vivad se Vishwas II - Voluntarily Settling Contractual Disputes scheme will provide big relief and ease of cash flow to contractors for fast track realization of contractual disputes, which are awarded but have been challenged in court," said Parakh. IRF also welcomed the thrust of the Budget on seven growth engines of PM Gati Shakti including roads, railway, airports, ports, mass transport, waterways and logistics. "The Union government in its budget has emphasized on providing a massive push to all kinds of mobile connectivity by taking forward programs across various key sub-sectors such as roads, rail, inland waterways, air connectivity. "There was a dire need to give impetus to the infrastructure sector in view of its capital-intensive nature and long gestation period for infrastructure projects. Hence, augmented budgetary allocation, would ensure time-bound creation of world-class infrastructure and propel India's overall development," said Parakh. "From highway construction to expansion in other mobility infra sectors will work as key drivers for the Indian economy and the most tangible evidence of the nation's progress. Investment in the infrastructure and mobility sector has a cascading impact on all sectors such as banking and financial sector, logistics, power sector. Infrastructure sector also aids in employment generation and socio-economic development of the country," Parakh said. Hansal Mehta's 'Faraaz' trailer is all about hope and courage Image Source: IANS News Hansal Mehta's 'Faraaz' trailer is all about hope and courage Image Source: IANS News Hansal Mehta's 'Faraaz' trailer is all about hope and courage Image Source: IANS News Mumbai : Director Hansal Mehta and actors Aaditya Rawal and Zahan Kapoor during the press conference of upcoming film 'Faraaz', in Mumbai on Tuesday, Jan 31, 2023. (Photo:Sanjay Tiwari/IANS) Image Source: IANS News New Delhi, Feb 2 : The Delhi High Court on Thursday refused to stay the release of the movie 'Faraaz' based on the 2016 Dhaka terror attacks. The mothers of two victims had moved to the High Court challenging the release of the movie seeking injunction. The movie directed by Hansal Mehta is set to release on February 3. A division bench of Justices Siddharth Mridul and Talwant Singh had directed the movie producers to 'scrupulously adhere' to the disclaimer presented in the film. The disclaimer states that the movie is inspired by a true event but is a work of fiction. The High Court, on January 24, had issued notice and directed the director and producers of the movie to file a reply on a plea. The same bench had said that the reply should be filed in five days. During the last hearing, appearing for the mothers, senior advocate Akhil Sibal had informed the court that filmmaker Mehta and the producers have denied them permission to watch the movie before the release. "They have denied it completely," he had said. Sibal had contended that they had asked the filmmakers to change the movie name but they did not agree. "We have no idea what names have been used in the film. In 2021, they had assured us that the name of the two girl victims will not be taken," he had added. To this, the court had asked how was this related to the movie's name? Sibal had said that it is the name of a person who was a victim of the attack. Earlier, the division bench had said that the filmmaker should first analyse what Urdu poet Ahmad Faraz took a stand for, if they have decided to name the movie 'Faraaz' and resolve the issue. "If you are naming the movie 'Faraaz', then you should know what Ahmad Faraz stood for. If you wish to be sensitive about the sentiments of a mother, then talk to her," the court had said. However, advocate Shyel Trehan representing Mehta, argued that they don't want to set an example of allowing movies to be viewed before release. Sibal had argued that if the movie is a work of fiction, what was the need to use such thinly disguised names in it. And said that they can dub it and change names. "All information is already in public domain," counsel for Mehta had said. "Public domain and public record are two different things," Sibal had argued. After the court had directed Mehta's counsel to take instructions on dubbing the names, the latter had submitted that the filmmakers are willing to change one name. Sibal had opposed Trehan and said: "What is the point? The mothers will have to relive the trauma." Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 2 : A doctor attached to state-run General Hospital here was suspended after a sting operation by a news channel on Thursday showed that he issued two health cards without even examining the people who had applied for it. The doctor allegedly also took Rs 300 as bribe for issuing a health card. Amit Kumar, who is the assistant surgeon, was seen in the sting video filling up the health card without even looking up to the applicants, nor was any medical examination done. The scheme of health cards to all those who work in hotels and restaurants was recently introduced by state's Health Minister Veena George, a journalist-turned-politician. And she had gone gaga over this new rule. The introduction of health card was initiated because a few deaths were reported due to eating at some food outlets in the state in the past few months. The sting operation showed two people approaching a Class IV employee at the hospital, seeking to get health cards. Soon, the employee takes them to Amit Kumar who was about to drive away in his car. The doctor then goes into a room and starts filling up the certificate of fitness without even following any normal health practices. He is also heard saying the rate for this certificate is Rs 300 per person. In a flash, the doctor gives the certificate and collects the cash. With the visuals becoming news and the state assembly in session, Leader of Opposition V.D.Satheesan also joined issue and slammed the way things are happening when an important certificate is being given like this. According to the rules, the certifying medical doctor has to have a detailed check that the applicant has no communicable disease or any skin ailments. George later said they are planning to issue a digital card for which the process has begun. Agra, Feb 2 : More than 300 heart specialists and experts will share new research, achievements, experiences and techniques in the field of heart disease at a two-day national convention in Taj city on February 4 and 5. Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Minister Yogendra Upadhyay, along with Agra University vice-chancellor Prof. Ashu Rani, will formally inaugurate the national conference. The objective of the conference is to discuss further improving the practice of clinical and surgical cardiology, creating a bridge of cooperation between various professionals in the field of heart disease, and providing better healthcare to heart patients. Dr. V.K. Jain, president of The Agra Intervention Cardiology Society, said: "Continuous progress and research are being made in the field of cardiology. New technologies are coming and have brought unprecedented success in the field of tests and diagnosis of heart disease. There is a need to share these on one platform so that every patient can get benefits through every doctor in the whole country." He said that the objective of this conference is to provide a platform to cardiologists and cardiac surgeons so that they can share with each other new medical studies, experiences, research findings, achievements, and techniques in the diagnosis of heart disease. Organising and Scientific secretary, Dr. Suvir Gupta said: "Causes and diagnosis of heart failure, Coronary Artery Disease, Acute Coronary Syndrome, Valvular Heart Disease, Arrhythmia and Pacing, EchoCardiography, Bypass Surgery, Heart Valve Surgery, Diabetes will be discussed. And experts will give their presentations on these topics." Academic coordinator, Dr. Himanshu Yadav said that more than 300 eminent doctors, including 40 specialist doctors from Delhi, Rajasthan, Lucknow, Meerut, Haryana, Punjab, and Agra, will participate in the two-day conference. Latest updates on Valentine's Day 2023 San Francisco, Feb 2 : Tech giant Microsoft has introduced new features powered by OpenAI's GPT-3.5, to its Teams Premium, to make meeting artificial intelligence (AI)-powered. The new features aim to make meetings more intelligent, personalised and protected - whether it's one-on-one, large meetings, virtual appointments or webinars, the tech giant said in a blogpost on Wednesday. "With a 252 per cent increase in weekly time spent in meetings in the first two years of the pandemic, we needed to find ways to work smarter, not harder. With the 'intelligent recap' feature, users will get automatically generated meeting notes, recommended tasks and personalised highlights. This will help users to save time spent reviewing meeting recordings, and this feature will be available in the second quarter of this year. The 'AI-generated chapters' will divide the meeting into sections, making it easier to pick and choose the content most relevant to users. This is now available for "PowerPoint Live meeting recordings". "Intelligent recap will automatically generate meeting chapters based on the meeting transcript as well," the company said. Now, users can also access personalised timeline markers which will allow them to "call out when you joined or left a meeting in the meeting recording, so you can quickly click and listen in on what you missed." The timeline markers will also expand to include when the user's name was mentioned and when a screen was shared. "In the coming months, you'll see key points and takeaways after the meeting, with AI-generated notes automatically created and powered by GPT-3.5," the tech giant mentioned. "AI is also here to help with some of the toughest collaboration challenges - working with people who natively speak different languages. Anyone can turn on live captions in Teams and see real-time captions in the spoken language," it added. Microsoft also introduced new features for brands, including 'Branded meetings', 'organisation backgrounds' and 'organisation together mode scenes', and much more. Moreover, users can purchase Teams Premium for $7 till June 30, post which it will cost its usual price of $10. New Delhi, Feb 2 : The BJP is set to launch its campaign for the Tripura assembly elections with 35 rallies on Friday. Bharatiya Janata Party national president JP Nadda and Union Minister Smriti Irani will launch the campaign in the state. Nadda will start the mega election campaign by holding a Vijay Sankalp rally in Tripura's Amarpur. According to sources, after the Vijay Sankalp rally, BJP's Union ministers, senior leaders and chief ministers of other states, including Tripura, will make efforts to create an atmosphere in favour of the saffron party by holding 35 small and big rallies in the state. Sources said that the BJP may release its election manifesto for the assembly elections. All 60 seats of the assembly are to be voted for on February 16, the results of which will be announced on March 2. Significantly, the BJP formed the government for the first time in the state by winning nearly 44 per cent votes in the last assembly elections in 2018. Chandigarh, Feb 2 : Fulfilling another guarantee promised to the people of state, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday announced the first batch of 36 principals who will visit Singapore for further sharpening of their professional skills. The Chief Minister, in an online interaction with the people, said that during the run-up to the Assembly polls they had given guarantees to people that the education system would be completely transformed in the state. He said since teachers are the nation builders who can uplift the level of education, it was guaranteed that their teaching skills would be upgraded by ensuring quality training to them. Mann said as part of this guarantee the first batch of 36 government school principals will be going to Singapore on February 4 for professional training. These principals will be participating in a Professional Teacher Training seminar from February 6. They will return on February 11. Mann envisioned that lakhs of students from across the state will be benefitted from this step as with additional expertise from Singapore these principals will upgrade the level of education being imparted in the state. Peshawar, Feb 2 : Inspector General of Police (IGP) in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Moazzam Jah Ansari on Thursday said that the terrorist responsible for the January 31 suicide bomb blast at the Peshawar mosque had been identified through CCTV footage, adding that he was wearing a police uniform. Addressing a press conference, the IGP stated that the assailant was was riding a motorcycle with a helmet and mask on, The Express Tribune reported. He added that the motorcycle's number plate was fake. Ansari detailed that the attacker pretended to take the vehicle to the side, reached the police lines and asked a constable where the mosque was. The bomber was found in footage from Khyber Road, The Express Tribune reported citing the top police official as saying. He stated that the head of the suicide bomber found at the scene was the same as the person identified on the CCTV footage. The IGP also said that the assailant was not an individual, but rather had a whole network supporting him. He stated that the police were close to the terrorist network responsible for the bombing According to Ansari, the terrorists disturbed the peace of the provincial capital and police personnel were now close to their network. He added that "revenge would be taken for every single" of the 101 people that were killed. IGP Ansari urged people not to spread rumours regarding the blast as they only exacerbated the pain of those deceased. He clarified that speculations of a drone attack were false and that there was no "crater" at the scene of the blast, The Express Tribune reported. He furthered that no identity card of the assailant was found at the sight and that according to the bomb disposal unit's report, the blast was indeed a suicide bombing. Ansari said that TNT explosives were used in the blast, while other explosive materials used to demolish buildings were also used. Los Angeles, Feb 2 : A yet-untitled documentary based on the use of experimental psychedelic drugs by former Navy SEALs and other US special operation veterans to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injuries is in the works from Participant, Actual Films and Chicago Media Project. The film, directed by Jon Shenk and Bonni Cohen, will tackle ground-breaking treatments involving psychedelics amid evidence that the incidence of suicide among former military members who either experienced or witnessed traumatic combat is four times higher than the number of US soldiers killed during active military operations, reports 'The Hollywood Reporter'. The documentary will feature Marcus Capone, a former Navy SEAL left with post traumatic symptoms, like depression and rage, after taking part in special operations. He and his wife Amber founded the nonprofit VETS to help US veterans tap psychedelic assisted therapies as a lifeline. "Over the years, we have been honoured to share stories of survivors struggling with the lingering effects of trauma, and this project goes in the most surprising directions. Marcus and Amber Capone, and their community, are warriors who are helping to open a window that will have profound effects on how we think about treating mental health and brain injury," directors Shenk and Cohen said in a statement. The documentary will follow other SEAL veterans who struggled with anxiety, severe pain and suicidal threats and who now find themselves at the cutting edge of alternative treatments. And the film will detail new scientific research from the Bay Area-based Brain Stimulation Lab around the regenerative properties of ancient natural medicines. "This film confronts hard truths about the lack of essential mental health care for those that have served their country and takes the audience on a truly compassionate and emotional journey they will not forget," Participant CEO David Linde added in a statement. U.S. Rep. Brandon Williams reiterated his commitment to Micron's central New York plans after meeting with the chip manufacturer's top executive on Tuesday. Williams, R-Sennett, met with Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra at his Washington, D.C., office. Sarah Selip, a spokesperson for Williams, told The Citizen that it was "a productive meeting discussing the historic investment in our region." During the meeting, Mehrotra and Williams discussed housing, infrastructure and workforce development. Micron announced in October that it would invest $100 billion over 20 years to build a memory chip manufacturing facility in the town of Clay, Onondaga County. The project would represent the largest private investment in New York state history and create 9,000 jobs. Micron selected central New York as the site for the project two months after President Joe Biden signed the CHIPS and Science Act. The legislation includes $52 billion to support domestic semiconductor chip manufacturing. Williams' predecessor, former U.S. Rep. John Katko, was a leading proponent of the bill and broke with most House Republicans to vote for its passage. After Micron unveiled its plans for a central New York manufacturing facility, Biden visited the Syracuse area and called the project "transformational." During the 2022 campaign for Congress, Williams faced criticism over comments he made about the CHIPS and Science Act. He wrote a letter to The Citizen and described the $52 billion for semiconductor manufacturers as "corporate welfare." However, he has said he would have voted for the bill if he was in Congress at the time. Before the election, Williams had meetings with Micron officials and pledged to be "a partner for their growth and success in central New York." After taking office in January, he accepted three House committee assignments Education and the Workforce; Science, Space and Technology; and Transportation and Infrastructure where he can play a role in addressing issues related to the Micron project. "Brandon is committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure this project is complete," Selip said. "That includes working across party lines and between different levels of government. He will leave no stone unturned to make sure this happens." Anand, Feb 2 : A 11-year-old boy was electrocuted after he came in contact with an electric fence in this Central Gujarat district, police said here on Thursday. In his statement to the Bhadran Police, the victim's father Pravin Thakor said that on Wednesday evening, his son Anil had gone to pluck berries from the field. While crossing one Ramesh Patel's farm, he touched a live wire installed to protect the banana crop from the cattle. Anil died on the spot." Bhadran Police Station officer said that the body has been sent for the post-mortem and a case of accidental death registered. If during investigation, any negligence is found at the hands of the farm owner Rameshbhai, strict action will be taken against him. Farmers install electric fencing to prevent blue bulls, pigs and other cattles from destroying their crops, which often leads to accidents. New Delhi, Feb 2 : Parliamentary proceedings on Thursday were washed out amid noisy protests by the Congress-led opposition, which sought a discussion over research group Hindenburg's report on Adani Group. Both Houses were adjourned till Friday 11 a.m. As political temperatures soared over the matter, leader of opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge led a demand by the opposition parties, seeking a probe by a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) or by a team under the Chief Justice of India's supervision into the research group's report. Both the Houses were adjourned within minutes of assembling at 11 a.m. amid noisy protests by the opposition members. The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned till 2 p.m. As soon as the Lok Sabha reconvened at 2 p.m. after its proceedings were earlier adjourned at 11.05 a.m. over the same issue, the opposition members from the Congress, Trinamool Congress, DMK, Left and Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray group) stormed into the Well of the House, seeking a discussion on the Adani group issue. Members from the Samajwadi Party, NCP, JD(U) and Bharat Rashtra Samithi stood near their seats in support of the protesting members. Rajendra Agrawal, who was in the chair, asked the members to return to their seats, saying that they would be given a chance to speak. As noisy protests by the opposition members continued, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi urged the opposition members to allow the motion of thanks on the President's address to commence. "Parliament is for discussion, therefore the first priority is always to allow the motion of thanks on the President's address. Kindly don't set a wrong precedent," Joshi could be heard saying amid the ruckus. As protests continued, Rajendra Agrawal adjourned the House till Friday. Soon after, the Rajya Sabha, which too had earlier been adjourned till 2 p.m., was also adjourned for the day amid protests by the opposition members on Adani issue. Earlier in the morning, as soon as the Lok Sabha had convened for the day, the opposition members rushed to the Well raising slogans, seeking a discussion on Adani and Hindenburg report. Speaker Om Birla had just welcomed a Parliamentary delegation from Zambia and started the Question Hour, when the ruckus began. Birla objected to the noisy scenes and asked the members not to make unsubstantiated claims. As the slogan shouting continued, he adjourned the proceedings till 2 p.m. New Delhi, Feb 2 : The Delhi High Court on Thursday sought the response from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in the bail plea filed by Kashmiri separatist leader Nayeem Ahmad Khan challenging the trial court order denying him bail in December 2022 in a UAPA case of alleged terror funding. Khan has been in judicial custody since August 14, 2017, after he was arrested the same year on July 24. A division bench of Justices Siddharth Mridul and Talwant Singh issued notice on Khan's plea while listing the matter for the next hearing on March 23. Accused of "creating unrest" in Kashmir, Khan was arrested by the NIA. Based on a complaint by the Ministry of Home Affairs alleging that Lashkar-e-Taiba chief Hafiz Muhammad Saeed, multiple separatist leaders with the Hurriyat Conference members were raising funds through hawala and conspired to cause violence in Kashmir, the NIA had registered the FIR. The case has been registered under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. The special judge had last month ordered the attachment of All Parties Hurriyat Conference's (APHC) office in the case after the NIA had told the court that Khan, along with his associates also partly owned the property. According to the NIA, the office situated at Rajbagh was used to strategise various protests, funding activities of stone pelting on security forces and recruiting youngsters to carry out unlawful and terrorist activities to wage war against the Government of India. The special NIA judge had denied him bail on grounds that there was sufficient evidence available raising grave suspicion about Khan's involvement. New Delhi, Feb 2 : The 165 Battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Chhattisgarh police have set up a Forward Operating Base (FOB) at Bedre in Sukma district, a highly Maoist-affected area of the state, after 17 years, said a CRPF official. While the FOB will effectively help in reopening the old trade route connecting Imli Bazar in Jagargunda with the district headquarters Bijapur and Dantewada, it will also close the transit corridor used by the Maoists to travel between West and South Bastar, an official said. Significantly, a FOB was established in Kunder, located at a distance of 5 km from the FOBs at Bedre, Silger and 10 km from Jagargunda FOB. According to information, till the emergence of the Maoist threat in 2006, the Jagargunda area used to be a trading centre for tamarind and other forest produce. The CRPF said that with this camp, the administration would be able to decisively restore the trade route and pave the way for the economic development of the area. Chennai, Feb 2 : The Adani Enterprises Ltd -- the flagship company of the Adani Group -- on Thursday said it is withdrawing the Red Herring Prospectus (RHP) filed with the Registrar of Companies (RoC) Gujarat. The move is a follow up to the company's decision on Wednesday not to proceed with its Rs 20,000 crore follow-on public offer and withdraw the RHP on account of the prevailing market conditions. The company said owing to the extreme volatility in the company's stock price, other commercial and strategic considerations, and to protect the interest of the investors it is withdrawing the follow-on public offer. The offer agreement dated January 18, 2023 entered into by and amongst the company and the book running lead managers appointed for the Offer, namely, ICICI Securities Limited, Jefferies India Private Limited, Axis Capital Limited, BOB Capital Markets Limited, Elara Capital (India) Private Limited, IDBI Capital Markets and Securities Limited, JM Financial Limited, Monarch Networth Capital Limited, SBI Capital Markets Limited and IIFL Securities Limited, for the purposes of the Offer has been terminated. According to Adani Enterprises, excluding the cash escrow and sponsor banks agreement dated January 18, 2023 entered into by and amongst the company, and ICICI Securities Limited, Jefferies India Private Limited, Axis Capital Limited, Bob Capital Markets Limited, Elara Capital (India) Private Limited, IDBI Capital Markets & Securities Limited, IIFL Securities Limited, JM Financial Limited, Monarch Networth Capital Limited, SBI Capital Markets Limited, Axis Bank Limited, ICICI Bank Limited, Investec Capital Services India (Private) Limited, SBI Cap Securities Limited, Elara Securities (India) Private Limited, JM Financial Services Limited and Link Intime India Private Limited, the other Offer related agreements entered into with various intermediaries to the Offer, including the Monitoring Agency Agreement dated January 17, 2023 entered into with CARE Ratings Limited, are in the process of being terminated. "Further, we wish to inform you that the company shall forthwith refund to the bidders the entire application bid amounts/ subscription amount received in the Offer in accordance with applicable law. In the event that there is a delay in making refunds beyond such period as prescribed under applicable law, the company shall pay the requisite interest to the bidders in the offer at such rate as prescribed under applicable law," the company said. Shaligram Shila going from Nepal to Ayodhya welcomed in Bihar Image Source: IANS News Shaligram Shila going from Nepal to Ayodhya welcomed in Bihar Image Source: IANS News Shaligram Shila going from Nepal to Ayodhya welcomed in Bihar Image Source: IANS News Kathmandu/Ayodhya, Feb 2 : Two 'sacred rocks' excavated from the Kaligandaki River of Nepal to build a statue of Lord Ram in Ayodhya was handed to the Ram Mandir Trust on Thursday. At a ceremony in Ayodhya earlier in the day, Janaki Temple Mahantha Ram Tapeshwor Das handed over the rocks or "Shaligram" to the General Secretary of Tirtha Chhetra Trust Champat Roy. Senior Nepali Congress leader and former Home Minister Bimalendra Nidi had taken a lead to excavate the two rocks. "It took us eight days to reach Ayodhya from Nepal," he said at the ceremony. Hindus consider rocks from the river, which started flowing south after the formation of the Himalayas 65 million years ago, as "very sacred". The rocks would be used to sculpt a life-size statue of Ram Lala or Lord Ram as a child. The eight-day journey was called 'Shila Yatra'. After a decision was taken to construct the temple, its construction organising committee had been looking for sacred rocks from Nepal and approached Nidi following which he found the sacred rocks. Thousands of people welcomed and worshipped the rocks while they were being transported from Nepal to Ayodhya. Both the rocks are seven feet long, five feet wide, and 3.5 feet thick, according to the organising committee. They weigh between 16 and 18 tonnes. On January 19, a team of temple trustees of Ayodhya arrived in Kathmandu in order to transport the rocks and met Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal. The river is famous for its ammonite fossils that Hindus worship as Shaligram, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. En route to India, the boulders reached Janakpurdhan, the birthplace of Goddess Sita, wife of Lord Rama, at the weekend. There, a special puja was organised. In Ayodhya, the boulders will have to go through an elaborate religious ritual. According to the organisers, sculpting of the statue will begin from this month. New Delhi, Feb 2 : The Supreme Court on Thursday orally observed that it has passed many orders in connection with hate speeches at events yet nobody was taking action, while agreeing to examine a plea against an alleged hate speech event scheduled on February 5 in Mumbai. A lawyer mentioned the matter before a bench headed by Justice K.M. Joseph and sought urgent hearing. The bench, also comprising Justices Aniruddha Bose and Justice Hrishikesh Roy, said it will seek instructions from Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud and subject to his approval the matter would be posted for hearing on Friday. The bench orally told the counsel, "You ask us to be embarrassed again and again by getting an order. We have passed so many orders yet nobody is taking action. The Supreme Court should not be asked to pass an order on an event-to-event basis." The bench told the counsel, "We are with you on this, but understand that the Supreme Court cannot be triggered every time... a rally is notified." The counsel insisted that the matter requires urgent hearing citing the alleged hate speech rally organised in Mumbai. The bench stressed that it had already passed an order which is clear enough and further added that if rallies were to happen all across the country and every time there will be an application before the Supreme Court. It added, "How can that be feasible?" The lawyer contended a similar rally was organised a few days ago where an alleged call was made to boycott Muslim communities economically and socially. She added that nearly 10,000 people participated in the rally. After hearing the counsel's submissions, the bench asked her to serve a copy of the application on the Maharashtra government counsel, and added, "we will list it tomorrow subject to orders of the CJI. Only this case, not the entire batch". "The mass participation at these rallies being organised not just with the consent and knowledge of government authorities but with their active participation, pose a serious threat to the very foundation of our nation as a secular nation. The hatred being taught and the radicalization of youth being carried out with such impunity will inevitably lead to communal disharmony and violence of an unfathomable scale across the country," said the plea. The plea said rallies have been organised by a body known as the Sakal Hindu Samaj, an umbrella body of Hindu right-wing organisations under the banner of 'Hindu Jan Aakrosh Sabha'. The last such rally took place on January 29 in Mumbai and more than 10,000 people attended the rally organised by Hindu far-right groups seeking boycott of goods from shops owned by Muslims and a law against 'love jihad' and 'religious conversions'. "That the aforementioned Sakal Hindu Samaj will be organising yet another rally, of a similar nature, on 05.02.2023 in Mumbai. At least 15,000 people are expected to participate in the said rally. The very nature of all the previous rallies clearly indicate the kind of hate speeches that will in all likelihood be delivered at the same event," added the plea. In October last year, the apex court had directed the Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand governments to come down hard on hate speeches, promptly registering criminal cases against the culprits without waiting for a complaint to be filed. Guwahati, Feb 2 : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday said that a total of 4,004 child marriage cases have been registered across the state, adding that "more police action is likely in days ahead" Sharing a report of the Assam Police on Twitter, Sarma said: "Assam Govt is firm in its resolve to end the menace of child marriage in the state. So far @assampolice has registered 4,004 cases across the state and more police action is likely in days ahead. Action on the cases will begin starting February 3 (Friday). I request all to cooperate." According to the report, the highest number of cases at 370 were registered in Dhubri district, followed by Hojai (255) and Udalguri (235). At least 192 cases were registered in the Guwahati police Commissionerate. At 24, Dima Hasao district in the state logged lowest number of child marriage cases. Meanwhile, the Chief Minster had already ordered the state police to begin a severe crackdown on child marriages. "Marrying a minor girl is not only against the law, but it also breaches the fundamental rights of a girl child and is quite dangerous to her health. According to the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act and the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, all the spouses of such young women would be imprisoned and charged," he said. The state government made its decision in response to disturbing data from an official survey performed by the health department that showed that, on an average in Assam, 31 per cent of girls were married off before turning the legal age of 18. "Such a large number of young girls were subjected to child marriage is disturbing. The state government has decided to file cases against all the husbands who are responsible for getting a girl pregnant before the age of 18 under POCSO act," Sarma said. He warned that the penalty for such a crime may be life imprisonment. Shillong, Feb 2 : Shifting of loyalty continued in Meghalaya ahead of the February 27 assembly elections, as former Assembly Speaker and candidate of ruling National People's Party (NPP), Martin M Danggo joined the BJP. According to the candidates' list, announced by the BJP in New Delhi on Thursday, Danggo will contest the assembly elections from Ranikor assembly constituency in South West Khasi Hills district. The NPP sources said that they would soon decide on whether to field a candidate from Ranikor constituency Danggo resigned from the NPP as he was reportedly 'financially neglected' by the NPP, the accusation denied by the ruling party headed by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma. Danggo along with his supporters met Assam Chief Minister and BJP's northeast India strategist Himanta Biswa Sarma on January 28. Danggo in 1998 first won the assembly election as a nominee of People's Democratic Movement. He later joined the Congress in 2003 and remained in the party before joining the NPP. As many as 19 Meghalaya MLAs and many leaders of different parties have resigned from the Assembly and their respective parties and joined other parties in around two months. Ranchi, Feb 2 : Three personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were injured when a landmine planted by the Maoists in Jharkhand's Chaibasa district exploded on Thursday. The injured have been airlifted to Ranchi. The IED explosion occurred during a search operation by the security forces in Meralgadha area of the district. The injured personnel -- Rajesh Pathak, BD Anal and Pankaj Yadav -- have been admitted to Medica hospital in the state capital. Seven such incidents have been recorded within the last month, in which 15 personnel and villagers have suffered injuries. On January 25, Sub-Inspector Ansar Ali of CRPF's 197 Battalion was injured during a search operation in Anjanbeda village of Chaibasa. On January 24, an 18-year-old villager who was on her way to the market was injured in an IED blast. On January 11, six jawans were injured in a landmine blast in Tonto police station area. Earlier, on January 12, three jawans were injured in an explosion in the same area. Such blasts also occurred on January 20 and January 13. Significantly, a joint team of the CRPF, Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA), Jharkhand Jaguar forces and state police has been conducting search operations in the Kolhan division since the last few months for the Maoists, who in retaliation have laid mines at several places in the forests of the area. Beijing (Gasgoo)- On the first day of February, BAIC Group and Bosch China inked a strategic cooperation agreement to deepen their collaboration in the intelligent vehicle field. Photo credit: BAIC Group BAIC Group has a long history of cooperation with Bosch, and the two sides have a deep foundation of cooperation in the fields of engine EFI system, chassis, and intelligent driving. By signing this strategic cooperation, BAIC Group will propose more solutions in the fields of smart cockpit, intelligent driving, and intelligent network connection jointly with Bosch. At the same time, Bosch will provide the Beijing-based automaker with more intelligent and competitive products based on its own safe and reliable intelligent driving solutions in six aspects, including system, functional safety, data, chip, hardware, and algorithm. In recent years, BAIC Group has made continuous efforts in the field of automotive intelligence, and has formed comprehensive capabilities in intelligent core technology development, system integration, and resource integration. The company's proprietary electrical and electronic architecture-related intellectual property rights have been authorized to overseas entities, setting a precedent for the export of core technologies from the Chinese automotive industry to foreign countries. Moreover, BAIC Groups L4 intelligent driving core algorithm development project has been granted with a T3-level road test license for autonomous driving in Beijing, and has carried out regular testing. Chandigarh, Feb 2 : Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhawan has decided to sensitise MLAs on their mother tongue. Under the campaign launched to sensitise the MLAs on various issues of public importance, Sandhwan is organising a discussion on mother tongue Punjabi on February 7 here in which MLAs and officials are invited to participate. According to a spokesperson for the Vidhan Sabha, Sandhwan is organising this discussion in view of the International Mother Language Day being celebrated on February 21 to promote the mother tongue. Along with this, the MLAs will also be sensitised regarding the implementation of Punjabi language in the courts. The state government has also started a campaign to educate the people about the importance of mother tongue and to implement Punjabi. Under this, November is celebrated as Punjabi month. A state-level function was held in Amritsar in November last in which Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann directed to put on all boards in Punjabi language by February 21. Penalties will be imposed for non-compliance with the orders. Mumbai, Feb 2 : Filmmaker Hansal Mehta directorial, 'Faraaz', a real life hostage drama, will be released in select 100 screens across the country. Producer Anubhav Sinha says it is a special film, and wants people to be a part of the premium show experience across India. Sinha shares, "'Faraaz' is a story that needs to be experienced on the big screen. We want this film to reach its right audience and hence we decided to have a premium release in select screens." "It is a special film and we want people to be a part of the premium show experience across India. "The way that people consume content has evolved a lot over the last few years, be it watching movies at home on OTT or going to the theatre to watch a film. It's important for us as filmmakers and producers to adapt to how the audience behaviour has changed and hence we decided to release Faraaz in select screens." Based on the real-life terrorist attack that ravaged a Dhaka cafe, 'Faraaz' is an untold heroic tale about a young boy who stood tall in the darkest times. 'Faraaz' is directed by Hansal Mehta and produced by Bhushan Kumar, Anubhav Sinha, Sakshi Bhatt, Sahil Saigal, and Mazahir Mandsaurwala. The film is jointly produced by T-Series and Benaras Media works in association with Mahana Films. The film stars Zahan Kapoor, Aditya Rawal, Juhi Babbar, Aamir Ali, Sachin Lalwani, Pallak Lalwani, and Reshham Sahaani in the cast. 'Faraaz' is all set to release on February 3. Hyderabad, Feb 2 : Telangana's minister for industries, commerce and information technology K.T. Rama Rao on Thursday called for politicians to focus on economics rather than on politics. He said it was unfortunate that leaders in India focus on politics and not on the economy. India is in a perennial mode of elections and politicians were always more focused on winning the elections than creating wealth for the next generations, he said while addressing at the NHRD 'Decode The Future- The National Conference'. "We are the world's largest democracy and elections happen throughout the year and the leaders are always seized with politics," he said. K.T. Rama Rao, popularly known as KTR, also underlined the need for ensuring equitable distribution of wealth. India was the most populous country in the world and yet a majority of the wealth of the nation was owned by a few individuals, he pointed out. He said it was the primary responsibility of every single government to ensure wealth distribution. "We need to think whether the leadership of our nation is giving us the aspirations of being a 25 trillion economy, besides how the wealth can be distributed equally among all sections," KTR said. "We are a nation with the maximum number of poor people on the planet. I am not preaching Communism but unless wealth is distributed equitably and unless the government takes care of the most vulnerable, we may have civil strife," he warned. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement that freebie culture is bad for the country, KTR said the fact remains that India is still a third world country. He said that India which recently surpassed China as the most populous state with 1.4 billion has the biggest advantage both in terms of natural and Human resources. The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader believes that the biggest challenge for a leader is not capital management but people management. He pointed out that the maiden age of 65 per cent of India's think force is 35 years and maiden age of 50 per cent of think force is 28 years. "We are the youngest nation on the planet but we are not using this asset effectively," he said. Unfortunately, the youth were being trained and groomed to be job seekers and not job providers, he said. Stating that the statistics are sometimes misleading, he said while India is fifth largest economy in terms of GDP, it ranks 142 with a per capita income of only $2,400. KTR said India and China had almost similar GDPs in the 1980s. Now, China was a 18 trillion dollar economy and India was still languishing at 3.4 trillion dollars. Similarly, Japan, despite its geographical and topographical challenges, is the third largest economy in the world. He said China managed its aspirations and development goals and ensured that its natural and human resources were put to effective use. He said Japan could achieve amazing growth despite all adversities because of the intellect of its people. Listing out the rapid strides made by Telangana during the last eight years, especially the growth in GSDP and the per capita income, he claimed that If only the rest of India had performed at par with Telangana, the country would have already become a 4.25 trillion dollar economy. KTR claimed that Telangana made good use of the natural and human resources and achieved 15 percent CAGR. Telangana's per capita income in 2014 was Rs 1.24 lakh and increased to Rs 2.75 lakh while the national average was Rs 1.49 lakh, he said. He pointed out that in the last 8.5 years, Telangana issued nearly 22,000 clearances for industries through TS-IPASS and generated 21 lakh direct jobs. He also explained how Telangana was marching ahead with a fine balance of development and welfare. "If only the rest of India can work like Telangana and if only the rest of India is led by a leader like KCR, 5 trillion is a joke, we can reach 15 trillion dollars," he said. -IANS ms/uk/ Dakshina Kannada, Feb 2 : Preparations are in full swing in the ruling BJP camp to welcome Union Home Minister Amit Shah on his first visit to the communally sensitive coastal region on February 11 ahead of the Assembly polls. Shah is scheduled to visit Puttur town of Dakshina Kannada district to take part in golden jubilee celebrations of the Central Arecanut and Cocoa Marketing and Processing Co-operative Limited (Campko). Dakshina Kannada district witnessed revenge killings and is considered as a communally sensitive district in the state. The Minister's visit assumes significance against the backdrop of Assembly elections which are just two months away. Coastal Karnataka region is a bastion of BJP and considered as laboratory of "Hindutva" in the state. The region will make national news for moral policing, communal strife. Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai while commenting on moral policing, stated that there will be an action for reaction. The statement was slammed by opposition parties saying that the CM's statement had made Hindutva forces in the region emboldened. They also claimed that this encouragement had resulted in revenge killings. Amit Shah, who had visited the Mandya district in the south region of the state and Belagavi, Hubballi-Dharwad districts in the north, is all set to give a message in coastal Karnataka. BJP MLA Sanjeeva Mathandur held a meeting of the government officers and officers from the police department at the taluk panchayat office in Puttur on the preparations to welcome Union Home Minister Amit Shah. MLA Sanjeeva Mathandur stated that one lakh people from the surrounding region will attend a public rally which is going to be attended by Amit Shah. Palanpur, Feb 2 : A criminal complaint has been filed against four persons alleging that they siphoned off Rs 8.76 lakh of public money given for building toilets but have not constructed a single toilet. The Deesa police has started investigating the matter. Gujarat's Deesa Taluka Panchayat development officer Nishantsinh Rajput has stated in his complaint that office-bearers of the Dhanpura Milk Producers Cooperative Society and the Ranpur Anamika Sakhi Mandli have together siphoned off Rs 8.76 lakh. This amount was released for the construction of toilets under the Swachh Bharat Mission. Both agencies were to construct 57 toilets; the Dhanpura cooperative was given Rs 6.12 lakh and Anamika Sakhi Mandli Rs 2.64 lakh. In the complaint the officer stated that during inspection it was found that the milk producers on paper showed toilets for two persons, one for a husband and another for the wife. In reality the toilet was constructed by the house owner. They generated bills for two toilets and siphoned off public money. Anamika Sakhi Mandli has also on paper shown construction of toilets, but had not built any toilet. They too generated bills and pocketed the money. The police has booked Dhanpura Milk Producers Cooperative Committee's Ramesh Desai and Maganbhai Desai, Anamika Sakhi Mandli's Devikaben Parmar and Hansaben Vaghela for cheating, criminal breach of trust, forgery, fraud, and forging documents, said a police officer. Peshawar, Feb 2 : Police in different parts of Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province held a protest march to condemn the bombing of a mosque inside a compound that left more than 100 dead and scores wounded, local media reported. In an unprecedented move and what is believed to be the first-of-its-kind, over 24 uniformed police personnel gathered outside Peshawar Press Club on Wednesday and chanted slogans for peace, Dawn reported. They demanded independent investigation into the blast in mosque at the police lines in Peshawar. Holding placards inscribed with different slogans, the cops said they wanted to raise their voice against the injustice with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police. The policemen said that their protest was against the 'system' and they were compelled to take to the streets owing to the deteriorating law and order situation in the province and seek justice for the victims of terrorist attacks. In Mardan, policemen gathered outside the local press club and held a protest to demand effective measures for protection of law enforcers, Dawn reported. They stated that police were fighting as frontline force in the war against terrorism and rendered countless sacrifices. They questioned the explosion in a highly-guarded and sensitive area. They also demanded judicial inquiry into the incident. In Swabi, police personnel gathered outside the district headquarters and marched till Karnal Sher Khan Chowk where they staged a protest against the Peshawar blast, Dawn reported. The protesters were holding placards inscribed with different slogans against the suicide attack. They stated that they were being killed by unidentified people. They demanded an independent investigation into the Peshawar blast. In Swat, police held special prayers and Quran Khwani at Javed Iqbal Shaheed Police Lines. -IANS san/svn/ Amaravati, Feb 2 : Andhra Pradesh's main opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) on Thursday ridiculed ruling YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) for contradictory stand taken by its leaders on Union Budget 2023-24, which was presented in the Parliament on Wednesday. Former finance minister and TDP politburo member, Yanamala Ramakerishnudu, pointed out that state's Finance Minister, Buggana Rajendranath Reddy, praised the Union budgetary proposals while his party MP, Mithun Reddy, said that it is totally disappointing. "It is really surprising to know that the YSRCP MPs are boasting themselves that the Union budgetary proposals were prepared after taking their suggestions into consideration," Ramakrishnudu said. Are the ruling party MPs not feeling ashamed for not raising their voice, though injustice has been done to the state in the budget estimates, the former finance minister asked. It is the total negligence of the ruling party for funds having not been allocated for the backward regions of North Andhra and Rayalaseema in the state, he remarked. "Did you not feel that the allocation of funds that are due for the Central educational institutions is poor and there is no mention of a railway zone for Visakhapatnam, Kadapa steel plant, metro rail project and the mention of the capital," Yanamala asked. He expressed surprise as to why the 32 YSRCP MPs are silent on Special Category Status for the state and the negligence on Polavaram project. He is of the opinion that Jagan Mohan Reddy turned into a comedy Chief Minister by making false claims that the state stood on top in GSDP by achieving 11.43 per cent growth. "Mr Jagan did not accept the challenge to come for an open debate on sState's growth rate and welfare schemes," Yanamala Ramakrishnudu pointed out and asked whether the Chief MInister can accept the challenge at least now. "If you have dare enough to discuss the facts and the ground realities, please come forward for an open debate," he said. Several sectors including horticulture, life stock, aquaculture, construction field, manufacturing, industrial, service and trade and restaurant sectors are moving in the reverse direction during the YSRCP rule, he said, adding that in every sector there is a minus growth after Jagan Reddy took up the reins of the state. "Is the minus four per cent growth and discontinuing 39 welfare schemes a model for the country," Yanamala questioned. Asking Jagan whether he knows what is GSDP, the former finance minister said that the Chief Minister is moving in a totally different direction than the whole country. Why the average revenue has come down in the past four years, he asked and stated that the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) clearly exposed the government's failures. Yanamala Ramakrishudu asked as to why the debt burden on the state has gone up to Rs 10 lakh crore in the past four years and why the state has fallen to 13th position in the country in foreign investments. Stating that the state achieved double digit growth during the TDP regime, he said that the its position has fallen to 19th after the YSRCP came to power. Why an additional Rs 1.22 lakh crore was spent additionally in the past four years and what happened to the Rs 2 lakh crore off-budget borrowings, he asked. Whether any properties are created in the state with these funds, he questioned and felt that not even a single ongoing project was completed and even a single road was constructed. How can the state compare itself with Kerala, he wanted to know and pointed out that Kerala is on top in the country in human resource development. Maintaining that the TDP has released two white papers in five years of its last rule, Yanamala Ramakrishnudu asked as to why the State Government has not dare enough to release the white paper on the financial condition of the State. Jagan Mohan Reddy has the credit of downgrading the state to the level of the North-Eastern region in the country, he added. Chandigarh, Feb 2 : Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Thursday said state's Budget session will begin on February 20 and will be held in two parts. The Chief Minister told the media here that Haryana is in a better financial position compared to neighbouring states. He said the economic growth rate of the country for this fiscal is about seven per cent. However, the economic growth rate of Haryana is about eight per cent. "In the Union Budget, the limit of fiscal deficit has been fixed at three per cent of the state's domestic product. We have already been able to keep the fiscal deficit below this. Our financial deficit for 2021-22 was 2.9 per cent. I am sure the deficit of the current fiscal is also less than this and will continue to be less than the prescribed limit," he said. According to the Union Budget, he said, the per capita income in the country has doubled to Rs 1.97 lakh since 2014. The per capita income of Haryana is about Rs 2.75 lakh. "We have been making digital payments to farmers for the crop sale. So far, the digital payments of Rs 63,000 crore have been made in the accounts of around 10 lakh farmers." The Chief Minister said there is a provision for setting up Unity Mall in the Union Budget. "In these malls, the products of the industrial units established exclusively under the 'One District-One Product' scheme will be marketed." "Going a step further, we are running the 'One Block-One Product' scheme in Haryana. The state will be greatly benefitted from the opening of Unity Malls," he said. Mumbai, Feb 2 : Photographer Dilish Parekh, holding two world records for owning the largest collection of antique cameras and also the biggest collection of photographic instruments, passed away in Mumbai late on Wednesday. He was 69 and breathed his last at his south Mumbai residence. Parekh, who also was a freelance lensman, is survived by his wife Binita, sons Jay and Harsh and other relatives. A freelance photographer in his early career, Parekh had made it to the Guinness World Records (2003) for his collection of 2,634 antique cameras and again shattered his own record with a GWR certificate acknowledging him as owning 4,425 cameras (2013). He had started his hobby in 1977, after which he had painstakingly collected cameras of different shapes and sizes, from different manufacturers all over the world. Parekh's awesome collection comprised Leicas, Rolliflexes, Zeiss, Linofs, Canons, Nikons, Kodaks, including the most valuable piece -- a 1934-made Leica 250, a rare one as around 1,000 were manufactured by the German company. Another notable one was a German-made Bessa II, produced in 1962, the Tessina L, said to be the world's tiniest and lightest 35mm camera, weighing just 155 gms, a twin-lens reflex camera from 1959 produced by Concava, Switzerland. Parekh was attracted to the photography instruments after his father bequeathed his collection of 600 cameras, and he launched his own collection from there, building it up to nearly 4,500, sourcing them from all over the planet, including Mumbai's infamous flea market, the Chor Bazar. Other interesting items in his collection were a leather-bound Royal Mail Postage Stamp Camera of 1907, which could click 15 stamp size pictures at a time. Though collectors world over were interested in buying out his full or partial collection at fabulous prices, Parekh fiercely guarded it and never sold the cameras. Police saved the young man who committed live suicide, Facebook company headquarters sent a message from America. Image Source: IANS News Police saved the young man who committed live suicide, Facebook company headquarters sent a message from America. Image Source: IANS News Police saved the young man who committed live suicide, Facebook company headquarters sent a message from America. Image Source: IANS News Police saved the young man who committed live suicide, Facebook company headquarters sent a message from America. Image Source: IANS News Ghaziabad, Feb 2 : A Facebook alert helped save a youth's life in Ghaziabad. The young man was about to commit suicide on an Instagram live, when Meta Headquarters, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram based in California, reviewed the video and sent an alert to the Uttar Pradesh police, who reached his house by tracing his mobile's location in around 15 minutes. The 23-year-old has been identified as Abhay Shukla, who was counselled for 6 hours before being sent back to his family. The UP police had tied up with Meta in March last year to alert them immediately if a post related to suicide was seen on Facebook or Instagram. On Tuesday night, Shukla came live on Instagram and started tying a noose. Seeing the video, the headquarters sent an email alert to the social media centre of the state's police department, along with Shukla's registered mobile number. The social media centre transferred the alert to the Ghaziabad Police Commissionerate, when the phone's location was found to be in the city. The message was then forwarded to Vijay Nagar police station. Shukla is a resident of Kannauj and currently lives in Vijay Nagar area of the state. He worked in Gurugram's Cashify company and left his job to start his own business in the same field. As per the police, Shukla took the extreme step when he had to borrow Rs 90,000 from his mother, who had saved the amount for his sister's marriage, to compensate for the loss he suffered in his venture. With Gasgoo Daily, we will offer daily important automotive news in China. For those we have reported, the title of the piece will include a hyperlink, which will provide detailed information. NIO begins delivering EL7 SUVs in Europe Chinese electric vehicle startup NIO announced on Feb. 1 it had kicked off delivery of the NIO EL7 (named ES7 in China) full-sized SUV in Europe. Photo credit: NIO GAC Honda starts presale of INTEGRA HATCHBACK The Sino-Japanese joint venture GAC Honda recently released the photos of the INTEGRA HATCHBACK. Presale of the model has already kicked off. Photo credit: GAC Honda SKYWORTH Auto exports 668 vehicles in Jan. 2023 Chinese electric vehicle maker SKYWORTH Auto announced this week it delivered 1,188 vehicles in Jan. 2023, representing a 61.9% month-on-month plunge. The vehicles delivered last month included 668 units exported outside of China. EVE Energy breaks ground on 60GWh super battery factory in Jingmen city On Feb. 1, Chinese power battery maker EVE Energy Co., Ltd. (EVE Energy) broke ground on its super factory in Jingmen city, Hubei province, which features a designed annual battery production capacity of 60GWh, according to a post on EVE Energys WeChat account. Leapmotor to start presale of range-extended C11 on Feb.9 On February 2, Chinese new energy vehicle startup Leapmotor announced that it plans to kick off the presale of the range-extended electric vehicle (REEV) variant of the C11 SUV on February 9. Great Wall Motors 2022 net profit jump 22.91% YoY Chinese auto giant Great Wall Motor saw its annual revenue reach 137.351 billion yuan ($20.42 billion) in 2022, which edged up 0.69% year over year, according to the companys report on February 2. BAIC Group, Bosch deepen cooperation in automotive intelligence field On the first day of February, BAIC Group and Bosch China inked a strategic cooperation agreement to deepen their collaboration in the intelligent vehicle field. Gotion High-Tech included in Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliances supplier system Gotion High-Tech said on Feb. 1 via its WeChat account that it had been included in the supplier system of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance (the Alliance) by offering power batteries to eGT New Energy Automotive Co., Ltd. (eGT), an electric vehicle (EV) joint venture between Dongfeng Motor Group and the Alliance. Plus, IVECO to start open road test for autonomous trucks in Germany On February 2, autonomous driving solution provider Plus announced with the commercial vehicle brand IVECO that their jointly developed highly automated truck will start open road test in Germany this month. SERES Auto sales soar 445.57% YoY in January 2023 In January 2023, SERES Group, Huaweis partner in carmaking previously known as Chongqing Sokon Industry Group, saw a year-on-year growth in new energy vehicle sales despite the overall downturn, the company reported on February 2. GAC AION sells 10,206 vehicles in Jan. 2023 GAC AION, the new energy vehicle (NEV) subsidiary of GAC Group, announced on Wednesday its monthly sales stood at 10,206 units in the first month of 2023. BYD boasts 58.6% YoY surge in Jan. 2023 auto sales Chinese leading new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturer BYD Company Limited (BYD) announced on Wednesday that its monthly auto sales reached 151,341 units in Jan. 2023, surging 58.6% from the previous year. Guwahati, Feb 2 : In two separate operations, police have seized contrabands worth Rs 6-7 crore from Karbi Anglong district of Assam, officials said on Thursday. A senior police officer of the district informed that they received specific inputs and conducted the operations on Wednesday. A total of three persons were held on the charges of drug peddling. John Das, sub divisional police officer of Bokajan, said that police set up a checkpoint at the Laharijan area of the district and intercepted a vehicle. "Upon searching the vehicle, security personnel recovered 306 grams of narcotic substances from soup cases hidden inside it. A person was taken into custody. His name is Fayas Uddin and he is a native of Doboka area in Bokajan," Das said. A second crackdown was conducted at the Diphu railway station. In the course of the operation, police found at least one kg of heroin and detained two people, named as Chandra Sekhar Sen (45) and Dhiraj Solanki (30), both from Jhalawar (Rajasthan), officials told the media. According to police, the market value of seized drugs is around Rs 6-7 crore. New Delhi, Feb 2: The reverberations from Pakistan's suicide blast that killed 101 worshippers, mostly policemen, in a Peshawar mosque this Monday are echoing across the border. The Acting Foreign Minister of the Taliban government in Kabul, Amir Khan Muttaqi has said that Pakistan should not try to blame Afghanistan, its western neighbour, for the devastating attack. Using the Peshawar blast as a background to absolve Afghanistan of any terror-related allegations, Muttaqi reiterated that Afghanistan does not hold any terrorist base in Afghanistan and will not allow its soil to be used against other countries. Tolo News reported Muttaqi as saying: "We ask Pakistan's ministers to not throw the snow of their own roofs onto the roofs of others. They should consider their problems in their own country. We advise them to look into the Peshawar explosion in great detail." He invited Islamabad to cooperate with Kabul instead of criticising it. The Afghan foreign minister added: "If terrorism existed in Afghanistan, it may then spread to China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Iran. Today, when they are secure, Afghanistan is also secure and it appears that it does not exist here." Muttaqi was responding to Pakistani interior minister Rana Sanaullah's speech in the parliament that terrorists are present in Pakistan's neighbouring countries. On the other hand, Pakistan has been trying hard to portray the Taliban-led Afghanistan as a haven for terrorists, even warning Kabul that it would attack Afghanistan in pursuit of terrorists. This is the second time in exactly a month that Afghanistan has responded to the Pakistani interior minister with disdain. In January this year, Afghanistan's Ministry of National Defence had said that it considers as "provocative and baseless recent speeches of the Pakistani Interior Minister about the presence of (TTP) in Afghanistan and their (Pakistan's) possible attack inside Afghanistan." Tensions bubble on the entire length of the Pakistani western border from Afghanistan to Iran. Considerable friction has been reported in 2022 on the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan that touches Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with the Pashtuns not accepting the Durand Line and due to the activities of the TTP that has been carrying out audacious attacks on Pakistani security agencies. Similarly, Pakistan's border in Balochistan province which runs along both Afghanistan and Iran too is rife with violence due to the movement of armed Baloch nationalists. The sanctity of this border, called the Goldsmith Line, too is not accepted by the Baloch masses and the rebels. Relations between the neighbours have been spiralling down after the Taliban toppled the democratically-elected government of President Ashraf Ghani in August 2021. From staunch friends the Taliban and the Pakistani government have turned hostile as the Taliban seeks to assert its independence after the formation of the government in Kabul. Acting Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani cautioned the world to stop bearing ill-will toward the Afghan people. Criticising the international community's economic sanctions on Afghanistan, he warned: "Don't turn your back on Afghans with such extreme relations, don't seek revenge from Afghans, we proved it on the battlefield and now we have left that field." (The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) --indianarrative New Delhi, Feb 2 : From April 14 to 28, Delhi will host Van Gogh 360A, an immersive, multi-media event that brought the vibrant colours of Vincent van Gogh's most famous works to life in Mumbai during a sold-out run. The exhibit will also make stops in Bangalore, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Jaipur, Kochi, Chandigarh, Bhopal, Lucknow, Nagpur, Pune, Indore, Goa and Surat later in the year. Van Gogh 360A India is the first such exhibition to make its debut in India. Immersive experiences that transform the walls and floors of an exhibition space into a sort of van Gogh dream world have appeared all over the world, from New York to London to Tokyo to Toronto. Van Gogh 360A Delhi, where art and technology collide Using cutting-edge projection technology crafted by world-renowned audio-visual designers, Van Gogh 360A Delhi - presented by DLF and Absolut - will create an engaging journey into the world of the legendary post-Impressionist painter. Attendees will be immersed in floor-to-ceiling stunning projections animating the masters' oeuvre and illuminating the mind of the genius. Wandering through giant projections that highlight brushstroke, detail, and colour, the multimedia exhibit takes the attendee into a three-dimensional world that exhilarates the senses. "Van Gogh 360A received a tremendously warm welcome in Mumbai having sold out weeks before we even opened doors, and van Gogh fans and art lovers in Delhi are in for a treat," says Nikhil Chinapa, India spokesperson Van Gogh 360A India, of the upcoming exhibit in the national capital. "The level of interest we've received from schools as well as young content creators shows that immersive art is an excellent platform to introduce global art to the younger generation," he adds. Pushpa Bector, executive director, DLF Retail shares, "Innovative and unique initiatives have always been at the heart of DLF, and one such association is Van Gogh 360A at DLF CyberHub, where we aim to host a uniquely immersive and captivating experience featuring the work of the most famous and influential figure in the history of western art." Registration for all cities opened on January 30 at noon, while tickets for the Delhi exhibition - presented by DLF and Absolut - will be available for sale on bookmyshow.com from February 6. People who register will be offered a chance to buy tickets on February 6 before public sale begins on February 8. (IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in) New Delhi, Feb 2 : As travel is on the rise in most parts of the world, online travel company Booking.com has announced the winners of its eleventh annual Traveller Review Awards, which includes the Most Welcoming Places on Earth for 2023. The Traveller Review Awards honour travel companies from 220 countries and territories, including India, for their dedication to offering consistently top-notch service and hospitality throughout the course of the year. The awards are based on a pool of more than 240 million verified customer reviews on the platform. Indiia's Most Friendly Cities and Regions for 2023 To help travellers have the most welcoming experiences possible for a really unforgettable trip in 2023, it has also published the Most Welcoming Regions and Cities in India. Top 5 Most Welcoming Regions in India in 2023 Puducherry Kerala Rajasthan Goa Himachal Pradesh Top 10 Most Welcoming Cities in India in 2023 Palolem (Goa) Agonda (Goa) Mararikulam (Kerala) Hampi (Karnataka) Khajuraho (Madhya Pradesh) Thekkady (Kerala) Jaisalmer (Rajasthan) Bir (Himachal Pradesh) Munnar (Kerala) Varkala (Kerala) Most Welcoming Accommodation Types in India The most-awarded property type in India is hotels, with 3888 partners receiving recognition for their contributions. With 1509 properties awarded, homestays come in second place, followed by guest houses, resorts, and apartments. With a total of 629,421 partners acknowledged for their efforts, apartments win the top spot as the most-awarded property type globally for the sixth consecutive year. Holiday homes, hotels, guest houses, and bed & breakfasts round out the top five. A satisfied traveller is the result of amazing staff, warm and friendly personnel (8.7), followed by cleanliness (8.6) and comfort (8.6), obtained the highest score among the many characteristics of the stay that Indian travellers valued most throughout the hotels recognised. The travellers continued to place priority on the hotel's location (8.5), the services it provided (8.3), and the value it offered (8.2) 2023's Most Welcoming Places on Earth This year's Most Welcoming Places on Earth, span five continents and feature hidden coastal gems, rural destinations surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty and even a bustling Latin American metropolis, providing travellers with a bucket list inspiration for their future travel. The 2023 Most Welcoming Regions on Earth include La Rioja (Spain), Epirus (Greece), Oberosterreich (Austria), County Down (UK) and Mures (Romania). Booking.com also revealed the top 5 Most Welcoming Cities on Earth which include Polignano a Mare (Italy), Hualien City (Taiwan), San SebastiAn (Spain), Dresden (Germany) and Klaipeda (Lithuania). Santosh Kumar, Country Manager, India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia at Booking.com, commented: "These awards are our way of expressing gratitude to our partner's hard work in making everyone feel welcomed and going beyond boundaries to make our customers' experiences extraordinary with a personal touch. Our partners have shown immense trust and have time and again shown up for our visitors in multiple ways by demonstrating personalized attention to detail while checking in or offering our assistance to explore the destination like a local. Every trip is made more memorable by our devoted partners, whether it is a warm welcome from the taxi driver at the airport or a thoughtful note left in the room." (IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in) New Delhi, Feb 2 : The 2023-2024 Union Budget was announced and what impact will it make on your life and style in the coming year? While some industries had favourable results that will spur the growth of the sector, others were rather underwhelmed. Experts in the field expresses their thoughts to IANSlife... Easting out? The F&b industry benefits from the personal tax relief measures outlined in the budget. Commenting on the same, Merrill Pereyra, Managing Director, Pizza Hut India Subcontinent said, "The Food Services industry relies heavily on discretionary spending and therefore stands to gain from the personal tax relief measures announced in the budget, which will further catalyze consumption. The focus on domestic tourism will also cascade positively across our sector, by opening up new markets and allowing for greater expansion, especially in unpenetrated locations." While on the other hand, Debaditya Chaudhury, Managing Director of Chowman, Oudh 1590 & Chapter 2 expresses disappointment stating, "I think it's a little disheartening for the food and beverage industry, that there was no mention of any relief or support for us in the Union Budget 2023-24 declaration. This year, we were hoping for extended moratoriums on interest payable and reduced tax structure to help us regain our balance sheet's health. Sadly, the government has ignored us even though the industry has been resilient and has recovered from the pandemic on its own. While other sectors are laying people off, the F&B industry has been generating jobs, adding to the GST credit without even any input credit." Your next adventure A growth-oriented aimed to help India weather the current global economic challenges says Sarbendra Sarkar, Founder & MD, Cygnett Hotels and Resorts. "With the Finance Minister announcing plans to renew 50 additional airports, helipads, water aero drones, and advanced landing grounds, it will boost regional connectivity. Moreover, the announcement to develop 50 destinations for domestic and international tourists will also help to draw attention to the country's tourism and hospitality sectors. The Finance Minister said that these tourist destinations will be selected through challenge mode. The impetus on Dekho Apna Desh will provide a further boost to the growth of domestic tourism in the country. The Finance Minister also highlighted that states will be encouraged to set up a "Unity Mall" in the capital city or most popular tourist destination for the promotion of the 'One District, One product' theme. Such initiatives will also help unleash the potential taped in the tourism sector." Paritosh Ladhani, Joint Managing Director, Sincere Developers, which owns Taj Hotel and Convention Centre Agra said, "The Union Budget 2023-2024 presented by the finance minister highlighted that the Indian economy is on a growth trajectory in spite of the global economic challenges. In her Budget speech, the FM emphasized that the country offers "immense attraction" for both domestic and international tourists. With the government announcing that states will be encouraged to set up a "Unity Mall" in the capital city or most popular tourist destination for the promotion of the 'One District, one product' theme, such initiatives will help to unleash the potential vested in the tourism sector. I also expect that the change in tax regime announced in the Union Budget will result in more disposable income in the hands of middle-class consumers - which I expect ultimately will spur consumption in activities like travel. Regional connectivity will see a boost with the plans to renew 50 additional airports, helipads, water aero drones, and advanced landing grounds." "The government's focus on tourism in the budget by giving it a top priority is commendable. The allocation of resources highlights the importance placed on boosting employment through the tourism sector," said Asif Fazlani, Managing Director, of Fazlani Nature's Nest. "The budget demonstrates the government's commitment to the holistic development of the industry. The plan to develop 50 tourist destinations for both domestic and international tourists will revolutionize the tourism industry in India." About the provisions of the tourism industry in the Union Budget 2023-2024 Priya Thakur, founder, Larisa Hotels and Resorts said, "We are very pleased to see that the Union Budget for 2023-2024 includes funding for the development of tourist sites in India for both domestic and foreign visitors. With LaRiSa's strong presence in popular tourist areas like Goa, Manali, Shimla, and Mussoorie, we hope to see an increase in travelers. With a boost in infrastructure and enhanced air connectivity, we hope to welcome guests from varied locations. LarRiSa has always supported and endorsed the spirit of uplifting the local community. With the promotion of local tourist spots and spaces, it will not only result in the upliftment of these cities but will also provide more jobs and opportunities for the locals all around the year." Sandeep Arora, Director of Brightsun Travel India added, "Indian economy is expected to increase by 7 per cent in the year 2023 and tourism is one of the major areas that contribute to it. Development of tourist infrastructure is the need of the hour so the announcement that 50 tourist destinations will be developed for domestic and international tourism is a positive step. Plus, the border village tourism initiative will bring tourists to these far corners helping the local communities earn livelihood and prosper. This year's budget also saw the highest-ever capital outlay of 2.5 crores for the railways which may provide the push needed for the growth of domestic tourism in the country. Air travel is also expected to rise. Specific focus is needed for the tourism industry to rebound back to pre-pandemic levels and we hope that these initiatives will provide much awaited-relief to the Indian tourism sector." All those gems The budget for Gems and Jewellery now has more room for discretionary spending, increasing consumer purchasing power. Amit Pratihari, Vice President, De Beers Forevermark said, "For natural diamonds, we've seen an encouraging trend over the past few months where consumers are purchasing items that hold meaning and value. Natural diamonds continue to be sought after due to their inherent preciousness. Pricing has also remained steady, and we are optimistic it will become stronger. As customers continue to value what is natural and genuine, diamonds will always be in demand." "Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) applauds the pro-reform and export growth-oriented budget by Hon. Finance Minister... In the first Budget of Amritkaal, Hon. Finance Minister has listed 7 priorities as she outlined people-centric agenda of ease of living and doing business to take on global challenges as well as for stimulating exports... GJEPC welcomes the reduction of Customs Duty on LGD seeds to zero from 5 per cent. It will ensure India's end-to-end world leadership in rough-to-finished lab-grown diamond and jewelry manufacturing. In addition to that government. has also accepted to have clear segregation Customs (IT HS) codes for Silver and Platinum studded Lab grown jewelry for better differentiation and identification at the consumer level," added Vipul Shah, Chairman, GJEPC. Hot Wheels "The Union Budget 2023-2024 announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is progressive, prudent, and growth-led, with an eye to providing impetus on the savings of the public," said Banwari Lal Sharma, CEO, of Consumer Business, CarTrade Tech Ltd. "It is a 'green budget' for the automotive and mobility sectors. The sustainability measures taken through announcements on green hydrogen and other energy sectors will help in furthering the government's target of carbon neutrality by 2070. The increased Capex outlay on energy transition is likely to spur investments and skill development in a green economy. The viability gap funding for battery energy storage systems is also likely to create critical infrastructure, while custom duty reduction on capital goods for Lithium batteries manufacturing will facilitate faster adoption of EVs. An increase in spending on infrastructure, the setting up of 50 new airports and heliports, and the creation of 100 transport infrastructure projects are welcome moves, in addition to the central support for replacing old vehicles. All of these should drive consumption and overall demand of vehicles." Tech And E-Commerce Abhijit Bhattacharya, Founder & CBO, OneGreen said, "The Union Budget has sent the right signal to investors, businesses, and citizens that green growth is a priority for India. At OneGreen, we are extremely thrilled with the government's focus on the environment and ensuring that people switch to a more sustainable way of life for without this, the health and wellness of the nation in its truest sense can never be achieved. We are encouraged by the focus on sustainable agriculture practices, including organic farming initiatives backed with incentives for over 1 crore farmers which will help ensure that chemical-free food ingredients are used in food and related products. The Green Credit Programme under the Environment (Protection) Act to incentivize environmentally sustainable and responsive actions by companies, individuals and local bodies will help each and every one of us inculcate sustainable habits and increase investments in the sector. We also welcome the government's move to increase its expenditure on building sources of renewable energy. Further tax exemptions such as the reduction of GST rates on electric vehicle components and waivers or subsidies given out to households using renewable energy systems will contribute greatly towards creating an environment-friendly infrastructure in India. Indians in the post-pandemic era have understood the importance of living a green and clean life and this budget with its focus on behavior change will steer the population in the right direction. We look forward to seeing how this budget shapes India's future trajectory toward sustainable development goals! "Union Budget 2023 is very promising for the financial sector and carves out an excellent path for the future with a focus on growing the MSME sector, pushing infrastructure development, and enabling personal consumption. Extension of the ECLGS scheme along with other measures would have a huge impact on promoting growth. The finance minister has taken substantial steps to reduce credit costs for the sector which would help in promoting employment and growth. Boosting MSMEs through easier credit would aid growth, ease tax liability, and promote consumption. Focus on reducing credit costs would also boost profitability and help create more jobs. Additionally, increased expenditure on infrastructure and personal tax reforms would aid create a positive sentiment in the economy and put India on a path for rapid development," added Saurav Ghosh, Co-founder, Jiraaf. Healthcare Technology integration an advantageous effect on the healthcare industry that will encourage its expansion. Snehal Shah, CEO at Fullife Healthcare Private Limited said, "Integration of technology has a definitive impact on our future prospects. Greater awareness towards healthcare and a focus on boosting exports for the sector of innovative products in Pharmaceuticals & Nutraceuticals are outstanding long-term initiatives that were being talked about in this year's budget. The Indian industry is well-poised with a good ecosystem, and companies like Fullife that focus on innovation lead delivery dosage forms will be highly encouraged in such a supportive environment. This year, the Centre has also increased its allocation to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and has invested in focus on natural products like Millet and healthcare, we see continued growth in concepts that associate with good health. Being a company from India that exports nutraceutical products across 30+ countries now, a simplified tax structure will help towards the promotion of exports and boost domestic manufacturing." In this Union Budget, the government has focused on some of the core needs of the health and wellness sector. "The plan to establish 157 nursing colleges as collocated facilities alongside medical colleges will help cover the shortage of trained healthcare workforce and lead to greater healthcare coverage of the out-of-hospital medical services. The plans to provide access to ICMR labs and other R&D facilities as well as a collaborative approach to pharmaceuticals research and encouragement of private sector investments, multi-disciplinary training for R&D and manufacturing of high-quality medical devices, and various other such measures are going to augur well for the overall universal healthcare access and quality in India," said Meena Ganesh, Co-Founder & Chairperson, of Portea Medical. "However, it is also important to note that while various aspects of healthcare and health tech have been touched upon, we looked forward to some announcements in the area of accessibility and affordability of personalized care for the masses. A crisis situation like the pandemic toppled healthcare systems globally and some clarity on how the country will handle a similar situation in the times to come was needed." (IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in) Chennai, Feb 2 : With adequate inventory stock, the hike in customs duty for electric kitchen chimneys proposed by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the FY24 budget may not pose any pricing challenge in the near future, said a top official of BSH Household Appliances Manufacturing Pvt Ltd. He also said the company may get into local manufacturing of kitchen chimneys. "The mention of increase in Custom Duty for Electric Kitchen Chimney might not impact us immediately as we are well prepared with our current inventory to combat any pricing challenges in this product segment, at least for the upcoming months," Neeraj Bahl, MD and CEO told IANS. He said as part of the company's continued strategy for Make-in-India-for-India, we are looking to invest towards manufacturing chimneys in India in near future. Hence the decrease in heat coil prices etc will make this localisation further viable. Agartala, Feb 2 : The CPI-M-led Left parties and the Congress, who earlier announced to contest jointly the February 16 elections to the 60-member Tripura assembly, on Thursday withdrew their candidates fielded against each other. Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) state secretary Jitendra Chowdhury said that 13 candidates from the Left parties and three candidates of Congress withdrew their nomination papers. The Left parties, dominated by the CPI-M, on January 25 announced the names of 47 candidates leaving 13 seats to their new ally, Congress. The Congress leaders were upset over the paltry allotment of seats by the Left parties. On January 28, Congress announced 17 candidates. On the last day of filling of nominations on Monday, both the Left parties and the Congress fielded candidates against each other in 16 seats. Talking to IANS, Chowdhury, also a CPI-M central committee member, said that no common declaration or common minimum programme would be announced by the two parties. "Our common agenda is to protect the Constitution and to restore the law and order situation," the Left leader said. State Congress president Birajit Sinha, who is contesting the elections from Kailasahar constituency, said that the Congress and the Left parties are jointly fighting the elections to end the "jungle raj" of the BJP. Sinha, a former minister of the Congress-led alliance government (1988-1993), urged the party leaders and workers to forget all hesitations and doubts to jointly fight the elections to defeat the BJP in the forthcoming elections. Another Congress leader said that it was not yet decided whether any joint rallies of the two parties would be held or not. Since 1952, Congress and the CPI-M-led Left parties have been arch political rivals and accused each other of mis-governance. In 1978, the CPI-M-led Left Front first came to power in Tripura, defeating the Congress and was in power till 1988, when the Congress beat the Left parties and was in power till 1993. In 1993, the Left parties again defeated the Congress and remained in power till 2018, when the BJP thrashed the Left to come to power for the first time. Bhubaneswar, Feb 2 : Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik-led Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Thursday said that the Union budget has exposed BJP's false propaganda and deception on Ayushman Bharat yojana. Addressing media persons here, BJD spokesperson Shreemayee Mishra said that on a regular basis, Odisha BJP has been harping on how Ayushman Bharat Yojana is a better programe than the state government's Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY). However, Wednesday's Union Budget has exposed the Odisha BJP's false propaganda and deception on Ayushman Yojana, she said. Under the outlay on major schemes in the Union Budget for the year 2023-24, the Centre has provided only Rs 7200 crore towards Ayushman Bharat yojana. "When we take into consideration India's 28 states and 8 union territories, per state/UT, it comes to around Rs 200 crore per annum for Ayushman Yojana," Mishra said. On the other hand, she said, the BJD government spends about Rs 6000 crore under its BSKY which is on average about Rs 200 crore per district per year in Odisha. It means, Rs 200 crore of Ayushman Bharat scheme per year would only cover one district of Odisha. Where would the rest 29 districts of Odisha go? What relief do the people of Odisha get?, she asked. Another BJD leader Gautambuddha Das said a woman can only avail treatment of Rs 5 lakh under Ayushman Bharat while she can avail upto Rs 10 lakh under the state scheme. Similarly, under Ayushman Bharat, a patient requiring organ transplant cannot exceed the limit of Rs 5 lakh but in BSKY, the beneficiary can benefit far exceeding the Rs 5 lakh limit. The BJD leaders urged the Odisha BJP leaders to stop misleading people. On Wednesday, the Odisha CM had also drawn a similar comparison between the state and central schemes. Reacting to this, state BJP president Samir Mohanty said that the recent misuse of BSKY cards by a private hospital in Cuttack clearly suggests that the scheme is riddled with corruption. He said the statement of BJD seems to be politically motivated. On the remark of Patnaik, Mohanty said it is totally unacceptable from a person who has remained in power for the last 23 years. Patna, Feb 2 : The JD-U national parliamentary board president Upendra Kushwaha targeted Tejashwi Yadav during the celebration of Shaheed Jagdev Prasad's birth anniversary in Patna. He said that Lalu Prasad's family is the biggest exploiter of Extremely Backward Class (EBC) people of the state for the last 33 years. "RJD has celebrated the birth anniversary of Jagdev Babu on Wednesday and shouted for 90:10 ratio with 90 percent belonging to EBC and OBC. I want to ask them how many people of EBC were promoted by Lalu's family in the last 33 years? Jagdev Babu dreamed that EBC people would share power in the government. The Lalu family stayed in power for 15 years and is now sharing power in Bihar," Kushwaha said during the birth anniversary celebrations organized by a non political organization Mahatma Phule Samata Parishad in Patna on Thursday. "The RJD leaders claimed that the 10 percent people sitting in power are ruling on 90 percent. I want to ask them to stop doing drama on it," Kushwaha said. "I am in pain as my party went with the RJD. I struggled against this party and it's leaders my entire life. The birth of my party happened against this system. Now, leaders of my party have become dependent on them. Naturally, those leaders who gave strength to Nitish Kumar, are worried about it," Kushwaha said. "My party has done the same thing as the RJD did before 2005. There is no participation of EBCs in our party. The leaders of our party did not allow any EBC leader to establish himself. The recent approach of Nitish Kumar is making them more fearful," Kushwaha said. "RJD leaders keep talking about a deal between them and the JD-U. Nitish Ji should clarify the nature of the deal. People are speculating that Nitish Kumar should step down from his post and hand it to Tejashwi Yadav. Don't put the people of Bihar in darkness. I want to ask him to clarify it," Kushwaha said. Kolkata, Feb 2 : Expressing anguish over the slow pace of investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the multi-crore teacher recruitment scam in West Bengal, Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay of the Calcutta High Court on Thursday sought the details of the assets of all the members of the special investigation team (SIT) of the agency probing the scam. Justice Gangopadhyay even said that at times he feels that he himself will have to handle the investigation and send a report to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on this count. "The CBI seems to be bogus. It seems that I will have to personally handle the investigation and send a report to the Prime Minister. Does the investigation process needs to be handed over to British intelligence agency MI5," Justice Gangopadhyay asked, as he sought the property details of the members of the CBI SIT. Justice Gangopadhyay also asked the CBI to complete the interrogation of Trinamool Congress legislator and former President of the West Bengal Board of Primary Education (WBBPE), Manik Bhattacharya, and submit a report to his court by February 10. On Thursday, former Secretary of WBBPE, Ratna Bhattacharya, informed the court that swindling and manipulation of answer sheets was done in the "confidential section" of the board, where only Bhattacharya and the optical mark recognition (OMR) sheet producing company's former chairman, late Gautam Mukhopadhyay, had access to. She also said that the said OMR producing entity was appointed in 2012. Thereafter, Justice Gangopadhhay directed the CBI to find out the real story of such a "sweet relationship" between Bhattacharya and the management of the OMR producing entity. On Wednesday, the CBI had faced the wrath of Justice Gangopadhyay for not having the details of the foreign travels of Bhattacharya, especially his tours to London. The CBI counsel had informed the court that the central agency has traced two passports of Bhattacharya, who is currently under judicial custody for his alleged involvement in the scam. Beijing (Gasgoo)- On February 2, autonomous driving solution provider Plus announced with the commercial vehicle brand IVECO that their jointly developed highly automated truck will start open road test in Germany this month. Photo credit: Plus The public road test will help the duo collect road data and validate the autonomous driving performance of the vehicles. The two companies will also start planning for a possible upcoming production. The IVECO S-WAY trucks equipped with the PlusDrive intelligent driving system will offer improved safety, operational efficiency, and driving experience, as well as a more sustainable vehicle option for fleet operators. Shawn Kerrigan, COO and Co-founder of Plus, said, "as we prepare for commercial deployment of our self-driving products in Europe, real-world experience is an invaluable component of testing and validating our technology. With Germany alone facing a shortage of 60,000 truck drivers, our highly automated driving solution, PlusDrive, will help improve local road safety, transportation sustainability, and driver recruitment and retention." According to Plus, starting from Germany, the open road tests will also travel to Austria, Italy, and Switzerland in the coming months. The unique road and driving conditions in each country will provide a variety of terrain, road gradients, weather conditions, and driving scenarios for their highly automated trucks. This will help Plus to continually improve its autonomous driving technology. New Delhi, Feb 2 : Attacking the government over the Hindenburg report on the Adani Group, the Congress on Thursday questioned the relation between Chinese businessman Chang Chung-ling and the Adani group. Citing the report, Congress leader Pawan Khera at a press conference said, "As per Hindenburg Research, Chang Chung-ling runs (or used to run) a firm called Gudami International, which was identified as part of an investigation into government fraud in the Adani Group's alleged circular trading of gems and that Chang Chung-ling and Vinod Adani's Singapore residential address was the same" "The most sensational revelation that has gone unnoticed by the Indian media so far, is that of the relationship between the Adani Group and Chang Chung-ling, a Chinese businessman of questionable antecedents," he said. The report says, "This is a significant matter, not only for the sake of the shareholders but also for the national security of India," he added. He said the Modi government has maintained a stoic silence on the Hindenburg Research report, as if nothing has happened. "We want to tell PM Modi that we have nothing to say if you cheat your best friend, but shall not keep quiet if you cheat the investors of India - 29 crore policy holders of LIC and 45 crore account holders of SBI," he added. New Delhi, Feb 2 : The Delhi Prisons department has recovered over 340 mobile phones and chargers from different jails in the last two-and-a-half months, officials said on Thursday. The Director General of Prisons, Sanjay Baniwal, told the media that the jail authorities have recovered 348 mobile phones in the last two-and-a-half months, with 18 seizures made on Wednesday. The DG added that the jail superintendents have started conducting raids based on inputs from their intel sources inside the prisons, in order to send across a strong message to the criminal world. Gangtok, Feb 2 : A senior minister in the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) government on Thursday resigned as the public outrage kept growing after the Supreme Court, while hearing a case in January, said that Sikkimese Nepalis were persons of foreign origin. Mani Kumar Sharma, who heads the Health and Information Technology departments, has addressed his resignation letter to Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang. In his resignation letter, Sharma said in view of the Supreme Court's verdict on January 13 this year, "The State government has not taken the sentiments of the Sikkimese people seriously and I feel that it is not necessary to remain in the State Cabinet further." Hence, I submit this resignation with immediate effect, said Sharma who is an influential MLA from the Singtam-Khamdong constituency in East Sikkim. A controversy has been going in Sikkim for the past few days with several apolitical organisations and political parties holding rallies and Press meets to condemn the objectionable remarks against the Sikkimese Nepali community. While granting income tax exemption to old settlers of Sikkim as sought in 2013 petition by the Association of Old Settlers of Sikkim (AOSS), the Supreme Court on January 13 observed that the Sikkimese Nepalis were persons of 'foreign origin'. Speaking to media, Sharma said the state government should have at the moment camped in Delhi and actively lobbying with the Union ministers besides preparing its replies to the court. "There should be a multi-dimensional approach by the government to permanently remove this repetitive slur on the Sikkimese. People would not have come out on the streets if the state government was transparent in this issue," said Sharma. He maintained that the 'most important' step to do now is to go and 'lobby' in Delhi. I am also going to Delhi on this matter, he said. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has been reiterating that the Sikkim government will file a review petition in the apex court to expunge those 'foreigner' and 'immigrant' tag on the Sikkimese Nepali community. Tamang said he has personally spoken to Union Law minister Kiren Rijiju who assured him that the Centre will support the review petition of the Sikkim Government, and if required will file a review petition itself as well on similar lines. I thank him on behalf of the people of Sikkim, said the Chief Minister. "I appeal to all to have patience, and faith in the judiciary. It is just a matter of time that this issue will be addressed for the good," said the Chief Minister in his recent assurances to the people of Sikkim. Hyderabad, Feb 2 : After the unprecedented rift between Telangana Governor and BRS government in the state, the Budget Session of the state legislature is all set to begin from Friday. Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan will address the joint session of the Assembly and the Council on the first day. After a gap of two years, she will be addressing the state legislature on the first day of the Budget session. Last year, the government had conducted the Budget session without customary speech by the Governor, triggering a row between the Governor and the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS). The ruling party had defended the move on the ground that it was not a new session but a continuation of the earlier session. This time when the government again tried to go ahead with the Budget session with the Governor's address, Tamilisai stalled the move by delaying the approval for the Budget sent by the state government. The Raj Bhavan had sent a communication to the government, enquiring if the arrangements were made for the Governor's address. The rift took a new turn early this week with the state government filing a petition in the state High Court, seeking direction to the Governor to approve the Budget. The bench of Chief Justice Ujjal Bhuyan and Justice N. Tukaramji asked the counsels to amicably resolve the matter and not drag the court into it. Counsels of both the Raj Bhavan and the government held talks and reached an agreement. While the government agreed to have speech by the Governor on the first day of the session, the latter agreed to approve the Budget. The same evening, Minister for Legislative Affairs Vemula Prashanth Reddy and special chief secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao called on the Governor at the Raj Bhavan, following which she consented to clear the Budget statement. The next day, Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan issued a notification, summoning the second Telangana Legislative Assembly and Council to meet for its fourth meeting of the Eighth Session at 12.10 p.m. on February 3, Friday. This will be her first address to the Assembly since 2019. Amid the latest row, Minister for Industries and Information Technology, K.T. Rama Rao called for abolishing the office of the Governor as it was introduced by the British. He also alleged that Telangana Raj Bhavan is being used as a political weapon against the state. Gurugram, Feb 2 : A Gurugram court on Thursday summoned former sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) of Sohna, joint commissioner (Zone-2) of the Municipal Commissioner of Gurugram (MCG) and station house officer (SHO) of Bhondsi police station over their alleged involvement in the selling of valuable land in the Bhondsi area. Azad Singh of the judicial magistrate first class (JMIC) court, while issuing the summons to Jitender Kumar, then SDM of Sohna, Vijay Yadav, joint commissioner of the MCG, and SHO Bhondsi, said, "A complaint has been received by the court that Anirudh Shankar Dass, a resident of Sector-14, Gurugram, has or is suspected to have committed an offence punishable under Section 420 of the IPC, and it appears that you are likely to give material evidence or to produce any documents or other things for the prosecution." The court added, "You are hereby summoned to appear before this court on February 6 (Monday) to produce such documents or thing or to testify what you know concerning the matter of the said complaint, and not depart without leave of the court; and you are hereby warned that, if you shall without just excuse neglect or refuse to appear on the said date, a warrant will be issued to compel your attendance." The complainant, advocate Yatish Kumar Goel, stated in his complaint that around 49 kanals and 12 marlas of agricultural land was located in the Bhondsi area where Suresh Kumar, a resident of Tikli village, was doing cultivation. Goel said the land belongs to a public trust named Brooke Hospital for Animals (India) in Gurugram, whose main objective is to take care of animals and establish a hospital equipped with modern facilities for their treatment. The land cost is more than Rs 25 crore. When contacted by IANS, Vijay Yadav denied having any knowledge of the matter. Importantly, land belinging to a public trust cannot be sold without the permission of the court. Under Section 92 of the Code of Civil Procedure, it is mandatory to take the permission of the court before selling the land of a public trust so that it can be ensured that what is the purpose of selling the land of the trust, whether the land is being sold at the fair market price etc. "But the trustees of the said land, including Anirudh Shankar Dass, Rajesh Tripathi, Kusum Awasthi and others, in connivance with the tehsildar and patwari, sold the land to a Faridabad-based company, Girikunja Land Promoters, for Rs 7 crore. Despite court stays on the land, the summoned persons fraudulently executed the registry of the land in September 2021," Goel alleged. "Girikunja Land Promoters is a shell company. It doesn't do any work. It exists only on paper. The owner of this shell company is Kuldeep Yadav, the brother of Vijay Yadav, who is currently posted as JC-2 in MCG. An FIR has also been registered in the matter and now taking cognisance of all these things, the court has summoned Vijay Yadav, Jitender Kumar and SHO Bhondsi," he added. "This is a big scam. Public trust land cannot be sold without court's permission. This precious land has been sold illegally to a shell company at a throwaway price. This is not possible without the connivance of the concerned authorities. The court has taken cognisance. The guilty cannot escape now," Goel said. New Delhi, Feb 2 : Strongly denouncing the recent acts of violence against its diaspora, India on Thursday asked Australia to ensure that its territory is not used for activities detrimental to India's territorial integrity, security and national interest. "We have requested Australia to ensure the safety and security of the members of the Indian community and their properties, and to not allow the use of Australian territory for activities that will be detrimental to India's territorial integrity, security, and national interest," said Arindam Bagchi, spokesperson, Ministry of External Affairs. Bagchi was responding to the recent attack on Indians by Khalistan supporters in Australia during a referendum called by the banned 'Sikhs For Justice' for the creation of an independent Sikh state. In several videos shared on social media, Khalistan supporters could be seen attacking Indians with sticks in broad daylight. They were also seen snatching and damaging the tricolour. "We strongly condemn such attacks by extremist elements and we urge the local authorities to investigate and punish the perpetrators. We have been repeatedly taking up with Australian authorities our concerns about actions by such elements, including those that are proscribed terrorist organisations," Bagchi said during the weekly briefing. He added that India has firmly conveyed that it rejects the so-called Khalistan referendum and the politically-motivated exercises by extremist elements. The Khalistan Referendum campaign is being run across the world by pro-Khalistan 'Sikhs For Justice', calling for a new state that would take in the Punjab regions of northern India. The attack, which left five people injured, came despite the Indian community in Australia informing the police about the planned protest at the Federation Square in Melbourne, The Australia Today reported. In January alone, Khalistan supporters have attacked three Hindu temples in Melbourne with anti-India graffiti. On being asked about the recent act of vandalism in Canada, Bagchi mentioned Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly's stance and said that India "reaffirms the position strongly and condemns acts of vandalisation". "I stand with the Hindu communities in denouncing the vandalism at Gauri Shankar Mandir in Brampton," Joly had said, adding, "We have a collective responsibility to denounce hateful acts", which have no place in Canada. Panaji, Feb 2 : Criticising the Central government's announcement in the Budget 2023-24 of Rs 5,300 crore assistance to Karnataka for irrigation purposes, Goa Forward MLA Vijai Sardesai on Thursday said "it furthers the cause of (Karnataka) stealing water from neighbouring states". "During the Budget, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday announced a grant of Rs 5,300 crore for the 'Upper Bhadra' irrigation project in Karnataka. Such financial outlays made for the state are furthering the cause of Karnataka stealing water from neighbouring states including from Krishna basin and Mhadei basin and using it for sugarcane production. I condemn this... it is a gimmick to garner votes," Sardesai, former deputy Chief Minister of Goa, said, referring to the upcoming Assembly elections in the neighbouring state. "This was done to win (Lok Sabha) seats in Karnataka. The BJP will suffer in Goa for this attitude," Sardesai said. "There is a feeling among people... and also one cartoon has gone viral that for the Central government, Karnataka is 'tick' and Goa is 'cross', and for Goa's Chief Minister, his chair is 'Tick' and (protecting) Mhadei is 'Cross'," Sardesai said mentioning to viral cartoon. He objected to the act of Karnataka stating they are taking water for irrigation purposes, though the demand was for potable use. "Water which is demanded for drinking purposes by Karnataka is actually for irrigation to grow sugarcane by depriving the people of Goa of water. There are 28 MPs in Karnataka... Goa has a non-functional double-engine government which doesn't even speak about the aspirations of the people of Goa," he said. The Goa Forward Party has been attacking the Pramod Sawant-led BJP government in the coastal state ever since the Central Water Commission has granted permission to the detailed project report of Karnataka for the disputed 'Kalasa-Bhanduri' dam. Goa and Karnataka are currently battling out a dispute over the 'Kalasa-Bhanduri' dam project across the water of Mhadei river at a central tribunal. Mhadei originates in Karnataka and meets the Arabian Sea in Panaji. While the river traverses 28.8 km in Karnataka, it is 81.2 km in length in Goa. Karnataka plans to construct dams on the river, aimed at diverting the water into its water-starved Malaprabha basin in the northern region. Chennai, Feb 2 : The Vengaivayal incident in which human excreta was found in an overhead water tank supplying drinking water into a Dalit colony in Vengaivayal, Pudukottai district has been a blot on the Tamil Nadu government. However even after the incident was reported on December 21, the culprits have not been brought to book. The Dalit outfits including the Dalit political party, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) had conducted several protest marches against this inhuman act. Tamil Nadu police questioned several people and interrogated many, however, Dalit outfits said that the police were acting in a partisan manner and that offers were given to some people belonging to the Dalit communities to owe up the act of putting human excreta in the water tank. M. Ilamurugu, President of Ambedkar Makkal Iyyagam, a Dalit outfit had visited the Vengavayil Dalit colony along with S. Subbiah (IAS rtd )and interacted with all the 32 Dalit families in the colony. After interacting with the Dalit families, Illamurugu called for a CBI inquiry into the issue and said that they have lost hope in the state government agencies. The VCK had already demanded the demolition of the overhead water tank in which human excreta was found. VCK leader and Member of Parliament, Thol Thirumavalavan has in a statement said that the overhead tank was a symbol of insult for the Dalits and that it should be demolished. It may be noted that in several rural areas of Tamil Nadu, there is even two tumbler system wherein Dalits are given tea and coffee in separate tumblers. Chennai, Feb 2 : A group of 21 lawyers from Tamil Nadu has written a petition to the President Draupadi Murmu requesting her to reconsider the Supreme Court collegium recommendation of elevating advocate Victoria Gowri as Madras High Court judge. The advocates which include seniors like R. Vaigai, V. Suresh and NGR Prasad have, in their petition dated January 17, stated that Victoria Gowri in her capacity as a BJP leader had made several hate speeches against minorities. The advocates said that these hate speeches are available on YouTube as also in publications associated with the RSS. The lawyers also attached a screenshot of Victoria Gowri's tweeter account where she claimed herself as the 'National General Secretary of Mahila Morcha'. Advocates, in the petition, said that the screenshot was taken a few days back and that she had recently deleted her Twitter account. The petitioners said that she had made extreme comments about Love-Jihad and religious conversions and had accused the Roman Catholics of nefarious activities. They also said that she had even said in public that Bharathanatyam should not be played during Christian songs. In the petition, the advocates said that she was unfit to be made a high court judge due to her regressive views that were purely antithetical to the foundational constitutional values. The advocates also said that her views reflected her deep-rooted religious bigotry. The advocates also asked whether any minority belonging to the Christian or Muslim community would get justice in her bench if Victoria Gowri was made a judge. The lawyers also flagged the collegium's recommendation and said that recommending such a person who harbours strong antipathy towards the minority community was disturbing. It may be noted that late Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer had been a minister in the left-front government of Kerala before becoming a judge of the Kerala high court and then Supreme Court. New Delhi, Feb 2 : A total of 10 flights of Air India between India and the US were cancelled due to the deployment of 5G mobile services in the US in January last year, the Ministry of Civil Aviation said on Thursday. Minister of State for Civil Aviation V.K. Singh in a written reply in the Lok Sabha on Thursday said that the government is aware of the concerns expressed by airlines and manufacturers of aircraft upon the rollout of 5G mobile services in the US and its potential interference with the aircraft radio altimeters. These flights were cancelled on January 19, 2022 (Mumbai to Newark to Mumbai and Delhi to Chicago to Hyderabad) and on January 20, 2022 (Delhi to Newark to Delhi, Delhi to Chicago to Delhi and Delhi to San Francisco to Delhi). In March 2020, the US Federal Communication Commission (FCC) adopted final rules for launching 5G services in the US in C-band (3.7-3.98 GHz) in December 2021/ January 2022. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the US determined that the above launch would likely cause harmful interference to radar (radio) altimeters installed on aircraft and issued an Airworthiness Directive (AD) in December 2021 which prohibits certain operations when these aircraft are operated in the 5G C-band wireless broadband signal environment in the US. The AD has been mandated by DGCA for adherence by Indian operators while operating to the US. The above AD also provides an Alternate Means of Compliance (AMOC) which has been approved by FAA and accepted by DGCA for the Indian fleet, said the Ministry in the reply. Currently, Air India is operating to the US with their Boeing B777 and B787 aircraft. The Air India fleet is in compliance with the above AD and the AMOC, added the reply. "In addition, FAA has also issued another Airworthiness Directive for the Boeing 787 fleet in likelihood of interference with 5G signals which has also been mandated by DGCA and complied by Air India on its fleet," said the Ministry. Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Gotion High-Tech said on Feb. 1 via its WeChat account that it had been included in the supplier system of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance (the Alliance) by offering power batteries to eGT New Energy Automotive Co., Ltd. (eGT), an electric vehicle (EV) joint venture between Dongfeng Motor Group and the Alliance. As a strategic partner of eGT, Gotion High-Tech has seen its power batteries installed onto the small-sized all-electric SUV Nami BOX Qingfeng version (Nami is Chinese Pinyin, meaning nanometer; Qingfeng meaning breeze), which was put onto the market not long ago. eGT Nami BOX Qingfeng; photo credit: Gotion High-Tech The Nami BOX Qingfeng comes with three trim levels, all of which are powered by Gotion High-Techs LFP batteries. Notably, two of the three variants can be charged to 80% from 30% of their battery capacity within only 32 minutes using the fast-charging mode, and get a full battery electric power with a 3-hour slow-charging session. eGT enjoys the same supplier system as other auto-making units of the Alliance. In 2021, Gotion High-Tech sailed through the quality checking by the Alliance. The Chinese battery maker said it had opportunities to build a more extensive partnership worldwide with the Alliance in the future as the latters quality assurance standards are also in line with the technology standards by many other regions in the world. Bengaluru, Feb 2 : The ruling BJP in Karnataka on Thursday attacked the Congress for its criticism of the Union Budget, claiming that women were forced to wait till dark to attend nature's call during Congress rule. Taking on the Congress on social media, the BJP said that unlike the situation during Congress rule, the government headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has built toilets for every house under the Swachh Bharat Mission. Due to the good economic policies of the BJP government, the farmers are getting good price for their produce. During the Congress regime, subsidies were announced in the name of farmers, only to be eaten up by others, the BJP claimed. "The whole world is suffering from economic slowdown in the post-Covid era. But, India led by PM Modi, is emerging as a global power," the daffron party said. Earlier, Opposition leader Siddaramaiah had termed the Union Budget for 2023-24, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Parliament on Wednesday, as a continuation of the policy of 'Aamir Ke Saath, Gareeb Ka Vinash' (supporting the rich, destroying the poor) of the Central government, which has been followed by the 'trouble' engine government. Speaking about the sanctioning of Rs 5,300 crore for the Upper Bhadra Project, Siddaramaiah said the project needs Rs 23,000 crore for completion. "The Central government has agreed to give only a quarter of it. If 40 per cent 'commission' is taken out, the amount will get reduced by Rs 3,000 crore. Also, it is not clear whether the sanctioned amount is for the period of one year or five years," Siddaramaiah had said. Patna, Feb 2 : An in-house meeting of the liquor prohibition department has gone viral on social media where it's commissioner KK Pathak can be seen slamming IAS officers and the people of Bihar for their bad habits. During the meeting, Pathak allegedly used abusive words for the people of Bihar and the government officials as well. The Bihar Administrative Services Association (BASA) has objected to his conduct and filed a complaint in the Secretariat police station in Patna. As per the content of the video, Pathak compared the residents of Patna with Chennai. "The residents of Chennai travel on the left side, does anyone see the commuters of Patna doing the same? They blow horns when they have to stop at a red light while the commuters of Chennai stay silent when they stop at a red light," he said. Pathak asked the officers to give written complaints to him against the deputy collectors, and he will take action against them and BASA officials. Following the viral video, BASA president Sunil Kumar Tiwari filed an application at the Secretariat police station in Patna on Thursday afternoon. "KK Pathak is a serial offender at abusing officers. He has used unparliamentary and abusive language against the people of Bihar and officers. Hence, we have filed a complaint against him at the Secretariat police station," Tiwari told IANS. "KK Pathak is also additional chief secretary of the Bihar Institute of Public Administration and Rural Development. We have appealed to him to make the training easier as one of the young officers had died during the training period. Due to his ego, Pathak started targeting BASA after that request from our side," Tiwari said. "He is also additional chief secretary in the registration department and he had cancelled the registration of BASA as well. We are demanding from the chief minister and the chief secretary to sack him," Tiwari said. Amaravati, Feb 2 : Continuing with its extensive outreach campaign, the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) on Thursday held an internal meeting of Muslim minority leaders in Tadepalle, days after the success of the Backward Communities (BC) Mahasabha. Over 1,000 minority leaders including Andhra Pradesh's first minority Deputy Chief Minister Amzath Basha, Kurnool MLA Mohammad Abdul Hafeez Khan, Madnapalle MLA Mohammad Nawaz Basha, Guntur East MLA Noori Fathima to compliment Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy for the exemplary work done by the YSRCP government for minorities The leaders including MLC Mohammad Ruhulla, MLC Isaac Basha, MLC Shaik Mohammed Iqbal, and Waqf Board chairperson Khadar Basha also deliberated upon ways to further uplift and empower Muslims in the state. During the three-hour long meeting, the attendees discussed the initiatives taken by YSRCP for holistic development of minorities, be it social security, political representation or higher education. Deputy Chief Minister Amzath Basha said that minorities have finally been given their due recognition and respect. "Their voices are being heard and their concerns are being raised. Muslims are included in the overall development agenda of the state, something that has not been done before. Unlike the TDP that only uses the Muslim card for vote-bank politics, Jagan Mohan Reddy has gone ahead and fulfilled all the promises he made to us," he said. Government Advisor Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy told the meeting 'YSRCP is for you, it is you. We will stand together with you in anything and everything.' During the meeting, YSRCP leaders charted the future plan of action and passed four resolutions to work towards the alleviation of the Muslim community. It was decided to take Jagananna's Sandesham (YSRCP government's initiatives to empower Muslims) to every minority household in the state It also decided to make an inclusive effort to meet all stakeholders including Ulemas, Imams, Mouzans, Masjid committee members, Madrasa stakeholders, and Waqf board stakeholders to communicate as well as understand their aspirations Top leadership to personally meet and interact with influential stakeholders of the community and seek support for YSRCP, reads another resolution. The meeting decided to hold a massive Minority Mahasabha inviting all stakeholders/leaders to take CM Jagan's message to the grassroots while pledging unwavering support to him. Kolkata, Feb 2 : Bollywood actor and BJP leader Paresh Rawal on Thursday heaved a shy of relief as a single-judge bench of Calcutta High Court granted him protection from cohesive action including arrest from Kolkata Police in the case filed against him for his anti-Bengali comments in December last year. The case was filed against Rawal by CPI(M) politburo member and party's state secretary in West Bengal Md Salim at Tiljala Police Station in Kolkata where the left leader had alleged that the comments made by the actor were meant to provoke riots and destroy the harmony between Bengalis and other communities across the country and cause public mischief. "Gas cylinders are expensive but they will come down. People will get employment too. But what will happen if Rohingya migrants and Bangladeshis start living around you, like in Delhi? What will you do with gas cylinders? Cook fish for the Bengalis?," the actor had said while campaigning for BJP in Gujarat at that point of time. Following the complaint from Salim, the Tiljala police station summoned Rawal for questioning in December last year, which he skipped. The actor appealed to the Calcutta High Court for relief from this summons. The matter came up for hearing at the single-judge bench of Justice Rajasekhar Mantha on Thursday and the judge granted him the protection from any cohesive action. However, Justice Mantha directed Rawal to cooperate with the police in the interrogation process through video-conferencing. After his comments in December last year drew severe criticisms, the veteran actor also tendered a public apology. "Of course, fish is not the issue as Gujaratis cook and eat fish. But, to be clear, I meant illegal Bangladeshis and Rohingyas. However, if I have offended your thoughts and views, I sincerely apologise," he had tweeted then. New Delhi, Feb 2 : Digi Yatra will be implemented at Kolkata, Pune, Vijayawada and Hyderabad airports by March 2023. In the first phase, Digi Yatra was launched on December 1, 2022 at Delhi, Bengaluru and Varanasi airports for providing passengers contactless, paperless check-in and boarding process based on facial biometrics. The Digi Yatra policy is an initiative launched by the Ministry of Civil Aviation for biometric boarding system using the facial recognition technology (FRT). It aims at providing seamless and hassle-free experience to passengers at the airports. Its main objective is to enhance passenger experience by eliminating the need for verification of ticket and ID at multiple touch points and to achieve better throughput through existing infrastructure using a digital framework. The Ministry of Civil Aviation, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha on Thursday, informed that the project is under implementation stage. The expenditure for the implementation of Digi Yatra is on the airport operators. "The Ministry of Civil Aviation does not provide any budgetary support for its implementation. To give wide publicity to Digi Yatra, airport operators and airline operators are making in-flight announcements, providing help-desk support and displaying banner and films etc. at the airports. Publicity is also being done using social media. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has awarded the work for implementation of biometric boarding system at Kolkata, Pune, Vijayawada and Varanasi airports," said the reply. Dataevolve Solutions has built the FRT-based Digi Yatra central ecosystem. It has been selected through a national startup challenge run by Niti Aayog under the Atal Innovation Mission, said the reply. Digi Yatra is a voluntary facility for providing passengers seamless and hassle-free experience at the airports. In the Digi Yatra process, there is no central storage of passenger's personally identifiable information (PII). All the passenger's data is encrypted and stored in the wallet of the passenger's smartphone and shared only for a limited time duration with the airport of travel origin where the passenger's Digi Yatra ID needs to be validated. The data is purged from the system within 24 hours of flight. Facilities with the implementation of Digi Yatra provide touchless passenger validation through FRT which results in saving time at various touch points like entry to airport, security hold area (SHA) and boarding area with no CISF intervention, informed the Ministry. New Delhi, Feb 2 : As part of furthering the 'Green Growth' agenda, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs partnered with Engineers India Limited (EIL) to develop Waste to Energy and bio-methanation projects in cities with a population of million plus. In the 'Green Growth' segment, 500 new 'Waste to Wealth' plants will be established under the GOBARdhan scheme for promoting the circular economy. These will include 200 compressed bio-gas plants, 75 in urban areas, 300 community or cluster-based plants, at a total investment of Rs 10,000 crore. Officials said that the thrust on sustainable solid waste management has been strengthened under the ambit of Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0, with the overall vision of creating garbage-free cities. Focusing on this objective, the Ministry of Urban Affairs has decided to set up large-scale solid waste processing facilities in million plus cities. There are 59 million plus cities in India, like Lucknow, Kanpur, Bareilly, Nasik, Thane, Nagpur, Gwalior, Chennai, Madurai, Coimbatore to name a few. For management of the organic/wet fraction of municipal solid waste, bio-methanation plants have been proposed in these million plus cities. Waste to Energy plants use dry waste fraction of municipal solid waste and produce renewable power with maximum reduction of waste volume, utilising least space in execution in compliance with SWM Rules 2016 and fulfilling all the statutory norms of environmental protection. Waste to Energy and bio-methanation projects will integrate the concept of circularity in waste management by producing green energy from dry and wet waste components of municipal solid waste. The by-products such as electricity and Bio-CNG will also help in achieving sustainability of waste management operations. The EIL will assist and handhold the million plus cities in developing such projects for larger quantum of waste integrating circularity in waste management. In the first phase, 25 million plus cities will be selected for developing large-scale process plants. The success of these projects will be pivotal as it will be conceptualised and executed as bench-marking for such projects. Thus, collaboration for providing support in preliminary technical assessment and transaction advisory services from EIL will have a significant impact. New Delhi, Feb 2 : The Supreme Court has told the concerned courts to consider modifying the conditions imposed if the undertrial prisoners fail to produce bonds within a month, while noting that most of them are behind bars after being granted bail by courts. A bench comprising justices S.K. Kaul and Abhay S. Oka issued a slew of directions to address the issue of the undertrial prisoners languishing in jails despite being granted bail. "One of the reasons which delays the release of the accused/ convict is the insistence upon local surety. It is suggested that in such cases, the courts may not impose the condition of local surety," said the bench. It further added that if the bail bonds are not furnished within one month from the date of granted bail, the concerned court may suo moto take up the case and consider whether the conditions of bail require modification/ relaxation. "In cases where the undertrial or convict requests that he can furnish bail bonds or sureties once released, then in an appropriate case, the court may consider granting temporary bail for a specified period to the accused so that he can furnish bail bonds or sureties," said the bench. It further added: "If the accused is not released within a period of 7 days from the date of grant of bail, it would be the duty of the Superintendent of Jail to inform the Secretary, DLSA who may depute a para legal volunteer or jail visiting advocate to interact with the prisoner and assist the prisoner in all ways possible for his release." The bench also directed that a court granting bail to an undertrial prisoner or a convict would be required to e-mail a soft copy of the order to the prisoner through the jail superintendent on the same day or the next day. The bench also directed the National Informatics Centre to "create necessary fields in the e-prison software so that the date of grant of bail and the date of release are entered by the prison department and in case the prisoner is not released within seven days, then an automatic e-mail can be sent to the DLSA secretary". The bench said, "The secretary, DLSA, with a view to find out the economic condition of the accused, may take the help of the probation officers or para-legal volunteers to prepare a report on the socio-economic conditions of the inmate, which may be placed before the concerned court with a request to relax the condition of bail or surety." Earlier this week, the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) had informed the apex court that about 5,000 undertrial prisoners were in jails despite being granted bail and 1,417 of them were released. Advocate Gaurav Agrawal is the amicus curiae in the matter. In November last year, the apex court flagged the issue of undertrials, who continue to languish in jail despite being granted bail, as they were unable to fulfil the conditions of bail. The top court had asked the state governments to issue directions to jail authorities to provide details of such UTPs to NALSA. NALSA, in the report filed in the apex court, said it is in the process of creating a "master data" of all such undertrial prisoners, who could not either furnish surety or bail bonds due to poverty. According to the report, the accused continue to languish in jail despite being granted bail because they are accused in multiple cases and are not willing to furnish bail bonds until they are given bail in all the cases, as under trial custody will be counted in all the cases. New Delhi, Feb 2 : Delhi Police have arrested a 25-year-old man apart from apprehending a 16-year-old juvenile for allegedly killing an acquaintance of theirs for not paying Rs 1,500 for a sound system in north Delhi's Sabzi Mandi area, an officer said on Thursday. The police said that the victim had rented the sound system from the accused Raja, a resident of Mori Gate, for New Year celebrations, but the payment was pending which had led to a heated argument between them. According to the police, the incident took place on January 29 at around 11 p.m. when a passerby, who also happens to be a witness to the quarrel, told the police that at Mori Gate, he saw the victim, Munindra Kumar Shahi, lying on the ground with a boy from his colony pinning him down with his leg, and Raja hitting him on the head with a wooden log. "When he intervened, both the accused persons fled from the spot. He along with another person then took Shahi to the hospital where the doctor declared him dead," said the Deputy Commissioner of Police (North), Sagar Singh Kalsi. "Raja along with his juvenile associate had switched off their mobile phones and were absconding after committing the crime. The duo was nabbed by the police, who were deployed in civil dress, from near the Tis Hazari court complex where they had gone to meet Raja's lawyer on Wednesday," the DCP said. On interrogation, it was revealed that Raja used to rent out sound systems for small functions. He had rented a sound system to Shahi for Rs 1,500 for New Year celebrations, but the payment was pending which led to a heated argument between the two. "On the night of January 29, a verbal spat again took place between Raja and Shahi on the same issue, resulting in the latter's murder by Raja and his juvenile accomplice," said Kalsi. Amaravati, Feb 2 : Telugu Desam Party (TDP) national president N. Chandrababu Naidu has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to order an enquiry into the alleged tapping of phones of leaders of opposition parties, lawyers, journalists and activists by the YSRCP government in Andhra Pradesh. The former Andhra Pradesh chief minister appealed to the Prime Minister to order an enquiry by a competent body of the Central government to check phone tapping. He alleged that the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government was violating fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 19 and 21 of the Constitution. "Ever since the YSRCP came to power, there has been a systematic and concerted attack on the democratic institutions in the state. Initially, the process of governance was completely derailed by attacking the investors and policies of previous regimes. This was followed by attacks on institutions like the State Election Commission and the Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC). Concomitantly, the ruling YSRCP has been attacking and threatening leaders of opposition parties, advocates, media persons, and social activists, among others, through various deceitful means. One such modus operandi that the ruling party has chosen is by illegally and unlawfully tapping the phones," reads the letter. "It appears that the YSRCP-led government has been tapping phones illegally for its own political gains. Further, we are afraid it is being done through illegal software and unlawfully. This is all the more dangerous as in the long run it could pose a direct threat to national security. With such sophisticated technology in the hands of miscreants will not only violate the right to privacy of individuals, but also would lead to compromise of people in high places by bringing them under blackmail threats," Naidu wrote. The TDP chief alleged that apparently the YSRCP has now even targeted the judiciary, the third pillar of democracy, as it is facing hurdles from the judiciary. "It appears that private persons are also illegally tapping phones using cutting edge technology and tools. We are afraid that if such illegal phone tapping goes unchecked, it would pose a serious threat to the integrity and security of the nation. Such illegal and unlawful practices by governments or private persons, if unrestrained, would lead to destruction of institutions that were built painstakingly over a period of time. In the long run, such nefarious activities would result in the breakdown of democratic values and freedom of speech, leading to jungle raj. In this backdrop, we appeal to you to initiate immediate and stern action in order to check any further unlawful activities (phone tapping) by the ruling party and private persons in Andhra Pradesh," he added. Naidu had written to the Prime Minister on the backdrop of allegations by two MLAs of YSRCP that their phones were being tapped. New Delhi, Feb 2 : The Supreme Court would hear a plea challenging the Centre's decision to ban a BBC documentary on the 2002 Gujarat riots on Friday. According to the cause list uploaded on the apex court website, a bench comprising justices Sanjiv Khanna and M.M. Sundresh will take up a petition filed by senior journalist N. Ram, Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra, and advocate Prashant Bhushan, and also another petition moved by advocate M.L. Sharma. The documentary series, titled 'India: The Modi Question', has been dismissed as a biased "propaganda piece" by the government. The plea filed by Sharma contended that the BBC documentary on Gujarat riots was released for public view. However, due to "fear of truth", the documentary has been banned from viewership in India by any means under rule 16 of the IT Act 2021. Sharma's plea sought a direction for quashing of the January 21 order under the IT Act being illegal, malafide and arbitrary, unconstitutional and void ab-initio and ultra vires to the Constitution of India. The documentary has been banned on social media and online channels, but some students have screened it on campuses of various universities across the country. Sharma's plea contended that the BBC documentary has reflected the true facts with original recordings of the victims of the 2002 riots as well as other concerned persons involved in the scenario of the riots, and it can be used for judicial justice. A separate petition has been filed by journalist N. Ram, Trinamool MP Mahua Moitra, and advocate Prashant Bhushan against taking down their tweets with links to the documentary. "The content of the BBC documentary and the tweets by Petitioner No. 2 (Bhushan) and 3 (Moitra) are protected under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution of India. The content of the documentary series do not fall under any of the restrictions specified under Article 19(2) or restrictions imposed under Section 69A of the IT Act, 2000," said the plea filed by Ram and others. The government has blocked sharing of any clips from the documentary on social media, prompting students' organisations and opposition parties to organise its public screenings. The plea by Ram and others argued that the apex court has categorically laid down that criticism of the government or its policies or even the judgment of the Supreme Court does not tantamount to violating the sovereignty and integrity of India. "Censoring freedom of speech and expression of the petitioners by the executive through opaque orders and proceedings is manifestly arbitrary as it frustrates the fundamental right of the petitioners to effectively seek judicial review of administrative actions under Articles 226 and 32 of the Constitution of India in violation of the basic structure of the Constitution of India," added the plea. ITA Airways participates as exhibitor at "Fespo 2023" (from the 2nd to the 5th of February), Switzerland's leading Travel and Tourism trade fair. In its 31st edition, the event is hosted in the Zurich Exhibition Centre where 600 exhibiting companies and more than 60,000 visitors are expected to participate. During the show, the Italian airline is present in Hall 4 with a branded area (stand 4.030): here the local team welcomes guests, tour operators, travel agencies and companies to showcase the brand, its network and product to the key players of the Swiss and international tourism industry. At local level, the carrier currently operates 28 weekly frequencies between Switzerland and Italy thanks to connections from Geneva and Zurich airports to its Rome-Fiumicino hub. A growing offer, which from April will increase to 38 frequencies, to reach 50 weekly frequencies between the two countries from June. To these are added connections with the entire network of destinations in Italy and the rest of the world, including South America with Brazil and Argentina. In the Summer season, the company will also offer seasonal connections to numerous Mediterranean destinations. At the core is the expansion of ITA Airways' intercontinental network, which operates 9 long-haul routes out of the 51 destinations in the current Winter season. Among the long-haul flights, there are the new connections from Rome-Fiumicino to San Francisco and Washington, which will be operational from the Summer, and the flight to Rio de Janeiro launching in November. These new destinations join the connections to Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo, Tokyo-Haneda, New Delhi and Male (Maldives) and the network of destinations in the United States, including New York, Boston, Miami and Los Angeles. In addition, with the entry of the new A-321Neo in the fleet, the Company plans to open new destinations to the Middle East: Riyadh, Jeddah and Kuwait City. One of the pillars of its strategy is its commitment to sustainability: the Company aims to become the greenest air carrier in Europe by 2026, courtesy of a modern fleet with state-of-the-art technology. ITA Airways is committed to a CO2 emissions reduction plan, including the progressive renewal of its fleet, which will feature 80% new generation aircraft by 2026, with the consequent downscaling of 1.3 million tons of CO2 emissions. The recent introduction of the A-220/300, which is operational on routes to Geneva and Zurich, and the A-350/900 operating on intercontinental destinations, represent a further step towards this goal. New Delhi, Feb 2 : Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday granted approval for the removal and transplantation of 579 trees to aid the construction of the new Indian Army Headquarters. The Ministry of Defence has proposed the construction of the Thal Sena Bhavan in Delhi Cantonment. The Ministry intends to develop the site as a state of the art facility for the army. However, certain patches of trees were obstructing the construction of the site. Therefore, the ministry of defence has sought the approval from the Delhi government for the removal and transplantation of 579 trees, paving the way for the construction of the state of the art Thal Sena Bhavan that will house the Indian Army's new headquarters. Approving the proposal, the Delhi government has noted that out of the 579 trees, the Ministry will transplant 476 trees, while it will take up felling of 103 trees. The transplantation will take place within the identified project site. The Delhi government has further asked the ministry not to damage a single tree at the site other than those that have been identified and approved by the government. If any tree apart from the approved ones is damaged, it shall constitute an offence under Delhi Preservation of Trees Act 1994. The Delhi government has further made it mandatory for the Defence ministry to plant ten times the trees transplanted and removed. The MoD will have to plant 5,790 new trees around the site to maintain ecological balance. Thus, they will now plant 5,790 new tree saplings. These trees will be planted upon the identified land parcels within 3 months from the date on which the permission for shifting of the trees will be issued. The MoD will further take the responsibility of maintaining the trees for the next seven years, as per Delhi government's guidelines. As per the proposal approved by the Delhi government, various species of trees that suit the soil and climate of Delhi will be planted in the identified places. Kohima, Feb 2 : The Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), the dominant party of the all party United Democratic Alliance (UDA) government, on Thursday announced its candidates' list of 40 nominees including two women, dropping 15 sitting MLAs. NDPP's ally Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also announced a list of 20 candidates for the February 27 election to the 60-member Nagaland assembly. The saffron party has dropped a sitting MLA. The NDPP and the BJP had contested the 2018 elections with a 40:20 seat-sharing formula and the alliance partners in July last year have decided to continue with the same understanding.The main NDPP candidates are Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio (Northern Angami-II seat), G. Kaito Aye (Sataka) and Neiba Kronu (Pfutsero) and former Chief Minister and erstwhile Naga People's Front (NPF) supremo T.R. Zeliang (Peren). With 26 seats, the NPF had emerged as the single largest party in the 2018 elections, but the NDPP and the BJP managed to form a coalition government. In April last year, 21 of the 26 NPF legislators led by Zeliang had "merged" themselves with the NDPP and formed the opposition less all party UDA government to expedite the Naga political dialogue with the Central government. NDPP sources said that of the 15 MLAs dropped in the NDPP list, a majority are those who came from the NPF. The NDPP list includes two women -- Hekani Jakhalu from the Dimapur-III constituency and Salhoutuonuo Kruse from Western Angami. BJP leader Nalin Kohli, while announcing the candidates' list in Delhi, said: "We will contest 20 out of the 60 seats in Nagaland. The rest of the seats have been given to our alliance partner NDPP." According to the BJP list, Nagaland unit president Temjen Imna Along will contest from Alongtaki. The BJP list of 20 candidates features Kahuli Sema as the lone woman. She is contesting the Atoizu constituency. On Wednesday, the BJP Central Election committee held a meeting in Delhi on Nagaland candidates. The Congress, which has no MLA in the assembly, is yet to announce its candidates list though the party had earlier announced to contest in all 60 seats alone. New Delhi, Feb 2 : The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) on Thursday told the Delhi High Court that it had paid salaries and pensions to employees and retired staff members till December, and the payment for January would be cleared soon. On January 30, the High Court had summoned the MCD Commissioner, Delhi Finance Secretary, and Urban Development Secretaries over non-payment of salaries to various employees, sanitation workers, and teachers of the MCD. A division bench of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Subramonium Prasad, dealing with a bunch of pleas filed in 2020 seeking payment of salaries to various employees of the civic body, said despite assuring them of timely payments, the employees are not being paid, which is "unfortunate". While noting Thursday's submission, the same bench listed the matter for the next hearing after four weeks. Even retired employees have moved pleas seeking the release of their pensions. On December 21, last year, the AAP government and the MCD had promised that all dues will be cleared in four weeks. Noting the above, the bench during the last hearing had directed the officials: "It is also strange that the pensioners are not receiving the pensions and they are hand to mouth. This court is left with no choice but to direct the personal appearance of the Commissioner of MCD, Finance Secretary and Secretary of Urban Development of the GNCTD." Appearing for petitioners, advocate Ashok Agarwal had submitted that primary school teachers are not getting salaries and they are facing financial problems. The MCD was previously divided into North, South, and East Municipal Corporations. New Delhi, Feb 2 : Two bystanders were injured after two men opened fire in the crowded Bhogal market in south Delhi with an intent to kill their rival, an official said on Thursday. The police said that the incident occurred on Wednesday and the shooters were targeting a man who is out on bail in connection with their friend's murder in 2020. A senior police officer said: "At 1:40 p.m. on Wednesday, a PCR call regarding a firing incident was received at the Hazrat Nizamuddin police station, following which a police team was rushed to the spot." "At the spot, a youth named Nikhil (24), a resident of Pant Nagar, told the police that two youths had opened fire at him. While they missed the target, two passersby -- Neeraj (24) and Mohammad Gulzar (18), both residents of Bhogal -- were injured in the firing," the officer said. Both the injured persons were admitted to the AIIMS trauma centre where they are undergoing treatment. "A case under Sections 307 (attempt to murder) and 34 (common intention) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) has been registered and police teams are scanning CCTV footages to trace the accused, who fled from the spot after the incident," said the officer. New Delhi, Feb 2 : Delhi Lt. Governor V.K. Saxena has approved the participation of eight specially-abled children from the Delhi government schools to be a part of the Bharat Scout and Guides Contingent, representing India at the World Scout Jamboree. The event will be held in South Korea from August 1 to 12. These eight Children With Special Needs (CWSN), will be accompanied by one Physical Education Teacher, one Special Educator Teacher and the Deputy Director of Education Department. A proposal by Bharat Scouts & Guides asking for Delhi to name representatives for the National Contingent for the International Jamboree in South Korea was sent to the Delhi government on January 19. After being recommended by Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and endorsed by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, the file was sent to the L-G for his approval. These eight CWSN have been selected from the 16 specially-abled children who successfully participated in the 18th National Jamboree held from January 4 to 10 at Pali in Rajasthan. Bengaluru, Feb 2 : The ruling BJP in Karnataka is preparing to handover the alleged sex CD scandal case of former minister and BJP MLA Ramesh Jarakiholi to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Minister of Home for Karnataka, Araga Jnanendra, meanwhile, said on Thursday that a decision will be taken regarding handing over the CD case of Jarakiholi to the CBI, after a discussion with Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai. "Ramesh Jarkiholi met me in this regard. He had given sufficient information and requested to handover the case to CBI. Whether or not to handover the case to CBI will be decided after discussing the matter with the CM Bommai," he said. "It is wrong to defame someone through a CD. No one should indulge in this. If it is done, police will take action," Jnanendra said. The former Minister had been urging the state government to handover the sex CD scandal matter to the CBI. Jarkiholi further demanded the arrest of some persons in connection with the matter. He challenged that he would send Karnataka Congress President D.K. Shivakumar to jail, adding that hundreds of politicians from state, officers and top officers in Bengaluru are trapped in CD conspiracy. "I have 120 pieces of evidence. I am not releasing them here. The matter has to be investigated by the CBI." Jarkiholi alleged that Shivakumar had hit him by hatching a conspiracy and got that video made to finish him off politically. The alleged sex CD released in March 2021 created a huge controversy in the state. Following the embarrassment, the ruling BJP in Karnataka dropped Jarkiholi from the cabinet. Jarkiholi had played a prominent role in 'Operation Lotus' carried out by the BJP to come to power in the state. He was at the forefront of the collapse of the coalition government headed by the JD-S and the Congress. Earlier, the Special Investigation Team probing allegations of rape against Jarkiholi had filed a 'B report' in the case, stating that no evidence to prove the charge or the other allegations made against him. Currently, Jarkiholi is seeking a cabinet position in the state. New Delhi, Feb 3 : Two Cambodian nationals were held by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel from the Indira Gandhi International Airport here for allegedly smuggling medicines valued at Rs 86.40 lakh, an official said on Thursday. A senior CISF official said that on February 1, at around 10 p.m., on the basis of behaviour detection, the CISF's surveillance and intelligence staff noticed suspicious activities of two passengers at a check-in area of IGI airport's Terminal-3. "On suspicion, both the passengers identified as -- Song Menghour and Doeur Savuth (Cambodian nationals) bound for Phnom Penh via Bangkok by Thai Airlines were diverted to the random checking point for thorough checking of baggage. On screening of their four registered baggage and one hand baggage through X-BIS machine, the CISF personnel noticed suspicious images," the official said. "On physical checking, a huge quantity of different types of medicines valued at Rs 86.40 lakh were detected. On enquiry, the passengers could not produce supporting documents for carrying such a huge quantity of medicines," the official added. The matter was informed to the senior officials of the CISF and the Customs. Later, the two passengers along with detected medicines were handed over to the Customs officials for further action. Dhaka, Feb 3 : Freedom fighters in Bangladesh have expressed displeasure and are shocked with the recent appointment of Sarah Hossain, who "defended" the convicts of 1971 war crimes, to the United Nations' fact-finding mission on alleged human rights violations in Iran. Hossain, a Bangladeshi lawyer, will serve the mission as its chair with Shaheen Sardar Ali of Pakistan and Viviana Krsticevic of Argentina as two other members of the panel. The three member panel will inquire over the "state of repression" unleashed by Iranian government to "suppress the movement against Hijab". The freedom fighters are questioning "how UN can select someone for the mission on alleged human rights violations who had a record of defending war criminals who slaughtered and raped tens of thousands for religious absolutism". They argue that Hossain with her British husband David Bergman "defended and lobbied hard to save local self-confessed and convicted war criminals from Jamaat-e-Islam, some of whom are accused for committing genocide, rape and arson during the 1971 Bangladesh liberation war". Former Justice Shamsuddin Chowdhury Manik has termed the inclusion Hossain, "who defended the war criminals akin to the Iranian mullahs, in the UN committee on Iran a big blunder". "A classic case of a double-standard practiced by the UN and Western countries, driving their agenda, has become evident with the inclusion of Hossain in the UN committee set up to investigate atrocities against women in Iran," Justice Manik asserted. Bergman and Hossain, whose father Kamal Hossain emerged as the Prime Ministerial face of the Islamist coalition before 2018 parliament polls, have "stoutly defended the Jamaat-e-Islami and BNP leaders accused of heinous war crimes". Self-confessed war criminals, mostly Jamaat members are said to have poured in millions in "lobbying focused on the US and the UK policymakers to cover up their horrendous war crimes and hired journalists as well". Bergman defended war criminals with his blog, peddling narratives that undermine harrowing crimes, that sparked a call for his boycott by the country's popular movement which sought justice for millions of Bengali families who waited four long decades to see the trial. Even the country's court warned Bergman not to repeat such "malicious and prejudicial" criticism of historically settled issues. Recently the Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention, an US-based institution, has recognised the brutal killings of Bangladeshis by the Pakistani forces in 1971 as a "genocide", serving some relief to the country's five decades of wait for UN recognistion of the worst war crimes in 100 years history. Member of the central committee of Awami League, Tarana Halim, has also questioned the UN's "much coveted principle of fairness as it still put on hold the recognition of 1971 genocide committed by Jamat Al-Badr Razakar, the auxiliary forces of Pakistan Army". New York, Feb 3 : The US House of Representatives has ousted Ilhan Omar, a Democratic Party legislator who is a strident critic of India and a supporter of Pakistan, from the influential Foreign Affairs Committee. The House voted on Thursday mainly for her bigoted comments against Jews to remove her from the committee that she had used before to campaign against India. The vote was on party lines, 218 to 211, in the House that was captured in last year's election by the Republican Party. The Democratic Party leadership and members were solidly behind her. Fellow Democrat Pramila Jayapal, the leader of the Progressive Caucus who is also a critic of India, in a voice filled with emotion said that voting her out of the panel was an attempt to silence her "strong and necessary voice" and an act of revenge by the Republicans. A defiant Omar said, "We didn't come to Congress to be silent", and added that despite the ouster, "my voice will get louder and stronger". Republican Mike Lawler countered that rhetoric aceleads to harm" and Omar "is being held accountable for her words and her actions". The US has seen a rise in attacks against and harassment of Jewish people and the Anti-Defamation League which monitors such incidents said they reached an all-time high with 2,717 incidents recorded in 2021. Omar is a member of the left-wing wing of the Democratic Party and one of the four in the radical group called the "Squad". One of three Muslims in Congress, she represents a constituency in Minnesota with a large number of immigrants from Somalia like her. Two months after a visit to Pakistan and to the part of Kashmir it occupies, she introduced in June last year a resolution in Congress to condemn India for what she termed "human rights violations and violations of international religious freedom". That resolution, which drew the support of 12 Democrats, failed to even come up for a vote. During her visit to Pakistan, she had gone close to the Line of Control and complained that Kashmir was not "being talked about to the extent it needs to in Congress but also with the administration". She met with Prime Minister Shabaz Sharif, whose office said that he valued her "courage of convictions and her political struggle". Omar also voted in 2019 against a bill that would have cut for Indians the waiting time for permanent residency or Green Cards that stretches to several decades making the wait futile for many. In one of the last bid attempts to save her from ouster, an op-ed was published in The New York Times highlighting her opposition to India in what the writer, New York City University Professor Peter Beinart, called an example of her asking "uncomfortable questions". In the encounter with Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman at a committee meeting cited in the article, Omar let loose a propaganda salvo likening the democratically elected Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet, who had ousted a democratically elected government in a military coup and killed thousands and tortured and detained tens of thousands. She was critical of US policies to forge closer ties with India to counter China. It was Omar's record of anti-Semitism - a characteristic often shared by those who are also anti-India - that did her in when the protective mantle of the Democratic majority disappeared in the House. Among her controversial statements, one said, "Israel has hypnotized the world, may Allah awaken the people and help them see the evil doings of Israel". Alluding to supporters of Israel, she spoke of those with "the allegiance to a foreign country". She suggested that Jewish people were buying support for Israel in a tweet that said, "It's all about the Benjamins baby", which is a reference to $100 notes that carry the picture of Benjamin Franklin and anti-Semites the name to link it to the Biblical Jewish sacred figure. She has also compared Israel to the Taliban in a statement with other Democrats. The Democrats set a precedent when held the House majority by removing two Republicans, Marjorie Taylor Greene and Paul Gosar, from House committees accusing them of promoting violence. At that time Kevin McCarthy, who is now the speaker, warned that he would remove Omar and another Democrat, Eric Swalwell from committees when his party controlled the House. Last week, McCarthy removed from the House Intelligence Committee Swalwell and Adam Schiff, who had been its head when the Democrats controlled the Hous -- leading to Jayapal's accusation of "revenge". An alleged Chinese operative Fang Fang had placed an intern in Swalwell's office and participated in raising funds for his campaign, which was a likely reason for his removal. McCarthy alleged that Schiff had misused his office while heading the intelligence panel and created misinformation against Trump. (Arul Louis can be contacted at arul.l@ians.in and followed at @arulouis) Washington, Feb 3 : A New Jersey councilwoman was shot dead outside her home, according to authorities. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said on Thursday that he's "stunned by the news of Sayreville Councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour's murder last (Wednesday) evening in an act of gun violence", Xinhua news agency reported. Dwumfour, 30, was inside her vehicle when she was shot, officials said. She reportedly sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene. A motive for the shooting was not immediately disclosed. Police did not say whether a suspect was identified or an arrest had been made. The New Jersey State Police are supporting the ongoing investigation, according to Murphy. POMPANO BEACH, Fla.M.D. Science Lab, the maker of the Swiss Navy brand, has released its "2023 Intimate Lubricant Trends Report" outlining the most popular insights into the lube marketplace for the upcoming year. Said ACS, M.D. Science Labs vice president of sales and marketing Briana Watkins, "Every year we do extensive research to find opportunities that are influencing the global intimacy market. We know its important for us to understand what consumers will be seekingand just as important, we need to be able to share this information with our retail partners to help them be better prepared for success." While Swiss Navys trend research covered a multitude of topics, theyre specifically sharing three trends that were prevalent in their studies over and over again. These three areas covered forthcoming trends within the natural goods, luxury wellness, and intimate pleasure spaces, with more consumers poised to increase intimate pleasure as part of their 2023 healthcare routines. Added Watkins, "Each year we focus on what consumers are demandingeverything from new ingredients to unique packagingand concentrate on offering products that address those concerns. Since joining the M.D. Science Lab family several years ago Ive found that being able to anticipate consumers needs has led to our most profitable releases. I created 'Desire by Swiss Navy' in response to the growth in the female sexual health industry, and four-in-one Playful Flavors were designed to capture sales by consumers looking for multi-use productsa space that grew by almost 66 percent in 2022." This years Swiss Navy "2023 Intimate Lubricant Trends Report" is intended to help retailers plan their in-demand product purchases. The complete report can be found on Swiss Navys B2B Resource Center at b2bswissnavy.com. For more information on all premium Swiss Navy products, contact a sales representative or visit swissnavy.com. To learn more about becoming a Swiss Navy Certified Expert with free online certification, visit swissnavycertifiedexpert.com. We are sincerely committed to supporting ATAs mission to raise tinnitus awareness, fund research, and help people who are suffering. Texas Roadhouse and our family of Roadies are proud to honor the life and vision of our Founder Kent Taylor, who was passionate about helping others. On Monday, February 6, all Texas Roadhouse and Bubbas 33 locations will donate 100 percent of the days profits to the American Tinnitus Association (ATA) in honor of the companys late founder, Kent Taylor. The public is invited to show their support by dining (or ordering to-go) at any Texas Roadhouse or Bubbas 33 location on February 6, which marks the first day of Tinnitus Awareness Week. The week pays tribute to the challenges faced by more than 26 million adults in the United States who experience tinnitus, an audiological and neurological condition often referred to as ringing in the ears. The condition can be mild, moderate, or severe, resulting in reduced quality of life and well-being, depending on the severity. In addition to the restaurant fundraiser, Texas Roadhouse will sell ATA-branded gift cards through March 31 and donate 10 percent of online sales from those cards to the ATA. The gift cards are available online at texasroadhouse.com. Our partnership with Texas Roadhouse and Bubbas 33 enables the ATA to advance tinnitus research through increased grant funding, as well as patient support services, says David Hadley, chair of the ATA Board of Directors. We are extraordinarily grateful to have the opportunity to raise awareness of tinnitus with Texas Roadhouse and Bubbas 33, because, despite its prevalence, tinnitus remains a poorly understood condition among the public and is severely underfunded. Our partnership helps us raise awareness of the millions of people with tinnitus and brings us closer to finding meaningful relief for them. Texas Roadhouse CEO and President Jerry Morgan shares, We are sincerely committed to supporting the ATAs mission to raise awareness of tinnitus, fund research, and help people who are suffering. Texas Roadhouse and our family of Roadies honor the life and vision of our Founder Kent Taylor, who was passionate about helping others. About participating organizations: The ATA is a nonprofit organization dedicated exclusively to serving the tinnitus community. The ATA helps individuals and families cope, provides guidance on finding qualified healthcare providers to assist in tinnitus management, funds research, advocates for better care, and provides trustworthy information to thousands of people every day. If you or a loved one need information or help managing tinnitus, contact the ATA at (800) 634-8978 or visit ata.org. Based in Louisville, Kentucky, Texas Roadhouse opened its doors in 1993 and has more than 680 locations in 49 states and 10 foreign countries. The family-friendly restaurant is famous for hand-cut steaks, made-from-scratch sides, fresh-baked bread, and a lively atmosphere. In 2020, Texas Roadhouse was named one of Americas Best Employers for Veterans by Forbes. Texas Roadhouse also ranked sixth on FSR magazines Top 50 list of Full-Service Restaurants within the US. For more information, visit http://www.texasroadhouse.com/gift-cards. Bubbas 33 serves up a variety of menu options featuring handcrafted pizza, bold burgers, and ice-cold beer. The first Bubbas 33 opened in Fayetteville, North Carolina, in 2013 and has grown to 37 locations in 14 states. Bubbas 33 staff is dedicated to providing the best service in town and having fun. In 2021, Bubbas 33 was named the Best Burger in Charlotte, NC. For more information, visit http://www.bubbas33.com. Starting February 9th, Soulivity.com's new morning program, "THIS MORNING with SOULIVITY," expands its reach to the listeners of ABC News Radio affiliate station KMET AM/FM in southern California. This Morning with Soulivity joins KMET AM/FM near Palm Springs, California, Thursdays & Fridays at 9:00am Pacific Time (12:00 noon Eastern Time) beginning February 9th. KMET 1490 AM/FM 98.1, an ABC News Radio affiliate station, serves some 3.5 million people in its terrestrial broadcast area. The station also streams its shows over the Internet at http://www.kmet1490am.com. This Morning with Soulivity co-hosts discuss current affairs and is anchored by Soulivity founder, Brian Westley Johnson."We are thrilled that this diverse current public affairs program is joining our line-up that comes from our nation's capital, Washington, D.C.," said Mitch McClellan, KMET GM. "This ties our audience into what's happening, right now!"During each broadcast, a multi-facet panel of Soulivity TV hosts discusses current events or important issues. And, on a regular basis, they welcome phenomenal voices from around the world to provide more in-depth analysis and commentary."Our show is about real conversations about the people, places, and topics that are part of our everyday life," says show anchor, Brian Westley Johnson. "We can't wait to share important topics with the KMET community, and have them share their thoughts and concerns with us, as well."Founded in 2016, Soulivity was founded to serve humanity across the globe by providing inspirational content in different forms to uplift and move our collective experience forward, while eliminating fear and ignorance. With its unique system of systems approach, it provide opportunities for people of different walks of life to improve their lives. Soulivity's main goals are to support consumers in living a higher quality life; becoming more culturally aware and interconnected to the global community; increase personal and professional productivity, effectiveness, and efficiency; and, experiencing better lifestyle outcomes. Lt. Gen. Webb - Mass Virtual Retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Marshall Brad Webb joins the Mass Virtual board of directors, bringing his extensive Air Force enterprise knowledge to provide an in-depth, first-hand understanding of training needs to aid the growth of Mass Virtual and its team of products. Webbs final assignment, Air Education and Training Command, operated more than 1,400 trainer, fighter, and mobility aircraft. In addition, he operated 24 wings, 11 bases, and 5 geographically separated groups. Yearly, he provided training to more than 293,000 students. Mass Virtual is a company that truly understands the needs of airmen, and puts its heart and soul into developing effective, immersive training, said Webb. I look forward to putting my years of educational and operational expertise in the Air Force to good use; bringing service members the highest quality training with the help of Mass Virtuals proven experienced team. We are honored to have Lt. Gen. Webb, Retired, on our board, said John Brooks, Mass Virtuals CEO. It has always been our mission to bring together skilled experts who will drive innovation, efficacy, and cost-effective training solutions. With his powerful hands-on leadership experience and true understanding of what service members need, Mr. Webb is sure to become an indispensable member of the Mass Virtual board. Webb retired from the U.S. Air Force in June of 2022 after 38 years of celebrated service. During his service, he was a command pilot who achieved more than 3,700 flying hours, which included 117 combat hours in Bosnia, Afghanistan, and Iraq. While Webb was active duty in the Air Force, he also served as commander of the Air Force Special Operations Command, the 20th Special Operations Squadron, the 352nd Special Operations Group, and the 1st Special Operations Wing. Additionally, he was commander of the 23rd Air Force, Special Operations Command Europe, and NATO Special Operations Headquarters. His staff assignments included duty at the Joint Special Operations Command, Headquarters AFSOC, and in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. As a member of the Mass Virtual board of directors, Webb will aid in delivering an overall scope of what the Air Force truly needs at the core of their important training. With his expertise and guidance, Mass Virtual's enterprise-level, state-of-the-art virtual training software Virtual Hangar, will continue to produce cutting-edge solutions. The Kria SOM platform is helping make advanced technologies available to a wider community of engineers. The benefit of our Phoenix Soft ISP over a hardwired ISP means we are able to fully-customize our ISP to meet any specific application requirements. ~ Alfred Zee, CEO of Xfuse, LLC. Today, Xfuse, LLC, a developer of customizable imaging and video technology, announced the immediate availability of its Phoenix HDR ISP for the AMD Kria K26 System-on-Module (SOM) and KV260 Vision AI Starter Kit. For AI developers and computer vision engineers needing to capture real-time, data-rich imaging streams, the Phoenix HDR ISP can deliver fully-tone mapped HDR video up to 120dB dynamic range even in high contrast lighting conditions. While the standard Phoenix configuration is now easily accessible through the AMD Xilinx App Store for Kria applications, Xfuse is also able to fully customize its imaging pipeline for the specialized needs of developers for other AMD adaptive devices, including Zynq 7000 SoC and Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC. For step-by-step instructions on how to incorporate the Phoenix HDR ISP into their workflow, developers can visit the Xfuse website, here https://xfuse.ai/phoenix-isp-for-kria-som-2/. In conjunction with the Phoenix HDR ISPs immediate availability on the AMD Xilinx App Store for Kria applications, Xfuse is also now shipping its new Imager Access System (IAS) HDR sensor module tuned for the AMD Kria KV260 Vision AI Starter Kit. Based on the onsemi AR0239 CMOS imager capable of capturing up to 120dB/20EV of dynamic range at 1080p/30 full HD resolution, the sensor data is merged and tone mapped in the ISP leveraging Xfuses proprietary human vision technology. The Xfuse imaging module is ready for quick deployment in challenging environments encountered in AI, security, robotics, or consumer applications. The sensor module features an onsemi AR0239 CMOS imager, an M12 (S-Mount) lens holder, and a 2.9mm manual focus lens (included) with a 128.7 field of view. Our Kria SOMs and Vision AI Starter Kit are designed to streamline the development of advanced vision applications, said Chetan Khona, Sr. Director, Industrial, Vision, Healthcare & Sciences at AMD. With the unique capabilities of Xfuses Phoenix Soft HDR ISP available on the Kria KV260 Starter Kit, our customers creating the next generation of smart city, security and retail vision systems gain access to highly-accurate, real-time data streams in our out-of-the-box development kit. Fully-Customizable Sensor Agnostic HDR Video Adapted from Xfuses patented HDR technology, the Phoenix ISP is modeled on human vision. The proprietary technology guarantees retention of local image contrast as well as highlight and shadow detail, without producing halos or color shifts. Phoenix is also uniquely adaptable to support sensors of any resolution, color filter arrays and diverse HDR capture methods. Xfuse is able to customize its full, end-to-end ISP to meet the unique needs of any specific application. For specialized mission critical applications requiring real time imaging data, Xfuse can fine-tune its proprietary advanced algorithms to accurately tone map high contrast scenes with very low latency. We are excited that our Phoenix Soft ISP solution is now available for immediate download to the developers operating within the AMD ecosystem, said Alfred Zee, CEO of Xfuse. The Kria SOM platform is helping make these advanced technologies available to a wider community of engineers. The benefit of a Soft ISP over a hardwired ISP means we are able to fully-customize our ISP to meet any specific application requirements. Technical Capabilities of the Phoenix HDR ISP For engineers and camera designers developing mission critical applications, the highest-quality video signal and ultra-fast response times are imperative. Phoenix delivers real-time video capable of producing up to 120dB or 20EV steps of dynamic range while ensuring extremely low latency, and its unique HDR IP completely eliminates halo artifacts and color shifts. This allows Phoenix to capture up to 1080p HDR video in real-time that is fully tone-mapped at 30 fps. Phoenix is also able to accommodate automatic or full-user control modes. Phoenix ISP Key Features Optimized for AMD Kria K26 SOM and KV260 Vision AI Starter Kit Support for onsemi AR0239 HDR 1080p/30 Full HD Sensor 3-frame exposure merge block Up to 120dB/20EV High Dynamic Range Proprietary locally adaptive tone mapping technology Auto/manual exposure & white balance Ultra Low latency Auto de-ghosting and motion compensation Auto halo elimination Auto EV bracketing Pricing and Availability Developers interested in adding the Phoenix HDR ISP to their development tool kit, for the AMD Kria K26 SOM, KV260 Vision AI Starter Kit, or in a customized configuration, can visit the Xfuse website for a step-by-step guide to downloading a free fully-functional watermarked trial version. For more information on the Phoenix ISP, to access reference designs, or download the ISP, please visit https://xfuse.ai/. Engineers and designers looking to explore integration partnerships or schedule a demo, please email info@xfuse.ai. Developers interested in purchasing the plug-and-play Xfuse Image Sensor Module (AR0239) for the Phoenix HDR Image Signal Processor can purchase the device for $129 on Amazon. About Xfuse, LLC Headquartered in Burlingame, C.A., Xfuse, LLC is a developer of customizable imaging and video technology powering the next generation of artificial intelligence applications. The companys proprietary High Dynamic Range (HDR) Image Signal Processing (ISP) technology provides developers with complete control over the critical imaging pipeline necessary to advance self-aware robotics, autonomous guided vehicles, machine vision, and more. Able to fuse numerous data streams from imaging and non-imaging sensors in real-time, Xfuse ISPs are available to both in-house development teams and independent developers alike. For more information on Xfuse, LLC please visit: http://www.xfuse.ai/. 2023 Xfuse, LLC. All rights reserved. Phoenix, and all Xfuse, LLC logos, trademarks and symbols are the property of Xfuse, LLC. AMD, the AMD logo, Kria, Xilinx, Zynq, UltraScale+, and combinations thereof are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. All other logos, trademarks and symbols are the property of their respective owners. HIGHSIDE Companies, a Colorado-based real estate company, has recently added a number of new hires including, Brent Gray as Vice President - Controller, Patrick Tyson as Vice President - Investments and Matt Shannon as Vice President - Development. HIGHSIDE consists of several fully integrated real estate verticals focused specifically on: Real Estate Investment, Development, and Project Management. The Denver-based company continues to add new clients and locations to their portfolio, creating a need to expand their team. HIGHSIDE continued its robust growth through 2022, and entering 2023 were adding several new partnerships across the United States and Canada. We are excited to add such talented professionals to these leadership roles, said Justin Roberts, CEO of HIGHSIDE. Brent, Patrick and Matt bring a depth of experience to the table that will benefit our organization immensely. Brent Gray has been hired as the Vice President - Controller and will oversee accounting best practices, workflows and processes in order to help the company continue to rapidly scale. Grays past experience includes Joint Venture Controller for Atlas Real Estate where he managed all aspects of accounting and finance and Controller and Chief Financial Officer at Northstar Commercial Partners where he managed more than $1 billion in assets under management across multiple product types. Patrick Tyson joined HIGHSIDE as Vice President - Investments where he will have oversight of day-to-day real estate deal execution and ownership of each projects P&L, as well as asset management. Prior to joining HIGHSIDE, Tyson was a Senior Associate for Ascentris, a real estate private equity firm based in Denver, Colo., where he was responsible for the acquisition, development and asset management of multifamily and office properties across the country. Matt Shannon has also joined the team as Vice President - Development and he will be responsible for the management of ground-up new development including project feasibility, due diligence, entitlements, budgeting, scheduling, design and construction team coordination. Prior to joining HIGHSIDE, Shannon was a Construction and Development Executive at Westfield Company, where he held similar responsibilities covering full project lifecycles across multiple asset classes. HIGHSIDE Companies was founded in 2019 to leverage off the collective experience and expertise of its founders. With more than 100 years combined experience in the real estate industry, the team possesses deep expertise in every aspect of the commercial real estate lifecycle and offers investors, partners, and clients best-in-class solutions for their unique needs. HIGHSIDE is currently executing multiple new development projects across the country and Canada, while also continuing to expand its Project Management business rapidly. To learn more about HIGHSIDE, visit http://www.highsidecompanies.com. About HIGHSIDE Companies HIGHSIDE Companies was founded in 2019 to leverage off the collective experience and expertise of its founders. HIGHSIDE consists of several fully-integrated real estate verticals focused on Real Estate Investment, Development, and Project Management. With more than 100 years combined experience in the real estate industry, the team possesses deep expertise in every aspect of the commercial real estate lifecycle and offers investors, partners, and clients best-in-class solutions for their unique real estate needs. From initial strategic portfolio planning to project capitalization, through project completion and future capital expenditure planning, HIGHSIDE expertly and comprehensively manages the risk and opportunity of each asset. HIGHSIDE is based in Denver, Colorado, for more information visit http://www.highsidecompanies.com Diversity has been our passion and practice since our inception, said Rodney Abstone-Carabajal, Chief Strategy & Mergers and Acquisitions Officer and Majority Shareholder. Therefore, having Sara represented in our companys brand simply makes sense. AbstoneLalley, Inc., a minority and women-owned boutique firm of consultants and strategists exclusively serving law firms announced today the completion of a rebranding effort through which the company will change its name to Abstone Lalley DeNio, Inc. (ALD, Inc.) The name change, accompanied by the launch of a new website, reflects the brands continued evolution and diversity of ownership. For more than 10 years, the company has been recognized for its expertise in the national legal market, specifically its network of diverse attorneys and other high-level legal professionals. The companys new brand will represent its founding partners, Rodney L. Abstone Carabajal and Robert B. Lalley (deceased) with the addition of Sara E. DeNio who became a Shareholder in 2018. Diversity has been our passion and practice since our inception, said Rodney Abstone-Carabajal, Chief Strategy & Mergers and Acquisitions Officer and Majority Shareholder. Therefore, having Sara represented in our companys brand simply makes sense. "Sara has been a part of AbstoneLalley since I started the company 10 years ago and has been a major part of its growth and is integral to its continued success, continued Mr. Abstone-Carabajal. She has been the heart and soul of the company, and I am honored to have her name added to a brand that Ive spent a decade building and of which I am very proud. "Over the past decade, our company has become known for its expertise and commitment to helping to advance the hiring, retention, and promotion of diverse lawyers and professionals in law firms throughout the U.S., said Sara DeNio, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Shareholder. As we move forward with the companys strategic growth, we will continue nurturing and developing the client relationships that have contributed to our success thus far, while growing our business in other key service areas. ALD, Inc. works with law firms from local and regional to leading Am Law and Global 100 firms in a wide range of services, including mergers & acquisitions; diversity, equity, and inclusion consulting; succession planning; strategic marketing; and legal recruiting. For more information about ALD, Inc., please visit AbstoneLalleyDeNio.com. About Abstone Lalley DeNio, Inc. Abstone Lalley DeNio, Inc. is an award-winning, minority, and women-owned boutique firm of consultants and strategists, exclusively serving law firms throughout the United States, South America, and Europe. Their consultants and strategists deliver a comprehensive range of integrated services rooted in the firm's core value of building strong relationships through exceptional, highly personalized service, and superior industry knowledge backed by decades of experience working with small, mid-size, and Am Law firms globally. ALD, Inc. has developed a reputation for excellence and is a go-to source for its particular expertise in legal recruiting, M&A strategy and consulting, DE&I consulting, succession planning, and strategic marketing. For more information, please visit AbstoneLalleyDeNio.com. NCE Online Panel Discussion As an ecosystem enabler, interworks.cloud invites you to join this eye-opening panel discussion, with leading cloud industry experts who will share valuable insights of their NCE journey, moderated by Jay McBain the Chief Analyst at Canalys. Pelli Papoulidou, VP of Marketing, interworks.cloud interworks.cloud, the leading cloud commerce platform provider that empowers Distributors and large Service Providers around the globe, is pleased to invite you to the enlightening open panel discussion on Microsoft NCE: Explore the business impact on the worlds biggest distributors worldwide. interworks.cloud, the leading ecosystem enabler, was recently included at the Canalys Channels Ecosystem Landscape 2022 and, as one of the 223 companies worldwide that lead the cloud transformation, organizes this thought leadership panel discussion as 2023 begins to bring extra value to its channel. The discussion will be moderated by Jay McBain, the Chief Analyst at Canalys - 2021 Channel Influencer of the Year. Jay together with notable Microsoft Indirect CSP Partners from around the world, will discuss the NCE challenges, share real business stories, exchange opinions and lessons learnt, and discuss new opportunities for the channel in 2023. Microsoft will be also be there, represented by Sharon Lubitch, EMEA Partner Transformation Lead, who will bring helpful and enlightening insights regarding the NCE from the vendors perspective. Notable panelists: Why join? If you are an analyst, a Microsoft Indirect CSP Partner, an Indirect Reseller or a Software Vendor, here are 6+1 reasons for joining: Explore the NCE impact by discussing real business scenarios across different regions. Hear the challenges for Microsoft Indirect CSP Partners faced, learn how they addressed them and help your business adapt faster by learning from their experience. Find out how Microsoft Indirect CSP Partners adapted successfully to the new business conditions and learn how their performance/revenues were impacted. Feel the industry pulse and see how Indirect Resellers reacted to the NCE changes. Discuss the business value they managed to leverage in the new NCE landscape. Identify the new opportunities created thanks to the New Commerce Experience. Take note of what Microsoft Indirect CSP Partners see coming in the next year. Register here: http://bit.ly/3HoEos1 You can tweet this: Microsoft Indirect CSP Partners across different regions unite & discuss the impact of the New Commerce Experience on their business. Discover real insights & viewpoints, be inspired, & make better decisions for your business. #interworkscloud Register: http://bit.ly/3HoEos1 About Canalys Canalys was established in September 1998 as the founders recognized a gap in the market for channel-focused IT research. This channel-centric focus has remained at the companys heart for over 20 years, alongside the desire to provide accurate and timely data to the technology industry. They are leading technology market analysts with a distinct channels focus. About interworks.cloud interworks.cloud is a leading cloud commerce platform provider with two decades of experience in transforming traditional IT service businesses into powerful Cloud Solution Providers. Addressing the needs of Cloud Distributors, CSPs, MSPs, and ISVs worldwide, the interworks.cloud platform automates key cloud service processes, such as billing, ordering, invoicing, and recurring payments for Office 365, Microsoft Azure, Acronis, Adobe, Google Workspace, and other IaaS and SaaS solutions. With more than 15 active and fully functional integrations - including leading products from major cloud vendors - the interworks.cloud platform helps businesses in more than 70 countries boost their service portfolio and expand their cloud offerings. We are extremely pleased with the results of our exploration of identifying numerous targets including a 3.5 kilometer high grade district of copper, gold and silver we have named Copper Hill. We have high hopes for this year and plan to drill up to 2,000 meters in these highly prospective regions. Project Overview MMCs 37,000 hectare Khongor license area is located in the Middle Devonian Trans Altai Terrane. Several of Mongolias most important porphyry gold-copper and copper-molybdenum deposits were discovered in these Middle Devonian island arc terranes, including Oyu Tolgoi, Kharmagtai, Tsagaan and Suvarga. The Khongor License is adjacent to the Khundii Gold District, comprising multiple high-grade gold and base metal prospects, owned and developed by Erdene Resources. To date, the Company has invested a total of approximately US$4m in exploration of the property over its 12 year exploration cycle. SRK (a leading international natural resources consultancy) was contracted as an exploration consultant and assisted MMC with the overall exploration of the site during the 2022 exploration season. New Meek (a leading Mongolian Exploration & Mining Consultancy) provided local support and expertise for the 2022 field season. The Khongor prospect is adjacent to and forms part of the same geological system as the Bayan Khundii license area in Southwest Mongolia, which is currently being developed by Erdene Resource Development Corporation (TSX: ERD). 2022 Exploration Campaign: Techniques & Results MMC completed a systematic soil sampling campaign. A total of 2244 samples were collected at 100 m x 200 m spacing across the three prospective areas (Gun zag, UST, Tourmaline Pipe), alongside a targeted rock chip sampling campaign and geophysical surveys including ground magnetic surveys and IP surveys [Figure 2a, b, c]. The soil sample results are pending from the laboratory but the Rock Chip samples are presented in Figure 3 & Figure 4. Highlights include 18.75 ppm Au, 254 ppm Ag, 0.91 wt% Cu [Sample# 139474] and 12.7 ppm Au, 41.1 ppm Ag, 3.69 wt% Cu [Sample# 139457] from Copper Hill; 1.5 ppm Au, 118ppm Ag, 1.5 wt% Cu [Sample# 139483] from Del Khad, and 6.75 ppm Au, 135 ppm Ag, 0.54 wt% Cu [Sample# 139484] from Gun Zag. Over the past few months, MMC has retained leading consultants to assist with the geologic interpretation of the Khongor District, both to identify targets for future drilling and to understand the structural controls on the broader hydrothermal alteration zone. This work informs the 2023 exploration and drilling campaign and resource modeling. SRK: Anna Fonseca, MSc, PGeo, conducted a field-based integrated structural-alteration analysis of the Khongor license and adjacent areas to enhance the structural understanding and to classify the various zones according to their most likely crustal levels within a porphyry-epithermal metallogenic system. New Meek: Jigjidsuren Batjargal MSc, Dedkhuu Tserendorj BSc, Javkhlan Mendbayar BSc conducted soil and rock chip sampling campaigns on the Khongor site and ground magnetic and IP surveys. Major Target Areas Copper Hill (Gunzag & Del Khad Area) In the 2022 Q3, MMC discovered the Copper Hill new target zone, a 3 km long NE trending zone of Cu-Au mineralization. Outcrops define a zone of malachite-azurite-hematite-goethite altered quartz veins and stockwork and rock chip samples analyzed by ALS lab yielded up to 18.75 ppm Au (Sample# 139474), 3.69 wt% Cu (Sample# 139457), and 268 ppm Ag (Sample# 139465) [Figure 3 & 4]. The Copper Hill area defines a structurally controlled magnetic low zone [Figure 5]. The crystalline quartz textures, local in-situ supergene copper associated with copper sulfides, and the associated sericite alteration observed in the Copper Hill, Ulaan Tolgoi, Altan Tal, and Del Khaad vein systems are compatible with proximal base-metals rich sub-epithermal veins that occur lateral to or immediately above porphyry style mineralisation [Figure 4]. The geology of the Copper Hill prospect consists of a series of syenite, monzodiorite, and granosyenite intrusions that are covered by volcanic strata, including volcaniclastic siltstone. These lithologies have been crosscut by 1- 20 m wide dykes of syenite and aplite, predominantly in the west and southwest portions of the Copper Hill intrusion. Tourmaline Pipe Tourmaline Pipe area as an area north of the Tourmaline Pipe trenching and drilling completed in 2021. This magnetic low anomaly is in a relatively untested area, with limited exploration data collected to-date but further exploration planned for 2023 [Figure 6]. Tourmaline Pipe stockwork is interpreted to be a sericite-quartz-pyrite alteration halo exposed on surface above potassic alteration associated to porphyry mineralisation. Veins and vein stockwork zones in the Tourmaline Pipe zones have predominantly NE-SW to ENE-WSW orientations. Prominent N-S-trending magnetic low anomalies in Tourmaline Pipe and their intersections with mapped silicification and veining zones constitute good greenfields stage exploration targets that are analogous to Erdene Resource Development Corporations (Erdene) adjacent Dark Horse Zone N-S-trending magnetic lows, which are particularly well endowed at the intersections with NE-SW to ENE-WSE-trending structures. Veins and breccias exposed on the surface in Erdenes Dark Horse and in Tourmaline Pipe zones have open space fill texture and tourmaline association that is characteristic of porphyry or epithermal deposits. However, the quartz-sericite-pyrite altered Tourmaline Pipe stockwork exposed on a road bed and drill core from Erdenes Dark Horse zone reveal textures and alteration mineralogy that are more characteristic of higher temperature, porphyry-style mineralisation than of epithermal environments. Dush Uul Typical porphyry lithocap alteration minerals were identified by infrared spectral analyses of outcrop samples of Dush Uul. Porphyry lithocap alteration zones form above porphyry and epithermal styles of mineralisation. The identification of pyrophyllite and sericite as the main lithocap minerals indicates that the outcrops expose the lowest portions on the lithocap. 2023 Exploration & Next Steps The exploration campaign for 2023 begins with desktop target generation utilising the geochemical and geophysical data collected during the 2022 field campaign, the historic geochemical database and existing structural models. Geochemical analysis will include Univariate data reduction and single-element distribution mapping, multivariate data reduction, alteration vectoring analysis, magma fertility analysis, alteration signature mapping, porphyry/epithermal pathfinder element analysis. Alongside this detailed review will be a license-wide remote sensing study using all available Landsat 8 Enhanced Thematic Mapper (ETM), Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER), and Sentinel 2 images. This will define the priority follow-up targets areas and ongoing exploration techniques for the Spring 2023 field season. The remote sensing study will be supported by ground-based hyperspectral analyses by specialised porphyry alteration geologists during the 2023 field season. About MMC MMC is a privately held Mongolian mining company with a portfolio of exploration and mining licenses representing significant deposits of copper, gold, molybdenum, coal and quartz across four provinces of Mongolia. The company also benefits from strong ongoing access to further license acquisition opportunities. MMC was founded in April 2008 and has to date acquired four mining licenses in Mongolia. Further information is available at http://www.mining-mongolia.com. Important information may be distributed directly from the website and investors should regularly consult this directly. Forward Looking Statements Certain information regarding MMC contained herein may constitute forward looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements may include, amongst other things, statements regarding grades, targets, estimates and assumptions in respect of mineral reserves and mineral resources and anticipated grade, plans, expectations, opinions, forecasts, projections, guidance or other statements that are not statements of fact. Although MMC believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to have been correct. MMC cautions that actual performance will be affected by a number of factors, most of which are beyond its control, and that future events and results may vary substantially from what MMC currently foresees. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration results, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. The forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Investors are cautioned that forwardlooking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and accordingly investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forwardlooking statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein. The information contained herein is stated as of the current date and is subject to change after that date. The Company does not assume the obligation to revise or update these forward-looking statements, except as may be required under applicable securities laws. NO REGULATORY AUTHORITY HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THE CONTENTS OF THIS RELEASE Ukraine native Nadia Gordynsky is using her personal tragedy and struggles to make a real difference in this world. Gordynsky created and founded Save A Life International, a nonprofit organization serving women and children in Ukraine. A Pro-Life 501(c)3 agency that supports women in crisis pregnancy, Save A Life International focuses on saving lives by providing women with education about making the choice of life in a crisis pregnancy situation, and giving hope to women without hope. Gordynsky, a recognized Christian artist and staunch advocate for women and children, says that it was only through personal struggle that she was able to answer Gods calling in her life and fulfill her purpose to help pregnant women in crisis. In 2005, Gordynsky lost a child after 18 hours of labor. While that tragic event impacted her greatly, Gordynsky said that she always trusted in Gods plan for her life. According to Gordynsky, Through my heartbreak over the loss of my son, God was able to reveal to me the sanctity of life, and what would become my purpose. Just months after the loss of her child, Gordynsky was invited to appear at a Pro Life rally in Ukraine, where she learned that abortion was regarded as a popular method of contraception and that millions of Ukrainian babies were being aborted each year. Gordynsky stated, I was completely unaware of the plight of the unborn in Ukraine. I felt called to defend life.In 2015 Gordynsky answered the calling that had tugged on her heart and started Save A Life International. With a mission to support women in crisis pregnancy, the organization focuses on providing crisis pregnancy support, violence and domestic abuse assistance, humanitarian aid for mothers and children, and educational programming. Headquartered in Philadelphia, Save a Life International offers support through its nine Life Centers, which are located in Chernivtsi, Ukraine; Gdynia, Poland; Khmelnytsky, Ukraine; Lviv, Ukraine; Odessa, Ukraine; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Pokrovsk, Ukraine; Poltava, Ukraine; and Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine. Since its inception in 2015, the organization has helped nearly 2000 women. The organizations outreach has extended to a broad cross-section of women in need: from sex slavery survivors to grieving women grappling with the loss of a child through miscarriage or abortion, to victims of violence and abuse, to young moms who need guidance and financial support, and others facing crisis. Gordynsky said that at the heart of Save A Life Internationals work is a steadfast desire to provide nonjudgmental support: It is vitally important that we meet women where they are, no matter the circumstances. In order to save a life, we must do so with compassion, love and kindness. We offer support without judgement. While the organization continues to focus on its crucial outreach to women in crisis, the recent war in Ukraine has demanded the organization expand on the scope of its outreach: at present, all of the Save a Life International Life Centers have incorporated refugee assistance and humanitarian aid projects as primary objectives. Save a Life International (http://www.savealifeintl.org) is a pro-life 501(c)3 nonprofit headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Logistics is an incredibly important part of our business and RunBuggy Hitch is a game-changer for us, RunBuggy Inc., the leading technology platform that connects car shippers and transporters, announced today that Signal, the leading cross border data-driven ecosystem that connects wholesale buyers and sellers, has chosen to integrate RunBuggys Hitch Transportation Management System (TMS) to streamline car shipping for its dealers across the United States and Canada. Signals innovative technology powers the robust Canada to US import market, connecting exporters, importers, and dealers for an end-to-end, highly automated ecosystem that accelerates every step in the wholesale supply chain. Signal selected RunBuggy's Hitch Transport Management System to further streamline the wholesale supply chain by seamlessly integrating their own drivers, existing transporter partners, and RunBuggys nationwide marketplace of verified haulers into one platform. Logistics is an incredibly important part of our business and RunBuggy Hitch is a game-changer for us, said Tane Jillings, Co-founder and President at Signal Technologies. The Hitch TMS is the only solution we found on the market tailored to our specific automotive needs. By connecting Hitch TMS with the Signal Marketplace, we give our dealers a truly comprehensive, end-to-end, supply chain solution. RunBuggy launched Hitch in November 2022 in response to what the company saw as legacy, complex, and expensive TMS systems that were ill-equipped to handle automotive logistics. As consumers increasingly expect an Amazon-like experience when they purchase a new or used vehicle and get it delivered to their home, new technology is needed to enable dealers, fleets, finance companies and OEMs to connect logistics stakeholders under a single platform to ship vehicles faster, easier, and smarter. RunBuggy Hitch was specifically built to address this need. We are seeing tremendous interest in the Hitch TMS solution, said Jason Kong, Senior Vice President at RunBuggy. In just a few months since launch, the largest names in automotive retail have already signed up. Innovative companies like Signal recognize the need to leverage technology to improve their operational efficiency, have their team focus on meaningful work, connect all the fragmented pieces of the supply chain, and provide transparency and updates to their customers. Hitch is the answer theyve been looking for. ### About RunBuggy RunBuggy is a technology platform that connects car shippers and haulers. RunBuggy allows shippers to seamlessly integrate car transportation services, reducing cost and improving time to deliver. For transporters, RunBuggy offers an alternative to expensive load boards and custom software solutions to better find and manage transportation loads. To learn more, please visit runbuggy.com About Signal Signal is an end-to-end ecosystem powering the $15B market of vehicles imported to the US from Canada. Through a combination of workflow automation and data science, Signal helps importers and exporters process and transact vehicles more efficiently. Through the Signal Marketplace, dealers can access premium late model, low mileage inventory before it hits the greater wholesale market. To learn more, please visit signal.vin Signal Media Contact press@signal.vin Newly elected governor Katie Hobbs, in her inauguration speech, vowed to repeal the universal vouchers, officially known as Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESAs) double-speak for if youre wealthy, we will continue to support your wealth and the future of your childrens wealth, while doing our best to insure those who struggle financially will continue to do so. Bridget Dowd, reporting for KJZZ, said According to the governors staff, if not repealed, the 2022 expansion of Arizonas Empowerment Scholarship Account program will cost $1.5 billion over the next ten years. They say about 75% of the families newly enrolled under expanded vouchers would have attended a private or homeschool anyway. A significant portion of the remaining 25%, students who have attended public schools in the past, are from wealthy areas that dont receive state aid because of high property tax revenues. Our Republican majority vows that Hobbs will never succeed in repealing this law. Continued from the KJZZ report, Republican Sen. T.J. Shope called the proposal hysterical. What about the 30% that werent [already attending private schools]? Were gonna take it away from them? I dont think thats going to be a winning argument there," Shope said. "I dont believe that those folks will just go ahead and drift quietly into the night. I admit, Im feeling a bit hysterical. As I canvassed with Save Our Schools this fall, I know most Arizonans dont support ESAs. But the people who are getting kickbacks from public school taxes? They support whatever money they can keep from the kids who cannot afford to go to private schools. School choice is big in Arizona. Arizona thinks its primarily a Libertarian state you do you, and Ill do me and never the twain shall meet. Its impossible, though, to be a Libertarian unless youve arrived at such a station in life that you cannot perceive your dependence on others. You look out from your office window into an expanse of roads, trees, water treatment plants, disease-free children, playgrounds, parks and think, How nice. I built this all for myself. When you flush the toilet, you remember how great it will be to head out to the leech field to separate solid from liquid. Thank goodness you took that class in treating sewage! You did go to private schools which, thanks to the government refunding your taxes, you only had to pay a third of what youd paid last year. You know if it wasnt for the government that you wouldnt have to pay taxes at all, and why should you? You pulled yourself up by your own bootstraps. Who gave you those bootstraps? Who gave you those boots? You must have sewn them in utero from the lining of your mothers womb. Whats a placenta for if not to give the child a leg up in their economic future? You werent born in the sterile, suffocating atmosphere of the hospital. You were born in the living room of your own property; a property that the government did not murder indigenous people for; a property that they allowed you to claim it as your own. You were born there, and thus, its your birthright, just like the bootstraps. As an American child, you are born into a world of individual choice. Your rights matter. If someone comes up to you and asks, What about my rights? squint at them in confusion. No one said anything about your rights. Right, but if you have rights, I have rights, too. Yes, you can go to private school, too. I dont have $14,000 for tuition. Thats why they still have public schools. Yes. Thats where I go. To a public school. Although without the extra $14,000 for private school tuition, I dont really have that choice. You can go to a charter school. I suppose I could, but Id have to walk. I live three miles away. There are no buses. My mom works the morning shift at the hospital. You could take the public bus. I am only seven years old. Thats why you were born with bootstraps. Pull them up. Get yourself together. What the hell are bootstraps? (The image accompanying this conversation is taken from the Internet when one Googles, boot straps.) Im not sure, but you should definitely get some. There are no bad schools, there are just poorly funded schools, or, rather, a terrible system of school funding that is bad for the entire community and by community, I mean the entire country. By providing more funding to school districts where property taxes are higher, you are enriching the rich. What if states divided student funding equally per student or better yet, what if the federal government funded each student equally. New York state spends $20,000 per student where different districts provide different funding Scarsdale Union Free School District, where the medium income is $250,000 spends $29,678 per student but then Rondout Valley Central School District spend $30,899 per student and the median income of families there was only $69,991. So, its not 100% inequitable funding in New York, but Rondout seems to be the exception, not the rule. The state of Arizona provides $3,680 per student with district schools getting some additional funding through things like local bonds and override elections or federal desegregation funds. Districts and charters get additional funds from other federal programs, local property taxes and tax credit donations. In what way are the students of Arizona able to compete with students of New York? Scrappily, is what it sounds like. They arent is what it looks like. If all students attended similar schools all kids would get a similar education, and I dont mean that all kids would be treated equally. Teachers have developed brilliant ways to individuate their lessons for every kind of kid, but if every kind of kid went to schools where every kind of kid was supported, something like equity might begin to emerge from our schools. Ive noticed that environmental scientists have begun using the word community" to describe ecosystems as much as community organizers use the word ecosystem to describe the necessary components for healthy neighborhoods, cities, counties and states. A pairing of ecosystem with community might make the picture clearer. Every kid needs to be there for every other kids to share what they know, who they are, what people can be like, but if the wealthiest kids go to school with other wealthy kids, they learn how to be wealthy and how to maintain that wealth. If the wealthy kids share resources, like one tree on the far end of the forest sharing its resources with another, the ecosystem is stronger the web of interrelationships becomes strong enough to withstand fire, drought, even pests. Individualism leads us to believe our kids are ours, but they are not ours they are the collective hope for our species' better future. We should probably treat them, each of them, like the salvation that they are. Damon Segal, CEO of Superbrands UK, stressed: "To be considered as a Superbrand, a product or service must not only provide utmost quality, but also engage customers on an emotional level and stand out from its competitors. Consumers' changing lifestyle and behaviour have been reflected in the iconic brands that have achieved 2023 Consumer Superbrand Status, with Rolex showing it can stand the test of time, alongside Lego, Samsung and Mastercard. In addition, brands such as Tinder, Estee Lauder, Hargreaves Lansdown, and The North Face scored highly as consumers' attitudes and lifestyle preferences shifted over the past year amid the end of lockdowns and an impending recession. Despite a feeling of uncertainty about the future, these names remain connected to consumers through strong emotional ties and resilience to any economic challenges ahead. Furthermore, increased home working and technological advances are factors which are making us re-evaluate our perceptions of certain services and products offered by certain brands. Rolex continues to be a favourite amongst UK consumers, with the esteemed watch maker garnering the top spot in this year's Consumer Superbrands survey for the third consecutive year. Legacy toy maker Lego also enjoyed a successful survey year, buoyed by licensed products from series such as Star Wars and Harry Potter as well as its popular Technic sets. In third place came Samsung, whose success is attributed to its award-winning range of smartphones and other electronic goods. Apple was closely behind in fifth position, whilst search engine Google made an impressive showing, by entering the top ten for the first time in 11 years - most likely due to many businesses adapting to home working and shifting their presence online. Mastercard overtook its rival Visa this year, climbing up to fourth place, giving card payment companies an ever-increasing stake in the consumer market. British Airways defied all odds as it flew to success with the return of foreign travel. Holidaymakers, who had been cooped up due to lockdowns and travel bans, were eager to hop aboard, guaranteeing success for this iconic carrier. Haagen-Dazs also served sweet success with their luxurious ice cream offering up a perfect way to add a little indulgence into the daily routine. Other staples such as Kelloggs have enjoyed an unexpected surge in popularity, with many turning to snacking for comfort and convenience. Meanwhile, streaming giants Netflix and Sky have become mainstays in most households and topped the list as Britain's leading TV providers. The annual ranking of Superbrands has been providing insightful overviews into sentiment towards brands since its 1995 launch in the UK. This year's list was determined by polling 2,500 professionals and 2,500 adults for the consumer and business versions respectively, backed up by a panel of 74 leading business experts assessing 3200 brands across 86 consumer and 71 business categories. Judging criteria considered quality, reliability, and distinction. It should be noted that unlike many industry awards, the selection process of what ultimately ends up on the Superbrand accolades is impartial as brands do not have to pay or apply to be considered. The arrival of technology-based financial service provider Hargreaves Lansdowne, beauty giant Estee Lauder, and matchmaking app Tinder as Superbrand newcomers showcases a shift in consumer behaviour towards financial awareness, physical appearance, and forming relationships. Similarly, renowned outdoor clothing supplier North Face indicates the ongoing attraction of rural activities. With the waning interest on Covid-19 developments, pharma corporations Johnson & Johnson and GSK were on the downward term in terms of relevancy; there was also a dip for popular communication app Zoom and social media platform Facebook. Evidently, consumers are actively searching for innovative products to meet their changing needs in a post-pandemic world. It is no surprise that the four leading business brands, Apple, Google, Microsoft, and PayPal have been identified as Superbrands. Each of these innovative companies are renowned for offering incredible products and services with an emotive impact and distinctive quality. In other words, their purpose resonates deeply with people and sometimes even changes the way others think about technology's role in business. A testament to this is the fact that all four of these brands have far exceeded expectations and become widely adopted as essential components of a successful corporation or operation. Clearly, technology isn't just a trend anymore; it plays a vital part in virtually every industry today. Damon Segal, CEO of Superbrands UK, stressed the importance of quality when it comes to maintaining a brand's top position in the industry. "To be considered as a Superbrand, a product or service must not only provide utmost quality, but also engage customers on an emotional level and stand out from its competitors. Additionally, the brand should have an ideal or mission statement that customers can connect with and believe in. Brands need to stay true to their identity while also adapting with innovation to continue building customer loyalty and increasing their brand value. All those who are rewarded Superbrand Status should be proud of their accomplishments as they embody excellence in their respective industries." Top 20 Ranking Consumer Superbrands 1 Rolex 2 Lego 3 Samsung 4 Mastercard 5 Apple 6 Visa 7 Kelloggs 8 British Airways 9 Google 10 Haagen-Dazs 11 Dyson 12 Andrew 13 Netflix 14 Heinz 15 Fairy 16 Nike 17 Coca-Cola 18 Sky TV 19 PayPal 20 Mercedes-Benz Top 20 Ranking Business Superbrands 1 Apple 2 Google 3 Microsoft 4 PayPal 5 Emirates 6 BT 7 Mastercard 8 Samsung 9 Pfizer 10 British Airways 11 Visa 12 IBM 13 AstraZeneca 14 American Express 15 Adobe 16 Virgin Atlantic 17 Intel 18 Aviva 19 FedEx 20 Barclaycard https://emt.io/SB23 https://uk.superbrands.com Contact: Paul Crosbie +44 7970 940935 paul@crosbiecommunications.com I look forward to bringing my experience building retail programs to the mix, and offering a unique perspective to a world-class team that is also steeped in the world of retail - Wes Tachibana, VP Sales, Siempre Spirits Limited Siempre Spirits Limited, the award-winning producer of Siempre Tequila, today announced that Wes Tachibana has joined its ranks as Vice President of Sales, reporting directly to Alex Lacroix, Co-Founder & CEO. In this newly formed role, Wes will work closely with the leadership team and Siempres distribution partners to focus on driving growth for the company. Wes brings decades of proven experience in business development, consultative sales, and thought leadership. Tachibana was formerly Regional Vice President of Sales for the Patron Spirits Company, where he helped grow tequila sales from 300,000 cases to 2 million per year. He has also worked in multiple senior roles at Pernod Ricard USA, Seagram, and Gallo. Most recently, Wes served as the Executive Vice President of Buzzbox, a single-serve, handcrafted cocktail beverage company. It has been a lot of fun watching Alex, Monica and the Siempre team create fresh and memorable marketing vehicles for a truly impressive portfolio of tequila expressions, said Tachibana. I look forward to bringing my experience building retail programs to the mix, and offering a unique perspective to a world-class team that is also steeped in the world of retail. Wes continued, For me, customer success and satisfaction should be the key drivers in every step of our business development and growth. Were excited to welcome Wes, who not only brings relevant experience from CPG beverage sales but also a wealth of knowledge in beverage as a whole, said Lacroix. Wes will be key to activating new distribution and bringing our award-winning 100% agave tequila to new retailers and markets. About Siempre Tequila With features in Rolling Stone Magazine, TMZ, Forbes Magazine, and other major media coverage, our award-winning, 100% agave tequila is handcrafted using mineral-rich volcanic spring water. High-quality ingredients and distillation methods produce complex aromas and flavors, with a finishing technique that makes Siempre exceptionally smooth, naturally sweet, and perfect for sipping. Siempre's structure is feminine meets masculine with a bright, optimistic colorway, and joyful blending that is almost aggressively different from most other tequila brands that tend towards the serious and austere. The illustration style is a blend of traditional Mexican patterns and contemporary tattoo culture. Overall, the effect is one of joyful rule-breaking and rebellion. Grown from 150 cases of tequila to over 70,000 cases sold since 2016, the products are now distributed in 42 States and Provinces across North America and are rapidly becoming a household name. About Alex Lacroix & Monica Sanita Following Alex Lacroix's (Co-Founder & CEO, Siempre Spirits Limited) checkered past. The journey started when he and Monica Sanita (Co-Founder & COO, Siempre Spirits Limited) met in college. A few years later, they were both working jobs at advertising agencies and working crazy hours. To make a long story short, they fell in love, quit their jobs, took the only $9k they could scrounge between the two of them, and started making tequila. It's said that tequila runs in Monica's blood because of her Mexican heritage and that tequila runs through Alex's bloodstream because he was a tequila fan for a long time before co-founding Siempre Tequila. The inspiration behind the brand comes from Monica's grandmother and great-grandmother, who used to make mezcal for the family to sip during family gatherings, and belief that no matter how dark your past, it is never too late to look at the bright side and bring something incredible to life. To quote Alex & Monica, ''We risked it all, and it was worth it!'' Media Contact for Siempre Spirits Limited: Jason Geller JMediaHouse, LLC jason@jmediahouse.com 212-920-0398 We recognize McorpCX has been a key contributor to the growth of the Customer Experience movement over the last 20 years and appreciate their commitment to the CXPA. McorpCX, a leading customer and employee experience consultancy and CX capabilities builder since its founding in 2002, is pleased to announce that it has expanded its relationship with the Customer Experience Professionals Association (CXPA) by becoming a Silver Sponsor of this dynamic association. The CXPA is a premier global, non-profit organization dedicated to the customer experience profession. Their focus is increasing the impact and visibility of customer experience professionals, facilitating effective sharing among its members, and establishing respected standards. We recognize McorpCX has been a key contributor to the growth of the Customer Experience movement over the last 20 years and appreciate their commitment to the CXPA, said Greg Melia CAE, CXPA CEO. We are pleased to welcome them as a Silver Sponsor, and for their continued support as we advance the mission of the CXPA and contribute to the future of customer experience management. McorpCX has helped drive experience-led transformation for leading brands across the United States and around the world. Through the companys work building organizational capabilities and supporting experience-led culture, optimizing customer journeys, and implementing customer insights programs, it has developed an extensive set of standardized, best practice-driven CX frameworks, templates, and models that help companies speed time-to-value and achieve their experience management aspirations. We look forward to the CXPA community leveraging some of our tools and experience, and to learning from member expertise ourselves, said Michael Hinshaw, Founder and President of McorpCX. We are excited to be a part of this vital community where everyone contributes to Experience Management as a discipline and helps build each others knowledge and competency. Even as the techniques of the CX movement evolve, improving CX continues to be a multi-disciplinary, community effort. As part of this community, we look forward to helping the CXPA and its members advance this discipline in whatever ways we can. Graham Clark, VP Market Development for McorpCX and leader of CXPAs Florida network, will serve as the primary liaison between the CXPA and McorpCX. We believe that CX success today is about execution and value realization, noted Graham. Which is why we are passionate about helping our clients realize the ROI of their CX-related efforts, supporting and educating them while working beside them to navigate a sometimes complex business discipline while achieving their professional and organizations goals. McorpCX has a uniquely people-first culture, he continued. This culture, our deeply experienced team, their entrepreneurial spirit and focus as experience management specialists is why such accomplished CX practitioners join McorpCX, why our clients stay with us for years, and why we believe it is so important for us to be a contributing, impactful leader at the CXPAthe heartbeat of the global CX movement. About the CXPA The Customer Experience Professionals Association (CXPA) is a global non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of customer experience professionals and organizational best practices. It provides customer experience professionals with educational and networking opportunities to help them succeed, and facilitates the industry-wide advancement of the discipline of customer experience through the globally recognized Certified Customer Experience Professional (CCXP). For more information, visit http://www.cxpa.org. About McorpCX McorpCX is an independent, people first consultancy that helps clients better compete and drive value by improving customer and employee experience. Recognized by industry analysts as a customer, employee, and digital experience strategy leader, we unlock growth by reimagining the ways that organizations leverage human insights and data analysis to better sell to, serve, and engage with their audiences. Based in San Francisco with operations across North America, the company and its team of accomplished strategists, analysts, and research experts have helped drive experience-led business success for mid-market and Fortune 500 organizations since our founding in 2002. Online at http://www.mcorp.cx, we have worked with leading companies including Microsoft, Best Buy, Intel, Biogen, Roche, and The Hanover, partnering from strategy to implementation. For more information, call toll-free in the U.S. 1-866-526-2655 or +1-415-526-2655 A Place for Moms 2023 Best of Senior Living Awards As families evaluate options for their loved ones senior care, they seek out A Place for Moms reviews for trusted and reliable feedback to help in their decision." A Place for Mom (APFM), the leading online platform and trusted advisory service for senior care in North America, reveals the top-rated senior living communities and in-home care providers honored as Best of Senior Living for 2023. A Place for Moms 2023 Best of Senior Living Awards recognizes the top 1-2% of nearly 45,000 senior care providers across the US and Canada for providing exemplary care and support to aging loved ones. To date, weve gathered more than 330,000 reviews of senior living communities and providers across aplaceformom.com that capture first-hand experiences from seniors and their families,'' said Sue Johansen, Executive Vice President, Community Network, at A Place for Mom. As families evaluate options for their loved ones senior care, they seek out A Place for Moms reviews for trusted and reliable feedback to help in their decision. The outstanding care and support senior living communities provide remains a common theme across the top reviews. Recipients of A Place for Moms 2023 Best of Senior Living Awards were chosen based on the reviews from seniors and their families. All award winners boasted an average rating of 4.5 stars or higher and received ten or more reviews during the award period Jan. 1, 2022 Dec. 31, 2022. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Best of Senior Living Awards, recognizing top providers in nearly every state and several Canadian provinces based on the reviews of seniors and their loved ones. A Place for Mom has found that, on average, families are six times more likely to move into communities with recent reviews, further reinforcing the importance of reviews in helping families make decisions. With the largest national network, A Place for Mom is the leading online platform and trusted advisory service, providing a wealth of resources to caregivers navigating senior care. With hundreds of senior living experts nationwide, A Place for Mom helps hundreds of thousands of families every year navigate the complexities of finding the right senior living solution for their loved ones across home care, independent living, memory care, assisted living, and more. To access thousands of reviews and find the full list of A Place for Moms 2023 Best of Senior Living Award winners, visit aplaceformom.com/awards. About A Place for Mom A Place for Mom is the leading online platform connecting families searching for senior care with a team of experienced local advisors providing insight-driven, personalized solutions. As the nations leading senior advisory service, A Place for Moms mission is to enable caregivers to make the best senior living decisions. With hundreds of senior living experts nationwide, A Place for Mom helps hundreds of thousands of families every year navigate the complexities of finding the right senior living solution for their loved ones across home care, independent living, memory care, assisted living, and more. A Place for Moms service is provided at no cost to families because it is paid for by the senior living communities and care providers in its network. For more information, please visit aplaceformom.com. Those eligible for the newly-launched AHN clinic include any patient exhibiting cardiac symptoms during pregnancy, or patients who wish to conceive who have a prior history of cardiovascular disease, said Dr. Poornima. Allegheny Health Network (AHN) announced today it has established a multidisciplinary cardio-obstetrics clinic to care for patients diagnosed with cardiovascular disease who are pregnant, trying to conceive, or in the postpartum period. Timed to coincide with American Heart Month, todays announcement is a clinical milestone for the network as it aims to strategically address and raise awareness of the notable increase in cardiovascular complications among pregnant population. The AHN Cardio-Obstetrics Clinic is based in Pittsburghs Bloomfield neighborhood (5140 Liberty Ave.) adjacent to AHN West Penn hospital, and is under the direction of physician leads Indu Poornima, MD, director of AHN Womens Heart Center, and Devon M. Ramaeker, MD, director of AHN Maternal-Fetal Medicine division. Patients can also schedule appointments at AHN Allegheny General and AHN Wexford hospitals. The clinics opening aligns with recent industry recommendations urging an increased focus in cardio-obstetrical health. Across the country, maternal-fetal medicine physicians have seen more women entering pregnancy with pre-existing conditions, or women developing complications during gestation, said Dr. Ramaeker. Causation varies, but primary drivers include national increases in obesity and age at pregnancy, as well as a notable decrease in access to quality prenatal care. Recent studies have shown that rates of preeclampsia high blood pressure during pregnancy have grown by upward of 30 percent in the last two decades, impacting U.S. maternal mortality outcomes. As a result of growing rates of cardiovascular conditions among pregnant populations, the American Heart Association issued a statement in 2021 strongly urging women with cardiovascular disease to seek pre-pregnancy counseling and later be monitored, during and after pregnancy, by a specialized cardio-obstetrics team. Those eligible for the newly-launched AHN clinic include any patient exhibiting cardiac symptoms during pregnancy, or patients who wish to conceive who have a prior history of cardiovascular disease, said Dr. Poornima. That history might include congenital heart conditions, arrhythmias, or chronic hypertension, among other diagnoses. Once referred, we work as a multidisciplinary care team to help patients along their pregnancy journey and minimize their level of risk as much as possible. Cardiologists, maternal-fetal medicine specialists, geneticists, nutritionists, nurses and pharmacists currently comprise the AHN Cardio-Obstetrics clinic and work together to develop a comprehensive approach for managing cardiovascular disease prior to and during pregnancy, during labor and delivery, and throughout the postpartum period. Patients can expect to work closely with care teams to design and implement a purposeful care pathway to best manage their condition, treat ongoing symptoms, and be closely monitored through the gestational period. Treatment plans will vary, but may include precise medication management, blood pressure management, electrocardiograms, echocardiograms, and prescribed lifestyle modifications. Maternal mortality rates in the United States continue to rise with Black populations experiencing more than double the number of fatal births compared to white populations with 55.3 in Black pregnant patients versus 17.2 deaths in white pregnant patients, respectively, per every 100,000, according to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention. In December 2021, AHN announced the First Steps and Beyond program which works to see that all babies born in Allegheny County will celebrate their first birthday by working to reduce Black infant mortality, eliminate preventable sleep-related deaths for infants and mobilize resources for new mothers during their fourth trimester. For more information on the AHN Cardio-Obstetrics clinic or to make an appointment, call 412-682-2100 and select option 0. #### About the Allegheny Health Network: Allegheny Health Network (AHN.org) is an integrated healthcare delivery system serving the greater Western Pennsylvania region. The Network is composed of 14 hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, Health + Wellness Pavilions, multiple employed physician organizations, home and community based health services, a research institute, and a group purchasing organization. The Network provides patients with access to a complete spectrum of advanced medical services, including nationally recognized programs for primary and emergency care, trauma care, cardiovascular disease, organ transplantation, cancer care, orthopedic surgery, neurology and neurosurgery, womens health, diabetes, autoimmune disease and more. AHN employs approximately 22,000 people, has more than 2,600 physicians on its medical staff and serves as a clinical campus for Drexel University College of Medicine and the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. ArtPride NJ is the state's largest arts service organization dedicated to increasing awareness and participation of the arts in New Jersey. "The arts have always been a means of healing and justice, and ArtPride continues its celebration of the artistic voices from African American communities in New Jersey during Black History Month, said Adam Perle, president and CEO of ArtPride NJ. This February, in celebration of Black History Month, Discover Jersey Arts honors the work and impact of African American voices in the arts. The contributions of African American artists have been vast from The Harlem Renaissance, to the Black Arts Movement through emerging contemporary artists. Discover Jersey Arts, an ArtPride New Jersey Foundation program, celebrates the contributions of both artists and organizations throughout New Jersey highlighting events, performances, exhibitions, artist spotlights, feature stories, podcasts and more. ArtPride is committed to highlighting artists and arts organizations from historically excluded communities all year long. The arts have always been a means of healing and justice, and ArtPride continues its celebration of the artistic voices from African American communities in New Jersey during Black History Month, said Adam Perle, president and CEO of ArtPride NJ. We encourage everyone to explore the variety of performances, exhibits, workshops and discussions this month and throughout the year." Featured programming will include: Feature Event: Raisin at the Axelrod Performing Arts Center in Deal Park, N.J. Lorraine Hansberry's classic A Raisin in the Sun is transformed into a soulful, inspiring musical of a proud Black family's quest for a better life. Tony Award winner for Best Musical, Raisin ran for over two years on Broadway and enjoyed a record-breaking national tour, including 40 major cities in the U.S. and Canada, being seen by 3.5 million people. This production will be directed by Evelyn Collins (founder of the Denzel Washington School of the Arts) and be a significant part of New Jerseys Black History Month observations. Artist Spotlight: Yahaya Kamate Associate artistic director of the Seventh Principle Performance Company and the founder of Kamate Traders Dance Company, Yahaya Kamate has performed worldwide and soloed with companies including the National Ballet Cote DIvorie, Ballet DAfrique, and Mask Dance Company. Kamate has taught at Mark Morris Dance Center, Audiences of NJ and NY, Alvin Ailey Dance Theater, and Center for Modern Dance Education. He has been with Seventh Principle as a principal artist and choreographer since 1997. Feature Exhibition: Cycle of Creativity: Alison Saar and the Toni Morrison Papers at Princeton University Art Museum, on view February 25, 2023 - Sunday, July 9, 2023 This exhibition brings sculpture, prints, and textiles by the mixed-media artist Alison Saar into conversation with the work of Toni Morrison, whose vast trove of papers from her career as a novelist, essayist, playwright, professor, and editor are held in the Princeton University Library. Saar and Morrison share a dedication to giving voice to the Black American experience, drawing inspiration from past generations, and creating space for future cultural production through a dynamic that Saar calls a cycle of creativity. The exhibition explores themes that resonate in the works of both Saar and Morrison musicality, labor, and ancestors through various facets of each artists practice. Feature Event: Arts of Global Africa: Virtual Tour at The Newark Museum of Art The arts of Africa are as varied as the continent itself; millions of people of African descent live around the world, extending African creative expression well beyond the continents boundaries. Join a Virtual Gallery Tour to view the works at The Newark Museum of Art that highlight the continents diversity of materials, ideas, and forms and integrate historical and contemporary art. The complete list of ArtPride New Jersey Black History Month programming taking place across the state is available at JerseyArtsFeatures.com. About Discover Jersey Arts Discover Jersey Arts is a program of the ArtPride New Jersey Foundation dedicated to increasing awareness of and participation in the arts statewide. The JerseyArts.com website showcases New Jerseys creative community with feature stories, videos, and podcasts; highlighted events; details on Jersey Arts Membership; and other content. Discover Jersey Arts was cofounded and is supported by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. About the ArtPride New Jersey Foundation The ArtPride New Jersey Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that promotes the value of the arts to New Jerseys quality of life, education, and economic vitality through research and a variety of programs and services. For more information about ArtPride, visit ArtPrideNJ.org. Birmingham's historic Norwood neighborhood is receiving upgrades including storm-resistant roofs. "Our Northside community has served our city well. It has been the battleground for the civil rights movement, the birthplace of many of our heroes and a place for families to live, love and grow, said Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin. An innovative public-private partnership is helping revitalize Birminghams historic Northside neighborhoods with home improvements that will mean homeowners will be safe, dry and better prepared for severe weather. Today, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin, Alabama Insurance Commissioner Mark Fowler, Protective Life Corporation President & CEO Rich Bielen and other community leaders were joined by Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) CEO Roy Wright to meet with residents and tour homes recently re-roofed to the FORTIFIED standard for resilient construction. "Our Northside community has served our city well. It has been the battleground for the civil rights movement, the birthplace of many of our heroes and a place for families to live, love and grow, said Mayor Woodfin. Together, with these amazing partners, we honor them by gathering up our resources to help make their homes a safe place of pride. My hope is that this is just the beginning of more partnerships and more support of our residents throughout Birmingham." The Protecting Good: Strengthen, Repair, and Protect program combines funding from the Alabama Department of Insurances Strengthen Alabama Homes (SAH) program and the City of Birminghams Community Development Block Grant with seed money from Protective Life Corporation, allowing qualified homeowners to receive as much as $25,000 to repair their homes and install a new storm-resistant roof. Every family deserves a strong home that can withstand the severe weather it faces, said Wright. By convening public and private programs, Protective and the City of Birmingham created a template that cities across the country can use to remove complexity, reduce barriers and help ensure their citizens are better prepared for the next storm. More than 65 homes have been retrofitted to the FORTIFIED standard, a re-roofing method shown effective in reducing damage from winds up to 130 mph, and 100 more are slated for completion in 2023. Birmingham-based Protective, a national provider of life insurance, annuity and asset protection solutions, spearheaded the new program to support the communities around Protective Stadium in downtown Birmingham. The company worked with community partners to connect various grant programs and help address critical needs for these neighborhoods. The new program streamlines application processes and project management, so the group can work as a single provider, helping families renovate and re-roof homes in the Northside neighborhoods of Druid Hills, Fountain Heights, Norwood, Evergreen and Central City. It has been incredibly rewarding to see the Protecting Good program come to life for the greater benefit of our city and neighbors. Equally rewarding are the relationships Protective has built through this process. By establishing strong connections with other community-minded organizations, along with the residents in these neighborhoods, we have discovered new opportunities where we can be better neighbors and protectors of our community, said Bielen. Since being established by the Legislature in 2011, Strengthen Alabama Homes has helped homeowners retrofit their homes to the FORTIFIED standard, making them better able to withstand severe weather. The standard is widely adopted in Alabamas coastal counties to protect against hurricane damage and is now increasingly used in communities in Central and North Alabama at risk of tornadoes. To date, more than 5,000 Alabama families have received funding from SAH. Through the Strengthen Alabama Homes program, we have been successful in making a difference in the lives of Alabamians who are most vulnerable to catastrophic storms, said Fowler. Fortifying homes not only protects the lives of families and their most valuable investment, their home, but it also helps reduce the risk of loss to insurance companies. This helps create a healthy and sustainable insurance market. Ultimately, efforts like the Protecting Good Initiative create a more resilient Alabama. Working as part of the Protecting Good collaborative team, Habitat for Humanity managed each of the 65 completed projects. Habitats mission is to provide affordable housing solutions in partnership with low-to-moderate income families," said Habitat for Humanity of Greater Birmingham CEO Charles Moore. We are pleased to work in collaboration with the Northside community and the Protecting Good partners to provide FORTIFIED roofs to keep these families and homes safe and dry. Homeowners in the Druid Hills, Fountain Heights, Norwood, Evergreen and Central City neighborhoods are eligible for the Protecting Good roof repair program and can get additional information by calling 205-996-0884. About the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) The IBHS mission is to conduct objective, scientific research to identify and promote effective actions that strengthen homes, businesses and communities against natural disasters and other causes of loss. Learn more about IBHS at DisasterSafety.org. About FORTIFIED FORTIFIED is voluntary construction and re-roofing program designed to strengthen homes against severe weather, including high winds, hurricanes and tornadoes. Visit fortifiedhome.org to learn more about the program, including the designation process. About Protective Protective has helped people achieve protection and security in their lives for 115 years. Through its subsidiaries, Protective offers life insurance, annuity and asset protection solutions and is helping more than 14 million people protect what matters most. Protectives more than 3,700 employees put people first and deliver on the companys promises to customers, partners, colleagues and communities because were all protectors. With a long-term focus, financial stability and commitment to doing the right thing, Protective Life Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Dai-ichi Life Holdings, Inc. (TSE:8750), has grown to about $132 billion in assets, as of Dec. 31, 2021. Protective is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, and supported by both a robust virtual workforce and core sites in Cincinnati and St. Louis. For more information about Protective, visit http://www.protective.com. About Strengthen Alabama Homes SAH provides grants to Alabama residents for residential wind mitigation on existing, owner-occupied, single-family homes. The program was created by the Strengthen Alabama Homes Act of 2011. Learn more at StrengthenAlabamaHomes.com. About Habitat for Humanity of Greater Birmingham Habitat for Humanity Greater Birmingham has partnered with families, sponsors and communities to build affordable, quality homes in Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair & Walker counties since 1987. Visit habitatbirmingham.org to learn more about Habitat Birmingham. BlackArch Partners (BlackArch) is pleased to announce that Matco-Norca, LLC and SVF Flow Controls, LLC (collectively, Matco-Norca or the Company) have been sold to NIBCO INC. (NIBCO). Matco-Norca, headquartered in Brewster, NY, is a leading provider of globally sourced, high consequence-to-cost flow control products for water-based applications. Matco-Norca, LLC is focused on code-compliant pipe joining, valve and rough and finished plumbing products serving attractive residential, commercial and industrial end markets, such as plumbing & heating, irrigation and waterworks. SVF Flow Controls, LLC provides, assembles and customizes valves, actuators and controls products for the industrial end market and select high-purity applications. BlackArch was retained by Matco-Norca to serve as the Companys exclusive financial advisor. The transaction builds upon BlackArchs expertise and significant momentum in the specialty distribution and flow control sectors and is a further example of the firms focus on providing unique, tailored M&A advisory services to privately held, market-leading businesses. Jack McDonald, President & Chief Executive Officer of Matco-Norca, commented, BlackArch was an invaluable advisor to Matco-Norca as we searched for our next partner. Their team consistently provided thoughtful guidance at key decision points and served as an extension of our team throughout their partnership with our management team was an instrumental aspect of our sale process that allowed us to focus on running our business while successfully completing a transaction. The Matco-Norca team is extremely appreciative of BlackArchs deep commitment, constant professionalism and trusted counsel throughout the process. Separately, the Companys Chairman stated, We were the Companys primary shareholder, and it was imperative to select the right advisor when we made the decision to sell the business. I had dialogue with BlackArch for several years about the flow control sector and was impressed by their deep understanding and experience. The entire BlackArch team was embedded in every detail, provided around-the-clock support and was willing to roll up their sleeves to prepare and guide our management team and drive an exceptional outcome I would unequivocally recommend BlackArch to any business owner seeking a truly dedicated M&A experience. About Matco-Norca Matco-Norca is one of the largest branded sourcing companies for valves, fittings and faucets & plumbing products for the plumbing & heating, industrial, waterworks and irrigation markets. The Companys broad product offering allows customers to service residential, commercial and industrial applications, and Matco-Norca provides its independent wholesale customers with a vast selection of top-quality flow control products. Headquartered in Brewster, NY, the Company has a global team and national distribution centers in California, Texas, Illinois, Georgia and New York. To learn more, visit http://www.matco-norca.com. About NIBCO Founded in 1904, NIBCO INC. is a leading provider of valves, fittings and flow control products for commercial, industrial and institutional construction, Navy marine markets, as well as residential and irrigation markets. NIBCO is headquartered in Elkhart, IN, and operates 14 manufacturing plants located throughout the United States and globally. To learn more about the complete line of NIBCO products, visit http://www.nibco.com. About BlackArch Partners BlackArch Partners is a leading middle-market investment bank offering a full spectrum of advisory services to financial sponsors, private companies and diversified corporations. BlackArch addresses the needs of companies with specialized services that include M&A advisory, strategic advisory and private capital solutions. Headquartered in Charlotte, NC, BlackArch features a total of 12 industry-focused practices that cover all sectors of interest to middle-market investors. BlackArch professionals have closed more than 400 transactions in 16 countries on four continents. To learn more, visit http://www.blackarchpartners.com. Securities offered through BlackArch Securities LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC. Testimonials may not be representative of the experience of all clients. Testimonials are not a guarantee of future performance or success. Crowley Solutions provides full spectrum of solutions to support the U.S. government and military mission-readiness. With our established logistics expertise and advancing capabilities to deliver innovative, non-asset based services and technology solutions, Crowley continues to advance hand-in-hand with the government and militarys needs. Crowley has been selected to be on the Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) by the U.S General Services Administration (GSA), reflecting the companys growing capability to strategically support the U.S. government and military mission-readiness around the world. With this selection, Crowley Solutions is now able to provide government clients with information technology services, management consulting, and supply chain consulting at the highest level in its history. Crowley Solutions provides supply chain, energy, maritime and technology expertise and services for various state and federal agencies, particularly the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). The company manages Defense Freight Transportation Services one of the U.S. governments largest logistics services for military and government agencies under contract to the U.S. Transportation Command. The MAS awarded to Crowley demonstrates our capabilities to provide a full spectrum of solutions to support the essential needs of our government and military, said Shiju Zacharia, senior vice president and general manager, Crowley Solutions. We appreciate the continued trust by the U.S. government. With our established logistics expertise and advancing capabilities to deliver innovative, non-asset based services and technology solutions, Crowley continues to advance hand-in-hand with the government and militarys needs. Key facts: Under the MAS Program, GSA issues long-term governmentwide contracts that provide federal, state, and local government buyers access to commercial products, services and solutions at pre negotiated pricing. The GSA Schedule is structured to support the 12 large categories established by OMB under the category management approach of smarter buying. The Schedule is further divided into subcategories and Special Item Numbers (SINs): 54151S: IT Professional Services 541614: Process, Physical Distribution, and Logistics Consulting Services 541611: This category mainly includes organizational design, human resources, corporate strategy, information technology strategy, marketing and sales, finances, and logistics About Crowley Crowley is a privately held, U.S.-owned and -operated maritime, energy and logistics solutions company serving commercial and government sectors with $3.4 billion in annual revenues, over 170 vessels mostly in the Jones Act fleet and approximately 7,000 employees around the world employing more U.S. mariners than any other company. The Crowley enterprise has invested more than $3.2 billion in maritime transport, which is the backbone of global trade and the global economy. As a global ship owner-operator and services provider with more than 130 years of innovation and a commitment to sustainability, the company serves customers in 36 nations and island territories through five business units: Crowley Logistics, Crowley Shipping, Crowley Solutions, Crowley Wind Services and Crowley Fuels. Additional information about Crowley, its business units and subsidiaries can be found at http://www.crowley.com. About U.S. General Services Administration The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), an independent agency of the U.S. government, provides integrated procurement processes for the U.S. government. Their acquisition solutions provide federal purchasers with cost-effective, high-quality products and services from commercial vendors. In fiscal year 2021 , government buyers spent over $55 billion through the GSA Multiple Award Schedule Contract and the Veteran Affairs Federal Supply Schedule combined. More information on the categories and special item numbers for the schedule can be found here. This reckless executive branch overreach aimed at delivering a taxpayer-funded handout promised on the campaign trail must be stopped. And FGA will proudly fight alongside state attorneys general until the battle is won. The Foundation for Government Accountability (FGA) filed an amicus brief in the Supreme Court of the United States case Biden v. Nebraska challenging the statutory and constitutional authority of the Biden administrations student loan forgiveness plan. The lawsuit, originally filed in federal court in the Eastern District of Missouri, was brought by six states and the broader legal battle now includes student loan borrowers, seventeen more states, and numerous organizations representing taxpayers and impacted Americans. After the Eighth Circuit stayed the program pending appeal, the Supreme Court agreed to review the case along with a companion case out of the Fifth Circuit. Oral arguments are scheduled for later this month. President Bidens ill-conceived, politically motivated effort to unilaterally cancel hundreds of billions of dollars in student debt, paid for on the backs of hardworking Americans, is not only economically harmful and unjust, but it is also unconstitutional, said Stewart Whitson, legal director for the Foundation for Government Accountability. Again, we turn to the Supreme Court to step in and stop the current administration from attempting to exert power it does not have. With the law clearly on our side, we are confident that the Court will do just that. Those who forged a career path that did not include college, those who joined the military to earn education benefits, and other hardworking Americans should not be left to foot the bill for those who did not make these same sacrifices. This reckless executive branch overreach aimed at delivering a taxpayer-funded handout promised on the campaign trail must be stopped, said Stewart Whitson. And FGA will proudly fight alongside state attorneys general until the battle is won. ### The Foundation for Government Accountability (FGA) is a non-profit, multi-state think tank that promotes public policy solutions to create opportunities for every American to experience the American Dream. To learn more, visit TheFGA.org. Lowell Observatory has been making progress on constructing its new Kemper and Ethel Marley Foundation Astronomy Discovery Center (ADC), despite pandemic-related increases in cost. The 40,200-square-foot ADC building is set to open in the fall of 2024 and has raised $39.8 million of the $53.6 million total costs. The ADC is part of the observatorys next generation of outreach on its way to becoming the premier astronomy education destination in the world, according to director Jeff Hall. He said the center is meant to get visitors to start wondering about whats out there and creating experiences of awe and curiosity, opening minds to the wonders of the universe. Hopefully that sends people off Mars Hill with a new perspective on the world and a renewed interest in questioning the things around them. Chief marketing and revenue officer Danielle Adams explained that the new building will be more of a science discovery center than a visitors center, meaning it is part of the attraction rather than just its introduction. This purpose can be seen in some of the main features, the outlines of which are already visible in the cinder blocks and steel beams of construction completed so far. The project, which broke ground in June 2021, is currently around 40% complete. An open dark sky planetarium will top the three-story building, using Flagstaffs night sky for a display rather than a traditional enclosed dome. Educational programs will use a screen coming up from the wall and laser pointers to identify features in the sky, while heated seats will allow for year-round use. A universe theater with an immersive 160-degree wraparound screen will be on the ground floor. The two-story-tall screen will use LED images rather than projection to recreate the dark rich blacks of space. Were going to put you on the surface of Mars or Pluto or zooming through clusters of galaxies as they cannibalize each other, Adams said. ... All of those visuals are intended to supplement the live educator presentations. Its not just about going into a cool theater and watching a movie. Its really to supplement the story that were telling. Both the planetarium and the theater will have 180 seats; the largest space in the current visitors center seats 100. The lower floor will also feature a curiosity zone designed for children 8 and younger with interactive exhibits. A second gallery for those aged 9 and older will also feature scientific discoveries at Lowell. The entire space has been designed with accessibility and inclusivity in mind, Adams said, describing it as ADA+. Some examples are a nursing room, sound-isolating domes in the ceiling and the use of Exhibit Designs for Girls Engagement (EDGE) principles from the Exploratorium in San Fransisco design attributes meant to engage girls in STEM exhibits. The ADC is meant as an expansion to Lowells offerings, so objects such as the Clark Refractor and Pluto Discovery Telescope will still be there even after its completion. Other aspects of the existing visitors center (the gift shop, for example), will be moved to an upgraded space in the new center. Once the ADC is finished, the current Steele Visitors Center will be used as a learning location for educational programs, camps and scientific conferences among others. About a year and a half into construction, the observatory plans to have an enclosed weatherproof building finished this fall. After that it will be completing fittings and finishings next spring in time for a fall opening next year. Big economic bang Plans for expansion at Lowell began around 2016 with the Giovale Open Deck Observatory first conceptualized in June 2017 and opening in fall 2019. Hall described that project which cost $4.4 million as an appetizer to the ADCs main course. Around the same time, it began planning for the astronomy center, announcing the project in June 2019 and breaking ground on June 26, 2021. Before the pandemic, Hall said, Lowell had more than 100,000 visitors each year an amount neither the existing visitor center nor parking options were able to accommodate. The expansion is meant to allow Lowell Observatory to serve those visitors (adding 204 parking spots, for example) and expand Flagstaffs astrotourism offerings. With Flagstaffs status as the first dark sky city, northern Arizonas history of astronaut training, Lowells part in the discovery of Pluto and nearby landmarks such as Meteor Crater, the city already has a lot of connections to astrotourism. One of Lowell Observatorys largest economic impacts comes from the overnight visitors it brings to Flagstaff who will often come in the evening to stargaze and then spend the night in the city. Adams cited a 2016 survey that found that 80% of those living in the United States arent able to see the Milky Way from their homes. We see the Milky Way from downtown Flagstaff. People are coming here, they want to experience the stars themselves, but then we also have this amazing history and physical spaces, she said. She added: There are a lot of things that can draw people to Flagstaff for astrotourism, and the ADC is one of those things that will be an even bigger piece. A 2017 study by Discover Flagstaff found that every overnight guest brings an economic impact of $299 to the Flagstaff, meaning that the 250,000 tourists the ADC is expected to bring to northern Arizona every year will bring an estimated $74.5 million to the local economy. It also expects to create 420 jobs in constructing and running the ADC, paying $12.5 million in employee salaries each year. While the projects timing meant that the pandemic didnt have much of an effect on the timeline, in recent years related supply chain costs have added to its cost. The ADC was still in the planning phase when the virus first arrived, meaning that the only construction work needing to be done early in the pandemic was clearing the site work that could be done safely outdoors. The rest was planning meetings, which took place remotely. The initial budget $39.5 million had been successfully raised, funded entirely by donations. When final bids came in from contractors in August, however, the cost had risen by 36%, forcing the observatory to need to raise another $14 million to be able to complete the project. The total budget is now $53.6 million. A lot of these extra costs are mundane, but necessary, items, said Chief Philanthropy Officer Lisa Actor concrete or plumbing and electrical equipment that have risen in price due to supply chain issues. It is continuing to use already raised funds while the observatory is pull[ing] out all the stops to find the rest. LD7 Rep. David Cook has introduced HB 2287 to the Arizona House, asking for $14 million from the state general fund to support the project. Actor acknowledged that there are several other projects requesting funding from the state, so she remains hopeful while looking for other options. The observatorys leaders said their hope is that the center will inspire and educate people of all ages. Progression from having an experience of awe and wonder which generates curiosity and questioning and investigating for yourself what is going on here, and then getting to this place of better understanding, Adams said. Adams added: That whole cycle starts with encountering something thats bigger than yourself; theres a phrase used, discrepant events, where what you see isnt what you thought you would see. Those things run a bit counter to what we have in our heads, and it causes us to open our minds a little bit ... [In] todays world, people can be so entrenched in their positions and know theyre 100% right and 0% wrong, and if through this we can get people to learn something about the universe but also experience for themselves and open up their minds, then weve done our job We cant solve all the worlds problems from Mars Hill, Hall said, but we can do our little bit to inspire the people that come up here. More about the new ADC can be found at lowell.edu/adc. Correction: An earlier version of this article omitted Lisa Actor's job title of Chief Philanthropy Officer and misidentified Technical Project Manager Dave Sawyer as Astronomer Dave Schleicher in a photo caption. It has been updated to include this informatiion. In some ways, this years rankings act as a cautionary tale. Several of the top brokers have switched firms during their careers, illustrating the risks organizations run when they dont invest in suitable retention strategies. Financial Planning, Arizents essential resource for industry professionals in wealth management, published its list of Top 40 Brokers Under 40, an annual ranking that shines a spotlight on the sectors top young talent. This years list provides deeper insight into how brokerage firms and wirehouses can retain these individuals in the midst of intense competition or risk losing their future leaders to other firms if better opportunities arise. The list includes a number of top young brokers who have moved from one firm to another, like this years No. 1-ranked broker, Jenny Tsai, who began her career at Merrill but moved to rival wirehouse Morgan Stanley in 2015. In some ways, the rankings act as a cautionary tale, said Brian Wallheimer, editor-in-chief of Financial Planning. Several of the top brokers have switched firms during their careers, illustrating the risks organizations run when they dont invest in suitable retention strategies. A notable trend among this years brokers is their ability to thrive, even during a market downturn. They have maintained strong client relationships while bringing in more assets, successfully generating revenue for their employers. Merrill leads with the most brokers in the top 40 yet again. Additionally, despite the wide gender disparity in wealth management, this years rankings again are topped by a woman broker and include three women in the top five. The top five brokers are: Jenny Tsai: Morgan Stanley Dominic Casaneuva: Merrill Michael Shalhoup: Merrill Krystal Julius: Merrill Xi Qiao: UBS Wealth Management The complete list of brokers and their stories, including what they value in an organizations culture, benefits, mentors and more, can be read here: https://www.financial-planning.com/list/these-are-the-top-40-brokers-under-40-in-2023 About Financial Planning Financial Planning empowers financial advisors and wealth managers with essential analysis and insights into the ideas that are shaping their businesses. Through authoritative journalism, events, research and benchmarking, it helps firms drive their businesses and the industry forward, navigating the critical opportunities in practice management, wealthtech, investment strategies, tax and regulatory requirements. With a wealth management community of more than 600K, Financial Planning delivers unique content every day that connects leaders in person, in print and online every day. About Arizent Arizent is a business information company that advances professional communities by providing insights and analysis and convening industry leaders. The company uses deep industry expertise and a data-driven platform to deliver its services, which include subscriptions, marketing services, live events and access to Leaders, an executive forum. Arizent also connects business communities through leading financial services brands like American Banker, The Bond Buyer, Financial Planning and National Mortgage News, as well as professional services brands like Accounting Today, Employee Benefit News and Digital Insurance. Idaho Talent Fest issues open call for auditions! Volunteer leaders of the Idaho Chapter of the FSHD Society spearheaded a creative way to engage Idaho residents in their goal to fund crucial research to treat fascioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). Auditions will be accepted via online submission, through March 1st at IdahoTalentFest.org. In 2021, volunteer leaders of the Idaho Chapter of the FSHD Society spearheaded a creative way to engage Idaho residents in their goal to fund crucial research to treat fascioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSH muscular dystrophy or FSHD), a rare disease that directly impacts their family when they launched the Idaho Talent Fest. This 3rd annual talent competition is open to all interested performers. Auditions will be accepted via online submission, through March 1st at IdahoTalentFest.org. After the submission deadline, auditions will be screened, and the contestants will be presented online for the public to vote to determine the nalists. Online voting will be open March 3 through 17, with the nal slate of nalists announced on March 20th, 2023. (Contestants must be 12 years of age or older to participate.) The live event will spotlight and celebrate many talented area residents while raising funds and awareness for those suering from FSH Muscular Dystrophy. Finalists will perform in front of judges and a live audience on Saturday, April 29th at the Boise State University Special Events Center. Awards of $1,000, $500, and $250 will be given to our rst, second, and third place winners, respectively. In addition, there will be rst, second, and third place Peoples Choice Awards determined by votes from the audience (live and via livestream). The Idaho Chapter of the FSHD Society is run entirely by dedicated volunteers. Many community businesses are supporting the eort and making it possible; the event is being presented by Aesthetic Eye, PC, the evening will be hosted by radio duo, Rick and Carly from 96.1 Bob FM, and it will be streamed online by Argos Productions. The FSHD Society is the worlds largest research-focused patient organization for facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), one of the most prevalent forms of muscular dystrophy. Over the past 30+ years, the organization has catalyzed major advancements and worked to accelerate the development of treatments and a cure to end the pain, disability, and suering endured by one million people worldwide who live with FSHD. As long as we are here, no patient need ever face this disease alone. ### For more information about this event, the audition process, or FSHD, please contact Minette Hale at 208.608.2418 or IdahoChapter@FSHDSociety.org Law Office of Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP For more information about the class action lawsuit against Feghali Foods, call (800) 568-8020 to speak to an experienced California employment attorney today. The Los Angeles employment law attorneys, at Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP, filed a class action lawsuit against Feghali Foods, alleging the company violated the California Labor Code. The lawsuit against Feghali Foods is currently pending in the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Case No. BCV-23-100130. To read a copy of the Complaint, please click here. According to the lawsuit filed, Defendant allegedly (a) failed to pay minimum wages, (b) failed to pay overtime wages, (c) failed to provide legally required meal and rest periods, (d) failed to provide accurate itemized wage statements, (e) failed to reimburse employees for required expenses, (f) failed to provide wages when due, and (g) failed to pay sick pay wages, all in violation of the applicable Labor Code sections listed in California Labor Code Sections 201-204, 226, 226.7, 233, 246, 510, 512, 1194, 1197, 1197.1, 2802, and the applicable Wage Order(s), and thereby gives rise to civil penalties as a result of such alleged conduct. The Complaint alleges Feghali Foods failed to reimburse employees for required business expenses. California Labor Code 2802 expressly states that "an employer shall indemnify his or her employee for all necessary expenditures or losses incurred by the employee in direct consequence of the discharge of his or her duties..." During employment, Plaintiff and other California Class Members were allegedly required to use their personal cellular phones as a result of and in furtherance of their job duties. For more information about the class action lawsuit against Feghali Foods, call (800) 568-8020 to speak to an experienced California employment attorney today. Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP is a labor law firm with law offices located in San Diego County, Riverside County, Los Angeles County, Sacramento County, Santa Clara County, Orange County, and San Francisco County. The firm has a statewide practice of representing employees on a contingency basis for violations involving unpaid wages, overtime pay, discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, and other types of illegal workplace conduct. ***THIS IS AN ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT*** How to Build Your Portfolio This podcast reviews the anxiety behind portfolio construction, a new and more technologically driven way to define risk tolerance, mistakes often made building a portfolio and addresses many myths people may believe regarding investment strategy, stated R.J. King. Lou Melone, CFP, Melone Private Wealths Managing Member, and DBusiness magazine, DBusiness Daily News, Tech and Mobility News, Detroit 500, and Michigan Makers editor R.J. King have launched a new episode of the podcast: Unpack Your Financial Baggage. The new podcast episode reviews the details in portfolio construction, asset allocation, strategies behind taking withdrawals, portfolios in bear markets, and historic returns regarding investments such as stocks and bonds. To begin the process of building a portfolio the podcast explains that the first thing to determine is what youre trying to accomplish, the timeframe you must accomplish it, and the resources to achieve your goals. Next, a financial planner can develop an investment strategy which is a plan for reaching your goals. The final task is to design a portfolio using long-term historical returns, to get you where you need to go. This podcast reviews the anxiety behind portfolio construction, a new and more technologically driven way to define risk tolerance, mistakes often made building a portfolio and addresses many myths people may believe regarding investment strategy, stated R.J. King. Listeners will hear that a proper way to build a portfolio may be described as goals/needs-based planning. Lou Melone, CFP says to visually think of it as buckets to place your dollars into, based on your goals/needs and their time frame. There are three buckets in which to place money. Investment success for many is based on three principles: Mindset, Patience, and Discipline. The buckets (goals/needs-based planning) are used, as a guide to temper the emotional mind which can face many behavioral risks. The approach this podcast takes in explaining how to build a portfolio is goal-focused and planning-driven, rather than being based on some attempt to outguess the economy or the markets. Im convinced that successful investing involves constantly acting toward your goals, and unsuccessful investing is based on reacting to whatever the markets are doing at the moment or abandoning the plan for immediate gratification, said Lou Melone, CFP Next episode The younger generations and their view on wealth management featuring Branden Carney, CFP. https://www.meloneprivatewealth.com/unpack-your-financial-baggage-the-podcast https://www.meloneprivatewealth.com/ About Melone Private Wealth Clients trust Melone Private Wealths financial planners because they provide peace of mind while protecting and growing their wealth. Financial planners at Melone Private Wealth provide comprehensive financial planning strategies for higher net-worth families to help protect, preserve, and grow their current levels of wealth and plan for retirement. The team at Melone Private Wealth is focused on helping answer two critical questions, which most investors desire: Do you know exactly how much money it is going to take for you to retire? Do you know how much money it is going to take to remain comfortably retired? About R.J. King R.J. King is editor of DBusiness magazine, DBusiness Daily News, Tech and Mobility News, and Detroit 500, all of which cover companies in metro Detroit and Michigan that are expanding locally, nationally, and internationally. He is the author of five books Detroit: Engine of America, a gold medal recipient of the Midwest Book Awards, 8 Track: The First Mobile App, Passport to the Corner Office: The Starters Guide to Corporate Life, Grounds For Freedom: Saving Chernobyl, and Mystical. About the Podcast Lou Melone CFP and R.J. King have created the podcast Unpack Your Financial Baggage. The podcasts focus is: At retirement, your whole financial life essentially collapses down to one two-fold question: Will your money outlive you or will you outlive your money? An early read shows consumer activity is picking up again and if that trend continues, we could see stronger-than-expected starts this year. As it stands, though, the majority of homebuilders expect that housing starts will finish 2023 below 2022 levels. Ali Wolf, chief economist Today, the experts at Zonda, the housing industrys foremost advisors, released the New Home Lot Supply Index (LSI) for 4Q22. The New Home LSI, backed by data from Zonda, shows lot supply loosened year-over-year across the United States. The index is a residential real estate indicator based on the number of single-family vacant developed lots and the rate at which those lots are absorbed. The New Home LSI came in at 49.1 for 4Q22, representing a 27.5% increase from 4Q21. The LSI is now back to late-2020/early-2021 levels. On a quarter-over-quarter basis, supply increased by 24.9%, up from 3Q22. Despite the increase, the 4Q22 data still reflects a significantly undersupplied market nationally. The increase in the index captures some of the healing going on in the residential housing market, said Ali Wolf, chief economist at Zonda. With both sales and starts lower than the frenzied pace seen over the past few years, there are early signs that availability for lots, materials, and labor are improving. More importantly, costs in these three categories are flattening in some cases and coming down in others in response to the slower market. Lot supply loosened in most major metropolitan areas in 4Q22, with 26 of 30 increasing year-over-year. Lot inventory in all but one top market remains significantly undersupplied but lots going through capital improvements indicate vacant developed lots should rise even further over the next 6-18 months. The markets where land supply loosened the most on a year-over-year basis were in the West, led by Los Angeles/OC, Boise, and Salt Lake City. The LSI in Boise has risen enough that the market is now classified as slightly undersupplied compared to significantly oversupplied. Boise is the first and only metro of our select markets to fall in that category this cycle. San Diego, Miami, and Nashville currently have the tightest lot supply among major markets. These three markets have severe geographic and topographical limitations on land and lot development. The LSI grew quarter-over-quarter in 27 of Zondas select 30 markets, an increase from last quarter (24 in 3Q22). On a quarter-over-quarter basis, San Antonio and Las Vegas loosened the most, up 33% and 32%, respectively. Zonda also records future lots through the stages of development. The stages range from raw land through streets in, which is the last step before the lot becomes a vacant developed lot. Zonda groups the last few stages into a classification called total upcoming lots, which typically indicates delivery over the next 12-18 months. Total upcoming lots for 4Q22 increased 9% year-over-year but fell 1% from last quarter. The largest annual gains among the total upcoming lots came in the equipment on site stage, which grew 28% from the same period last year. The largest share of total upcoming lots are in the excavation stage, making up 70% nationally and have an expected delivery between 3Q23 and 4Q23 (the range represents different timeframes from local entitlement processes). Note, not all the lots in excavation will match Zondas estimated timeline. The spring selling season holds the keys to how the market progresses from here, said Wolf. An early read shows consumer activity is picking up again and if that trend continues, we could see stronger than expected starts this year. As it stands, though, the majority of homebuilders expect that housing starts will finish 2023 below 2022 levels. Methodology The Zonda New Home Lot Supply Index (LSI) is built on proprietary, industry-leading data that covers the production new home market across the United States. The index values represent single-family vacant developed lot supply, lots that are ready to be built on, relative to equilibrium. Released quarterly, the New Home LSI provides an unrivaled look into the lot markets across the country, offering a current quarter snapshot as well as insight into the directional trend. The New Home LSI is calculated based on each markets specific equilibrium as determined by our team of local experts and historical activity. The comparative current value is adjusted to capture the true months of supply figure by applying a greater weight to vacant developed lots in subdivisions with more starts activity. Each index value is associated with a phrase highlighting the current lot supply dynamics. A value of 100, represents perfect equilibrium, while a value of 125 and above equals Significantly Oversupplied, 115-125 - Slightly Oversupplied, 85-115 - Appropriately Supply, 75-85 Slightly Undersupplied, and 75 and below Significantly Undersupplied. The foundation of the index is a quarterly release conducted by Zonda. It is necessary to monitor residential lot supply to understand how new home markets may be impacted by the incoming pipeline. About Zonda Zonda represents the housing industrys leading provider of rich data and the industrys top advisors for residential real estate development and new home construction. With products and services geared for homebuilders, multifamily developers, lenders, and financial institutions, we provide innovative solutions to maximize opportunities in today's real estate development landscape. To learn more, visit zondahome.com. Following their time in Nairobi to take part in a major interfaith program, Gerald Grudzen and his wife also met Judy Walter, his wifes life-long friend who is a Maryknoll Lay Missioner working in the largest slum of Mombasa (aka Bangladesh). While they were there, they learned of the interfaith conflict resulting from the incursion of Al Shabab terrorists infiltrating the coastal region of Kenya. Grudzen was asked to give a talk to the Coast Interfaith Council of Clerics on the importance of interfaith dialogue between Christians and Muslims. The chairman of the council asked him to raise money for interfaith education programs in the Mombasa region and he was able to raise funds to start what became a decade long series of education program in Kenya. Set for a new marketing campaign, Burying the Sword (published by AuthorHouse in February 2017) analyzes the historical and political context in which various forms of violent extremism (jihadism) have emerged in the Middle East, Europe, and in Africa since the 911 attacks. Grudzen believes the growth of the jihadism can be attributed in part to the oppressive regimes of the Middle East, which have curtailed the democratic impulses of their youth. For him, alternative youth movements can serve as a source of inspiration and model for renewal of these regions. This book also analyzes the role that technology can play in organizing future youth movements and serve as part of an interfaith educational program that has already been initiated in Kenya. Furthermore, Grudzen stresses the need for new models of interfaith education in public and private school throughout Africa to counteract the growth of extremist ideologies among the youth of this region. There is no other book of which I am aware that provides the historical background to conflicts between the two largest monotheistic religions and provides and provides a path forward to improving relations between through interfaith education. This book shares a possible solution to religious and political fundamentalism, Grudzen says. When asked what he wants readers to take away from the book, he answered, Christians and Muslims can collaborate to build a harmonious society in diverse parts of the world. The international interfaith conference titled "Walking Together in the Light of Fratelli Tutti and Laudato Si co-sponsored by Global Ministries University(GMU), The Institute for Interreligious Dialogue and Islamic Studies at Tangaza University (IRDIS) and the Harmony Institute of Kenya in alliance with the UN World Interfaith Harmony week will be held on Feb. 2-4, 2023. Grudzen is the president of Global Ministries University, which established the interfaith education program in Kenya featured in this book. Visit globalministriesuniversity.org/. For more details about the book, please visit https://www.authorhouse.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/755655-Burying-the-Sword Burying the Sword By Gerald Grudzen Softcover | 6 x 9in | 194 pages | ISBN 9781524668433 E-Book | 194 pages | ISBN 9781524668426 Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble About the Author Gerald Grudzen teaches Philosophy, History and Religious Studies for San Jose City College and The University of Phoenix. He has earned three graduate degrees in History and Philosophy from Columbia University in New York. He also has earned Master of Divinity and Master of Theology degrees from Maryknoll School of Theology, Maryknoll, New York. He is author or co-author of three books on interfaith issues since 2007. He also serves as president of Global Ministries University which is a graduate studies program affiliated with the Federation of Christian Ministries and the Buddhist Mahidol University in Bangkok, Thailand. He received a Templeton Foundation award for research that he did at Oxford Universitys Ian Ramsey Centre for Religion and Science. This research focused on the transfer of Arabic philosophy and science into the early medieval curriculum of the major intellectual centers in Europe during the 11th and 12th centuries. Grudzen did this research in conjunction with a Bangladeshi scholar, Dr. Shamsur Rahman. It was published as Spirituality and Science: Greek, Judeo Christian and Islamic Perspectives (Author House: 2007; Revised Edition: 2014). AuthorHouse, an Author Solutions, Inc. self-publishing imprint, is a leading provider of book publishing, marketing, and bookselling services for authors around the globe and offers the industrys only suite of Hollywood book-to-film services. Committed to providing the highest level of customer service, AuthorHouse assigns each author personal publishing and marketing consultants who provide guidance throughout the process. Headquartered in Bloomington, Indiana, AuthorHouse celebrates over 23 years of service to authors. For more information or to publish a book visit authorhouse.com or call 833-262-8899. With two decades of sales and marketing experience, Robyn and Rachel are among the regions most successful and recognized Realtors specializing in all property types and price points. The Sothebys International Realty network is preeminent for brand recognition and referral marketing globallytheres truly no comparison. Executives from Realogics Sotheby's International Realty (RSIR) proudly announce veteran real estate brokers Robyn Kimura Hsu and Rachel Schindler have rejoined the firm as Senior Global Real Estate Advisors and reinstated their roles as Founding Members of the Mercer Island Branch of the fast-growing real estate brokerage. The top-producing team, known as the Robyn + Rachel Group, generated more than $1.30 billion in career sales, with $110 million in sales volumes in 2021 and $89 million in 2022. Previously licensed with RSIR since 2019, the collective entertained a one-year, exploratory sojourn at Compass Real Estate during 2022, until market factors and corporate restructuring at Compass compelled a return home to the Sothebys International Realty network. We are obviously thrilled to welcome back Robyn and Rachel, and their team, to the very branch they helped envision in their own backyard on Mercer Island, says Dean Jones, President and CEO of RSIR. They were certainly missed over the past year, and we are grateful that they prefer what we offer at Realogics Sothebys International Realty to reunite our teams. With two decades of sales and marketing experience representing land, new construction, resale, and interstate referral activity, Robyn and Rachel are among the regions most successful and recognized Realtors specializing in all property types and price points. Rachel is also moving her license in Nevada and California to Sothebys International Realty affiliates and shares time between her homes in Bellevue and Lake Tahoe. The Sothebys International Realty network is preeminent for brand recognition and referral marketing globallytheres truly no comparison, says Schindler. As market-wide sales volumes contract, its critical for us to expand our market area while also providing a white-glove service level, whether thats around the corner or around the globe. This is the only international real estate brand that can deliver on this promise with consistency and continuity. Schindler will also join RSIRs Strategic Advisory Council for Business Development to help curate opportunities for peer agents to build teams, explore referral networks, and build a brand within a brand for future retirement planning. Kimura Hsu states, Im proud to be part of the RSIR family, and this experience allowed me to compare company cultures, marketing advantages, support levels, and commitment to local operations. While RSIR is not the largest residential real estate brand in the Pacific Northwest, its agents consistently represent the highest average buying and selling prices, and they generate the greatest aggregated home sales listing volumes and productivity on a per-agent basis. The firm does so with the highest percentage of producing agents, the highest retained commission rates, and among the lowest days on market when compared to the top 10 largest brands, according to Trendgraphix research for 2022. We are very proud of the many accomplishments that Realogics Sothebys International Realty has achieved over the past 12 years in the Seattle metro area and beyond, said Philip White, President and CEO of Sothebys International Realty Affiliates, LLC the franchisor of RSIR. Yet another testament is thriving through significant competitive pressures and regaining valued agents after a brief departure. I have great respect for the Robyn + Rachel Group, and I know our network is elated to have them back. Much has been published about aggressive recruiting techniques used by competitive, venture-backed brokerages to acquire market share, even at the cost of profitability and questions persist about sustainability. The current market correction and pressures from Wall Street investors led to dramatic cutbacks in technology, service level, and recruiting incentives that helped propel Compass and other real estate companies. For many, this resets what agents were attracted to in the first place. We are reminded that the most important brand attributes of legacy, trust, and culture must be earned, and cannot be bought, adds Jones. This past market cycle has witnessed disruption and innovation, which we respect and contribute to, but connection and collaboration with our entire team are paramount. As a long-standing resident of Mercer Island, Kimura Hsu is keen to help develop the newly opened branch office for RSIR. In her business, she specifically seeks to expand the market reach for her clients on and off the island, while her team services the entire region with all property types and price points. She will also collaborate with RSIRs land division and the new developments team to take advantage of in-city renaissance and resort market opportunities. The Robyn + Rachel Group also includes Jill Smith as Broker and Client Services Manager and Maddie Bates as Operations and Marketing Director. The nationally ranked team gains access to RSIRs Executive Club program, a concierge-level project management team that is specialized in accessing and deploying the firms plethora of exclusive marketing programs, including a vertically integrated creative agency known as CLAY, a dedicated social media team, and relocation services, to name a few. In contrast to most of its competitors, RSIR is a private, consumer service-oriented company supported by agents and technology, not a public-traded, technology company for agents seeking support for their customers. Jones says his agents business is his business, and that is his focus rather than a stock value. Im excited for whats next for the Robyn + Rachel Group, powered by a proven support team at RSIR, adds Kimura Hsu. Given my due diligence working in several different real estate brands, Im comforted by the commitment of RSIRs local ownership, a dedicated commitment to supporting their agents, and enduring brand legacy. This is a people business, and culture matters to us and our clients. About Realogics Sothebys International Realty (RSIR) (https://www.rsir.com) A leading global sales and marketing brokerage firm in the Pacific Northwest, RSIR is a boutique real estate firm of 300+ brokers, with service branches in downtown Seattle, Bainbridge Island, Bellevue, Kirkland, Mercer Island, and Madison Park. RSIR is a leading project marketing specialist throughout the Puget Sound region. The firm was recognized again in 2022 by The Puget Sound Business Journal among the regions Top 100 Largest Private Companies, Fastest-Growing Private Companies and Largest Residential Real Estate Brands. Editors Note: Brokerage branch office photos and principal headshots available upon request. Aerospace customers choose SAFERTOS because of the rigorous testing that it undergoes through every part of its development, coupled with the high quality and easy to follow design and verification evidence supporting the DO 178 DAL A claim. WITTENSTEIN high integrity systems (WHIS) have announced a new Aerospace Design Assurance Pack (DAP) to expand their support for the aerospace industry, adding to the SAFERTOS portfolio. The Aerospace Design Assurance Pack has been built specifically to the DO178 standard to meet the needs of the aerospace sector, supporting DO178C up to DAL A. SAFERTOS with the Aerospace DAP supports Zynq-7000 from Xilinx for aerospace applications, a popular, powerful processor which has an MMU and runs off a Cortex-A9 core. SAFERTOS is a pre-emptive, safety critical RTOS from WITTENSTEIN high integrity systems that delivers unprecedented levels of determinism and robustness to embedded systems, whilst using minimal resources. It is used internationally across a range of safety critical applications and is renowned for its high quality worldwide. SAFERTOS supports DO 178 certification up to Design Assurance Level A, the highest possible level, and is delivered with full source code and Aerospace Design Assurance Pack. SAFERTOS customers also have the added benefit of the upgrade path from FreeRTOS. Developers can prototype designs for free using FreeRTOS and upgrade to SAFERTOS at the start of formal development. Aerospace is a key market for SAFERTOS, said Andrew Longhurst, Managing Director of WITTENSTEIN high integrity systems. Aerospace customers choose SAFERTOS because of the rigorous testing that it undergoes through every part of its development, coupled with the high quality and easy to follow design and verification evidence supporting the DO 178 DAL A claim. For your 30-day evaluation package or to find out more about our aerospace solutions, contact us today. About WITTENSTEIN high integrity systems WITTENSTEIN high integrity systems is a safety systems company that produces and supplies real time operating systems and platform solutions to the Automotive, Medical and Industrial sectors worldwide. For more information, please visit: https://www.highintegritysystems.com. They do a great job at recovering our data, OneRepublic lead guitarist Zach Filkins said. We highly recommend them. We were excited to help OneRepublic get their data back. With our data recovery services you can rest assured that we will always deliver the best possible results, ironclad security, and a full guarantee. said Dmitriy Zardynov, Director of Sales and Operations at Secure Data Recovery Services. Experienced engineers at Secure Data Recovery retrieved 100% of the damaged RAID drives contents for Grammy-nominated band OneRepublic. After attempting to access their archives, OneRepublic contacted Secure Data Recovery with a problem: The chart-topping acts 48 TB RAID failed. Their four-drive device contained around 20 TB of irreplaceable data, including graphics, photos, and videos. Without those files, the band would lose unique footage of numerous tours and promotional materials. And that was not an option. To understand the cause of data loss, data recovery service technicians needed to diagnose the array. Secure Data Recovery arranged for the delivery of the devices to one of their certified facilities. When the drives arrived, specialists analyzed their condition inside a state-of-the-art Class 10 ISO 4 cleanroom, a controlled environment that filters particulates and prevents further damage to the media. Given the extent of the damage, the team developed a comprehensive plan to recover data from the failed RAID. Using specialized software and tools, engineers created a byte-for-byte clone of the drives from the failed unit and fully reassembled the RAID configuration. We were excited to help OneRepublic get their data back. With over 15 years of experience in the data recovery industry we have assisted everyone from government agencies, famous rock bands to regular users alike. With our data recovery services you can rest assured that we will always deliver the best possible results, ironclad security, and a full guarantee. Your data back, or you pay nothing. said Dmitriy Zardynov, Director of Sales and Operations at Secure Data Recovery Services. They do a great job at recovering our data, OneRepublic lead guitarist Zach Filkins said. We highly recommend them. Since 2007, Secure Data Recovery has encountered every failure scenario and resolved over 100,000 cases, returning billions of files to their owners. With award-winning customer support and cutting-edge techniques and tools, Secure Data Recovery remains a leader in the industry. About Secure Data Recovery Services: Secure Data Recovery Services provides professional data recovery and digital forensics services on a wide range of storage media, including laptop and desktop computers, HDD, SSD, RAID arrays, mobile devices, and all other data storage types. Our secure labs in the United States and Canada are audited to meet SSAE 18 SOC 1, 2 & 3 standards and operate out of certified Class 10 ISO 4 cleanrooms. Secure Data Recovery Services has a proven track record of success with a documented recovery rate of 96% to give data the best chance for recovery. Our data recovery services are approved by all leading storage manufacturers and offer free professional diagnostics and a No Data, No Recovery Fee policy. Please visit https://www.securedatarecovery.com for more information. Ascension: A Story of Grace: an exciting and inspirational contemporary fiction. Ascension: A Story of Grace is the creation of published author Sherry Hutchison, who shares her time between Texas and Missouri with her husband, Chris, and two fur babies, Max and Maisie. Hutchison shares, When the fate of others intertwines, sometimes, not even the heavens can predetermine the outcome their paths will take. On the same day, the sun set and the moon rose, as always, but time had come for two young souls." Alyssa, a beautiful young woman, was an angel, even before her unfortunate death. Aiden, however, was a wandering soul, even after his time had come. Both were strangers until the Archangel Michael informed them that there was still more they had to do before Aidens fate was to be determined." What could two young people, whose lives had been as different as night and day, have to do with one another?" Could the ties between these two young souls be deeper than what they know? With only seven days before ascension, Alyssa and Aiden must team up and come to terms with their past. They must learn forgiveness and, in return, be granted grace. Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Sherry Hutchisons new book brings readers on a unique spiritual journey following the tragic loss of two bright souls. Hutchisons lifelong passion for crafting fantastical realms and compelling characters is on display within the pages of her most recent novel. Consumers can purchase Ascension: A Story of Grace at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble. For additional information or inquiries about Ascension: A Story of Grace, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919. PHOENIX Maricopa Countys ozone levels are getting worse, harming the health of its 4.5 million residents and threatening to cost the region billions of dollars in the coming years. In 2022, the Environmental Protection Agency reclassified the county from marginal to moderate for non-attainment of ozone limits. This means we not only are failing the EPAs latest ozone standards but also that our air has more of one of the most dangerous air pollutants. Ozone concentration is measured as an amount of light energy per volume of air from which the concentration in parts per billion is deducted. The county is failing to meet the EPAs standard of 70 ppb, which was set in 2015. The upgrade in severity rating was indicative of the countys poor ozone quality. It also prompted more restrictions on businesses for the county to meet the EPA standard. Ozone levels also went up in 2020 from 79 ppb to 87 ppb. And worse could be coming if Maricopa County doesnt meet the attainment level of 70 ppb or below by August 2024. What is ozone? Ozone needs three ingredients to form: volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, nitrogen oxides, or NOx, and sunlight. VOCs are found in building materials, aerosol sprays, paints, and cleaning products, among other sources. Organic chemicals are chemicals that contain carbon-hydrogen bonds or carbon-carbon bonds. Anything that you can smell is typically a VOC, said Matt Pace, air quality meteorologist for the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. That new car smell, that new carpet smell, those are VOCs. NOx, a molecule of nitrogen and one or two oxygen atoms, is created mostly by vehicles and electric power plants. In the presence of sunlight, NOx loses one of its oxygen molecules to create nitrogen oxide, NO. The free oxygen molecule then binds with naturally occurring O2 to create ozone, O3. VOCs continue the cycle by stripping O2 of one of its oxygen molecules before transferring it to nitrogen oxide, recreating NOx. Ozone is a problem for human health as it is a highly reactive molecule. When we breathe in ozone, the oxygen molecules break the chemical bonds of the proteins and fatty, waxlike molecules called lipids inside our lungs. This inflames them, making them more susceptible to microbes, toxic chemicals and allergens. This inflammation also causes our lungs to fill with fluid to protect the damaged areas, making breathing more difficult. Not all ozone is harmful though. Good ozone, which protects us from the suns ultraviolet rays, exists in the stratosphere 6 to 30 miles above Earths surface. Bad ozone is in the troposphere, where we live on the surface. Ozone is a lung irritant, said Molly Rauch, public health policy director for Moms Clean Air Force. Its really nice high in the atmosphere and really irritating for people who have to breathe it lower in the atmosphere. What is driving the Valleys high ozone levels? Although Maricopa Countys ozone concentration has been on the rise, the main driver behind non-attainment is the governments 2015 guidelines, which dropped acceptable ozone levels to 70 ppb from 75 ppb. The change was based on scientific evidence that showed the 70 ppb level would better protect vulnerable communities including young children, those who work outside, the elderly and people with asthma. Another contributor to the unhealthy ozone levels has been the rapid growth of Phoenixs population which has doubled since 1990. More businesses, factories and people are producing hydrocarbons. Climate change has also indirectly added to the ozone problem. Higher temperatures can catalyze (VOC and NOx) reactions to happen more, said Anita Lee, an environmental scientist for the EPA. So thats definitely a known effect of ozone chemistry and ozone formation. Lee said climate change affects ozone production in more complicated ways. For example, increased heat has produced more wildfires, thereby releasing more VOCs. Tim Franquist, the environmental director at the Maricopa Association of Governments, said the increase from 79 ppb to 87 ppb was due to wildfires. An increase in sunny days gives VOCs and NOx more chances to react and produce ozone. Pace said Phoenixs physical location also contributes to our ozone problem. We sit down in a bowl surrounded by mountains. And what happens alot of times is air just sits in the valley, Pace said. This stagnation of air allows VOCs and NOx to build up with nowhere to go. How does ozone affect people? Ozone has real world health consequences for many. It triggers and, in some cases, causes the development of asthma. It has been linked to heart attacks, strokes, and there is some evidence that it actually harms babies making them be born too early and at low birth weights, Rauch said. At high levels it can actually make the lungs hurt. People have described it as a sunburn in your lungs. Sandy Bahr, director of the Sierra Clubs Grand Canyon Chapter, said even healthy people are affected by ozone. She said high ozone levels set off coughing attacks and sinus issues that force her to change her routine. When the ozone levels are high, Im not going to ride my bike, Bahr said. It kind of affects what I can do as far as exercising overall. Bahr considers herself lucky, though, because she has seen how devastating ozone pollution can be. Ive seen asthma attacks from high pollution levels, and people struggling to breathe is really disturbing to see, she said. For me, its a cough. For them, its an asthma attack and struggling to breathe. I just cant even imagine how bad that is. Ozone also compounds with other illnesses. It increases the risk of respiratory infections, such as bronchitis and COVID-19. People with long-term COVID can have their conditions worsened by breathing in ozone. Even low levels of ozone can harm public health. Our current standards of 70 ppb are actually not adequate to protect health, Rauch said. In other words, theres evidence that even below 70 ppb you are seeing health effects from ozone. She said the EPA is reviewing its 2015 standard and plans to update it by the end of 2023. She believes that ozone is a systemic issue and not an individual-choice issue. This shouldnt be on the individual to work around ozone, Rauch said. We need to be demanding cleaner air from decisionmakers. What do the EPAs ozone non-attainment classifications mean? The EPA has set six levels for non-attainment: extreme, severe-17, severe-15, serious, moderate and marginal. When an area is in non-attainment, the EPA assigns the area a rating based on how high their ozone levels are. At 79 ppb, Maricopa County was originally put into marginal non-attainment in 2015. This year, it was reclassified as moderate. Afterward, the area must meet attainment by the EPAs set date based on their design value or the ozone level the EPA assigns to a region based on its standards. If an area does not meet attainment by the set date, as Maricopa County did, they will be moved up in severity. Each new level brings new restrictions and regulations that the county must meet. For example, under moderate non-attainment, new Maricopa County businesses that produce 100 tons of VOCs and NOx must offset 115 tons of emissions before they can even operate. If Maricopa County is moved up to serious non-attainment in 2024, Franquist said it would be extremely challenging for Arizonas economy. If we do get bumped up to serious, things change drastically at that level, he said. You have to do some new programs and you have to reduce your emissions by 3% every single year. The biggest issue is the air quality permitting. He said serious non-attainment would slash the offset threshold for new businesses to 50 tons per year and require them to offset 60 tons of emissions for every 50 tons they produce. This threshold would require run of the mill businesses to offset emissions. Franquist said this is a problem as these businesses may not be able to produce the offsets required to operate. We simply have no offsets in the Valley, he said. We are not a heavily industrialized area, so we dont generate those offsets like California or Texas. As we start to cross this threshold into serious, we may not have the off-sets available to permit those facilities. If this happens, Arizonas economy will suffer. One study estimates Maricopa County loses $100 million per year due to non-attainment. This would jump to $250 million a year under serious non-attainment. Things are tough now with moderate non-attainment, but they get very very challenging at serious non-attainment because it does impact your local economy, Franquist said. What are some solutions? Meeting attainment by 2024 is going to be tough. Maricopa County will have to get creative with solutions as the area already has about 90 measures in place to deal with ozone. For us to meet the attainment deadline of August 2024 we are definitely going to have to do new things here, Franquist said. There are definitely going to be new control measures. Some measures could include lowering VOCs in products, such as deodorant and hairsprays a policy California has put in place. Franquist said electric vehicles would also help reduce NOx, but he doesnt believe Arizona will phase out gasoline powered vehicles, as California has mandated. He is confident the Maricopa Association of Governments will produce a plan that demonstrates attainment, but hes not sure Arizona will be able to meet the 2024 deadline. Were definitely up against the gun to get this done in time, Franquist said. We dont have a bunch of time between now and 2024 to get those control measures in and working. He said these solutions will need to be implemented next summer to give Arizona a chance to meet attainment. He remains optimistic but cautioned that even the best ozone plans can fail due to variables outside anyone's control such as wildfires and pollution blowing in from California. Yes, I believe that we can do this, but its going to require businesses, municipalities, and residents really pulling together to drop ozone precursor emissions, Franquist said. Its going to be a community effort for sure. In my hearts heart, I do believe folks understand the importance of it. Our best walk EVER!: a delightful outdoor adventure with heart. Our best walk EVER! is the creation of published author Shirley Rodgers, a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother who resides in Georgia. Rodgers shares, This book is about how a simply beautiful familys walk in the woods turns into one of the happiest moments of their lives! Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Shirley Rodgerss new book is told through the eyes of a squirrel child and focuses on the love of a family, sharing that love and the stresses a child goes through with a new sibling. Rodgers shares a charming narrative paired with vibrant illustrations for the enjoyment of readers of all ages. Consumers can purchase Our best walk EVER! at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble. For additional information or inquiries about Our best walk EVER!, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919. 75% of people turn to social media to research products As per DataReportal, 75% of internet users rely on social platforms to gather information about products before making a purchase. This demonstrates the crucial role of social media in shaping consumer behavior and reaching potential customers. DesignRush, a B2B marketplace connecting businesses with agencies, identified the leading social media marketing agencies that help organizations engage with consumers and boost conversion rates. The top social media marketing agencies in February are: 1. ProMarcom - promarcom.agency Expertise: Social Media Marketing, Digital Marketing, Creative Strategy and more 2. Hyper Warp Speed - hyperwarpspeed.com Expertise: Digital Marketing, Marketing Strategy, Social Media Marketing and more 3. 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Social Karma - lasocialkarma.com Expertise: Social Media Advertising, Social Media Management, Email Marketing and more 20. WebDrafter.com - webdrafter.com Expertise: Web Design, SEO, Social Media Marketing and more 21. Webgeosolution - webgeosoln.com Expertise: Social Media Marketing, Online Advertising, SEO and more 22. Pace Social Media - pacemediasolutions.com Expertise: Paid Advertising, Social Media Marketing, Content Creation and more 23. Sarabi Media - sarabimedia.com Expertise: Social Media Management, Reputation Management, SEO and more 24. Dingus & Zazzy - dingusandzazzy.com Expertise: Web Design, Social Media Management, Graphic Design and more 25. Blink Digital Consulting - blinkdigital.org Expertise: Digital Marketing, Copywriting, Social Media Management and more 26. Salt Studio Digital - saltstudiodigital.com Expertise: Social Media Marketing, Content Marketing, Branding and more 27. Newman Grace - newmangrace.com Expertise: Marketing Strategy, Social Media Marketing, SEO and more 28. Digitizer - digitizer.rs Expertise: Facebook Advertising, Google Advertising, Email Marketing and more 29. The Meaningful Social Club - meaningfulsocialclub.com Expertise: Social Media Strategy, Social Media Content Creation, Influencer Management and more 30. Rolling Cherry - rollingcherry.com Expertise: Social Media Marketing, PPC Management, SEO and more Brands can explore the top social media marketing agencies by location, size, average hourly rate and portfolio on DesignRush. About DesignRush: DesignRush.com is a B2B marketplace connecting businesses with agencies through expert reviews and agency ranking lists, awards, knowledge resources and personalized agency recommendations for vetted projects. According to firm Founder and President James S. Farrin, Paul, Miriah, and Susan have been tireless advocates for our clients. I know that they will help lead the firm with that same dedication and care. Were very fortunate to have them on our team. The Law Offices of James Scott Farrin added three new partners to begin 2023 in litigation attorney Paul Dickinson, Jr., personal injury attorney Miriah Millis Yanez, and workers compensation attorney Susan Vanderweert. The firm recovered more than $185 million in gross for more than 5,000 clients in 2022 and is continuing to grow.* According to firm Founder and President James S. Farrin, Paul, Miriah, and Susan have been tireless advocates for our clients. I know that they will help lead the firm with that same dedication and care. Were very fortunate to have them on our team. Paul Dickinson, Jr. Paul has practiced for more than 30 years, successfully handling cases in more than a dozen different practice areas.* He has taught at many classes and seminars and earned a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent rating in 2011.* He has handled many large cases in his career, including the famous Blackwater Massacre case in which he represented civilian victims and families of those injured or killed at the hands of private military contractors. He currently works on personal injury and litigation cases and has been named to the 'Super Lawyers' list by "Super Lawyers" Magazine in 2006, from 2016-2020, and for 2023.* Miriah Millis Yanez From Social Security Disability to personal injury, Miriahs career is defined by advocating for the injured and the disabled. Since joining James Scott Farrin in 2017, she has exclusively practiced as a personal injury attorney, fighting for clients best interests and seeking positive outcomes for accident victims. Miriah also oversees the firms Summer Associate Internship program for law students. She received her J.D. from Duquesne School of Law in 2012. Susan Vanderweert Susan joined James Scott Farrin in 2015 handling workers compensation cases and is a North Carolina State Bar Board Certified Specialist in Workers Compensation law. She represented employers and insurance companies for 12 years prior to joining the firm and brings that experience and perspective to every case. Susan received an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell for 2022* and has been listed on the "Best Lawyers" 'Best Lawyers in America' list from 2021-2023.* ABOUT THE LAW OFFICES OF JAMES SCOTT FARRIN The Law Offices of James Scott Farrin is one of the largest personal injury firms in North Carolina and has helped over 60,000 injured people since 1997. Operating from 16 offices in NC and one in SC, many of the firm's 60+ accomplished attorneys are recognized professionals in their fields. The firm focuses on providing quality legal services to as many people as possible in the following practice areas: personal injury, car accidents, workers' compensation, whistleblowing, defective products, eminent domain, mass torts, class actions, and Social Security Disability. Contact Information: David Chamberlin 555 S. Mangum Street Suite 800 Durham, NC 27701 866-900-7078 https://www.farrin.com Offices in Durham (main), Raleigh, Charlotte, Greensboro, NC, and Greenville, SC. Attorney J. Gabe Talton: 555 S. Mangum Street, Suite 800, Durham, NC *Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes because each case is unique and must be evaluated separately. For information regarding the standards for inclusion in Martindale-Hubbell peer review ratings, visit http://www.martindale.com. For more information about standards for inclusion for the 'Super Lawyers' list, visit http://www.superlawyers.com. For more information regarding the standards for inclusion for 'Best Lawyers,' visit http://www.bestlawyers.com. Sundance Now is giving a glimpse of the new series Black Snow. ADVERTISEMENT The streaming service shared a trailer for the crime drama Thursday featuring Travis Fimmel Black Snow is a coming-of-age drama and mystery series centering on a small-town murder that rocks the Australian South Sea Islander community. "In 1995, seventeen-year-old Isabel Baker was murdered. The crime shocked her tight-knit community and left the town devastated. The case was never solved, the killer never found. In 2020, the opening of a time capsule unearths a secret that puts cold-case detective Jacks Cormack (Fimmel) on the trail of the killer," an official description reads. Talijah Blackman-Corowa, Jemmason Power, Molly Fatnowna and Eden Cassady also star. Black Snow is created by Lucas Taylor, who co-wrote the show with Boyd Quakawoot and Beatrix Christian. Sian Davies and Matthew Saville directed the series. Black Snow will have a two-episode premiere Feb. 23 on Sundance Now and AMC+. Subsequent episodes will be released Thursdays. Fimmel is known for playing Ragnar Lothbrok on Vikings and Caleb/Marcus on Raised by Wolves. Sarah Herron / Instagram By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 02/02/2023 ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade. The Bachelor alum Sarah Herron and her fiance Dylan Brown have revealed the tragic news that their newborn son Oliver passed away just hours after his birth."On January 28th, at 24 weeks old, our beautiful son Oliver Brown was born. He passed away in his dad's arms shortly after," Sarah, 36, wrote Wednesday on Instagram."There are no words for the magnitude of loss and pain we're experiencing. It's beautiful and simultaneously tragic. He had my nose and his dad's mouth and long fingers."Sarah posted a slideshow of photos -- including pictures of her baby bump, smiling images with Dylan and her dog, and a sea-turtle Christmas ornament with Oliver's name on it.The pictures culminated in a devastating photo of Sarah crying in bed while wearing her hospital gown, seemingly right after she lost her son. Dylan was kissing her on the forehead, trying to comfort her.Sarah continued in her post, "Oliver, our IVF miracle defied so many odds and fought through so many hard milestones to be here, but the higher powers still had other plans for the three of us.""Our time together was short, but we are grateful for the days we had with Oliver in my belly. He has taught us so much about the integrity of life, love and death. Oliver filled our home and hearts with so much love and most importantly, optimism."Sarah shared how "the stars aligned" to create Baby Oliver "with a deep, meaningful purpose bigger than we'll ever understand."Sarah wrote, "His body was small, but his legacy will always be larger than life to us."The Bachelor alum went on to recall some precious moments she had while pregnant with Oliver."Oliver swam with sea turtles, he kept me company while I recovered from a broken knee, and he loved his dad's cooking. Most of all, Oliver loved his morning routine of laying heart to heart with his brother, Rio, on my lap," Sarah wrote."While our hearts are shattered beyond comprehension, we are comforted knowing that our son's soul only ever knew love and will not suffer in a body that wasn't built for this life."Sarah, however, said she and Dylan will "never understand the cruelty of it all.""But through the darkness, Oliver remains so so bright. We love you so much, baby boy. You will never be replaced. You are so perfect and awesome. Love, Mommy and Daddy," she concluded.Many members of Bachelor Nation reached out to Sarah to share their sympathies, condolences, support and encouragement."Oh sweet Sarah. I'm so sorry. I truly have no words. Oliver will remain a shining light in this world for you and Dylan. I wish there was more I could do or say. I will keep you both in my prayers and pray specifically for Gods grace that surpasses all understanding," commented Emily Maynard "I'm so beyond sorry any my heart is absolutely broken for you. Every time I logged on to Instagram I was so exited to see an update from you. I know it's hard to believe now, but god is going to redeem your story in such a big way. I promise." Clare Crawley wrote, "Oliver you are so loved.i Sarah you are the most amazing mother and your strength through everything to fight so hard for your son has been nothing less than beautiful to witness." Ashley Spivey wrote how she'd "do anything" to take the pain away from Sarah, adding, "Oliver will always be with you and I know you and Dylan will keep his memory alive no matter what. He will visit you in small ways and you will live for those moments... Love you so much." Catherine Giudici said she wished she could hug Sarah at that very moment, writing, "What a heartbreaking experience for you, precious mama. Sending you so much love and praying for you both right now."And Raven Gates commented, "I'm so sorry, Sarah. Words don't even do justice. Praying for you both for the days ahead. Oliver only knew love & he himself IS love."Sarah announced she was expecting her first child in late September 2022 after trying to conceive for two years, beginning in 2020. Her baby was due in May 2023."Our embryo transfer was a success and I am pregnant with our baby boy! Our little 5day embryo nestled in comfortably... As you may have suspected, we received our first positive HCG test within hours of me breaking my knee," Sarah wrote of her IVF journey."Two days later, my betas doubled, and this week we saw our baby's heartbeat flicker for the first time. Surreal doesn't begin to describe how it's all felt. I've spent the first 3.5 weeks of my pregnancy on bed rest, nourishing myself and putting all of my energy into growing bones and organs."Sarah said she had been on "a miraculous path," adding, "The road ahead is long and I know we'll be holding our breath until the day our baby is earth side with us."Sarah revealed in May 2021 that she got engaged to Dylan after four years of dating."We are thrilled to share the announcement of our engagement! In our favorite place, with close friends and Rio, Dylan popped the question in front of Mount Sopris," Sarah captioned a slideshow of photos of the marriage proposal on the rocks by the water.Sarah and Dylan were apparently joined by their dog Rio and close friends in the Colorado mountains."To everyone who thinks life has to go in one particular order, or by a specific time... IT DOESN'T. I'd wait a lifetime all over again -- through the heartbreaks, years of self-work and countless Rose Ceremonies -- to end up with this person," she gushed at the time."We make each other better, we have so much fun and we're going to become parents together, so we decided to do the damn thing! 5.15.21 My forever paradise, favorite adventure bud and BEST friend, @dylan.h.brown."But Sarah shared how she and Dylan had a lot on their plates and so they decided to put wedding plans on hold."[We] will resume planning once baby is here," Sarah told Us Weekly following her engagement. "The idea of our little baby getting to attend our wedding with mom and dad someday feels really beautiful to me, so we'll wait until that day is right."Sarah, who competed on Sean Lowe 's The Bachelor season in 2013, began dating the filmmaker in March 2017.One month later, Sarah and Dylan went Instagram official when she shared a picture of the couple and gushed, "Happily not returning to this summer." She added the hashtags "Paradise Found" and "adventurebuds" to her post at the time.Sarah also previously appeared on Season 1 of in 2014, when she dated Robert Graham, followed by Season 3 of BIP when she found herself caught in a love triangle with Daniel Maguire and Christian Bishop Sarah chose to date Daniel, a wise-cracking goofball, instead of Christian -- a decision many fans criticized because Christian had treated Sarah wonderfully on a date in Mexico and seemed to have honorable dating intentions.Although Daniel did appear to develop genuine feelings for Sarah, he admitted to cameras he just needed a rose in order to stay on the ABC reality dating show longer.Once it became time for Daniel to hand a rose to Sarah, he gave it to Haley Ferguson instead. Haley, one of the bubbly blonde twins from Ben Higgins ' season of The Bachelor, is now married.Interested in more The Bachelor news? Join our The Bachelor Facebook Group Unfortunately, UGAs reputation as a major SEC football school detracts from its other sports. After all, who would stop to consider other sports when UGA already has one so noteworthy? NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg delivered a speech at Keio University in Japan on Wednesday. If we are to describe this speech, it would be labeled with "poor level, bad influence, and insidious intentions." It was not worth mentioning, but the negative trends of NATO and Japan exposed from its content deserve the high vigilance of the entire Asia-Pacific region. It can be said that the speech is full of "ominous omens." Before visiting Japan, Stoltenberg went to South Korea. Although he also played up the "China threat" in South Korea and tied China, Russia and North Korea together with malicious intent, his words were far less straightforward and blatant than in Tokyo. Facing the Japanese audience, Stoltenberg spent a lot of time attacking China. He said in a sensational tone, "What is happening in Europe today could happen in East Asia tomorrow." He also said unctuously, "China is not our adversary," but what he said later was basically to smear and slander China. He accused China of "substantially building up its military forces, including nuclear weapons, without any transparency" and said that China (the Chinese mainland) is attempting to assert control over the South China Sea, and threatening Taiwan. Stoltenberg's words and actions in Japan and South Korea are very different, which reflects many deep-seated problems, indicating that the two countries play different roles in NATO's strategic design. In Seoul, he mainly spoke to the South Korean side, which was the target of his persuasion and incitement, while in Tokyo, he spoke to the entire Asia-Pacific region, and the Japanese authorities stood by as accomplices and co-conspirators. A joint statement was issued after talks between Stoltenberg and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on January 31, in which the common stance against China and Russia was very prominent, and the intention to interfere in the situation across the Taiwan Straits was very strong. These will undoubtedly create risks of camp confrontation and division in the Asia-Pacific region. The role NATO is playing is exactly the same as it has played on the European soil. In other words, it is actually NATO itself that is promoting the idea that "what is happening in Europe today could happen in East Asia tomorrow." A wolf whose base camp and activities have been in the far west for a long time has found a foothold in East Asia with great ambitions. Japan is the one who lured the wolf into the house, and also seeks a high-sounding reason. As the secretary general of NATO, Stoltenberg is not qualified to dictate East Asian affairs, not to mention even giving outrageous statements. To some extent, Japan created such an opportunity for him and NATO. Stoltenberg did not hesitate to speak sweetly about Japan, saying that among NATO's partners, none is closer or more capable than Japan. He also praised Japan's substantial increase in defense budget and revision of its security strategy, behaviors that have been widely questioned in the Asia-Pacific region. NATO and Japan formed a vicious mutual reinforcement. Obviously, NATO is an unwelcome "guest" to East Asia and the entire Asia-Pacific region. Most members here view Stoltenberg's visit with suspicion and concern. These doubts and worries are not unfounded; instead, they are quite necessary. Probably only Japan has the most positive attitude toward NATO's intervention in the Asia-Pacific affairs. It is not difficult to guess what Japan is thinking about. The crux of the problem is that its perception of China is wrong. It sees a fast-growing China as a threat and seeks to take measures like Washington's to block the pace of China's development. However, it is impossible to achieve it with the power of Japan alone. Therefore, Tokyo began to work hard to introduce foreign forces into the region and "unite them" to create military, diplomatic and political pressure on China. As two political entities with a disgraceful history of war, both "NATO's Asia-Pacificization" and "Japan's militarization" face strong moral and practical resistance. It is precisely because of this that the two sides appear to be more "like-minded." NATO's hand in the Asia-Pacific is trying to carve out a channel in Japan. This kind of devilish deal is bad news for the Asia-Pacific and even the whole world. All countries in the region, including peace-loving forces in Japan, should take precautions against and resist the connection between Tokyo and NATO. (Source: Global Times) 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. BRATTLEBORO A violation order will stand against a property owner refusing to remove RVs used for housing from his residential property, the Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook. Jonathan Lesser is the president of Continental Economics, an energy consulting firm headquartered in Edgewood, N.M. He previously served as the director of planning at the Vermont Department of Public Service. Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook. Jesse Ridgway, MSN, CNM, is a certified nurse midwife living in Putney. She is a member of the Vermont Birth Center Coalition. The opinions expressed by columnists do not necessarily reflect the views of Vermont News & Media. Page Content Northern Ireland: Philip McLorinan welcomed as new Branch President 2 February 2023 On Friday 27 of January, Philip McLorinan was welcomed as the BDA Northern Ireland Branch President for 2023. The ceremony took place exactly 100 years from the formation of the Branch on January 27, 1923, in the stunning Great Hall of the Queens University in Belfast. The ceremony commenced with a drinks and canape reception, to mark the Branch Centenary year celebration, followed by dinner and speeches in the Great Hall. The event was attended by family, friends, and colleagues from across all fields of the dental profession in Northern Ireland, and beyond. Speaking on behalf of the guests was Richard Graham, past Chair of the Northern Ireland Dental Practice Committee, who provided an entertaining insight on his current project of writing a history of the Northern Ireland Branch over the past 100 years. Following the Valedictory address of Outgoing President, Peter Crooks, he presented Philip with the Presidential office chain, installing him as President for 2023. Peter Crooks presenting Philip McLorinan with the Presidential office chain Philip is a General Dental Practitioner, practicing for almost 25 years as principal dentist and owner of Dunmurry Dental Practice. He is also a part-time undergraduate clinical tutor at Queens University Belfast and has been an active member of the BDA since his days as a student. He has served Northern Ireland Branch Council both as Young Dentist Convenor and more recently as Social Secretary, receiving a Certificate of Merit by the BDA in 2021 for his work for the association. In his presidential acceptance speech, Philip said: "The past few years have been challenging on many fronts for all. I hope that in my year as President that the programme we have put together will give our colleagues from all aspects of the profession the opportunity to re-connect and build relations with each other." The 2023 Programme offers a wide range of social and educational events, such as the Centenary Gala Ball to be held in Belfast City Hall in October and professional development programs ranging from managing periodontal disease to tooth wear diagnostics. The Presidential Installation Dinner, which was a sold-out event, was hugely successful, and it is hoped that the enthusiasm of the profession to re-connect will continue throughout the year ahead. Guests at the Presidential Installation Dinner The BDA Northern Ireland Branch would like to thank their 2023 sponsors who provide invaluable support to their work within the dental community: Denplan, DMI, Marlborough Clinic Lab, M&D Financial Services, Haleon and McDowell&Service. In addition to the Branch educational and social programme, BDA Northern Ireland also supports and represents the interest of all dentists working in Northern Ireland. With our elected committee members, we negotiate on behalf of the profession on terms and conditions, pay and contracts. Join us. A Yellowstone County District Court judge set bond at $1.5 million Thursday for a man accused of shooting two people in the head and trying to rape one of the victims. Carl Chester Alden, 32, pleaded not guilty to counts of attempted deliberate homicide, attempted sexual intercourse without consent and assault with a weapon. Both victims survived the rural Yellowstone County shooting earlier this week, but a 14-year-old girl is still being treated for severe head trauma. Only time will tell, Yellowstone County Attorney Christopher Morris said in court, if she will survive. Deputies with the Yellowstone County Sheriffs Office arrested Alden on Monday, the Gazette previously reported. Law enforcement were responding to an alleged shooting on Cormier Road, which runs between Billings and Pryor on the edge of the Crow Reservation. They spoke with three people, according to charging documents, who were traveling in a Dodge SUV with Alden earlier that day. Alden drove the three, along with a 14-year-old girl, from Lodge Grass to Billings and then to Pryor, court documents said. Instead of returning to Lodge Grass, Alden allegedly took the group into the rural countryside. He began acting erratically, according to charging documents. He allegedly used methamphetamine and drew a revolver to shoot a road sign. Alden then starting arguing with the 14-year-old, with court documents saying he allegedly shot her and an 18-year-old woman traveling with him. Bullets struck both victims in the head, according to charging documents. While firing the revolver, Alden allegedly drove the SUV into a ditch. The 18-year-old woman and two other passengers escaped from the SUV and spoke with deputies, court documents said. The wounded woman told law enforcement the 14-year-old girl was still in the Dodge with Alden. Deputies found the SUV and arrested Alden. Inside the vehicle, they found the girl, who was bleeding from her head and showing possible signs of sexual assault. Ambulance crews transported the 18-year-old woman to the hospital to be treated for gunshot wounds to her face and neck, according to court documents. The 14-year-old is currently at an intensive care unit in Denver, charging documents said, with preliminary reports showing a bullet having entered her brain. In total, Alden is facing two counts of attempted deliberate homicide, one count of attempted sexual intercourse without consent and two counts of assault with a weapon. He has also been charged with two counts of assault with a weapon as an alternative to the two attempted homicide counts. The allegations against Alden are exceptionally violent, Morris said, requesting that Yellowstone County District Judge Rod Souza set Aldens bond at $1.5 million. Alden previously served five years of federal supervision after pleading guilty to involuntary manslaughter. In 2022, gunfire killed at least 16 people in and around Billings. That number includes three men shot dead by members of the Billings Police Department. The year ended with a 48-year-old man apparently shot at random while sitting in his truck near the Colonial apartments on South 27th Street. The alleged shooter, Melvin Joseph Pretty on Top, has been charged in Yellowstone County District Court with deliberate homicide. Earlier this month, a 32-year-old man allegedly killed a father of two in front of his home before shooting another man during a birthday party in midtown. Thomas John Slevira Jr. is currently in custody on a $1 million bond and has been charged with deliberate homicide and attempted deliberate homicide. If Alden can make bail, Judge Souza is requiring that he be monitored by GPS and adhere to a nightly curfew. Alden has a tentative trial date in June. If convicted of attempted murder or attempted rape, he could spend the rest of his life in prison. A man will appear in court Thursday after being charged with trying to rape a girl, and shooting her and a woman on a rural road south of Billings. Carl Chester Alden, 32, is facing two counts of attempted deliberate homicide, one count of attempted sexual intercourse without consent and two counts of assault with a weapon. He has also been charged with two counts of assault with a weapon as alternative to the two attempted homicide counts. Both victims went to the hospital with gunshot wounds to the head, one of whom is a 14-year-old girl being treated at a childrens hospital in Colorado. Deputies with the Yellowstone County Sheriffs Office responded to a shooting in the area of 9900 Cormier Road on Monday, according to charging documents. The call took them about 20 miles south of Billings in a region filled almost entirely by farmland. Deputies spoke with a man who was grading the road when two people ran to him after shots were fired, court documents said. Investigators then met with an 18-year-old woman who was in the vehicle of a concerned bystander, charging documents said. She was allegedly bleeding from her jaw, and told deputies Alden had shot her, and he was still in the area in a Dodge SUV. A 14-year-old girl, according to court documents, was with Alden. One of those who ran from the Dodge allegedly told deputies she, the two victims, Alden and a fifth person left Lodge Grass earlier that day. With Alden at the wheel, court documents said, they traveled to Billings and then to Pryor. Instead of returning to Lodge Grass, Alden allegedly took the group into the rural countryside. The witness said Alden acted erratically, according to charging documents, using meth and drawing a revolver to shoot a road sign. An argument erupted between the 14-year-old girl and Alden, court documents said, which ended with Alden shooting her and the 18-year-old woman. While he was firing, Alden allegedly drove the SUV into a ditch. He ordered the two others in the vehicle to get rid of the girls, according to charging documents. They allegedly refused and ran away from the SUV. Deputies found the Dodge and commanded Alden to get out of the SUV and walk backwards toward them. He got out of the vehicle, but allegedly charged at law enforcement who used their Tasers and placed him in handcuffs. His clothes, according to charging documents, were covered in blood. Investigators found the girl, identified in court documents as L in the back seat. She was awake and breathing, according to charging documents, but suffering from trauma to her head. She also allegedly showed signs of sexual abuse. Deputies gave her first aid until ambulance crews took L. and the 18-year-old woman to the hospital. Deputies searched the SUV and allegedly found an unwrapped condom, along with empty bullet casings and live rounds. The 18-year-old woman suffered two gunshot wounds to her face and neck. L. was eventually flown to Denver, charging documents said, where she is being treated for a bullet entering her brain. Before deputies could question him at the sheriffs office, Alden allegedly had trouble staying awake. He had white powder under his nose, according to charging documents, and appeared to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Alden was previously sentenced in 2014 to five years of federal supervision after pleading guilty to involuntary manslaughter. He admitted in court that he could have been the driver in a crash that killed a 23-year-old man on the Crow Reservation, but he had been drinking earlier in the day and could not remember. If convicted of attempted homicide or attempted rape, Alden could be sentenced up to life in prison. He has been in custody at Yellowstone County Detention Facility since Tuesday, and is scheduled to make his initial appearance in Yellowstone County District Court on Thursday. Declaring that the China Coast Guard presence in the South China Sea is "more robust than ever," a new report by the Washington, D.C.-based Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative said the force maintains near-daily patrols at key features claimed by China as well as the Philippines and Vietnam. Indonesia and Malaysia also sent naval ships to monitor Chinese vessel movements in their exclusive economic zones. Japan has also complained about China Coast Guard incursions in its territorial waters. The military believes that time is on its side in its high-stakes struggle with the National Unity Government. Feb. 1 marked the second anniversary of the coup detat that ousted the democratically elected National League for Democracy government in Myanmar. Since then the country has descended into a multi-front civil war and lost over a decades worth of sustained economic growth. Over half of the population is living in poverty, driving people back into opium production, which saw 88 percent growth in 2022. The military junta has failed to provide either security or basic social services. According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, more than 2,890 people have been killed but that doesnt include casualties in the border areas where fighting is fiercer. The military has detained nearly 17,500 since the 2021 coup, emptying jails of convicts to make room for political prisoners. On the anniversary Wednesday, the military defied the constitution, and refused to hand over power to a civilian care-taker government after two extensions of its emergency decree, instead extending emergency rule for another six months. Constitutional niceties are a low priority for a blood thirsty military regime hell-bent on establishing a monopoly of power. That they dont have sufficient security to hand over power is telling. The opposition National Unity Government (NUG) has out-performed by every measure. The civil disobedience movement continues to stage demonstrations and flash mobs every day across the country. The NUG led a second Feb. 1 silent strike to humiliate the regime. The shadow government has hundreds of affiliated peoples defense forces (PDFs), which have tied the military down. They have done so with courage and technical innovation. The generals in Naypyidaw should be very frustrated that they have not been able to terrorize the population into submission. The NUG clearly has legitimacy that they will never enjoy. An aerial view of Bin village of the Mingin Township in Sagaing region after villagers say it was set ablaze by the Myanmar military, Feb. 2022. Credit: Reuters Nonetheless, the State Administrative Council, as the junta is formally known, has a five-part theory of victory, and believes that time is on its side. First, the military will continue to wage a violent campaign across multiple fronts to wear down opposition forces through a war of attrition. The violence will be excessive and intentionally target civilians. We have seen this play out most ferociously in Sagaing and Magway, where ethnic Bamar resistance is both new and threatens the militarys long and vulnerable supply lines. They will take advantage of the fact that the PDFs got over-extended in the rainy season, and have gone on the offensive with superior fire power now that the dry season has arrived. Ramping up airstrikes The junta will increasingly rely on artillery and air power. For the latter, the regime has increased their acquisitions, including buying five FTC-2000G and the first two of six SU-30s from China and Russia, respectively. Theres been over 360 percent increase in airstrikes over the previous year. Mostly the regime has targeted civilian communities, but recently there was an escalatory attack on Camp Victoria, the headquarters of the Chin National Front that killed five New howitzers and multiple rocket launched systems imported from China will give the junta the ability to hit the NUG and its ethnic allies from a distance. And of course the junta will try to terrorize the population into submission: nearly 40,000 homes have been set on fire throughout the country, 27,000 in Sagaing alone. Second, the junta will assiduously target the shadow governments funding and logistics. The National Unity Government takes great pride that they have raised over $100 million through online sales of military-owned properties and crypto-bond offerings. They have used crypto currencies, tethered to the U.S. dollar to move money, and created digital wallets. Members of the People's Defence Force (PDF) hike at a training camp in an area controlled by ethnic Karen rebels, Karen State, Myanmar, Sept. 2021. Credit: Reuters The junta has put officers in all banks to monitor any transaction over 100,000 kyat ($45), hampered mobile payments platforms, and at a more primitive level, physically inspects phones to see if they have the NUG Pay app. They have sentenced people to a decade for making token donations to the shadow government or its affiliated militias. Third, the military will focus on the oppositions center of gravity: their alliance with key Ethnic Resistance Organizations. This is both the shadow governments greatest strength and greatest vulnerability. No Bamar-led government has had better ties with the ethnic forces than the NUG, whom they see as offering the best hope of establishing a democratic federal republic. While some ethnic armies have supported the shadow government from the start, including arming and training their militias, many more have taken a wait-and-see approach. Some, particularly those in Shan State, such as the United Wa State Army, have benefitted from the status quo as they churn out record amounts of illicit narcotics. The junta is determined to prevent more from joining the shadow government, and thereby opening up a new front. While there have been skirmishes with the Arakan Army, an all out war seemed to have been avoided, as the latter realized it gained more autonomy by not fighting. Going after urban guerillas Though the junta invites ethnic armies to Naypyidaw to resume the National Ceasefire talks, there are fewer takers. But this remains a line of effort. The military regime assumes that, at one point, historical mistrust will cause rifts between the NUG and the ethnic armies. Until then, it seeks to deter and induce the ethnic armies to withhold support for the National Unity Government. Fourth, the junta will focus on decimating the urban guerrilla forces. The military was not surprised to be fighting a multifront war against the ethnic armies, even if the proliferation of peoples defense forces caught them off guard. But the attacks by the Yangon and Mandalay urban guerrillas undermined their claim to have the situation under control in the eyes of the urban middle class, whom they desperately need to win over. Urban guerrilla groups waged a systematic campaign in 2022, but their targets were often symbolic. There were only two operations that had real importance: the attempted assassination of the then-deputy head of the Central Bank of Myanmar and the killing of the CFO of MyTel, the largest and not coincidentally military-owned telecoms firm in the country. But their attacks proved to be costly, with the importation of Chinese CCTVs and facial recognition software. Myanmar junta chief Gen. Min Aung Hlaing attends a ceremony marking Armed Forces Day in Naypyidaw, March 2022. Credit: AFP/Myanmar Military Information Team Fifth, the junta will hold elections by August, in an effort to legitimize their rule, taking a page out of the playbook written by Thailands generals in 2019. They have announced the establishment of proportional representation, and the military will still receive 25 percent of parliamentary seats. Districts are being gerrymandered and the military controls the voter lists. The Union Election Commission has been purged of all pro-National League for Democracy figures, and is fully controlled by the military. Over 1,100 NLD officials are imprisoned and many have been tortured to death. The newly announced election law cripples the political opposition and allows the Union Election Commission to dissolve parties if it is declared unlawful or it has communications with terrorist organizations, doesnt have offices or run candidates in 50 percent of the 330 townships; or compete in by elections, isnt registered and has 100,000 listed members, or doesnt deposit 100 million kyat ($43,727) at the military-owned Myanma Economic Bank. While not everyone in the junta is convinced about the utility of elections, including Soe Win, Min Aung Hlaing believes they are the source of the regimes legitimacy, especially in the eyes of the international community, many of whom will view even shambolic elections as good enough. The military believes that time is on its side, and given the lack of concrete international support for the National Unity Government, and they might be right. The stakes are high for both sides, as we enter year three of a conflict that continues to drag Myanmar back to amongst the poorest and most unstable countries in the world. Zachary Abuza is a professor at the National War College in Washington and an adjunct at Georgetown University. The views expressed here are his own and do not reflect the position of the U.S. Department of Defense, the National War College, Georgetown University or RFA. In Brief On Jan. 26, the White House said in a statement that more than 1,200 political prisoners have been locked up in Hong Kong, and another 10,000 people have been arrested on other charges in connection with anti-government protests. Chinese officials responded by accusing the U.S. of being a scaremonger by exaggerating the number of people detained in Hong Kong for political activities. China says only about 230 locals have been arrested since the citys 2020 National Security Law (NSL) was adopted. Asia Fact Check Lab (AFCL) found the accusation that the U.S. is exaggerating the number of arrests to be false, as the number is in accordance with documents the Hong Kong government itself has released. Also, the number of people China claims have been arrested is misleading because the figure only included arrests connected to endangering national security made after the NSL was adopted and not the large number of cases tied to political protests before its passage. In Depth On Jan. 26, President Biden signed a memorandum extending the eligibility of Hong Kong citizens to stay in the U.S. under the Deferred Enforced Departure for an additional two years. The DED is an executive humanitarian relief mechanism that allows select foreign nationals from regions undergoing political oppression or natural disasters to temporarily reside in the U.S. Citing difficult political conditions in Hong Kong, the memo states that there are more than 1,200 political prisoners in the city. Over 10,000 people have been arrested for other charges in connection to anti-government protests. The Chinese Foreign Ministry Commissioner's Office in Hong Kong criticized the White House announcement, saying that it aims to provide a safe haven for anti-China forces who left Hong Kong. The ministry spokesperson said the U.S. is a sheer scaremonger for exaggerating the number of people who have been arrested in Hong Kong. The spokesperson said that only about 230 people have been arrested on suspicion of endangering national security, and only about 30 were convicted after fair trials under the NSL, which went into effect in June 2020. AFCL found that the difference in the numbers presented by the two governments reflects the types of offenses they include in their calculations. The U.S. includes people involved in protests who were arrested for violations outside of the NSLs scope. China on the other hand only counts people arrested under the NSL. The NSL was enacted in June 2020, more than a year after large-scale protests broke out in response to the introduction of an extradition bill that could enable mainland China to extradite Hong Kong suspects for trial. The law gave Hong Kong authorities more power to prosecute critics in the name of national security. But before it went into effect, many protesters had already been detained on a host of other charges, such as illegal assembly, rioting, incitement and damaging public property. The Hong Kong Free Press, which calls itself an independent news outlet, cited data from the Security Bureau of Hong Kong to report that as of Jan. 20 the number of people in the city who had been arrested for activities endangering national security since the legislation was enacted was 243. The outlet reported in October 2022 that over 3,000 people, including 517 minors, have been prosecuted for offenses linked to the 2019 anti-extradition bill protests. It also said that by the end of August,10,279 people had been apprehended by police. The Hong Kong government corroborated the information in a news article in Xinhua, Chinas state media agency. It reported 10,242 people had been arrested by Hong Kong authorities since mid-2019, when large-scale protests against the anti-extraction bill broke out. As for convicted political prisoners, a database of prisoners sentenced for pro-democratic activities maintained by the Hong Kong Democracy Council, a non-profit group, showed a total of 1,337 at the end of January. Conclusion The U.S. claim that more than 10,000 people were arrested during Hong Kongs anti-government protests is backed by official Chinese sources. It is false to say that the U.S. is exaggerating the number. Chinas claim that only around 230 people were arrested after the enactment of NSL is also true. But that framing sidesteps the fact that the vast majority of arrests connected with anti-government activity occurred months before the security law was adopted. Asia Fact Check Lab (AFCL) is a new branch of RFA, established to counter disinformation in todays complex media environment. Our journalists publish both daily and special reports that aim to sharpen and deepen our readers understanding of public issues. High school student Hu Xinyu, whose body was found hanging from a tree in a wooded area near his school, died by suicide using shoelaces, police investigating his death announced on Thursday. The discovery of Hu, 15, who had gone missing for three months, has taken Chinese social media by storm, sparking speculation over an apparent spike in cases of missing teens. The investigation had ruled out homicide in his death, Hu Mansong, deputy police chief for the eastern province of Jiangxi said at a press conference Thursday, and autopsy results and lack of sign of a struggle near where his body was found pointed to suicide. An analysis of a digital voice recorder found with the body had yielded recordings made by Hu, contemplating whether or not to jump from the fifth floor of his dorm building earlier on Oct. 14, the police official said. "It's all meaningless ... My mind has become clouded today and I just want to die now," the paper quoted the transcript of the recordings as saying. But the transcripts weren't played at Thursday's press conference. The voice recorder contained two recordings on Oct. 14, one at 5:40 pm and the other at 11:08 pm. It appears that he made both recordings while attempting to take his life," the paper paraphrased the deputy police chief as saying. Video footage from the school's network of more than 100 surveillance cameras showed Hu in the school dormitories, where he was a boarder, at 5:48 p.m. on Oct. 14, the day he went missing. His highly decomposed" body was found by an employee of a nearby grain depot on Jan. 28, the English-language China Daily newspaper reported. Public skepticism The police announcement came amid growing public skepticism over the official narrative around Hus death. Many asked why the police had refused to investigate when the boy's family first reported him missing, and others wondered why they didn't find him sooner, given that he was found just 400 meters from his dormitory. Hu Mansong, the deputy police chief, said that police searched the grain depot four times in October and November but had failed to thoroughly search the surrounding woods, and had "learned a lesson from this mistake," the China Daily quoted him as saying. The case has, like many other high-profile crimes amid dwindling public trust in official narratives, gone viral on Chinese social media platforms. News stories about Hus case initially had sparked speculation that missing teens had been victims of organ trafficking gangs, but that seems to have died down. Police said none of Hus organs were missing, but that they had all rotted. "After Thursdays press conference, it has once again become clear just how big the social media attention is for this case," the What's On Weibo website reported. It said the hashtag #Content_of_Hu_Xinyu_Voice_Recorder had received over 390 million views on Weibo, while the hashtag #Hu_Xinyu_Expressed_Will_to_Commit_Suicide_on_Voice_Recorder garnered more than 640 million views. The hashtag #Hu_Xinyu_Died_by_Hanging_himself received more than 950 million views according to the website, which tracks trends on the microblogging platform Sina Weibo. Failure to explain Some social media users decided to test the strength of shoelaces to see if the police's claim that Hu had hanged himself with them was plausible. They found that the shoelaces broke with loads of more than 100 kilograms. Shandong-based lawyer Feng Yanqiang said the police news conference had been short on forensic detail to back up its claims. "They talked about a lot of it in general terms, and the police brought too much personal emotion into play when it came to discussing the actual evidence," Feng said. "It was as if they were performing Hu Xinyu, which I found pretty disgusting." Feng said police had also failed to explain why they had refused to investigate Hu's disappearance when the family reported him missing. But the most notable absence was the alleged voice recordings that led police to claim Hu had taken his own life, he said. "Have you heard those audio recordings? We haven't," Feng said. Lingering questions Fellow lawyer Bao Longjun agreed, saying the police's claim that Hu's death was a suicide wasn't well backed up by evidence. "There are still many questions that need to be addressed, such as how did Hu get into the grain depot area, and how did he actually commit suicide," Bao said. "It's too early to conclude that this was a suicide." Bao said current police regulations require officers to investigate a missing person if no reason can be found for their disappearance within three months of receiving a report. Police actually appear to have started looking for Hu some time in November, he said. "Current Chinese government regulations on the reporting and investigation of missing persons cases are very unclear," Bao said. "The police lack clear procedural guidelines ... which is a flaw in the system." A former police officer who served in the southern city of Guangzhou for many years, and who uses the Twitter handle "Second Uncle" said the government is used to covering up the truth of sensitive cases. "The Chinese Communist Party has always been contemptuous and afraid of the publics right to know," he said. "It has a habit of covering things up and manipulating the flow of information, whether the case is big or small." "Then, the public starts to use their imaginations to make their own inferences because they don't have access to the information," he said. "Actually, even if they were prepared to tell the truth, nobody would likely believe it [at this stage]." Translated by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by Malcolm Foster. It doesnt take long for Bill Simmons to bump into someone he knows in Billings. As he casually waited for a meeting in one of his five MasterLube lobbies, he recognized a man standing in front of him waiting for an oil change. He used to work here years ago, Simmons said with a smile. I only wish I could remember his name. Its not that uncommon for Simmons. Since opening the first location in 1981, he has seen thousands of workers successfully go through his auto service shops, which famously emphasize short-term tenures over long-term employment so that his employees can determine and work towards their future career. This employee development model has garnered national praise and will soon be the subject of its own photography book. Entitled On the Way to Somewhere: Changing Lives and Changing Oil, a series of photographs profiling the business and its workers by Wisconsin-based photographer Tim Keane is slated for an exhibition and book release this summer. The reason he chose to highlight the Billings chain is because of the admiration he had gained for its approach and its workers over the years. Simmons signed off on the idea, fascinated by the idea of finding someones future in their face through photography like he had through his business. Its incredibly humbling, Keane said. To see all these people that have an eye to the future. Every location in Billings and Laurel features an alumni wall of fame highlighting various workers stories over the years. Alumni endearingly referred to as Lubers have ranged from bank tellers to entrepreneurs and include former state Attorney General Tim Fox and current state Indian Affairs Director Misty Kuhl. Regarding MasterLubes unique approach, Simmons explained the expectation is for employees to work three times greater than what the company can afford to pay them regardless of their background or even their interest in automotive work so that they carry that commitment over to their true passion. You dont come here to change oil, you come here to get on that wall, Simmons said as he looked back at his employees from over the years. Keane, a previous business owner, has known Simmons since the 1990s through business seminars, advertising work with the Billings Gazette, and talks given to his MBA students at Marquette University. After deciding to shift his focus to professional photography about 10 years ago, it didnt take long for him to reach out to Simmons once again for a new kind of venture. He said that he began exploring concepts for a photography book about a year ago and that a profile on MasterLube quickly rose to the top of his list. Keane scheduled various trips to Billings starting in spring 2022 to shoot photos detailing current employees, business operations and training sessions along with profiles and words from alumni across the state. The book will also include a foreword by Rocky Mountain College President Dr. Bob Wilmouth. The concept is a day in the life of one of these shops, Keane said. Its meant to be a reflection of the business (philosophy): nobody leaves without a job, which is kind of an incredible statement. The book is currently going through the editing process by Rocky Mountain College art instructor and photographer Todd Forsgren. Shortly after moving to Montana over two years ago, Forsgren came away with similar impressions of the Billings business fixture to Keanes. I, just by happenstance, got my oil changed at a MasterLube shortly after moving here and was blown away by this amazing, unique company, he said. So, when I heard about this project, I jumped at the opportunity. The photo exhibit is slated to be held at Rocky Mountain College sometime during the summer just ahead of the books release. Its so inspiring, Keane said. Ive never seen a more motivated group of people in my life, and Ive taught a lot of MBA students. Lloyd Austin III is expected to meet with his Filipino counterpart to discuss South China Sea concerns. Philippine Lt. Gen. Roy Galido (left) greets U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III at the Western Mindanao Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in Zamboanga, southern Philippines, Feb. 1, 2023. United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III visited a military base Wednesday in the southern Philippines, where about 100 American troops are helping their Filipino counterparts in operations against the remnants of militant groups linked to Islamic State extremists. Austin, who arrived in the Philippines late Tuesday, landed at the Edwin Andrews Air Base in Zamboanga before noon and immediately went to the Western Mindanao Command where he met with Philippine military chief Gen. Andres Centino. He visited the U.S. troops that are here and made sure that they are OK, Philippine regional military chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido told reporters, referring to an American joint special operations team posted in Zamboanga. Galido sidestepped questions about whether Austin promised new military assistance. [American troops] are here to help us in our mission, especially in counter-terrorism and HADR (humanitarian and disaster relief operations). Austin is expected to meet on Thursday with his Philippine counterpart, Carlito Galvez Jr., to discuss strengthening bilateral defense cooperation in the face of Chinas territorial challenges in the South China Sea. A senior U.S. defense official said this alliance would help the Philippines defend its sovereignty and prevent Chinese coercion which the Southeast Asian nation is facing on a day-to-day basis, according to information published on the U.S. Department of Defense website. The official, who was not named, noted that China is acting up in the region despite losing the 2016 international court ruling favoring Philippine territorial claims in the strategic waterway. What the Philippines is trying to do is uphold its rights, the official said. And were trying to help them do that in the same way we are with other partners around the region. Thats what this is really about, not about simply countering China. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III meets with U.S. troops assigned to Camp Navarro in Zamboanga, Philippines, Feb. 1, 2023. Credit: Chad McNeeley/Department of Defense Marawi In 2017, a small team of U.S. troops assisted Philippine forces in defeating pro-Islamic State (IS) militants who had seized the city of Marawi, a predominantly Muslim city in the southern Philippines. While the American troops were restricted from combat operations, they helped their Filipino counterparts gather intelligence that led to victory in the five-month battle where at least 1,200 militants, government forces and civilians were killed. After the battle, then-Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana blamed a significant drawdown of American forces in troubled areas of the south as a factor that allowed IS extremists to infiltrate local Muslim militant groups ahead of the siege. While the longtime allies have carried on with joint military exercises, only about 100 American troops remain on a rotational basis in the south, where they serve in advisory roles. Austins visit to the Philippines is intended to accelerate the implementation of Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), according to Rommel Banlaoi, a counter-terrorism analyst at the Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism Research. Signed in Manila on April 28, 2014, the agreement allows the U.S. to rotate troops into the Philippines for extended stays and allows Washington to build and operate facilities on Philippine bases. The U.S. is working on expanding its access in Philippine territories to support the U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy where the alliance with Manila is essential in countering Chinas growing influence in the region, Banlaoi said. Austin is the second highest American official to visit the Philippines since November, when Vice President Kamala Harris traveled trip to Palawan, an island on the frontline of the territorial dispute with China over the South China Sea. Harris pledged then that Washington would come to Manilas aid if China attacked the Philippines. Jeoffrey Maitem in Davao, Philippines, contributed to this report. BenarNews is an RFA-affiliated news service. This picture taken on December 15, 2022 and released from North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) shows North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un at the test of a high-power solid fuel engine at the Saikai satellite launch site in South Pyongan Province. North Korea may test a new type of solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile in February or in the first half of the year at the latest, a report by a South Korea-based researcher says. North Korean state media announced in December that Kim Jong Un was present for test firings of a new engine developed to operate on solid fuel, which it claimed is capable of propelling the missile with 140-ton-force. In January, the engine underwent a combustion test. Authorities told state media that the engines success could accelerate development of an entirely new missile, and included a solid-fuel ICBM as one of the top five tasks for its strategic weapons sector in its most recent five-year defense plan, adopted in 2021. North Korea test launched missiles on New Years Eve and New Years Day. At a ceremony to commemorate the tests on New Years Eve, the countrys leader Kim Jong Un described the missiles as being capable of carrying tactical nuclear weapons within the range of the entire Korean Peninsula. These signs point to North Korea testing not just the engine, but the whole missile in the near future, Shin Seung-ki, a research fellow at the Seoul-based Korea Institute for Defense Analyses, said in a report on North Korean rocket engine development. Based on past precedent, North Korea tends to fire new missiles two to four months after they successfully complete a ground ejection test, he said. This picture taken on December 15, 2022 and released from North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) shows the test of a high-power solid fuel engine at the Saikai satellite launch site in South Pyongan Province. Credit: KCNA via KNS/AFP Shin said that the completed new missile will likely have a maximum loading weight of approximately 2 tons. Based on that, he believes it will be a medium-sized missile that aims to load 5 to 6 strategic nuclear warheads weighing 300-400 kilograms (660-880 pounds) each. North Korea's final goal, in Shins assessment, is to develop a large solid fuel engine ICBM with a range of around 10,000 km (6,213 miles) that can mount up to 10 strategic nuclear warheads. Solid fuel is more stable and can be stored within missiles when they are not in use. The technology would allow North Korea to deploy the missiles faster and more efficiently than its existing liquid fuel engine missiles, which must be fueled just prior to a launch. Ultimately, North Korea wants to continue weapons development until it can approach parity with Russia or the United States in order to secure a higher negotiating position should it resume denuclearization talks, he said. That the recent ceremony showed a super-large mobile launcher on tracks rather than wheels suggests the new missile will be deployed closer to the inter-Korean border,, where road conditions are poor. The North Korean Strategic Force will virtually delegate and entrust the conventional power long-range strike mission of the South Korean rear area to the front corps, said Shin in the report. It will focus on nuclear strike missions centering on the operation of ballistic missiles and cruise missiles loaded with nuclear warheads. Translated by Claire Shinyoung Oh Lee and Leejin J. Chung. Edited by Eugene Whong. The Rohingya Solidarity Organization emerged in 2021 to fight the military but finds itself up against a rival. Rohingya women and children rest in a village in Naikhongchhari, a sub-district of Bandarban, Bangladesh after fleeing from a clash between rival Rohingya insurgent groups and a blaze in their refugee settlement along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border, Jan. 18 , 2023. A 12-hour gunbattle and the torching of a refugee settlement along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border thrust the Rohingya Solidarity Organization, an old armed insurgent group, back into the spotlight. The fighting last month between members of RSO and the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) insurgents left at least one person dead and forced hundreds of Rohingya refugees to flee the encampment. The violence was the first known act of open fighting between the two militant groups, who both claim to support the Rohingya cause against the Myanmar military. It boiled over from tensions in a turf war in the sprawling refugee camps near the frontier between the neighboring countries. BenarNews obtained eye-witness testimonies and photographs of the slain person, Hamid Ullah, that suggest he was wearing a camouflage uniform emblazoned with an RSO insignia. Founded in 1982, the RSO was the foremost Rohingya armed group fighting the Myanmar military before it went into a prolonged hibernation in the 2010s. ARSA filled that vacuum when it carried out a series of attacks against Myanmars border outposts, starting in 2016. These provoked a Burmese military crackdown that unleashed a huge exodus of Rohingya refugees into Bangladesh in 2017. But as ARSAs image within the Rohingya community faltered, RSO made a comeback after the Myanmar military coup in February 2021. Since then, the groups have traded barbs, with each trying to establish dominance in the Rohingya camps, culminating in the violence that flared up at the refugee settlement in the no-mans land between the two borders on Jan. 18. We could not be a silent spectator but were compelled to suppress that terrorist gang who were extensively carrying out different criminal activities [...] in the Rohingya refugee camps [from] that zero-line camp, the RSO said in a statement provided to BenarNews. Efforts to reach ARSA were unsuccessful. This screengrab from a video shows smoke in the distance from a fire at a Rohingya settlement in a no-mans land between Bangladesh and Myanmar amid fighting between Rohingya insurgents group, Jan. 18, 2023. The community seen in the foreground is a village in Naikhongchhari, a sub-district of the southeastern Bangladeshi district of Bandarban. ARSA burst onto the scene after it attacked Myanmars border outposts in 2016 and 2017. The Myanmar military used those attacks to justify its brutal counter-insurgent offensive in August 2017 that forced about 740,000 Rohingya to flee to Bangladesh. The United Nations described the crackdown as a textbook example of ethnic cleansing, and the United States eventually declared the atrocities and other abuses carried out by the Burmese security forces during the offensive as genocide. Following the February 2021 coup detat in Myanmar, the RSO resurfaced in Bangladesh that March. An official with Bangladeshs National Security Intelligence claimed that despite its sudden re-emergence, RSO has been active in the Chittagong Hill Tracts area in the southeast, and in neighboring Coxs Bazar where many refugees have sheltered since the 2017 military clearance operation. RSO is not like ARSA, he told BenarNews. [RSO members] are all highly trained. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was unauthorized to speak to reporters. The border settlement in the no-mans land also known as Zero Point is outside the purview of either Bangladesh or Myanmar, which allows Rohingya militants or criminals to use it as a sanctuary, according to Christina Fink, a professor at Georgetown University who is an expert on Myanmar. The reason for the fighting is that these two Rohingya armed groups are competing to gain control over the camp, and thats because of its location, Fink told Radio Free Asias Burmese service. And whoever has control of this piece of land can more easily make forays into Myanmar. More importantly, they can make money by taxing informal border trade. Rohingya women, men and children enter a village in Naikhongchhari, Bangladesh after fleeing from fighting between Rohingya militant groups at a refugee settlement in the no-mans land area on the Bangladesh-Myanmar border, Jan. 18, 2023. [Abdur Rahman/BenarNews] The brief episode of recent fighting followed an extraordinary escalation between Bangladeshi security forces and suspected ARSA members in the encampment along the border in November last year. At the time, the Rapid Action Battalion, an elite Bangladeshi police unit, conducted a raid against drug smugglers, during which an intelligence officer with the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) was killed. Although Bangladeshi authorities initially blamed unspecified drug smugglers for the incident, DGFI later formally accused ARSA chief Ataullah Abu Amar Jununi and others of killing its official. The government also withdrew the RAB commander who conducted the raid, which appeared to have violated international norms for respecting no-mans land areas. Shafiur Rahman, a Britain-based journalist and an influential Rohingya watcher, connected the botched November operation with the recent RSO-ARSA skirmish. Bangladesh could not risk becoming implicated in the situation again, he wrote in a recent blog post. Therefore, it is not surprising that many residents of no-mans land believe that while the January 18th attack was carried out by RSO, it must have had the approval of those in power. Ko Ko Linn, an RSO spokesperson, told BenarNews via WhatsApp, We are very much thankful to the government and the people of Bangladesh for giving long-time shelter to our helpless community. The government, the politicians, and the people are seeking goodness for our community. The government strongly stands for us with full sympathies, he said. Officials at Bangladeshs foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a BenarNews request for comment about the countrys alleged backing of RSO. Long hibernation Throughout the 1980s and 90s, the RSO operated in the border areas of Bangladesh. And independent observers credited the support of successive Bangladeshi governments for the RSOs growth. In 1991, Bertil Lintner, a Swedish journalist who extensively covered the Myanmar militant groups, reported about the presence of heavy artillery in RSO camps inside Bangladesh. In 1998, the group reportedly dissolved under an umbrella organization, the Arakan Rohingya National Organisation. Some observers claimed that RSO built a strong rapport with the Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI), a Bangladeshi Muslim political party, and also suggested that some Rohingya militants tied with RSO had links with the Taliban and al-Qaeda. But in Bangladesh, its ties with JeI proved crucial. Linter reported that an entity in Coxs Bazar tied to a JeI-linked charity was RSOs military headquarters and that JeIs student cadres received training, too. Bangladeshi press reports also suggest that RSO operatives easily blended into Coxs Bazars local communities due to cultural similarities and helped build a robust political base in support of the JeI. When Bangladeshs Awami League party returned to power in 2009, RSO faced a severe crackdown, primarily because of its deep ties with JeI, and subsequently faded into obscurity. Meanwhile, Myanmar never stopped blaming RSO for any Rohingya-related violence in its territories. In October 2016, when Burmese border outposts first came under attack from what would later be known as ARSA, the Myanmar government initially blamed RSO. It took Myanmar some time to realize that ARSA and RSO were separate groups. Filling the vacuum In the years that followed the 2017 Burmese military offensive that drove nearly three-quarters of a million Rohingya into Bangladesh, ARSA built a solid base across Rohingya camps in Coxs Bazar, where about a million refugees live. An array of observers, including Tom Andrews, the U.N. special rapporteur for Myanmar, accused ARSA of operating a ruthless reign of terror in the Bangladeshi camps. ARSA denied the allegations and insisted that criminals were abusing its popularity, but the organizations denials now bear scant, if any, credibility. For its part, the Bangladesh government for years steadfastly denied that ARSA rebels had a foothold in the crowded and sprawling camps near the Myanmar frontier. The government may have been worried that an acknowledgment would undermine its pressure campaign against Myanmar to take back its nationals, according to observers. But things started to change when the Myanmar military staged a coup in early 2021. With the elected civilian government of Aung San Suu Kyi gone overnight, Bangladesh saw little hope for Rohingya repatriation under a junta. Protesters gather in front of the Myanmar Embassy in Bangkok after a military coup that resulted in the arrest of leader Aung San Suu Kyi, Feb. 1, 2021. [Jittima Lukboon/BenarNews] Meanwhile, opposition groups in Myanmar formed an alternative government in exile, known as the National Unity Government (NUG). Its armed wing, the Peoples Army, aimed to unite Myanmars many rebel groups and factions divided across ethnic and political lines. But even within Myanmars opposition factions, ARSA was deemed categorically unfit to join the Peoples Army. In that context, the RSO emerged from its prolonged hibernation in March 2021 when its social media pages popped up and published statements supporting the NUG. Aung Kyaw Moe, the Rohingya Affairs advisor to the shadow National Unity Government (NUG), acknowledged the liaison with the RSO. After the revolution, we met the RSO online, he told RFA Burmese. They said they were contributing to the revolution, but they didnt. Several claims by RSO of high-profile attacks against Myanmar military or border guards were discredited by observers. Like other Rohingya groups, RSO produces a lot of propaganda, a long-time Western analyst, who was not authorized to speak to the press, told BenarNews. For example, in October last year, they claimed they had captured a Myanmar border guard post after a fight but it later turned out it was an abandoned post. Today, most Rohingyas see RSO as the lesser of the devils, while Rohingya diaspora figures publicly renounce ARSA. The Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army is considered a criminal group by the majority of Rohingya, Ro Nay San Lwin, a Europe-based Rohingya activist, told RFA Burmese. We clearly said that we cannot accept the ARSA. Can the RSO work in an orderly manner? We will see. But it took the murder of Muhib Ullah, a famed Rohingya activist leader, in September 2021 for the Bangladesh government to crack down seriously against ARSA. Muhib Ullah, a prominent civil society figure, had sought protection from the Bangladesh government after ARSA threatened him with death. After his murder at his office in one of the refugee camps, his family members publicly blamed the armed group. A police investigation later found that ARSA killed him because of his popularity within the camp. Community activist Muhib Ullah addresses a Rohingya gathering at a refugee camp in Coxs Bazar in Bangladesh, Aug. 25, 2019. [Sunil Barua/BenarNews] The murder put the Bangladesh government under enormous international pressure to improve safety and security in the camps. And as the government reshifted its focus on ARSA, other actors, including RSO, benefitted. But to the ordinary Rohingyas trapped in violence in the congested refugee camps, the armed resistance isnt appealing. We face threats every day. You never know what will happen next, Sayed Alam, a Rohingya refugee living in the Kutupalong camp, told RFA Burmese. But we have minimal interests in armed organizations. We are more interested in returning home to our own country and having our work back. Radio Free Asia, a news service affiliated with BenarNews, contributed to this report. Abdur Rahman and Ahammad Foyez for BenarNews contributed to it from Coxs Bazar and Dhaka, Bangladesh. They were caught at a port as they boarded a boat to try to reach Malaysia, locals say. Arrested Rohingya in the boat they hoped would take them to Malaysia in a photo taken on Jan. 31, 2023 . Myanmar's junta navy has stopped 36 Rohingya as they boarded a boat in Rakhine state, planning to sail to Malaysia, locals told RFA. The 28 men and eight women including some children were from three townships in a state where the Rohingya have been persecuted by the military for years. A local, who didnt want to be named for security reasons, said the group gathered at a port in Sittwe city on Tuesday night, from where they planned to sail past Pauktaw township en route to Malaysia. Most of them leave for Malaysia from there, but they gather only in Sittwe, the local said. They were arrested when the boat set sail. Its not known yet whether the children were arrested. A post on the junta-controlled Rakhine Daily Facebook page confirmed that a case against the Rohingya will be filed, but did not specify the charges. The lawyer handling the cases for the arrested Rohingya, said they were likely to be charged under the Immigration Departments Recent Provisions Act and sentenced to between two and five years in prison. Sittwe port, Rakhine state, Myanmar in a file photograph taken on Oct. 27, 2019. Credit: RFA More than 740,000 Rohingya fled Rakhine State following a military crackdown on the ethnic minority Muslim group that started five years ago, and now live in refugee camps in Bangladesh. Of the more than 600,000 that remained, around 125,000 are living in displaced peoples camps in Rakhine. Every year, hundreds abandon the camps in both countries and take to the sea in small, poorly-provisioned boats to try to reach other countries, including Malaysia and Indonesia. In December, two boats carrying more than 240 Rohingya arrived in Indonesias Aceh province in as many days. As many as 20 died at sea when food and water supplies ran short, according to NGOs, who said they sailed across the Andaman Sea, fleeing crowded camps in Bangladesh. According to data compiled by RFA, a total of 1,856 Rohingya from camps in Rakhine state and Bangladesh were arrested in various parts of Myanmar between Dec. 2021, and Feb. 2, 2023. Of those, 466 were sentenced to between two and five years in prison under the immigration law. Translated by RFA Burmese. Edited by Mike Firn. The United States opened an embassy in the Solomon Islands after a three-decade absence, attempting to signal a commitment to a Pacific island country that has become a focus of U.S.-China rivalry in the region. The embassy, a modest building in the capital Honiara, was previously the U.S. consular agency for the Solomon Islands and lacks a resident ambassador. It is dwarfed in size and staffing by Chinas embassy, which occupies one of the largest official buildings in Honiara. Becoming an embassy is really the first step as we hasten the process of establishing more permanent facilities and deploying additional diplomatic personnel, said Russell Comeau, U.S. Charge dAffaires ad interim a deputy temporarily serving as head of a diplomatic mission. I hope to get a bit of a bigger team out here to help deliver on many of the initiatives we are working in partnership with around the region, Comeau said at a press conference in Honiara on Thursday. The U.S. Department of States director of Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Island affairs Taylor Ruggles, U.S. Charge dAffaires ad interim to the Solomon Islands Russell Comeau and the permanent secretary of the Solomon Islands MInistry of Foreign Affairs Colin Beck (left to right) react at a press conference on Feb. 2, 2023 for the opening of the U.S. embassy in Honiara, Solomon Islands. Credit: BenarNews The Solomon Islands, a country of some 700,000 people, has become a hot spot for the U.S.-China competition for influence with economically lagging Pacific island nations. Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavares government switched its diplomatic recognition to China from Taiwan in 2019 and signed a security pact with Beijing last year that has been followed by a Chinese police presence in Honiara, training for local police and the donation of vehicles and water cannons. Neither country has released the text of the agreement. China, along with countries such as Australia and Indonesia, is helping to bankroll the Pacific Games in Honiara in November this year. It is also funding a new hospital for the Solomon Islands, which struggles to provide basic healthcare for its people. Jeeney Robert, a Solomon Islands businessman, said he welcomes a U.S. embassy in his country, but is skeptical about the U.S. governments motivation My question to the U.S. government is why now? Do they genuinely want to really be present in Solomon Islands or do they have their own vested interest because of Chinas presence in the country, he said. A U.S. flag flies above the U.S. embassy in the Solomon Islands capital Honiara on Feb. 2, 2023. Credit: BenarNews A Department of State statement said Comeau will continue as U.S. Charge dAffaires ad interim. He has been a U.S. diplomat in the Solomon Islands since October 2021. The U.S. embassy in the Solomon Islands will serve as a key platform from which the U.S. government will continue to develop the Indo-Pacific partnership with our critical partner here in the Solomon Islands, one that is based on shared values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law, Comeau said at the press conference. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement that the embassy symbolizes a renewal of our relationship and is part of plans to station more diplomats in the Pacific. The U.S. embassy in Papua New Guinea, which also served as the embassy for the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, moved into a new U.S.$250 million building in the capital Port Moresby in November last year. American involvement with Pacific island nations diminished after the breakup of the Soviet Union, with a reduction in embassies and U.S. development assistance through its Peace Corps agency. China, over the past two decades, has become an important source of infrastructure, loans and aid for Pacific island nations as it seeks to isolate Taiwan diplomatically and gain allies in international organizations such as the United Nations. Honiara resident Esther Poratee said U.S. involvement in the Solomon Islands has not been felt by its people for a long time. She said she hopes the embassy opening will mean there is more collaboration between the countries that are aid donors to the Solomons. BenarNews is an RFA-affiliated news service. The 2 sides announced the move at a meeting between their defense chiefs. The Philippines has given the United States access to four new military sites where the U.S. can build facilities as part of the defense agreement between the two nations and amid warnings a Chinese attack on Taiwan is imminent. The announcement was made by U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III and his Philippine counterpart Carlito Galvez Jr. as they met for a meeting to boost defense ties between the allies bound by a Mutual Defense Treaty dating back to 1951. The Philippine defense department has refused to identify the four sites, pending consultation with local government units. The additional four areas now put the total number of sites accessible to the U.S. to nine. Today, the Philippines and the United States are proud to announce their plans to accelerate the full implementation of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) with the agreement to designate four new agreed Locations in strategic areas of the country and the substantial completion of the projects in the existing five agreed Locations, the U.S. and Philippines defense departments said in a statement. The EDCA is a key pillar of the U.S.-Philippines alliance, which supports combined training exercises, and interoperability between our forces, they added. The EDCA, which was signed in 2014, supplements the Visiting Forces Agreement, a 1999 bilateral pact that provides the legal cover for large-scale joint military exercises between the U.S. and Philippines, Washingtons longtime defense ally in the contested South China Sea region. The U.S. has allocated over $82 million for infrastructure investments at the existing five sites under the EDCA, the defense departments said. The five agreed locations are the Cesar Basa Air Base and Fort Magsaysay in the provinces of Pampanga and Nueva Ecija, three hours north of the capital Manila; the Antonio Bautista Air Base and Benito Ebuen Air Base in the central provinces of Palawan and Cebu; and the Lumbia Air Base in Cagayan de Oro city in the south. Expansion of the EDCA will make our alliance stronger and more resilient, and will accelerate modernization of our combined military capabilities, the statement added. The new sites would also allow more rapid support for humanitarian and climate-related disasters in the Southeast Asian country. In November 2022, then military chief Bartolome Bacarro mentioned the possible locations of new EDCA sites: Cagayan and Isabela both in the northern Philippines near Taiwan; one in Palawan near the South China Sea, and one in Zambales, a coastal province near the Scarborough Shoal, which is within the Philippines exclusive economic zone but has been in Chinese control since 2012. An EEZ gives a state exclusive access to the natural resources in the waters and seabed. Military ties In a press conference after their bilateral meeting, Austin and Galvez touted the strong relationship between the two countries. While not openly mentioning China, both called for a rules-based approach in solving international issues. Relations between the two were strained under former president Rodrigo Duterte, who leaned more toward Beijing than Washington. Americas commitment to the defense of the Philippines is iron-clad. Our alliance makes both of our democracies more secure and helps uphold the free and open Indo-Pacific, Austin said. The U.S. will always be there for us, Galvez said. Galvez alluded to territorial disputes in the South China Sea and concern about a possible Chinese invasion of Taiwan. Along with partner countries, we strongly oppose any unilateral action or attempts to disrupt the current world order and share the same view that all countries should resolve any issue peacefully and adhere to international law particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea or UNCLOS, Galvez said. In 2016, Manila won its complaint against China before an international arbitration court, resulting in a ruling that invalidated Beijings sweeping claims in the South China Sea. Beijing has since ignored the ruling. It also pointed out that the U.S. is not a signatory of UNCLOS, which China ratified in 1996. Analysts have said the U.S. was also ramping up its military presence in the region amid brewing tensions in the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan, which lies just north of the Philippines main Luzon island, is considered by Beijing to be a part of its territory. One U.S. general recently predicted war was likely to break out in 2025. China responded to the announcement of an additional U.S. presence in the Philippines by accusing Washington of interfering in the region. The Philippines granting the United States greater access to military bases hurts regional stability and raises tensions, foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said in a regular briefing in Beijing. Activists led by the nationalist group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) stage a protest against the visit of US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in front of Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City in northern Manila February 2, 2023. Credit: BenarNews/Jojo Rinoza Meanwhile, progressive organizations staged protests outside the militarys Camp Aguinaldo where the defense headquarters is based. Americas defense chief is not welcome here in the Philippines. We strongly reject the expanded military bases that he is negotiating, said the militant fisherfolk group Pamalakaya in a statement. Our territorial waters in the West Philippine Sea are already militarized by China; the last thing that Filipino fishers want is an expansion of U.S. military bases at the further expense of our sovereign rights and territorial integrity, the group added. Renato Reyes, secretary general of the group Bayan, or the New Patriotic Alliance, said the country must not allow itself to be used as staging ground for any U.S. military intervention in the region. Despite the Mutual Defense Treaty and the Visiting Forces Agreement, the U.S. did not stop China from its aggressive acts in the West Philippine Sea. Yet the U.S. keeps promising that their presence here helps our cause, Reyes said. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. receives a U.S. delegation led by Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III at the Malacanang presidential palace on Feb 2, 2023. Credit: BenarNews/FOCAP pool/AFP/Jam Sta Rosa In a separate meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Thursday morning, Austin called the Philippines "a great partner" and vowed to help continue mobilizing the Philippine armed forces. Marcos for his part said the future of the country was intertwined with the U.S. because of the enduring partnership that is "embedded in our common psyches." "That can only be an advantage to our countries," Marcos said, noting that the territorial problems in the region have presented a "very complicated situation." BenarNews is an RFA-affiliated news service. A US aircraft carrier is also in the region as the countrys defense secretary visits Manila. U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN-68) conducts flight operations in the South China Sea on Jan. 31., 2023. The Chinese coast guard and maritime militia appear to have tailed a Philippine naval vessel inside the Philippines exclusive economic zone, a U.S. expert said, as U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin visits the country to push for better access to local military bases. At least two China Coast Guard (CCG) and a number of Chinese maritime militia ships were monitoring and tailing the movements of the patrol vessel BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS-17) of the Philippine Navy on Wednesday, said Ray Powell, Project Myoushu (South China Sea) lead at Stanford University in California. As of 1 p.m. Manila time, two Chinese maritime militia vessels departed Mischief Reef in the Spratly Islands, seemingly on an intercept course with the Bonifacio as it circumnavigated Reed (Recto) Bank, said Powell. The monitoring continued as the Philippine ship conducted a search operation in the waters within the countrys exclusive economic zone (EEZ). An EEZ gives a state exclusive access to the natural resources in the waters and seabed but those in the South China Sea overlap with the so-called nine-dash line that China uses to claim historical rights to most of the sea. Chinese maritime militia vessels appeared to be on an intercept course with Philippine Navy vessel BRP Andres Bonifacio on Feb. 1, 2023. Credit: MarineTraffic/@GordianKnotRay on Twitter One of the maritime militia ships passed by going north and the CCG ship didnt seem to interfere in the search operation, Powell told RFA. He added that another militia ship seemed to turn around once it realized the Philippine ship wasnt going to approach the Second Thomas Shoal, administered by Manila but claimed by both countries. Although they didnt seem to directly interfere with the Bonifacios movements, the timing here is very suggestive that they planned these movements to coincide with the Philippines operation, the retired U.S. Air Force colonel turned academic said. Robust coast guard presence In early December 2022, the Chinese coast guard was accused of stopping the same ship from approaching Scarborough Shoal, known in the Philippines as Panatag Shoal, which is only 198 kilometers (123 miles) from the strategic Subic Bay but under Chinas control. A U.N. tribunal in 2016 dismissed Chinas sweeping claims over most of the South China Sea, including Scarborough Shoal, but Beijing refused to recognize the ruling. Manila said in recent months CCG ships have stepped up their activities and harassment against Philippine law enforcement vessels in the Philippines EEZ. In November 2022, CCG ship 5203 intercepted a Philippine Navy ship which was towing some wreckage from a Chinese Long March rocket and seized the wreckage. In December 2022 CCG vessel 5205 attempted to obstruct a Philippine naval ship that was carrying supplies for troops stationed on the grounded BRP Sierra Madre at the Second Thomas Shoal. A new study by the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI), a research institution at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington D.C., asserted that Chinas coast guard presence in the South China Sea is more robust than ever. The report said CCG ships maintained near-daily patrols at key features in the sea, despite that most of them are located in neighboring countries EEZs. CCG patrol ships 5203, 5204 and 5205 seem to have a semi-permanent presence here, data obtained via ship tracking website MarineTraffic show. U.S. access to bases Meanwhile, the U.S. aircraft carrier USS Nimitz and its accompanying vessels are operating nearby, the U.S. Pacific Fleet announced. The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group is conducting routine operations in the South China Sea, the U.S. Navy said. The carrier has been in the South China Sea since mid-December, 2022, and paid a port visit to Singapore around the Lunar New Year before returning to near the Philippines. Its latest location, according to the satellite imaging company Planet, is about 200 kilometers (124 miles) west of Manila. U.S. Defense Minister Lloyd Austin is currently in the Philippines on an official visit. The two countries announced on Thursday that Manila will give the U.S. access to four more locations under the 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), allowing the U.S. to rotate troops to a total of nine bases throughout the Philippines. In addition, the U.S. will help the Philippines modernize its military with $82 million allocated for infrastructure improvements at five current EDCA sites, a joint announcement said. Responding to the news, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that defense and security cooperation between countries should be conducive to regional peace and stability, and should not target third parties or harm the interests of third parties. Out of selfish interests, the U.S. continues to strengthen its military deployment in the region with a zero-sum mentality, endangering regional peace and stability, she said. A street runs through Drago county in southwestern China's Sichuan province in an undated photo. China has tightened restrictions on Tibetan residents of a county in Sichuan province that has been a hotbed of resistance to Chinese rule, imposing measures to prevent contact with people outside the area, sources with knowledge of the situation said. The communications clampdown in Drago county is the latest measure by Chinese authorities to bring locals to heel following the demolitions of huge Buddha statues in the area beginning 2021, as monks and local residents were forced to watch, sources in the region said. Drago county is called Luhuo in Chinese and lies in the Kardze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan province, the historical Tibetan province of Kham. Beginning January this year, local Chinese authorities in Drago county have warned Tibetans living in the region to stop communicating with people outside Tibet, said one of the sources who requested anonymity for safety reasons. Their cell phones are randomly probed and restricted from sharing any kinds of information with the outside, he said. They are also not allowed to contact their family members or send money. A report issued in January by Free Tibet and its affiliated research arm Tibet Watch said Chinese authorities have ramped up repression of Tibetans, razing significant religious structures while committing serious human rights violations in Drago county. The demolition of Tibetan Buddhist sites escalated under Drago county Communist Party chief Wang Dongsheng, who had earlier overseen a campaign of the expulsion of Buddhist clergy and destruction at Sichuans sprawling Larung Gar Buddhist Academy. Ever since Wang Dongsheng was appointed as county chief in Drago, the campaign against the Tibetans has gone from bad to worse, said another Tibetan who declined to be identified for fear of his safety. There have been massive communication clampdowns and other security measures put into place, he told RFA. Also, the staff and those with authority in the monasteries have been forced to attend re-education programs. Since 2008, Drago county residents have participated in acts of resistance against the Chinese government, prompting interventions by authorities, including significant crackdowns in 2009 and 2012. Beijing views any sign of Tibetan disobedience as an act of separatism, threatening Chinas national security. Translated by Tenzin Dickyi for RFA Tibetan. Edited by Roseanne Gerin and Paul Eckert. The government must devise a plan to resettle them beginning in 2024. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (3rd from L) poses with World Uyghur Congress Executive Committee chair Omer Kanat (L), president Dolkun Isa (2nd from L), and Immigration Committee chair Mehmet Tohti (R) following the vote on the motion by the Canadian Parliament in Ottawa, Feb. 1, 2023. UPDATED at 9:27 A.M. EST on 02-02-2023 Canadas parliament on Wednesday unanimously passed a motion to resettle 10,000 Uyghur refugees to Canada in response to the Chinese governments efforts to forcibly return members of the mostly Muslim group back to China, where they are at risk of persecution. The nonbinding motion calls on the Canadian government to develop a plan within four months to resettle 10,000 Uyghurs in the country over two years beginning in 2024, with a focus on Uyghurs from other countries rather than directly from China. Liberal lawmaker Sameer Zuberi, who proposed the motion in June 2022, said there is no safe way to take in Uyghurs directly from China, The Canadian Press, the countrys national news agency, reported. Tens of thousands of Uyghurs and other Turkic minorities from Chinas far-western Xinjiang region who have sought refuge in Turkey and Central Asia are at risk of being sent back to China, rights groups say. The motion, which passed in a 322-0 vote, received strong support from Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus ruling Liberal Party and Canadian opposition parties. The World Uyghur Congress based in Germany welcomed the measure. This motion sets a very important example of how states can respond to the Uyghur genocide and concretely support Uyghur refugees at risk in third countries, the organizations president, Dolkun Isa, said in a statement. Some countries including Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates have extradition agreements with the Chinese Communist Party and have handed over scores of Uyghurs to China. On Thursday, China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said people in Xinjiang enjoy security, stability and sound development. "People there live a peaceful and happy life and their human rights, regardless of their ethnic background, have received better protection," she said at a regular press conference. "We urge Canada to respect these facts, stop politically manipulating Xinjiang-related issues for ulterior motives, spreading disinformation and misleading the public." The introduction of the motion in June 2022 was preceded by the Canadian Parliaments recognition of the mistreatment of the Uyghurs as a genocide in February 2021. At that time, lawmakers on the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development recommended that the government use existing refugee programs and create an exception to expedite the entry of Uyghur and other Turkic refugees into Canada. A 2021 report by the Uyghur Human Rights Project and Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs, said there had been nearly 1,550 cases of detention and deportation of Uyghurs across 28 countries between 1997 and 2021, with a dramatic escalation since 2017. That year, Chinese authorities began detaining Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslims in Xinjiang in a vast network of internment camps under the guise of providing vocational training to combat what they say is the threat of religious extremism and terrorism. Reports by rights groups and independent media, including Radio Free Asia, provide ample evidence of serious human rights abuses in Xinjiang, including torture, forced abortions and sterilizations of Muslim women, and forced labor. Besides the Canadian Parliament, the legislatures of eight other Western countries and the U.S. government deemed that the rights violations amounted to genocide and crimes against humanity. In August 2022, the U.N. Human Rights Office said China is committing rights violations against Uyghurs, including the forcible return of some who had fled to other nations, and that its actions may constitute crimes against humanity. Beijing has angrily denied all allegations that authorities have mistreated the Uyghurs. Edited by Joshua Lipes. The story was updated to include a comment from China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning. A Muslim man arrives at the Id Kah Mosque for the morning prayer on Eid al-Fitr in the old town of Kashgar in northwestern China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, in a file photo. The United States must ramp up pressure on the Chinese government to stop the severe repression of Uyghurs in Xinjiang and do more to enforce recent laws passed by U.S. lawmakers addressing the forced labor of the predominantly Muslim minority group, two U.S. congressmen and a human rights lawyer told RFA. The comments were made Tuesday on the sidelines of the two-day International Religious Freedom Summit in Washington, D.C., where politicians, religious leaders, and human rights advocates gathered to draw attention to global religious persecution. Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas), chairman of the House Foreign Relations Committee, said the United States should confront Beijing over its human rights violations in Chinas far-western Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. We have to do everything in our power to try to confront the Chinese Communist Party, he told RFA. Its not the people of China. Its the government committing genocide. The U.S. government and the parliaments of nine Western countries have deemed Chinas mistreatment of the Uyghurs a genocide and crimes against humanity. The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights said in an August 2022 report that serious human rights violations committed in Xinjiang may constitute crimes against humanity. Its unconscionable and it must be stopped, and the oppression, the torture, the slave labor, McCaul added. In 2021, McCaul introduced a resolution condemning the treatment of Uyghurs and members of other religious and ethnic minority groups by China. The measure was overwhelmingly adopted by lawmakers. Muslim Uyghurs, Tibetan Buddhists and followers of Christian sects have seen their right to worship eroded and controlled in recent years by Chinese authorities who say religious extremism threatens the countrys stability and national security. Though Chinese authorities have persecuted Uyghurs for decades, in 2017 they began detaining Uyghurs and other Turkic minorities in Xinjiang in a network of re-education camps they said to prevent terrorism and religious extremism in the restive region. Other reported human rights violations included torture, sexual assault, forced abortions and the sterilization of Uyghur woman, and forced labor. Rep. James McGovern (D-Mass.), co-chair of the Congressional-Executive Committee on China, said it was necessary for the U.S. to ensure the full implementation of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, which he introduced in the House in December 2021. The act, which was signed into law that same month, strengthens an existing ban on the importation into the United States of goods made wholly or in part with Uyghur forced labor. It requires American companies that import goods from Xinjiang to prove that they have not been manufactured at any stage with Uyghur forced labor. First of all, we need to make sure that the bill is fully implemented, and we also need to encourage countries around the world to do the same thing, he told RFA on Tuesday. To the extent that there's a global effort to hold China to account, it is more effective. We want the genocide to stop. Naomi Kikoler, human rights attorney and director Simon-Skjodt Center for the Prevention of Genocide at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, called for consistent action against China, given what she called Beijings deftness at sidestepping real international scrutiny. We need to be seen front and center in every conversation with the Chinese government so that the issue of the Uyghur people is being raised, she told RFA. In the meantime, U.S. lawmakers are passing additional legislation to hold China to account. The Uyghur Policy Act of 2021, introduced by U.S. Rep. Young Kim (R-Calif.) and which passed the House in a 407-17 vote in December 2022, calls for the State Department to appoint a Special Coordinator for Uyghur Issues. It also requires Uyghur-language training for foreign service officers, and the appointment of a Uyghur-fluent officer assigned to a U.S. diplomatic and consular mission in China. Edited by Roseanne Gerin and Joshua Lipes. A $2.5 billion transmission line bridging the eastern and western power grids of the United States has been proposed for the plains of Montana and North Dakota. The North Plains Connector would allow power to flow across three time zones from the Midwest to Seattle, a move that should make the wholesale energy markets more affordable and energy more reliable. Minnesota-based Allete and Grid United of Texas announced their memorandum of understanding this week to build the 385-mile high-voltage direct-current transmission line. Grid United officials say they have been meeting with landowners about a proposed path, as well as regulators, for a year. The expectation is to start construction in three to four years, an ambitious pace for transmission projects, which can take a decade or more. The line could accommodate 3 gigawatts of power. Theres a lot of value to connecting across this interconnection seam, where you really dont have much transfer right now, said Will Harrop, Grid Uniteds manager of grid analytics. What youre able to do is smooth out these extreme events. A great example would be December of 2022, we had this big winter storm just before Christmas. You can see that roll across the Pacific Northwest to the Midwest, even through the East Coast. You get very disparate impacts, in different regions at different times. Its really about being able to mitigate that volatility and provide the least-cost power to consumers where its needed, irrespective of what specific geography that power is coming from. The NP Connector follows construction of NextEras 150,000-acre Clearwarter Wind Project, valued at $1 billion, north of Miles City, as well as PacifiCorps $400 million, 250 MW Pryor Mountain Wind Project near Bridger. Both projects were constructed since 2020. For generators, North Plains more than doubles the potential market for Montana energy. On all counts, its good for the state of Montana, said Mark Klein, developer of the states largest solar array, MTSun, owned by Greenbacker and located north of Billings. It brings investment, jobs. Its good for Montana because it will provide additional revenue sources related to the construction and operation of new generation facilities, frankly whether theyre renewable or conventional. Colstrip substation The Montana end of NP Connector is the Colstrip substation. There, resources from the Midwest to the Pacific Northwest would be connected for the first time, with the Colstrip Transmission Line extending the circuit to Seattle and Portland. To the east, the line would deliver power to two North Dakota substations, one to be built in Solen and the other in Center where Allete already has HVDC transmission. The technology allows electricity to be transmitted over longer distances with less power lost. North Plains Connector is the first of five planned Grid United transmission projects to connect the western and eastern grids, as well as the nations third power grid section, which is specific to Texas. ERCOT bears the name of its operator, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas. Its Alletes experience with HVDC that makes it a good partner for North Plains Connector, according to Grid United. High-voltage, dedicated current transmission is unusual, but more efficient for moving large amounts of energy. Alternating current is the norm. We need to advance real action to ensure that we can navigate the changing grid and the need to optimize energy across our nation, said Julie Pierce, Allete vice president of strategy and planning. "We feel this connection, that has been talked about previously and really called out in many studies like NREL. . .. can bring a tremendous number of broad benefits to the upper tier of the nation. We feel its a good opportunity to put our boots on the ground and be part of something that is really going to make a true difference in the upper tier. Grid study The NREL study Pierce references is a 2021 report by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory known as the Interconnections Seam Study, which looked at a half dozen points along the western and eastern grids where low-capacity substations laced the two grids together, but lacked the size to accommodate useful loads. One of the substations in the study, was a 200-megawatt capacity station near Miles City. Installed in the mid-1980s, right about the time that Units 3 and 4 of Colstrip Power Plant were coming online, the substation was never big enough to accommodate significant loads of power. The NREL study proposed replacing the aging seam substations with HVDC infrastructure to move large loads of power, though balancing the East and West power resources was first floated in 1923 by a Chicago utility that wanted to balance the nations hydropower and coal power resources. NREL concluded that increased intercontinental transmission meant that less power would be needed keep the electric supply in balance with the nations energy demands. For every dollar spent on transmitting power between the grids through HVDC technology, $2.50 was saved on energy. Renewable energy sources became more useful as, for example, wind turbines spinning in parts of the country were able to fill in for renewables in other areas that were down. Fossil fuel powered plants operated less. Energy from wind and solar across the system increased from 30% to 40% of capacity. The farther you get away from resources, theyre not necessarily complimentary, but the less correlated they are. If the wind is blowing or the sun is shining in one region, maybe its not in another," Harrop said. Theres high load in one region and theres excess energy available in another. You do see these resources have different profiles and the need for them, and for thermal generation changes. Power from multiple sources Allete (pronounced elite) Allete is a multifaceted energy company, with two regulated utilities, a clean energy development company, a lignite coal and power company, and a solar development company. Minnesota Power is the larger of the Alletes regulated utilities, with about 145,000 metered customers, according to corporate filings, and serves Duluth, Minnesota. Similar to Washington and Oregon, Minnesota has legislated that its utilities phase out coal power. Last November, regulators approved Minnesota Powers plans to close its coal-fired power plants no later than 2035. The utilitys goal is to exit fossil fuels by 2050. The energy economies of Montana and Minnesota are connected. As Montana Lee Newspapers reported in 2021, the Clay Boswell Energy Center, a large power plant operated by Minnesota Power has burned Montana coal from the Spring Creek mine and now-defunct Decker mine. The Sherburne County Generating Station, an Xcel Energy coal plant in Becker, Minnesota, is the primary customer of Absaloka Mine. SHERCO, as the plant is known, will retire 1362 MW of coal power capacity by 2026. Xcel is building a solar project on the site. The North Plains Connector will transmit power from multiple sources. In a press release, the lines collaborators specifically mention electricity from gas-fired power and renewables, but the approach is all of the above. Grid Uniteds first year of outreach included meeting with landowners along possible transmission routes, presentations to communities, introductions to environmental regulators in Montana and North Dakota. It expects to begin applying for permits in late spring of this year. We focused on stakeholders first and really got out and talked to the governors offices in both states and talked to the regulatory agencies, spent a lot of time with Montana DEQ, said Brant Johnson, United Grid vice president in charge of the North Plains Connector. We really are prioritizing building good stakeholder relationships, good landowner relationships, and trying to minimize the sorts of things that really engender project opposition. Johnson said Grid United ended 2022 making lease offers to landowners. Long road to completion Transmission projects from start to finish can take 10 years. The last time a major transmission project was proposed was the Mountain States Intertie, or MSTI, a NorthWestern Energy project challenged by county governments who sued over being excluded from planning. In the Legislature, farmers lined up in opposition to granting eminent domain for transmission projects. The 430-mile line was proposed as a way to deliver renewables into Idaho and eventually California, but ultimately failed. However, the backstory of Grid United CEO Michael Skelly suggests the company knows how to accomplish the heavy lift of securing right of way for a transmission project. Fred Heutte works on transmission for Seattle-based Northwest Energy Coalition. He said Skellys work on transmission lines designed to move Oklahoma renewable energy east is well known. Skellys previous company Clean Line Energy did the early development of The Grain Belt Express, a transmission project spanning Kansas, Missouri and Indiana, and also the Plains & Eastern transmission line between Oklahoma and Tennessee. Those projects were eventually sold. Montana wind farm owner NextEra acquired some of the Plains and Eastern project. Pattern Development, creator of Stillwater Wind Facility near Reed Point Montana, purchased Clean Lines Western Spirit Transmission Line and Mesa Canyons Wind Farm in New Mexico. NWEC takes a tread lightly approach to transmission, with a preference for using existing infrastructure that aligns with available resources. We would like not to build any new transmission, that's the ideal approach. But, the reality is, we're probably not going to get away with, not probably, we will need to build some more transmission. And the way to make sure we get it right is first to make sure we do everything we can do to use the existing grid better. There are lots and lots of pieces to that. And second, to really identify where the highest value combination of new renewables and new transmission is going to be, Huette said. The North Plains Connector cuts across the No. 2 and No. 3 states for wind power potential in North Dakota and Montana. A former prisoner of conscience has been summoned by police in Vietnam after accusing them of taking nearly U.S.$11,000 from her during her arrest three years ago. Le Thi Binh, 46, is a member of Vietnams Constitution Group, posting her views regularly on Facebook. She also joined protests against the draft Laws on Cybersecurity and Special Economic Zones in 2018. She was released at the end of November after serving a two-year prison sentence allegedly abusing democratic freedoms. Police in southern Vietnams Can Tho city brought her in for questioning Wednesday after a Facebook stream, during which Binh said officers took U.S. dollars and Vietnamese dong she was saving to renovate her home. During the meeting, the police said that Binh's online talk on Jan. 22 contained sensitive content, affecting the reputation of state agencies, including the Binh Thuy district Police. Binh told RFA when she was arrested on Dec. 22, 2022, police confiscated her handbag and wallet. Binh said she told the police the money belonged to a friend who was traveling with her and assumed they would give it to the person, who was not arrested. They later returned the handbag and wallet, which only had some small notes left in them. "This money was definitely taken by Mr. Ky, said Binh referring to Truong Ngoc Ky, the police officer investigating her case. Binh said police also took money from her daughters wedding that was hidden in a photo album in her bedroom Police used a hacksaw to open her door and forced her to sit on the bed while they ransacked her house, she said. The search report did not mention the missing money. During Tuesday's meeting the police said they did not take money from her house and asked her if anyone had seen her hiding it. Binh said state media lied when they reported on the police search, saying she had many documents with anti-state content. She said the only documents in her home were bank books and her childrens books. When she met the police, she asked them to explain where the newspapers got their information but they didnt tell her. In an interview with RFA Vietnamese following her release Binh talked about the harsh conditions at An Phuoc Prison camp in Binh Duong province. She said she was forced to do hard labor and fed with only two meals of rice and rotten fish a day. Police questioned her about this during her interview and she confirmed the facts were correct. RFA called the Binh Thuy District Police to verify Binhs claims but the officer on duty asked the reporter to come to the office to get the information. RFA has not yet visited the Binh Thuy police department. Translated by RFA Vietnamese. Edited by Mike Firn. Nguyen Van Son is accused of stealing more than US$2 million Vietnamese authorities convicted the former commander of Vietnams Coast Guard, Nguyen Van Son, of embezzling more than U.S.$2 million from the Defense Ministry, state media announced on Thursday. The commander, alongside several others in the Coast Guard, were accused of taking money allocated to the Ministrys technology procurement department. In Vietnam, the highest punishment for state-asset embezzlement can be the death penalty. Six others alongside the commander were convicted of the corruption charge, including Gen. Hoang Van Dong, Major Gen. Doan Bao Quyet, Major Gen. Phan Kim Hau, Major Gen. Bui Trung Dung, Colonel Nguyen Van Hung, and Senior Lieutenant Colonel Bui Van Hoe. According to the indictment, the Ministry of National Defense allocated 450 billion Vietnamese dong (US$19.15 million) to the Coast Guard in February 2019 as its estimated administrative budget for the year. Some 150 billion dong (US$6.38 million) out of this budget was provided to the Department of Technology to purchase equipment and materials for related agencies. But then, Commander Nguyen Van Son allegedly directed the Department of Technologys Director General Nguyen Van Hung that when purchasing supplies and materials, 50 billion Vietnamese dong must be withdrawn for VCGs use [public welfare]. Effectively, the commander is accused of siphoning funds as part of every expenditure made in the technology procurement department. The indictment adds that under Commander Nguyen Van Hungs direction, the Department of Technology divided its total allocated budget into 29 bidding packages, of which nine small packages were intentionally valued at less than 10 billion Vietnamese dong each to avoid the Ministry of National Defenses scrutiny, assessment, and approval. To be able to take part in and win the biddings, participating businesses had to agree to the Coast Guards suggestions and work with the head of divisions to increase the prices of materials and equipment or give kick-backs, the indictment said. Vietnamese authorities have been targeting several mid- and high-ranking officials in a wide-ranging corruption crackdown, with several scandals rocking the government during the COVID-19 pandemic response. Translated by Anna Vu. Edited by Nawar Nemeh and Malcolm Foster. Bulgarian President Rumen Radev has signed a decree dissolving the parliament and setting April 2 as the date for early elections -- the country's fifth in two years -- after an inconclusive October vote failed to produce a government. Radev on February 2 also reappointed Galab Donev as caretaker prime minister for the interim period. The composition of the caretaker government remained almost unchanged, with the exception of outgoing Culture Minister Velislav Minekov, who has been replaced by conductor Nayden Todorov. Radev had already announced early elections would be needed after Bulgaria's Socialist Party (BSP) said on January 24 that it had failed to form a government and had returned the unfulfilled mandate to the president. It was the third and final opportunity for a government to be formed under the current legislature, which resulted from the October 2 elections. Before the socialists' attempt at forming a coalition, the two strongest groups in Bulgarias parliament -- the center-right GERB party and the reformist We Continue The Change party, which finished first and second in the October voting -- had each tried and failed to find enough support to form their own governments. Radev then chose the BSP to fulfill the mandate. Under the Bulgarian Constitution, Radev was obliged to disband parliament and schedule elections within 60 days of issuing the dissolution decree. The GERB party of Boyko Borisov, who spent three divisive tenures as prime minister between 2009 and 2021, has been the target of widespread corruption accusations, and most groups have dismissed talk of cooperation with Borisov. The continuing political crisis is expected to impede the European Union's poorest country's plans to join the euro zone at the end of this year, as well as the timely receipt of billions of euros in EU recovery funds. With reporting by AFP and Reuters SOFIA -- A mother in Bulgaria says she is relieved that her son is living abroad and out of reach of what she fears is coming at home: not only a military draft of able-bodied men but deployment to Ukraine to fight invading Russian forces in the bloodiest conflict the continent has witnessed since World War II. "For the first time, I am not worried that my son left Bulgaria," Elena, who didn't want her real name to be used, told RFE/RL's Bulgarian Service, explaining that she became worried after hearing about a "possible military mobilization." No such plan or intention has been announced, let alone discussed or mentioned, by the Bulgarian government. Like much misinformation today, this rumor likely sprouted and spread on social media. In this case, a pro-Russian Facebook account with more than 10,000 followers and a popular rapper breathed much of the life into the rumor in Bulgaria. In this case, those spreading the misinformation on the draft appeared to have latched onto a kernel of truth: members of the government had discussed revising a law requiring training for members of the country's military reserves during peacetime. In fact, on January 18, the Constitutional Court was asked to weigh in on the legality of such a move. In explaining a potential revision of the law on reservists, acting Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov said a ruling could help clear up legal ambiguity on the matter dating back to at least 2016. Since then, Bulgarian officials have said the government was not weighing whether to restore mandatory military service -- something that was scrapped in 2008 -- nor readying for a general mobilization. Manufactured Uproar But despite such assurances that no mobilization or deployment to Ukraine was even being discussed, some Bulgarians weren't convinced. Yordan Halachev, who has more than 11,000 followers on Facebook, was skeptical of the government's motives, writing sarcastically: "No, it's not related to the war in Ukraine. The government is just asking!" Halachev's account posts exclusively pro-Russian content, mostly concerning the war in Ukraine but also international relations in general. One of those reading and sharing the post by Halachev was Elena, who says she has worked in the past as a journalist. Elena denies she "panicked," but was concerned especially after reading in the "international press" that mobilizations had occurred elsewhere in Eastern Europe, although no country in that region has taken such action or is planning to. Talk of Bulgaria being dragged into the conflict in Ukraine and even mobilization has percolated from time to time since Russia launched its full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022, voiced especially by those on the pro-Kremlin side of the political spectrum, not least the ultra-right-wing Revival Party and its leader, Kostadin Kostadinov. Halachev's January 19 post on Facebook was quickly shared and spread, with one person commenting, "The meat grinder has jammed." It was also passed around among likeminded Facebook groups, RFE/RL's Bulgarian Service found. An account named Nikolina Mihailova has posted the content in 11 such groups, three of which have over 150,000 followers. The mobilization rumors were amplified when popular rapper Stanislav Naydenov-Spence prophesized on his show on January 12 that such a move was coming. "They will send the Bulgarian Army to Ukraine," he told thousands of followers without offering any proof. Like all countries in the EU, Bulgaria now has a fully professional army with 37,000 personnel, according to data for 2019 from the World Bank. The reserve force is reported to number about 45,000. A 2021 Bulgarian Defense Ministry report found that a significant number of reservists lacked military training. Under the current law, Bulgarians in the military reserves cannot be called up for training in peacetime, since any training must be done on a voluntary basis. Across the EU, Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine has prompted a rethink on defense, with officials in capitals across the continent questioning the capabilities of their respective military forces. War On Social While the exact origins of the Bulgarian mobilization rumors are unclear, Russia's war against Ukraine is also being waged online, with the Kremlin accused of intensifying its disinformation activities. "The disinformation surrounding Russia's large-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 marked an escalation in Russia's long-standing information operations against Ukraine and open democracies," the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development said in a working paper in November 2022. Bulgaria has proven fertile ground for fake news, much of it allegedly planted and or nurtured by Kremlin-linked actors. The country has been in political limbo since June 2022, when the pro-Western government of Prime Minister Kirill Petkov collapsed after a no-confidence vote after just six months in power. The country in April will hold another snap parliamentary poll, the fifth such elections in two years. During the COVID-19 crisis, Bulgaria suffered the EU's highest death rates linked to the virus as vaccination rates lagged, partly thanks to skepticism fed by disinformation on social media by Kremlin-friendly forces. "Bulgaria offers a particularly fruitful environment for the spread of pro-Russian disinformation. Levels of media literacy are low while the country's communist past has ingrained pro-Russian attitudes into the cultural mainstream," the Bulgarian news site Kapital Insights wrote in May 2022. While rare, rumors of EU citizens being mobilized to fight in Ukraine have emerged in at least one other country. In the Czech Republic, disinformation on social media spoke of Petr Pavel, the retired army general who defeated populist billionaire Andrej Babis in a runoff vote on January 28 to become the new president, preparing to draft Czechs into the army to go off to fight in Ukraine. During the campaign, Pavel, who served as chairman of the NATO Military Committee, was portrayed as a warmonger. It was unclear who was behind the campaign in the Czech Republic, and police announced they were investigating. Eventual loser Babis had paid for billboards with the message that the Czech Republic would be dragged into full-scale war if he was not elected. Written by Tony Wesolowsky based on reporting by Georgi Angelov of RFE/RL's Bulgarian Service ALMATY, Kazakhstan -- Opposition activist Madina Koketaeva, who unsuccessfully took part in March 19 parliamentary elections, has been detained in Kazakhstans largest city, Almaty, amid an ongoing crackdown over dissent following the balloting. A friend of Koketaeva, Zhibek Amenova, told RFE/RL that police detained the activist on April 14. "She received a subpoena ordering her to come to police for questioning at 5 p.m. today, but police detained her early in the morning," Amenova said, adding that Koketaeva's detention was linked to her participation in an unsanctioned rally on April 9 challenging the official results of parliamentary elections. Since the vote, several activists and participants in the balloting have been detained as the government clamps down on shows of opposition to an election easily won by the main ruling party. On April 13, noted opposition activist Rysbek Sarsenbaiuly was arrested and hours later ordered to pay a 120,000 tenge ($265) fine for taking part in the same rallies. A day before that, courts in Almaty sentenced opposition politician Mukhtar Taizhan and activist Alnur Iliyashev to 15 days in jail each on similar charges. That came after a court in the northwestern city of Oral sentenced journalist Luqpan Akhmedyarov to 15 days in prison over his participation in April 9 rallies protesting the results of the parliamentary elections. Koketaeva, Akhmedyarov, and Taizhan unsuccessfully participated in the March 19 balloting as independent candidates. The ruling Amanat party won a majority of seats in the elections, which many independent candidates and opposition activists called rigged, citing the improper counting of ballots and government pressure on public employees to vote for certain parties. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), which had an observer mission present at the elections, noted after the vote that "limits on the exercise of constitutionally guaranteed fundamental freedoms remain and some political groups continue to be prevented from participating as political parties in elections." While the voting "was organized in a smooth manner overall," the OSCE said "significant procedural irregularities were observed." In late November, three Iranian doctors traveled to the country's western Kurdistan region, the epicenter of ongoing antiestablishment protests, to help treat wounded demonstrators. But within days of their arrival, the medical professionals were arrested on security charges. Before they were released on bail last month, the three men were tortured in custody, informed sources told RFE/RL. The men were charged with "disrupting national security" and "committing crimes against the country's internal and external security" due to their attempts to treat "rioters," a term the authorities have used to refer to antiestablishment protesters. Yaser Rahmanirad, a general practitioner from the western city of Khorramabad; Behnam Ohadi, a psychiatrist from Tehran; and Homayoun Eftekharnia, an anesthesiologist from the capital, could face lengthy prison terms if found guilty. They are among the dozens of medical workers who have been arrested for taking part in the protests or treating demonstrators wounded in the state crackdown. The authorities have killed hundreds of protesters and arrested thousands of people since the demonstrations erupted in September. The protests are the biggest threat to Iran's clerical establishment in years. Kurdistan has been the scene of some of the deadliest crackdowns by the authorities, who have deployed heavily armed troops to the region and used live ammunition against protesters. Many demonstrators injured in the clampdown have refused to be taken to a hospital for fear of arrest. Solitary Confinement On November 30, Rahmanirad, Ohadi, and Eftekharnia headed to the city of Saghez, the hometown of Mahsa Amini, the 22-year-old woman whose death after her arrest by Iran's morality police triggered the nationwide protests. After treating several people and distributing medicine to those in need in Saghez, located in Kurdistan Province, the three doctors travelled to neighboring West Azerbaijan, another province with a significant Kurdish population. Just hours after arriving in the city of Mahabad on December 3, the doctors were arrested by security forces, who seized their medicine and equipment. They were then taken to prison, where they were subjected to torture, informed sources said. The three men were held in solitary confinement for more than a month and subjected to sleep deprivation, the sources said. The interrogators also falsely told them that their family members had been killed, in an attempt to break them, the sources added. After hours of interrogations, the men were exposed to bright lights and loud sounds, including the Islamic call to prayer, to prevent them from sleeping, the sources said. One of the interrogators told them that "those opposing the Islamic establishment deserve to die because if they receive treatment they will again engage in riots," one of the sources told RFE/RL. Another interrogator said that by attempting to treat injured protesters themselves, the doctors had undermined trust in state health facilities and spread "propaganda against the establishment," the source said. Interrogators also accused Rahmanirad, a former student activist who had been arrested in the past, of having ties to exiled Kurdish opposition groups that the authorities have blamed for the unrest in Kurdistan, the sources said. 'Constantly Watched' Rahmanirad, Ohadi, and Eftekharnia are among the dozens of doctors, nurses, and other medical workers arrested during Iran's crackdown on the antiestablishment protests. Homa Fathi, a Canada-based activist and member of the International Iranian Physicians and Healthcare Providers Association, told RFE/RL that she had documented the arrests of at least 53 medical workers as well as 54 medical students during the crackdown. Fathi said the majority had been released on bail, but added that the real number of those arrested is likely to be much higher. "They don't have a good situation," she said. "Some have been [prevented] from working. They're being constantly watched." Last month, the France-based Kurdistan Human Rights Network reported that Mohsen Sohrabi, a doctor at a hospital in the western city of Sanandaj, had gone missing a day after being summoned by security officials. Sources said Sohrabi had been repeatedly threatened by security officials. In December, Aida Rostami, a doctor who allegedly treated injured protesters in Tehran's Ekbatan neighborhood, died under mysterious circumstances. The authorities said she had fallen off a pedestrian bridge following an argument with a man who was later arrested. Other sources said she was targeted by security forces. Also in December, Iran sentenced to death Hamid Qarahasanlou, a radiologist who had been involved in charity work, over the killing of a member of the security forces during protests in the city of Karaj. Later in January, Qarahasanlou's death sentence was overturned due to flaws in the investigation and amid protests by the international medical community. In November, reports emerged that Shoresh Heydari, a pharmacist in the city of Bukan in West Azerbaijan Province, had been arrested. The Kurdistan Human Rights Network said Heydari had offered medical tips to protesters on his Instagram page. Another source said the pharmacist had also treated protesters. In October, security forces in Tehran used tear gas to prevent a protest by health workers, who were calling for an end to the state crackdown and the misuse of ambulances for holding and transferring detained protesters. 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. www.rferl.org/a/31793259.html I'm RFE/RL correspondent Golnaz Esfandiari. Here's what I've been following during the past week and what I'm watching for in the days ahead. The Big Issue Iran appears to be making headway toward renewing official ties with Saudi Arabia and Persian Gulf states that in some cases have been publicly avoiding Tehran for decades. The foreign ministers of Iran and Saudi Arabia held talks in Beijing on April 6 in a significant step toward restoring diplomatic relations, which were cut in 2016 after protesters attacked Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran following Riyadhs execution of prominent Saudi Shi'ite cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr. Iran also accepted an invitation from Saudi King Salman for President Ebrahim Raisi to visit Riyadh, while Tehran said it will send a similar invitation to the Saudi king. Meanwhile, a Saudi delegation traveled to Iran on April 9 to discuss the reopening of the embassy in Tehran and a consulate in Mashhad. The trip came as Iranian media reported on April 8 that a street sign near the Saudi consulate in Mashhad provocatively named after Sheikh al-Nimr had been quietly removed. An Iranian delegation also arrived in Saudi Arabia on April 12 to pave the way for the reopening of Iranian diplomatic missions there. Iran is meanwhile taking steps to improve ties with other countries in the region, naming an ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) and working to decrease tensions with Egypt and Bahrain. Why It Matters: Iran and Saudi Arabia appear to be pursuing implementation of last months Chinese-brokered agreement, possibly clearing the way for Tehran to de-escalate tensions with other countries that followed Riyadhs lead on a rupture seven years ago. What's Next: Tehran and Riyadh could move surprisingly swiftly toward normalization, but its no sure thing. Abdolrasool Divsallar, a visiting professor at the Catholic University of Milan (UCSC), told me that the political environment between the two regional rivals could encourage the start of military and security talks within months. But Divsallar also warned that opponents at home and abroad could still undermine the agreement. Hard-liners in Iran may act as a spoiler rather than as a supporter of the deal, he said, adding that Israel could do the same. The regional tensions between Israel and Iran, on one side, andbetween Iran, Saudi [Arabia] and the United States, on the other side, are two dynamics that make this process very fragile, he said. Divsallar also suggested that any normalization between Iran and countries with less appetite for a quick restoration of ties, for instance Bahrain, could take longer. They feel more secure under the current status quo rather than immediately normalizing their ties with the Islamic republic and losing their leverage, he said, adding, They may wait to see a major change of policies. Stories You Might Have Missed Irans civil aviation sector has for years been under Western sanctions that prevent it from purchasing new aircraft or spare parts for repairs. Now, Russia's oldest airline, Aeroflot, has sent one of its passenger planes to Iran for repairs for the first time ever. Aeroflot reportedly ran into obstacles at home stemming from Western sanctions over Russias ongoing, unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. The RBK media group cited an Aeroflot representative and sources close to the company on April 11 as saying that an Airbus A330-300 had been sent to Tehran on April 5 to be repaired by specialists from Iran's Mahan Air. Iranian pensioners staged protests in more than a dozen cities across Iran, demanding higher pensions amid soaring prices. Protests were reported on April 9 in Tehran, Ahvaz, Mashhad, Isfahan, Arak, Qom, Shush, Tabriz, and several other cities where retirees complained of poor living conditions and chanted anti-government slogans. Labor protests in Iran have swelled as the economy deteriorates following years of mismanagement compounded by crippling U.S. sanctions. What We're Watching Prominent Iranian female religious scholar Sedigheh Vasmaghi has challenged Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei over the Islamic republics mandatory hijab law. In a letter published online, Vasmaghi asked about the reasoning behind Irans strict model for womens dress and said the Koran does not specify the need for women to cover their hair in public. There is no evidence to show that during the time of the Prophet Muhammad women were harassed and punished for not covering their hair or even their bodies, Vasmaghi, who has published several books on Islamic jurisprudence, wrote. Why It Matters: Vasmaghis letter is significant for its timing -- just days after Khamenei asserted that the removal of the hijab in public was religiously banned. But it is also important because it comes from a religious woman who wears the veil while opposing the mandatory hijab, which is seemingly being defied by a growing number of women. 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. Allies of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, including current and former officials, could soon face fresh U.S. sanctions for alleged corruption, sources told RFE/RL's Hungarian Service, a possible further sign of worsening ties between Washington and Budapest. U.S. officials familiar with the draft bill but who did not want to speak on the record because of the sensitivity of the matter, told RFE/RL that the draft legislation, if passed by Congress, would allow the Secretary of State to blacklist targeted individuals. The sources did not specify which individuals could be sanctioned if the measures are approved. The United States has sanctioned individuals close to Orban before. In 2014, Washington banned several Hungarians from entering the United States. "The move is long overdue. Though it is not the first time it is happening, the U.S. should have played a much rougher game when it comes to corruption [in Hungary] and this is a good move. It is probably the only language that the Orban government understands," Dalibor Rohac, a senior research fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, told RFE/RL. The report by RFE/RL comes days after Washington imposed sanctions on three officials -- two Russians and a Hungarian -- from the Russian-controlled International Investment Bank (IIB), which is headquartered in Budapest. In announcing the move on April 12, Washington said Budapest had ignored U.S. concerns raised over the opaque Kremlin platform. Relations between Washington and Budapest, a member of both NATO and the European Union, are already strained due to Orbans strengthening of ties with Russia and China and what Brussels sees as backsliding on democracy and freedoms. On April 13, Orbans government announced it would quit the IIB, which claims to fund development projects in Eastern Europe. Russia is the IIBs largest shareholder, while Hungary was its second largest. Senior Hungarian officials had held major roles in the institution, including holding board seats. The bank moved its headquarters to Budapest in 2019. Other Eastern European countries cut ties with the IIB after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. On April 14, Orban said Hungary had abandoned the institution because U.S. sanctions had ruined it, adding that Hungary would comply with sanctions on Russia but continue to speak out against them. The United States had "not given up on its plan to squeeze everyone into a war alliance," a step Hungary -- which is not supplying weapons to Ukraine -- would resist, Orban said. On April 13, U.S. Ambassador to Hungary David Pressman said the United States had raised concerns about the presence of the bank but that, unlike other NATO allies, the Hungarian government dismissed the concerns. "We have concerns about the continued eagerness of Hungarian leaders to expand and deepen ties with the Russian Federation despite Russias ongoing brutal aggression against Ukraine and threat to transatlantic security," Pressman said. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto visited Moscow earlier this week for talks on gas and oil supplies. He also discussed an ongoing project by the Russian atomic power agency, Rosatom, to expand a nuclear plant in Hungary. With reporting by Reuters A popular camping, hiking and off-road vehicle area northeast of Jackson, Wyoming, is being eyed for road and campground improvements. The Jackson Ranger District of the Bridger-Teton National Forest is seeking comments on five proposed projects in the Curtis Canyon area. The projects range from road repairs, increasing the size of the Curtis Canyon Campground, to relocating the Goodwin Lake Trailhead. Comments must be received by March 3. The Curtis Canyon area provides the closest opportunity for developed and dispersed camping to the town of Jackson. This has led to a heavy concentration of dispersed camping and off-highway vehicle use. Maintenance crews are unable to sufficiently maintain the current road surface, thus necessitating more substantial repairs. These factors have resulted in safety concerns, vegetation loss, poor visitor experience and problems with human waste. The proposed projects aim to alleviate some of these pressures and provided for an improved visitor experience and more sustainable use in the future. To view the scoping document and find out more or to provide a comment visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63443. Comments in writing will also be accepted in person at the Jackson Ranger District, 340 N Cache St, Jackson WY or via mail to: Curtis Canyon Road and Campground Project, Bridger-Teton National Forest, P.O. Box 1689, Jackson, WY 83001 On November 21, 2021, FBI agents acting on a court-ordered search warrant seized the personal electronic devices -- cell phones, computers, tablets, and similar items -- of a former Russian diplomat and a retired FBI agent. The seizure went unnoticed publicly. No details were announced, either by the U.S. Justice Department or by the two men themselves: where, when, who, why. Eight days later, a new filing appeared in the Justice Department's Foreign Agent database, where people and companies who represent foreign principals are legally required to disclose their clients and activities. The filing was by Sergei Shestakov, a former Russian diplomat who later worked a translator for the Manhattan U.S. attorney's office. The filing indicated that a top official from the company belonging to Russian tycoon Oleg Deripaska had sought "professional assistance" from Shestakov. The official, identified as Yevgeny Fokin, communicated periodically with Shestakov, and Shestakov said he sought the help of Charles McGonigal -- "a security professional." Less than a month later, Shestakov submitted an updated filing, saying he was ending his registration for work on behalf of Fokin. Fast-forward exactly 14 months: McGonigal and Shestakov were arrested by FBI agents on January 21 and charged with money laundering, making false statements, and helping Deripaska evade U.S. financial sanctions imposed on him in 2018. The case has stunned people in U.S. intelligence and law enforcement for multiple reasons. The main reason: Until 2018, McGonigal -- a 22-year veteran of the FBI -- was the bureau's top agent in charge of counterintelligence, supervising and participating in investigations of Russian spies and moles in the United States -- not to mention oligarchs. That includes Deripaska. "It definitely shocked me, and here I thought I was unflappable," said Miriam Baer, a former assistant U.S. attorney in the Southern District of New York, the powerful Manhattan federal prosecutors' office that brought the charges against McGonigal -- and that McGonigal likely worked with in the past. The troubling questions now, Baer says, are not only why McGonigal allegedly committed criminal acts, but whether he acted alone, whether others were aware, and why no one in a premier FBI office picked up on what was going on. "If this was a true 'rogue' agent, then perhaps there is no worry of overlap with" cases overseen by the Southern District, said Baer, now a professor of law at Brooklyn Law School. "If his behavior implicates a broader conspiracy that involves other FBI personnel, then I would think overlap more likely and therefore a greater concern." The case also turns the spotlight back on Deripaska, a billionaire businessman with close ties to the Kremlin who has been on the radar of U.S. intelligence and law enforcement agencies, not to mention political circles, for at least two decades. "The ability of [Deripaska] to penetrate powerful legal circles and now law enforcement circles is quite amazing," said Louise Shelley, an academic who studies corruption and transnational crime at George Mason University and who appeared on a panel discussion with McGonigal in 2020. "It is a case of enablers on steroids," she told RFE/RL. McGonigal, who was arrested as he arrived at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 21, was released on bail after entering a not-guilty plea during his first court appearance. His next appearance is scheduled for March. "As you all know, Charlie's had a long, distinguished career with the FBI," his defense lawyer, Seth DuCharme, told reporters outside the courthouse. "He served the United States for decades. This is obviously a distressing day for Mr. McGonigal and his family." 'A Broad, Multimillion-Dollar Political Influence Campaign' The charges McGonigal faces stem from two indictments: one was filed by Washington, D.C., federal prosecutors and addresses work that they say McGonigal did on behalf of Albanian interests, including not disclosing an "ongoing relationship with the prime minister of Albania." The second, filed in New York, concerns Deripaska, who has been dogged for years by reports of connections to suspected organized-crime groups, including to Semyon Mogilevich, a Russian-Ukrainian businessman formerly on the FBI's Top Ten Most Wanted List. Deripaska did not respond to an e-mail sent via his holding company EN+. A spokeswoman, meanwhile, told The New York Times that Deripaska did not hire McGonigal for any purpose and also that Deripaska had never been close to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Many Russia experts, and U.S. officials, have long concluded that oligarchs like Deripaska are able to retain their fortunes so long as they stay on the good side of Putin and the Kremlin. U.S. State Department officials say Deripaska has particularly close personal relations with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Beginning in 2006, the State Department denied Deripaska a visa, citing concerns about ties to organized crime. The difficulties led him to enlist the lobbying influence of former Republican Senate leader Bob Dole and, later, the work of an influential Washington lobbying firm run by a former chairman of the Republican Party. Deripaska also developed a business relationship with another Republican political operative who had worked for Dole: Paul Manafort. Manafort tried to resolve Deripaska's visa problems in the 2000s, but the two had a falling out after a failed business venture. Later, Manafort served as campaign manager for Donald Trump's presidential campaign in 2016, until revelations about his work for pro-Russian politicians in Ukraine led to his firing. He also allegedly passed secret campaign information to a Russian-Ukrainian man named Konstantin Kilimnik, who worked for Deripaska and who was described by the Senate Intelligence Committee as "a Russian intelligence officer." Deripaska managed to travel the United States more than a half-dozen times between 2011 and 2014 using a Russian diplomatic passport, a U.S. State Department official told RFE/RL. That was later backed up by court documents filed in another U.S. lawsuit involving Deripaska. In 2009, Deripaska reportedly traveled to the United States under a secret arrangement with the FBI. Manafort was later prosecuted and convicted by a federal jury on money-laundering and bank-fraud charges in 2018. He was pardoned by Trump in December 2020, just weeks before the end of Trump's presidency. A 2020 report released by the Senate Intelligence Committee highlighted Manafort's dealings saying between 2004 and 2009, "Manafort implemented these influence operations on behalf of Deripaska, including a broad, multimillion-dollar political influence campaign directed at numerous countries of interest to Deripaska and the Russian government." Between 2014 and 2016, Deripaska was targeted by U.S. law enforcement for another reason. According to The New York Times, Justice Department officials tried unsuccessfully to enlist him as an informant, to glean insight into Russian organized crime and Kremlin thinking. In April 2018, Deripaska and his aluminum company were hit with sanctions. In October 2021, the FBI raided two homes owned by Deripaska or related legal entities, in New York and Washington, D.C. Deripaska vented about the raids and what he called "the transcendental stupidity...of the American establishment." The next month, FBI agents seized the cell phones and other equipment from McGonigal and Shestakov. 'Supervised...In Investigations Of Russian Oligarchs, Including Deripaska' McGonigal got his start with the FBI in 1996, when he was first assigned to the bureau's New York office, where he worked on "Russian foreign counterintelligence and organized crime matters," according to his official biography. He worked for years in Washington on counterespionage cases. In 2016, he was named special agent in charge of the New York office's counterintelligence division, where he "supervised and participated in investigations of Russian oligarchs, including Deripaska," according to the indictment. According to Senate testimony in 2020 from a top Justice Department official, McGonigal was also instrumental in launching Operation Crossfire Hurricane -- the FBI's investigation into Trump's campaign and possible links to Russian influence. In 2018, prosecutors said, McGonigal was introduced by Shestakov to a man who they said "worked for and reported to Deripaska and served as an officer of a corporation that was primarily owned by Deripaska." It's unclear how and when McGonigal and Shestakov first met. However, Shestakov, who had a home in Connecticut, worked as an authorized translator for federal courts and also for the Manhattan U.S. attorney's office, where he likely encountered McGonigal. Shestakov retired from the Russian foreign service in 1993, and later became a naturalized U.S. citizen. Like Shestakov, a man identified as "Agent-1" in the indictment worked for the Soviet and Russian foreign ministries. He was also "rumored in public media reports to be a Russian intelligence officer." The man is not identified, but Shestakov's FARA filing, along with other Russian and Western media reports, point to Yevgeny Fokin, currently the director of international cooperation for EN+, the aluminum and power-generation holding company controlled by Deripaska. Fokin did not respond to messages sent via LinkedIn. An e-mail sent to the EN+ press service was not immediately responded to. In the spring of 2018, according to the indictment, Shestakov introduced McGonigal to "Agent-1," who then asked McGonigal for help in arranging an internship for "Agent-1's" daughter with the New York Police Department. McGonigal agreed to help and informed a supervisor that he wanted to recruit "Agent 1." It's unclear if McGonigal was successful. In September 2018, he retired from the FBI and joined the private sector. The following year, McGonigal was hired by a Washington law firm to work as a consultant on efforts to get Deripaska removed from the U.S. Treasury's sanctions list. According to the indictment, he arranged for $25,000 to be sent monthly to a bank account controlled by Shestakov. While employed by the FBI, McGonigal's job allowed him to access classified information, including, the indictment said, a then-secret list of Russians who the Treasury Department were considering for sanctions, a list that included Deripaska. The indictment also alleges that through "Agent-1," Deripaska hired McGonigal to investigate a rival Russian oligarch. That tycoon is not named, though the filing indicates he and Deripaska were fighting for control over a "large Russian corporation" and the oligarch might have offshore assets or a foreign citizenship. McGonigal and Shestakov allegedly used pseudonyms in electronic communications to obscure Deripaska's name, calling him: "you know whom," and "the big guy," "our friend from Vienna," and "the client." According to the indictment, McGonigal was negotiating with Agent-1, and Deripaska, in October 2021 for payment for a large number of files found on the "dark web" -- part of the Internet that is largely hidden from easy viewing -- that reportedly related to the rival oligarch. The next month, the FBI seized McGonigal's and Shestakov's cell phones and computers. Money Laundering, Not Espionage Prosecutors' specific criminal allegations do not address directly McGonigal's alleged accessing of the classified database, nor do they address the question of his helping the daughter of "Agent 1" gain an internship. For some legal observers, that's raised questions about why the Justice Department didn't file more serious charges. "It may be that prosecutors had reasons for wanting to move now and not later," Baer told RFE/RL. "If so, they would logically select those charges for which they had the most evidence," she said. "A prosecutor can always add charges by returning to the grand jury for a superseding indictment." Deripaska, for his part, faces his own sanctions-evasion-related criminal charges, unconnected to his alleged payments to McGonigal. In September 2022, U.S. prosecutors unsealed an indictment accusing him of conspiring to have his girlfriend give birth to their child in the United States, and to hide payments for the effort. A Russian-American woman has been arrested in connection with the case. In 2020, in an event first described by Business Insider, McGonigal joined a panel discussion at the Washington think tank Atlantic Council, where he discussed corruption at Russia's main domestic intelligence agency, the Federal Security Service (FSB). "I think the rule of law under the FSB...has eroded significantly in Russia," he told the panel. "You are seeing an erosion, I think, in any rule of law as it relates to the FSB and their carrying out their responsibilities as a domestic security agency." "It would be akin to having in the United States the FBI as a rogue element, operating at the behest of the highest bidder, engaged in criminal activities," he said. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has warned that Serbia could become a European pariah completely isolated from the rest of the continent and without access to European funds if it rejects a Western plan for normalizing relations with Kosovo. Vucic made the comments in a speech to parliament on February 2 in which he faced a hostile response from opposition politicians, who accused him of buckling under pressure from the United States and the European Union to agree to the plan. Vucic said 90 percent of what has been made public about the proposal so far is correct and said there are good things in the plan. But he said that he would discuss only what is worst for Serbia, adding that more important than the plan is "the political framework, the momentum in which everything happens." Vucic said the plan stipulates that Serbia wouldnt object to Kosovos inclusion in international organizations, though it wouldnt have to formally recognize its statehood. He reiterated that the European-American diplomatic team told him during a meeting in Belgrade last month that there will be consequences if Serbia does not accept the plan. This includes the halting of the accession negotiations with the European Union and the withdrawal of current and future investments in the country, he said. We would be a European pariah, completely isolated. No one would talk to us," Vucic said. "We would not have access to European funds," adding that it is in Serbia's "vital interest" to stay on a path to EU membership. He also stated that Serbia would not be seen as an ally in the conflict in Ukraine due to the fact that Serbia did not impose sanctions on Russia." Vucic said that Serbia's policy will be to preserve peace and stability at all costs and that Belgrade will continue to back the formation of an association of municipalities with a Serbian majority in Kosovo. Kosovar Prime Minister Albin Kurti has repeatedly rejected the creation of the association, which was part of an earlier agreement between the parties reached in 2013. During his speech, Vucic was interrupted by members of the right-wing opposition, who engaged in shouting matches and scuffled with members of Vucics ruling party as they urged parliament to reject the plan and accused Vucic of betraying Serbia. Opposition members chanted, Treason! Treason! and, We wont give up Kosovo. They also demanded Vucic's resignation. He responded by shouting at the protesting lawmakers that they are thieves and traitors and said capitulation and surrender were not options. Kosovo broke away from Serbia after a war in 1998-99 and declared independence in 2008, but Belgrade has never recognized it. Belgrade and Pristina have been in an EU-led dialogue on the normalization of relations since 2011. The dispute between Serbia and Kosovo has been a source of tension in the Balkans since the 1998-99 war, which ended with a NATO bombing campaign. With concern rising about Russias influence in the region in the midst of the war in Ukraine, the United States and the European Union recently stepped up efforts to reach a deal to normalize relations. Vucic said the purpose of the parliamentary session was not to shift the responsibility to the parliament or to the people. "The purpose is to appear in front of you and the citizens and honestly and openly share what lies ahead and what we are facing," said Vucic. He said he has signed nothing so far and talks on the proposal continue. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he spoke with Vucic ahead of his speech to parliament to thank him for his openness to the EU proposal to ensure peace and stability in the region. Blinken said on Twitter that this is of essential importance for the European future of Serbia. With reporting by AP, dpa, and Reuters Ukraine's military says there are clear signs that Russian forces are getting ready for a major push in the east, where a stalemate continues despite months-long heavy fighting and intensive daily shelling by Moscow's troops. "The enemy is actively conducting reconnaissance, preparing for an offensive in certain directions," Ukraine's General Staff said in its daily report early on February 2. "Despite heavy losses, it continues to attempt offensive actions in the Lyman, Bakhmut, Avdiyivka, and Novopavlivka areas [of Donetsk region]," the General Staff said. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said later on February 2 in his nightly video address that the Russian army still has the resources to attempt offensive actions, although "strategically Russia's defeat is already clear." The Russian military is "looking for options to try to change the course of the war" and trying to use the potential of the territory it currently controls to serve its aggression, Zelenskiy said. "We must continue what we are doing: strengthen our resilience, be absolutely united in our desire to provide our army and all defenders with the necessary weapons and equipment," he said. Ukrainians must speak with one voice to the world regarding defense supplies and significantly increase global pressure on Russia every month, he said. "The enemy should come out of this much more weakened than they foresee for themselves in the worst-case scenario," Zelenskiy said. Russian forces launched six missile strikes on Ukrainian targets during the 24 hour-period ending early on February 2. Four of them hit civilian infrastructure in Sloviansk, Kramatorsk, and Druzhkivka in Donetsk, as well as four air strikes and 73 salvos from multiple-rocket launchers, the military said. The body of a woman was recovered from the rubble of a house in Kramatorsk that was hit in the attack, Mayor Oleksandr Honcharenko said, raising the death toll there to four. Another attack on Kramatorsk on February 2 struck the center of the city. The Russian Defense Ministry said the missile attack on Kramatorsk was launched to destroy antiaircraft missile systems. Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said M-270 MLRS (multiple-launch rocket system) and M-142 HIMARS (high-mobility artillery rocket system) were destroyed in the Kramatorsk region. The Russian military has repeatedly justified its attacks on Ukrainian cities as necessary to destroy military equipment and has denied targeting civilians despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the latest developments on Russia's full-scale invasion, Kyiv's counteroffensives, Western military aid, global reaction, and the plight of civilians. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on February 1 said there had been an increase in Russia's operations on the front in the east and said the situation "has become tougher" as the Russians try to make gains that they can show on the first anniversary of the war on February 24. The secretary of Ukraine's Security Council, Oleksiy Danilov, also warned that Russia was planning a major attack from multiple directions that could occur around the anniversary of the start of Russia's invasion. "Russia is preparing for maximum escalation," Danilov told British TV station Sky News on January 31. "It is gathering everything possible, doing drills and training." Danilov said the next two or three months will be "the defining months in the war." Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov referred to a transfer of troops, saying Moscow could "try something" to mark the anniversary of the invasion. Reznikov, speaking to French broadcaster BFM, said Russian troops are massing at the border and according to the Ukrainian military's assessment their number is more than the 300,000 called up in a mobilization in September. Ukraine last week won pledges from the United States and Germany to send tanks to help it defend itself and has continued actively requesting more modern equipment, including fighter jets and long-range artillery, from its Western allies. The United States has ruled out any deliveries of F-16 fighter jets for now, but other partners have indicated they are more open to the idea. The Kremlin has warned that Western military shipments could cause an escalation in the conflict. Russian President Vladimir Putin referred to the tank shipments on February 2 in a speech at events marking the 80th anniversary of the Red Army's victory over Nazi Germany in Stalingrad. Putin, speaking in the southern city of Volgograd, said Russia had an answer for the tanks, in particular the German Leopards, and said the use of armored vehicles "will not end the matter." The Russian Interfax news agency quoted Putin as saying that Russia was being threatened by German tanks "again" as it was during World War II, drawing false parallels between the Soviet Union's fight then and Moscow's intervention in Ukraine. "We aren't sending tanks to their borders, but we have something to respond with, and it won't be just about using armored vehicles. Everyone should understand this," he added. Russia has also warned Israel against supplying weapons to Ukraine after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was considering doing so, including the so-called Iron Dome antimissile defense system. Netanyahu also said he is ready to act as a mediator in negotiations between Russia and Ukraine if both sides and the United States agreed. Israel, which has more than 1 million citizens from the former Soviet Union, has so far sought to maintain neutrality toward the conflict. With reporting by Reuters and AFP The situation on the front line in eastern Ukraine has become tougher, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on February 1 as Russian forces pressed ahead with efforts on the ground to capture towns and cities in the Donetsk region while continuing air strikes against other locations. The General Staff of Ukraine's military said in its daily report early on February 1 that the enemy has not paused its offensive actions in the Lyman and Bakhmut directions" in the eastern region of Donetsk. Russia also kept pressing its attacks on the town of Vuhledar, some 150 kilometers southeast of the fighting in and around Bakhmut, which has been the focal point of the monthslong battle in Donetsk. "A definite increase has been noted in the offensive operations of the occupiers on the front in the east of our country. The situation has become tougher," Zelenskiy said in his evening video address. Zelenskiy said the Russians were trying to make gains that they could show on the first anniversary of the war on February 24. The fighting killed at least two people and wounded seven others in Kramatorsk. The head of the Donetsk regional military administration, Pavlo Kyrylenko, said a Russian rocket struck a residential building in Kramatorsk late on February 1. Russian shelling of Bakhmut killed at least five civilians and wounded 10 on January 31, Ukraines presidential office said. Kyrylenko posted images of the shelling aftermath showing huge holes in residential buildings and saying that Russia is actively deploying new military personnel. Moscow-installed authorities in Donetsk claimed Russian troops are closing the ring around Bakhmut, but the Kremlin-controlled paramilitary Wagner Group denied that Bakhmut was encircled. The governor of the northern Chernihiv region, Vyacheslav Chaus, said four local residents died in the basement of a private house due to shelling by Russian troops on February 1. One person was injured and taken to a medical facility, Chaus said on Telegram. The northern command of the Ukrainian military reported that Russian troops continued to shell border settlements in the Sumy and Chernihiv regions. It was not possible to verify battlefield claims. Serhiy Hayday, the regional governor in Ukraine's Luhansk region, said earlier that Moscow's forces were expelling residents near occupied parts of the front line so they can't disclose Russian troop deployments to Ukrainian artillery forces. There is an active transfer of [Russian troops] to the region and they are definitely preparing for something on the eastern front in February, Hayday said. Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov referred to a transfer of troops, saying Moscow could "try something" to mark the anniversary of the invasion last year. Reznikov, speaking to French broadcaster BFM, said Russian troops are massing at the border and, according to the Ukrainian military's assessment, their number is more than the 300,000 called up in a mobilization in September. Ukraine last week won pledges from the United States and Germany to send tanks to help it defend itself and has continued actively requesting more modern equipment, including fighter jets and long-range artillery, from its Western allies. The United States has ruled out any deliveries of F-16 fighter jets for now, but other partners have indicated they are more open to the idea. The Kremlin has warned that Western military shipments could cause an escalation in the conflict. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova reiterated that Russia will consider all weapons supplied by other countries to be legitimate targets for Russia's armed forces." Russia also warned Israel against supplying weapons to Ukraine after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was considering doing so, including the so-called Iron Dome anti-missile defense system. Netanyahu also said he is ready to act as a mediator in negotiations between Russia and Ukraine if both sides and the United States agreed. Since the beginning of the Russian offensive last year, Israel has sought to maintain neutrality by adopting a cautious position toward Moscow. Israel has emphasized that it has more than a million citizens from the former Soviet Union living in Israel. With reporting by Reuters and AFP Violet Snow, left, and Morgan Dewese, both of Girl Scout Troop 625, wave to motorists in front of their cookie stand at the Burger King in North Kingstown on Sunday morning. Gov. Doug Burgum on Thursday urged the National Park Service director to preserve the wild horses in Theodore Roosevelt National Park, in a phone call he said was "very positive." Burgum; U.S. Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D.; Attorney General Drew Wrigley and the four legislative leaders participated in the phone call with park officials who included National Park Service Director Charles Sams and Park Superintendent Angie Richman. The western North Dakota park is looking at three alternatives to address the horses and also longhorn cattle, and consider the role that they have on native species and the prairie ecosystem. The options include eliminating or reducing the horses and cattle. Burgum on Monday had sent a letter offering collaboration to preserve the animals, prompting the phone call, which Hoeven coordinated. Burgum told the Tribune that state-federal collaboration was a focus of the call, stressing "the importance of saving the wild horses in the park, and hopefully this will be a positive first step in the collaboration." He said the officials also discussed a past collaboration to manage the park's elk around 2010. "There's a long history of collaboration between the two (governments), and that was the focus today," the governor said. House Minority Leader Josh Boschee, D-Fargo, said the call was "a good conversation" and "free-flowing." Sams was "open and understanding" to the governor's concerns, according to Boschee. Sams said he would take the input from the phone call into consideration, according to the governor's office. Burgum led a news conference Monday touting his and North Dakota lawmakers' support for preserving the horses and collaborating with the federal government to maintain the horses, which are popular with park visitors. Sen. Brad Bekkedahl, R-Williston, has introduced Senate Concurrent Resolution 4014 in support of preserving the horses and longhorns. A hearing has not yet been scheduled for the resolution. Park officials have said there is no legal basis for maintaining the herds. A public comment period on the park's proposals ended Tuesday. The Park Service "will consider all comments and make appropriate changes to the preliminary alternatives before preparing the draft environmental assessment. Once the draft environmental assessment is prepared, it will be released for public review and comment. The NPS will then make a decision on the best management approach," according to Deputy Park Superintendent Maureen McGee-Ballinger. Following a nationwide lawsuit settlement by the pharmaceutical company and opioid manufacturer Janssen, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, Robertson County will soon receive its first installment of payments from the state that will go towards opioid education and prevention. Last November, Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti announced that more than $84 million was paid to state and local governments to abate the opioid crisis in the state. Tennessee has now received more than $128 million from the initial settlement payments with Johnson & Johnson and three other national pharmaceutical companies. At last weeks County Commission meeting, County Mayor Billy Vogle provided details of the funds they will receive from the state and how it will be used. Right now, weve got a little bit over $100,000 in that account, and well be drawing money from it for the next 18 years, but the largest bulk will be received up front, Vogle said. When handed out on day one, this money will go strictly toward education, prevention, and helping people that are addicted. Among the resources the money will go towards includes the school district and sheriffs office, which will be used to help teach students on the negative effects of opioids, how addition can start, and preventative efforts to keep children away from these drugs as they become older. Other funds will go toward the Robertson County Recovery Court, where non-violent individuals with substance use disorders participate in treatment while under legal and clinical supervision, as well as money for housing for those going through a rehabilitation program. They want this money to start on these programs, and they expect them to last that long. The checks will probably get smaller, and the state is holding back 2-3% of the money for the cities and counties and didnt feel like they got their allotment they should have got, Vogle said. The amounts were based on population, plus fatalities in your county and what goes through our court system with the number of people that have been convicted. However, Vogle expressed disappointment at several things the county could not use the money for, most notably towards family members that are living with drug abuse victims. I was really wanting to help these places out, but theres nothing in that template for the families. The only thing I saw was where if a person has an addiction and theyre in rehab or counseling, this money can be used for childcare, but thats it, he said. Additionally, Vogle was hoping to use some money towards autopsy studies. He says that up to 80% of the autopsies the county performs that he signs off on are from drug overdoses. Anything to do with the history of abuse, thats gone. Its strictly for setting up classes and prevention. And that makes a lot of sense, but I do know that autopsies are going up, between $300-400 an autopsy, including a $300 transportation fee. Its getting to be very expensive. As the 1990s dawned, North Dakotans, especially in rural communities, were worrying about whether it was at all possible to reverse the trend of outmigration and depopulation. Farms were getting bigger and bigger, and rural communities were getting smaller and smaller. The downward spiral was on a fast track and picking up speed. In the far northwest corner of the state a group of mostly farmers in Burke and Divide counties had hatched a plan to try to slow the train. They wanted to band together to launch a hog farrowing operation that would grow animal agriculture. They had meeting after meeting, eventually forming a group they called Quality Pork Producers, and started figuring out how they could rebuild animal agriculture in an area where there once were cows, pigs and chickens on just about every farm. They wanted to start a corporation so they could pool their resources in whatever amount each one could afford, and convince a couple of business operators in town to join in the effort to grow a community that was withering away. Quickly they learned they couldnt do it. North Dakotas 1932 anti-corporate farming law wouldnt permit unrelated farmers from operating farm corporations, and it certainly wouldnt allow town folk who dont farm to join in the effort. The only real option under North Dakota law was to form a cooperative which, despite some limitations, they did. Quality Pork Cooperative was born, strapped for cash as it was, and lasted nearly 10 years before many people lost a lot of money. So desperate were community members for some positive development that a number of town folk even bought debentures from the co-op. These basically were loans with no collateral or other guarantee that the money would ever be repaid. In other words, they were donations to a community cause. In 1993, at the request of farmers involved with Quality Pork, Crosby state Sen. John Andrist (yes, a relative) introduced a bill proposing to change the law so that farmers could join together to form small corporations to add value to ag production. There were limits no crop farming could be involved and at least 30 percent of the owners would have to be farmers. Quality Pork members would have loved to have had the option the bill offered, but legislators werent ready. It was killed in the Senate by a vote of 32-16. Twenty-two years later, legislators were ready, and passed a bill to craft an exemption to the anti-corporate farming law that would allow farmers to establish small corporations for dairy and swine production. But the people werent ready. Led by the North Dakota Farmers Union, the bill was referred to a vote of the people, and 76 percent of those voting rejected small dairy and swine corporations. Are people ready yet? Today, 30 years after legislators decided not to change the law to help Quality Pork members, the same issue is back in legislators' hands, with the strong backing of Gov. Doug Burgum. House Bill 1371, introduced by a group of 10 legislators who are mostly farmers, once again proposes to craft an exemption that would allow small corporations to conduct animal agriculture. The reason for the proposal is clear. While North Dakota can grow wheat and other small grains with the best of them, we lag far, far behind in cattle, hogs, turkeys and other animals. Proponents say the anti-corporate farming law is the culprit. Burgum says neighboring states, which have corporate farming exemptions for some animal agriculture, are kicking the stuffing out of us. Farmers Union, concerned about large corporate feedlots and investors from around the world, again is leading the opposition. Heres the thing. Both sides have identified the same problem, but they disagree on how to solve it. Is it too much to ask that they sit down together to seek common ground to compromise for the good of us all? Maybe HB1371 isnt the end all. But can it be tweaked, perhaps limiting corporate ownership to a preponderance of North Dakota farmers? Are there other solutions that should be on the legislative table? You can only imagine how our economy may have been impacted if wed figured this out 30 years ago when Quality Pork members desperately asked for help. Lets not wait another 30 years to figure out a way to give new tools to our farmers, ranchers and communities. CIOs must be ready for the unexpected. Keeping the lights on is essential to most organisations in the digital age. But not many CIOs and IT teams face keeping a citys vital IT running while fighting for their lives. That is exactly what Kyivs CIO and his team are doing right now. In this issue of CW EMEA, Oleg Polovynko, CIO at Kyiv City Council, explains how the IT team in the Ukrainian capital has kept services running for its residents amid relentless bombing by Russian forces. The IT department in Kyiv has a strategy to provide IT services that can support residents through these dark times. To this end, the first thing the IT department did was to ensure residents are made aware of missiles approaching, to give them time to take cover. An app previously used to provide residents with transport ticketing, parking and municipal information services was redesigned to send alerts to mobile phones when missiles approach the city. In this issue, read more about how Kyiv City Councils IT team is supporting residents. This issue also looks at how the Netherlands is planning to regulate AI to reduce bias, how highly accurate time protocols ensure fair trading in finance, and the use of technology in agriculture in Denmark. Read the issue now. Vendor: TechTarget ComputerWeekly.com Posted: Feb 2, 2023 Published: Feb 9, 2023 Format: PDF Type: Ezine The extreme medical suicide policies pursued in Canada have caused people of goodwill to champion the value of a single human life and note the role government-controlled medical care has in driving people to despair. You know what your life is worth to you. And mine is worthless, said Mitchell Tremblay, a 40-year-old Canadian man battling severe mental illness and intent on using his countrys medical suicide program to end his life as soon as possible. Currently, 10 states and Washington, D.C., allow physicians to assist their patients in committing suicide. Abroad, numerous European countries have legalized it, and in Canada, not only have they embraced medical suicide but they have also substantially moved the death conversation into appalling, new territory. This March, Canadas medical assistance in dying (MAID) program will expand its clientele to include people like Michael who are battling mental illness, as well as mature minors (a nebulous term not necessarily tied to an age or fixed maturity milestones). Recently, Richard Hanania, author and researcher, sought to make a case for conservatives to support programs like MAID, suggesting that in the interest of individual freedom and dignity, endorsing the practice of euthanasia is a natural extension of ones liberty ideals. Important to the conversation is understanding the two primary ways medical suicide is offered. In the United States, physician-assisted suicide (PAS) is legal, but euthanasia is not. PAS allows a doctor to distribute a lethal drug to a patient, so the individual can take it at a later time. Euthanasia is when the doctor administers the lethal drug directly, being present at the time of death. According to available data from Oregons physician assisted suicide (PAS) program between 1998 and 2016, the vast majority of those who committed suicide with medical assistance chose to do so because of a significant loss of quality of life. Of those surveyed, 90% said daily activities were no longer enjoyable, 92% cited their loss of autonomy, and 79% appealed to their desire for a death with dignity. Twenty-five percent cited lack of adequate pain control as a reason for their choice. The talking point many euthanasia advocates rely on when promoting medical suicide is an appeal to dignity. For them, the term death with dignity has become a PR parlor trick, anesthetizing the consciences of the public to the macabre and consequentialist nature of suicide. The narrowness with how dignity is defined is telling; assigning human value to the way and time someone dies, rather than characterizing their worth as inherent to their very being as an individual created in the image of God. The moral and public policy consequences for mainstreaming such a malnourished understanding of human worth will be enormous. The death with dignity argument reveals a devastatingly insufficient, utilitarian concept of the Christian understanding of dignity, which is inextricably tied to the imago Dei: the image of God imprinted upon each of us. We have worth and value that transcends our circumstances and station in life. A telos that is tied to serviceability, however, not only runs contrary to Christian teaching but also evaluates a persons worth based on an absence of suffering or their degree of burden on others, which risks overlooking competing concerns. Where medical suicide becomes an acceptable option, considerations like whether a persons pain management plan is adequate (if the condition is physical), a loving support system, access to timely healthcare, and if their current suffering is treatable are more likely to become afterthoughts. In crowded healthcare systems like Canadas, efficiency is prized. What chance do the vulnerable stand when efficiency means the cost-benefit analysis of their lifes value has tipped in favor of death? With the expansion of euthanasia to include nonterminal physical illness and mental health battles, we owe it to those who are afflicted to ask such questions. Unfortunately, repeated government interventions in the healthcare market, and in some cases outright takeover, has made matters worse for citizens. Excessive bureaucracy has distorted the signals that researchers, investors, and medical professionals need to understand where the greatest needs are and how to appropriately allocate scarce resources. Government control in healthcare has also led to unconscionable wait times, which have been shown to have a negative impact on patient outcomes. In 2022, Canada topped its own record of longest patient wait times, rising to an appalling 27.4 weeks to see a specialist. Why should we give governments, especially those that have forsaken any semblance of an open market, a free pass on their responsibility to care for and provide innovative and cutting edge quality-of-life-enhancing drugs and services to their citizens? These governments, who have failed so miserably in providing timely and innovative care, should not get to cover up their disastrous policies with clever messaging in an attempt to numb the public of their horrifying ineptitude. Unsurprisingly, the growing acceptance of medical suicide has also led to a rise in self-initiated suicides in regions where PAS is legal. Society will reflect what it celebrates. Although there will come a point when each of us will leave this earthly life, it is important to remember that we live in a time of significant medical optimism. This is especially important to bear in mind as the euthanasia option becomes a more socially accepted escape from physical and mental battles. There are emerging treatments for cancer, Alzheimers, and diabetes that show promise of prolonging lifespans and reversing the course of these devastating diseases. Mental healthcare access is expanding as new therapies and telehealth options become mainstream. Our justified intolerance of human suffering has led to medical breakthroughs that will keep individuals healthier and families together longer. We should celebrate these advances and the meaningful memories they help facilitate. Tragically, there are times that access to these therapies and treatments are stuck in bureaucratic limbo by governments insistent on centrally planning their healthcare markets. Serena Bains, a 24-year-old Canadian woman suffering from severe mental illness, recently sat for an on-camera interview to discuss the difficult position her government has put people like her in: [The government] cant cause my suffering and then say, Heres the solution; feel free to choose your death. I dont know if the person who causes your pain [I dont know if ] you would thank them if they relieved you of it by ending your life. For years Serena has struggled to receive access to therapists and treatments to help her manage her illness, but the wait times have drawn out her suffering. She is afraid that in a moment of weakness and suicidal ideation, she will be tempted to choose MAID. For Serena and others like her, MAID is not a first choice. It is a desperate attempt to find some measure of relief. Twentieth-century German Catholic philosopher Josef Pieper suggested that what we really long for is love and what we truly desire to hear is, It is good that you exist. During the lowest moments of a persons life, when they desperately need comfort and assurance from those closest to them, they ought to experience the faithful care of loved ones. When euthanasia enters the conversation, the lens for making decisions slides away from this truth and uses a narrow and incomplete notion of dignity as a litmus for whether someone should continue to exist. Physician-assisted suicide looks at the man or woman who is in distress and says: It is not good that you exist. Suffering and societal convenience become the ultimate arbiters of what is good. Unfortunately, dignity has become a buzzword, stripped of its metaphysical meaning and invoked as a way to assuage the unease of advocating for suicide. Pope John Paul II, writing in Evangelium Vitae, attacked the bankruptcy of this hollowed out version of dignity in medicine and science, writing, With the new prospects opened up by scientific and technological progress there arise new forms of attacks on the dignity of the human being broad sectors of public opinion justify certain crimes against life in the name of the rights of individual freedom, and on this basis they claim not only exemption from punishment but even authorization by the State. It is from this sad perch of moral malnourishment that euthanasias proponents make their case for individual liberty and death with dignity. But what if we began asking new questions, such as What duty do I have to my neighbor? and What claim does he or she have on me in their moment of great burden? Galatians 6:2 commands us to Bear one anothers burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ. What that looks like in the context of immense anguish and hopelessness will often mean being a faithful presence and witness to them. Suffering is difficult enough, but suffering alone can feel unbearable. The emotional toll long-term physical or mental health challenges take on a person should not be minimized. Anyone who has suffered for extended periods or walked alongside a loved one knows how deeply discouraging and isolating those seasons can feel. It is in those moments when the sense of loneliness and uncertainty loom large that the death with dignity argument can sound especially alluring. In a very short time, Canada will begin rolling out their most expansive euthanasia program to date, following countries like the Netherlands down a dark and bleak path. In the United States, euthanasia advocates will continue to clamor for relaxing existing laws. As attempts to normalize medical suicide grow, we must ask, What do I owe those in my life who are facing immense pressure and suffering? During someones darkest hours, when they no longer feel strong enough to go on, will they find care and compassion in our friendship and presence? Will we tell them that it is good that they exist? God's calling and timing Zuxing Chen Editor's note: In June 2022, Pastor Zuxing Chen came to Blessings Cultural Mission Fellowship to serve as the director of pastoral care and training. President Grant Chen interviewed him in April to talk about the process of God's leading to him, which was made into a film and published here: https://youtu.be/jKIn3FgDSUY. This article is written by Pastor Zuxing based on this interview to show how God has led and called him. Blessings Cultural Mission Fellowship was established in 1994 and began offering scholarships for seminary students in 1996. In 2001, when Pastor Zuxing was still studying at Logos Theological Seminary, he accepted an Blessings Cultural Mission Fellowship scholarship and join the spiritual family of Blessings Cultural Mission Fellowship. After graduating in 2003, he went on to serve at Fort Bend Community Church in Houston as a full-time minister until May 2022. Time flies, I have been a member of the Blessings Cultural Mission Fellowship family for almost 21 years. Over these years, God has blessed me greatly and deeply. Let me recount these blessings from three aspects. What Blessings Cultural Mission Fellowship means to me 1. A sense of belonging in the Blessings Cultural Mission Fellowship family The Blessings Cultural Mission Fellowship Scholarship supported me financially for nearly two years until I finished my Master of Divinity. May the Lord remember and reward the donors generously for their investment of eternal value. More importantly, Blessings Cultural Mission Fellowship gave me a warm sense of family and belonging. But it didn't happen overnight. Just like an adopted child, although I attended the Blessings Cultural Mission Fellowship Family Retreat every year in the first few years, to be honest, I was very passive and kept a distance from these board members to see whether they truly treated me as family member and would not abandon me as they said. Gradually, I was warmed up and won over by the president, his wife, and the board members as they showed me the love that transcended kinship, and geographical, political, and theological differences. As I recounted, in the past 21 years, I have only been absent from the Blessings Cultural Mission Fellowship family retreat three times. Twice due to my short mission trip to China, and once because of a special situation at home. I don't know when it started, but I sincerely regard myself as a member of this big family. I am proud of every family member of Blessings Cultural Mission Fellowship, and I am proud of being part of this family. How blessed I am to have close contact with more than a dozen board members who are successful in their careers, love God and others, value cultural missions, and are willing to give generously to invest in eternity! How blessed I am to meet more than 50 outstanding seminary students and graduates Blessings Cultural Mission Fellowship has supported! Although our political opinions and theological positions may be very different, and our personalities may be diverse, we have the same Father, Savior, Holy Spirit, and faith (Ephesians 4:5). We are all precious children in the eyes of God! We are a family in the Lord! 2. Strong support in prayer From my early years of theological training to my full-time pastoral vocation, I have encountered countless difficulties and challenges. I thank the Lord for reminding me that I have a spiritual home - Blessings Cultural Mission Fellowship, with an intercession team that believes in the power of prayer and really prays. Whenever I have a heavy burden, I usually share it with Pastor Grant Chen and his wife and invite them and their office staff to pray for me. How many times when there seemed to be no way out, thanks to the Lord, a new horizon emerged due to the intercession of the co-workers. I am indebted to Blessings Cultural Mission Fellowship's co-workers for their laboring and interceding for us before the throne of God. 3. Shaping my ministry philosophy He who is spiritual discerns all things (1 Co 2:15). Pastor Chen and his wife told me several years ago that I should not just belong to a local church, but should serve the churches on a broader platform. This provides guidance for me to further seek God's will in the future. In the summer of 2016, Pastor Chen and his wife officially invited me to join Blessings Cultural Mission Fellowship and told me that Blessings Cultural Mission Fellowship did not have any specific ministry for me to do. They only want to provide me with a platform for me to do whatever God wanted me to do. After praying for half a year, I did not feel the clear guidance of God, so I declined their invitation by the end of the year. But the trust of Pastor Grant the president and his wife in me and their dedication to supporting seminary graduates deeply moving and unforgettable. The call to serve fellow travelers 1. The beginning of the burden of caring for fellow pastors Shortly after the Wenchuan earthquake in 2008, our family was sent by the church to the disaster area to participate in the relief work, which lasted for three months. During this time, God showed us the needs of this special group of pastors in terms of their physical and mental health and created a deep burden in me. As soon as the earthquake broke out, many Christians, with a large number of church pastors, gathered from all over the country and around the world to the disaster area. I was fortunate to be in close contact with them and served the victims with them. They were not afraid of hardship and fatigue, full of sacrificial spirit, willing to take the risk of plague and aftershocks to love God and people. However, conflicts arose among Christians over time. If it was not properly controlled, it would lead to serious disunity within the team, damage to the spiritual life of Gods children, and staining of Gods name. This will seriously deviate from the purpose of glorifying God and loving people held by the Christian volunteers. The reason for these conflicts is that the spiritual life of the people who came here to help was not healthy - including ourselves! We were surprised to find that pastors also need care, and caregivers themselves needed care! How to care for these pastors? Through interviews, we were told: they did not lack theological resources, they did not need preaching. What they needed is company! At that time, my wife and I naively thought: their requirements were not high, we could do it! As soon as we returned to the United States, we acted aggressively. We planned to give up our service in the United States before June 1, 2009, and return to the disaster area again to accompany this special group of pastors for an extended period of time. Our hearts are sincere and resolute. In early December 2008, we were invited to San Francisco for the grand "The Other Side" conference. During this period, we actively sought foster families for our two young children. We didnt want to take them to China with us, mainly due to their age. If they went to the local public school, they would not be able to keep up with the Chinese language; but if they went to an international school, the cost would be too high. After many struggles in our hearts, we would rather endure the pain of being separated from our two daughters and go back to walking the narrow path with the young pastors in China! (Matt. 7:13) The best solution we could think of at the time was to find foster homes for our two children. Unexpectedly, not long after we returned to Houston from this conference, my wife and I experienced physical and mental burnout, to the extent that it was almost impossible for us to continue serving in the local church. As a result, this wishful plan of returning and serving in China came to a dead end. In doubt and frustration, we stayed in the United States. Later, when I looked back to this outcome, I realized that it was really the mercy of the Lord. Our spiritual life at that time was far from healthy and mature, if we went back according to our own plan, it would be a matter of time before we "die in the battle". God intervened to stop us, for which we are greatly grateful! 2. God's special calling Just when we were extremely weak in body and mind, a good friend contacted me and encouraged me to see an American pastor, asked her to pray for me, and arranged a meeting time for me. But that day, my wife was concerned and did not support me to see the pastor; for unity with my wife, I chose to call and cancel the meeting and asked this pastor to forgive me. She showed understanding and said she would still pray for us. Frankly, I thought it was just her polite remarks, but the next day I got an email from my good friend. He told me that although I didn't show up for my appointment, the pastor still prayed for me and received some messages from God regarding me, which my friend copied word by word and sent to me. The message is long, with a powerful opening. The pastor said that she saw God called me to nurture, shepherd, and equip pastors in China! (I saw God call Pastor Zuxing to raise pastors for God in China. Zuxing is called to pastor pastors. God has called him to equip them.) The pastor returned to heaven home shortly after, and I never saw her on earth. However, she left behind a vision of Gods calling for me to be the pastor of pastors! 3. My understanding of calling When this prophetic message came to me, at first, I was instinctively in denial and unbelief. My first reaction was: Who am I? I am a first-generation Christian and a first-generation pastor. My life is so plain and weak. What qualifications do I have to cultivate, shepherd, and equip pastors? I thought all I could do was join and walk with them. As for cultivating, shepherding, and equipping them, who am I to be worthy of such a calling? But to my own surprise, I didn't throw this message out of my mind. Within a few days, some thoughts started to pop into my head. I asked myself three important questions, and I answered them Question: Are you a pastor because you are worthy or qualified? Answer: Of course, I was not worthy, it is entirely out of the grace of God! Question: Does God have the power, wisdom, and ability to call some first-generation pastors to be the pastor of pastors? Answer: Of course, God has the power, wisdom, and ability to do such a thing! Q: If one day you were to actually become a pastor's pastor, what kind of training should you receive? Answer: All pastoral skills, plus misunderstanding, conflict, frustration, hurt, shame, weakness, failure, brokenness, disease, and inadequacy... This kind of self-questioning and self-answering brought me a renewal of thinking and deep healingthe sense of shame and failure immediately left me, and I was resurrected. Since I felt the burden for the pastors in 2008, and the American pastor I had never met clearly told me that God called me to serve the pastors, thirteen years have passed. Yet this burden has never disappeared from my heart. My wife and I were certain about this calling in our hearts, but we just didn't know how to act on it. God's time has come On a day in late January of this year, I suddenly received an email from the President of Blessings Cultural Mission Fellowship and his wife, inviting me to join Blessings Cultural Mission Fellowship and participate in the ministry of caring for young pastors. I was pleasantly surprised. I was surprised because this invitation was beyond my expectations for three reasons. First, the President of Blessings Cultural Mission Fellowship and his wife know all my weaknesses, but they still trusted me. Second, I rejected Blessings Cultural Mission Fellowships invitation a few years ago. Normally, in worldly organizations, no second offer would be issued if they are rejected once. But Blessings Cultural Mission Fellowship was willing to give me the second offer after the initial rejection. The third is that Blessings Cultural Mission Fellowships invitation is neither in the middle of the year nor at the end of the year, but in late January, which is definitely not during Blessings Cultural Mission Fellowships annual plan. The various ministries I participated in the church went really well and I was not seeking to join any other ministries. I was pleasantly surprised because I vaguely feel that this invitation is directly related to the burden in my heart and God's calling to me! Just like a jigsaw puzzle, when the last piece is put in, the whole pattern is clearly revealed, making me greatly enlightened! Could it be that Blessings Cultural Mission Fellowship's invitation is the last crucial piece in my personal calling puzzle? I was excited, but still dared not speculate too much. The next day, after a video call with the president of Blessings Cultural Mission Fellowship and his wife, I immediately went to communicate with my senior pastor and asked him to seek Gods will with me. Thank the Lord, the senior pastor is broad-minded. A few days later, he called and told me that, after prayer, he felt that Blessings Cultural Mission Fellowship's invitation was the most suitable for me among the several invitations I had received over the past few years, and he wanted me to seriously consider it. He also comforted me by telling me that I dont need to worry about the sheep I shepherd in the church, if God wills, He will make good arrangements. Needless to say, this has brought me great relief and comfort! I also shared this calling with many of my intercessor co-workers, asking them to pray urgently. Of course, I myself have been earnestly seeking Gods will. After many prayers and confirmations, I finally determined that this was the calling from God. The time has come. Despite all the difficulties, I am willing to offer myself as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1), to come to the altar again, and to respond to Gods calling with my life. I realized that the number of pastors is huge, and it requires the cooperation of many people to care for them! I hope that more and more brothers and sisters and churches will see the importance of pastors' health and are willing to invest time, energy, and even money to form a strong support network for them. May God bless the pastors who are fighting on the front line in China with the necessary support and care, and help them to become healthy and joyful servants who are filled with the Holy Spirit, serve the church, spread the gospel, make disciples, and glorify the name of God! Amen! The author is currently the Director of Pastoral Care and Training of Blessings Cultural Mission Fellowship Have you ever wondered how to defeat an army or a herd of wild elephants? Alexander the Great knew how, to judge by accounts (both historical and legendary) of his campaigns in the East. Elephants feature most prominently in Alexander's famous battle with King Porus of Inda in 326BC, as described by Plutarch, Arian and the later Roman historian Quintus Curtius Rufus. Curtius Historia was translated into French, and illuminated copies were produced in considerable numbers in the 15th century, notably for Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy (14671477), who modelled himself on Alexander. A battle between Alexander and Porus with elephants, in Quintus Curtius Rufus. Historia Alexandri magni, translated by Lucena: Burney MS 169, f. 165v Curtius describes how Alexander and his men faced a terrifying force of 300 chariots, 30,000 foot soldiers and 85 elephants with castles on their backs, on the opposite bank of the river Hyaspedes. King Porus himself was mounted on a huge elephant that towered above the rest, decorated with silver and gold armour. Fortunately, Alexander and his troops were already familiar with these terrifying creatures, as he had earlier been presented with 56 elephants by King Omphis of Taxila. Using his characteristic strategic genius, Alexander sent troops to cross the river further down in order to surprise his opponents. By attacking on two fronts, he restricted the elephants room to manoeuvre. Alexanders great victory over Porus soon became the stuff of legend. The French Roman dAlexandre en prose tells that he employed ymages de laiton (bronze models of soldiers) filled with red hot coals, which he placed in iron chariots and sent in among the elephants. When they saw the burning embers and felt the scorching heat, the elephants fled in terror. A manuscript made in Bruges manuscript illustrates the burning soldiers in chariots facing the elephants. The battle between Alexander and King Porus, with the elephants and bronze model soldiers filled with hot coals, in the Roman dAlexandre en prose: Harley MS 4979, f. 51r Legend has it that after another battle, a short period of friendship ensued, during which Porus took Alexander to see the wonders of India. But the truce was short-lived and Alexander finally killed Porus in single combat. Determined to continue his journey of conquest as far as the ocean, he encountered many strange and dangerous creatures, including a herd of ferocious elephants. The cunning Alexander, aware that elephants were afraid of the sound of squealing of pigs, sent into their midst a troop of horsemen, trumpeters and all the pigs he could find. The elephants fled in terror, pursued by the horsemen, who killed 980 of them and brought back their teeth and horns. This story is illustrated in a manuscript of the Roman dAlexandre en prose made in Paris around 1425, perhaps for a young owner, as it has startling, colourful images on almost every page. Alexanders army with trumpets and pigs confronting the wild elephants, in the Roman dAlexandre en prose: Royal MS 20 B XX f. 57r Alexanders life story was incorporated into world histories such as the Histoire ancienne jusqua Cesar, which encompassed all of human history from Creation to the reign of Julius Caesar. In this version of the Alexander legend, Porus and Alexander were exploring the far reaches of India when they made camp for the night near a forest, before finding that it was infested with fierce elephants. Porus told Alexander not to worry. He should gather together some truie (sows), upset them so that they squealed loudly at the elephants, who would immediately flee in terror, fearing this noise more than anything. Alexander fighting with pigs against elephants (above), and meeting the talking trees of the Sun and the Moon and their Indian guardian (below), in the Histoire ancienne jusqua Cesar (Northern France, 2nd half of the 13th century): Add MS 19699, f. 156r Alexanders army with wild pigs confronting elephants in a forest, in the Histoire ancienne jusqua Cesar (Paris, late 14th century): Royal MS 16 G VII, f. 133v In a luxurious copy of the prose Roman dAlexandre made for Margaret of Anjou (14291482), future queen of England, Alexander and his soldiers are shown attacking a group of elephants with spears; the pigs mentioned in the accompanying text are nowhere to be seen. Alexanders army fighting elephants, in the Roman dAlexandre en prose: Royal MS 15 E VI, f. 16v This story must have circulated widely in England. In one manuscript of the Festial by John Mirk of Shropshire (13821414), the homily for the feast of the Nativity of John the Baptist describes how bones and wood are used in making St Johns fire (Harley MS 2417, f. 42r). Mirk then adds a long digression on the origins of fire in that countrey of grete hete where dragons breathe noxious gases and poison the water. This leads to a description of Alixanders campaign in India: ...mony grete clerkes that hadden red of kyng Alysaunder how when he shulde have a batel wyth the kyng of Ynde and the kyng of Ynde browyte wyth hym mony olyfauntes beryng castels of tre (wood) on her bakkes.... Thene knewe alysau]nder the kynde (species) of olyfauntes that they dreden noo thyng moore the arryng (squealing) of swyyn (swine). Therfor he made togedere all the sowes that myghte be geten and made to dryve hem so nygh the olifantes ...anoon they maden suche a arryng all yfer that alle the olyfauntes flowen (fled) and casten down her castelles... The subject then turns to dragons once again, and how they hate the stench of burning bones, so that a boon fyr (the origin of the word, bonfire) could be used to chase them away. Discover more about Alexander the Great by visiting the British Library's exhibition Alexander the Great: The Making of a Myth, open until 19 February 2023, or explore more online at bl.uk/alexander-the-great We are indebted to the Kusuma Trust, the Patricia G. and Jonathan S. England British Library Innovation Fund and Ubisoft for their support towards this exhibition, as well as other trusts and private donors. Chantry Westwell Follow us on Twitter @BLMedieval Straight-tusked elephants (Palaeoloxodon antiquus) were the largest terrestrial mammals of the Pleistocene epoch, present in Europe and western Asia between 800,000 and 100,000 years ago. A new analysis of 125,000-year-old bones of straight-tusked elephants from ancient lake deposits in Germany shows that hunting of these enormous animals was part of the cultural repertoire of Neanderthals there, over 2,000 years, many dozens of generations. Straight-tusked elephants are among the most powerful proboscideans (elephants and their extinct relatives) that have ever lived. The animals had a very wide head and extremely long tusks, and were roughly three times larger than that of living Asian elephants, twice that of African ones, and also much larger than woolly mammoths. Estimates of maximum shoulder height vary from 3 to 4.2 m (10-14 feet) and body mass from 4.5 to 13 tons for females and males, respectively. Straight-tusked elephants had a preference for warm temperate settings and has been documented in the middle latitudes of Europe mainly during interglacials, probably finding a refuge in the southern parts of western Eurasia during colder parts of the Pleistocene. Their distribution overlapped with that of western Eurasian hominins, such as Neanderthals and earlier populations. Several Paleolithic sites have yielded skeletal remains of straight-tusked elephants, in association with stone tools, leading to rich speculation about the nature of interactions between these large elephants and Pleistocene humans: were these the remains of scavenged animals or may some of them have been hunted, although hunting of these large animals is often considered a dangerous enterprise, with the costs possibly larger than the benefits? On the basis of the rich material from the travertine exposures at the Taubach site in Germany, archaeologists suggested back in 1922 that Neanderthals were targeting young individuals, hunting them in pit traps there. In 1948, the site of Lehringen, also in Germany, yielded a skeleton of the straight-tusked elephant, associated with 25 flint artifacts and a wooden lance, while a small number of flint artifacts were recovered during excavation of an adult individual from an ancient lake infill at Grobern, Germany, in 1987. However, none of these three localities have yielded bones with unambiguous cut marks, which would provide the most straightforward evidence for elephant exploitation by humans. In new research, Professor Sabine Gaudzinski-Windheuser from the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz and MONREPOS and her colleagues analyzed the richest straight-tusked elephant assemblage known thus far, consisting of the well-preserved remains of over 70 individuals. The specimens were recovered during archaeological rescue operations carried out from 1985 to 1996 at the site of Neumark-Nord 1, which is located about 10 km south of the city of Halle in central Germany. They were almost exclusively from adult individuals and conspicuous among these was a predominance of male animals. This pattern had not been observed before neither in fossil nor in living elephant populations and was difficult to explain. In total, we looked at 3,122 faunal remains of European straight-tusked elephants that had been deposited at the Neumark-Nord 1 site, said Dr. Lutz Kindler, a researcher at MONREPOS. According to the team, all of the studied bone complexes from the site displayed traces of anthropogenic modification of elephant carcasses. Neanderthals had primary access to fresh carcasses and butchered these in similar ways, involving extensive processing. This constitutes the first clear-cut evidence of elephant hunting in human evolution, said Professor Wil Roebroecksm, a researcher at Leiden University. Adult male individuals, much larger than the females, are overrepresented in the assemblage, probably because, as with present-day elephants, male adult elephants kept to themselves. Compared to females, they were easier to approach closely without the protection of a herd. Since they were also much larger, hunting them would have yielded much higher returns, for significantly less risk. Hunting these large animals demanded close cooperation between the participating group members, just like prey processing, which entailed extensive butchering, including removing meat scraps from the long bones as well as the fat-rich foot cushions, the authors said. Processing may also have entailed drying products for long-time storage. A 10-ton elephant not the largest one at Neumark-Nord 1 could have yielded a minimum of 2,500 adult Neanderthal rations of 4,000 kcals, consisting of a safe mixture of protein and fat from one animal only. These figures are important as they suggest that Neanderthals, at least temporarily, congregated in groups much larger than the about 25 individuals usually seen as the maximum size of a local group and/or that they had cultural means for large-scale food preservation and storage. The study was published in the journal Science Advances. _____ Sabine Gaudzinski-Windheuser et al. 2023. Hunting and processing of straight-tusked elephants 125.000 years ago: Implications for Neanderthal behavior. Science Advances 9 (5); doi: 10.1126/sciadv.add8186 Scientists from the University of Michigan and the University of Birmingham have examined the cranium of a fish that lived roughly 319 million years ago. According to Earth.com, the investigation revealed a definite, 3D item within the ancient skull that could only be the fish's brain. It is uncommon since soft parts, such as brains, normally degrade and are seldom fossilized when an animal dies. The organ has provided researchers with a window into the brain structure and early history of ray-finned fishes, a large group that includes over 30,000 individual species, accounting for almost half of all known vertebrate species. CT Scan Reveals Oldest Fossilized Vertebrate Brain Ever Found Hundreds of millions of years ago, a fish died and was buried in sediments where it eventually became fossilized. Today, it has become the star of a study after revealing the oldest fossilized vertebrate brain ever found. The ancient skull was found on the roof of a coal mine in Lancashire in the UK almost 100 years ago in 1925. At that time, researchers identified it as the new species Coccocephalus wildi, and put it on display at the Manchester Museum. There were no other body parts found that belonged to the skull. Researchers were studying it and have used a CT scan to visualize the structure of the skull. But through a serendipitous event, they found that it has several features in vertebrate brains with a bilaterally symmetrical structure, hollow spaces like those found in ventricles, and multiple filaments that extend toward openings of the skull that looks like cranial nerves preserved in exquisite detail. Rodrigo Figueroa, a doctoral student at the University of Michigan and the lead author of the study, wrote that the species is a ray-finned fish that is a diverse group made up of about 30,000 species, including swordfish and trout. Paleontologist Sam Giles from the University of Birmingham said in a press release that the findings of a 3D well-preserved vertebrate brain give new insight into the neural anatomy of finned fish. He added that it tells a more complicated pattern of brain evolution than by living species along to define when bony fishes evolved. READ ALSO: 500-Million-Year-Old Fossilized Brain of a Three-Eyed Prawn-Like Creature Offers Key Insights on Insect Evolution [Study] Soft Tissues Can Be Preserved Preservation of soft tissues is much rarer as they easily degrade, unlike bones. But the study's senior author Matt Friedman noted that the important conclusion of their findings is that soft parts, such as the brain, can be preserved and that they may even be just hiding in fossils for a long time. The team was able to compare the structure of the ancient brain to existing animals and identified significant differences, CNet reported. Whereas all modern-day ray-finned fish have brains that fold outward since they develop in the embryo, the ancient brain folds inward. Giles explains that the brain of Coccocephalus wildi resembles those found in paddlefish and sturgeon, which are considered primitive fish since they diverged from ray-finned fish species over 300 million years ago. The discovery made researchers realize that there could be other soft parts being preserved in fossils and it inspired them to look at fossil fish heads with a new and different perspective. Their study, titled "Exceptional Fossil Preservation and Evolution of the Ray-finned Fish Brain," is published in the journal Nature. Watch the video below to learn more: RELATED ARTICLE: 525-Million-year-Old Fossils of a Tiny Sea Creature With a Preserved Nervous System Solves Century-old Debate on Brain Evolution Check out more news and information on Archaeology on Science Times. On Tuesday, January 10, Business Professionals of America Students attended their second in-person regional competition held at the Missoula College of Technology. Students chose single or team events to compete in and have been preparing to compete since the start of school in September. Some members competed against other schools in taking tests aiming for the highest score, while others teamed up for group projects they presented to judges. The students were able to compete in multiple events, which most chose to do, giving them a higher chance at state. All nine members of the club competed, and every member qualified for state in at least one of their events. BPA has been a club at SSHS for the past three years, run by Michele Holmes, and has nearly doubled its members going to state since last year. In last year's BPA season, five members made it to state. This year, with every member heading to state, students are hopeful that they will make it to Nationals, which will be in Anaheim, California in late April. "I am very excited about our BPA students this year--not only have we grown our membership this year but ALL students qualified for state in every event they entered. I am so proud of their hard work in meeting deadlines and following through with their commitments. These alone are skills that will help them regardless of their future endeavors, not to mention the specific skills they learned, practiced, and perfected in their actual events, said Holmes. A lawsuit can proceed against Kyle Rittenhouse, who became a MAGA hero for shooting to death two people during a 2020 protest, ruled a federal judge in Wisconsin. John Huber, the father of Anthony Huber, who Rittenhouse shot and killed when he was 17, filed the civil rights lawsuit. From AP: Technology spotlight Technology When AI is your sous chef Craig Lee/The Examiner CloudChef CEO Nikhil Abraham and Valerie Demicheva demonstrate a recreation of saag with artichokes using AI software and technology. Craig Lee/The Examiner CEO Nikhil Abraham of CloudChef (center) with chef Thomas Zacharias (left) and CTO Mohit Shah. Zacharias was skeptical of the startups recipe record and playback technology. Craig Lee/The Examiner Abraham of CloudChef explains the systems used in the startup's recipe record and playback technology. CloudChef, he says, "essentially codifies the chef's intuition." Craig Lee/The Examiner CloudChef has received funding from celebrity chefs including Tom Colicchio and Roy Yamaguchi. Craig Lee/The Examiner Valerie Demicheva demonstrates the automated recreation of a dish through CloudChef software and technology. Craig Lee/The Examiner CloudChef's recreation of dal pakwan tostadas. The technology also takes into account an important point about cooking, especially in Asia, CEO Abraham said. You use a lot of the intuition of the chef and it's not scientifically broken down. Two years ago, chef Thomas Zacharias showed up at a Bombay kitchen for an unusual cooking session. As he was making his famous recipe for Kerala vegetable stew, a network of sensors and cameras recorded everything he was doing. When he was done, an engineer with CloudChef recreated the dish aided by the digital information culled from the recording of Zachariass culinary skills. The chef was impressed. The re-creation, he said, achieved a level of accuracy that cooks I trained for six, seven years at my restaurant have not been able to do. That was the moment Zacahrias was sold on the technology unveiled Tuesday by CloudChef co-founders Nikhil Abraham and Mohit Shah: an AI-enabled technology that can record the way a chef cooks and use the digitized information to recreate their dishes. New push to require crypto licenses in California after Newsom veto Four months after the governor rejected a law that the crypto industry said was a bad idea, industry critics are trying again CloudChef essentially codifies the chefs intuition and helps us recreate the recipe, Abraham, the startups CEO said during a behind-the-scenes preview of its recipe record and playback technology. Chefs from anywhere in the world can come to record their recipes in our kitchen like a musician would go into a recording studio to create music, he said. Customers would then be able to order food from whoever you like, and we get it delivered to your house and give a royalty back to the creator. Royalties range from 3% to 15%, which translates to roughly $9 to $35 per order for Zacharias. The former chef partner at Bombay Canteen and founder of the Locavore both in Mumbai Zacharias said CloudChef offers him access that I could never have even dreamt of. Chefs are limited by where they can cook, and my recipes are being cooked here without my intervention, but exactly the way I wanted it to be served, Zacharias said. Thats a possibility I would have never imagined. For US crypto firms, FTX crash shows benefits to staying home Dealing with US regulators has been rough for Coinbase and other US crypto companies. But the FTX collapse shows it can also pay off CloudChef which has received funding from celebrity chefs including Tom Colicchio and Roy Yamaguchi, as well as tech investors Anand Rajaraman, Claire Hughes Johnson and Shailesh Rao underlines the growing use of AI technology in food production. Nala Robotics in Illinois developed tools to run fully-automated restaurants, including the Pizzaiola, a voice-controlled pizza maker. Firmenich, the Swiss fragrance and flavor company, uses an AI-powered robot to develop formulas for food ingredients to help chefs aiming for a specific taste. Abraham saw limitations with robotics-based cooking which didnt really capture what the chefs intuition was. There is an overarching lack of culinary intelligence being codified, which CloudChefs technology hopes to address. The startups software is based on the AI technology popularized by the wildly successful ChatGPT, which uses sophisticated advanced algorithms that process massive amounts of data to create new content, including art works and literary pieces. To recreate a recipe, the CloudChef kitchen, which uses a web of thermal sensors and cameras, doesnt just record the basic instructions of a recipe simmer for five minutes that one would find in a cookbook or a YouTube video. More importantly, the software also documents other aspects of the cooking process itself, like the way the chef stirs the pot or prepares a specific ingredient. The idea isnt to cook it for the exact same amount of time every single time because that is unnatural thats not how chefs function but to cook it to the same amount of thickness or consistency every single day, Abraham said. The technology also takes into account an important point about cooking, especially in Asia, he said. You use a lot of the intuition of the chef and its not scientifically broken down. A Silicon Valley legend tells you why serial tech layoffs are a bad idea John Chambers, Ciscos former CEO and Silicon Valley veteran, offers thoughts on Elon Musk's Twitter, AI, and the future of work in a sit down with The Examiner For example, the software documents the golden brown quality of onions required by a chef. Chefs like Thomas wouldnt cook onions for the same amount of time every day, but they will cook it with the same amount of brownness every single time, Abraham said. Well be able to codify this intent. The information is then used to run an online food delivery service where customers can order professional-chef-style dishes. The Palo Alto kitchen was an Amazon- like operation with monitors and shelves filled with condiments and ingredients in barcoded containers. CloudChef employees prepare the meals by following instructions on monitors and on smartphones. They arent actually cooks, Abraham said, noting that in their India operations there are people whove never stepped foot in a kitchen but prepare the meals which are stitched together using software. Abraham and his co-founder Mohit Shah, who is the companys chief technology officer, came up with the idea for CloudChef because they grew frustrated with the quality of Indian food available in the Bay Area. But when they traveled to Bombay to pitch the idea of an AI-enabled technology for chef-style cooking to Zacharias, the chef was unimpressed. Call me when youve figured it out, he told them. That changed two years later after a demo at the new companys Bombay test kitchen. Zacharias has signed to become one of CloudChefs creator partners, which now includes chef Srijith Girija Gopinath, co-founder of Ettan restaurant in Palo Alto and the world-famous Moti Mahal restaurant in India. Trump can start posting on Facebook again Trumps Facebook and Instagram accounts were suspended indefinitely two years ago for his praise for people engaged in violence during the January 6 riot Abraham said CloudChef hopes eventually to offer recipes and cuisines from other cities and countries. The startup hopes to deploy the technology for other food-related business ventures, including offering to retrofit existing kitchens with its software and licensing it to other food industry companies. With the growth of smart kitchen appliances, Abraham sees the company offering its software to affluent households in the West. The startup created a bit of a Bay Area stir when Zacharias, who has around 129,000 followers on Instagram, agreed to have a meetup with some of his admirers. Hundreds came with dishes that they wanted him to try. Abraham said three of the dishes were so good, theyre going to be added to the CloudChef platform. We liked it, Abraham said. It took us back to India. Astor Pantaleon Piazzolla transformed the Tango by blending jazz-infused solos and riffs with orchestrated classical music, influencing a new generation of Tango composers, including the elastically generative Tango trip-hop collective Gotan Project. As part of the free concerts in Central Park series in New York City, Piazzolla performed live with a quintet on September 6, 1987. Digitally remastered for CD in 1994 and dripping with sticky romance, passion, emotion, possibility, and the infinite threads that music invokes and inspires, this live album highlights Piazzolla's stunning bandoneon (a square-built button accordion) virtuosity. Eleven captivating compositions capture this genius and humble musician's distilled essence and breath-taking range. Before launching into "La Camorra," Piazzolla explains, in English, Spanish, and Italian, "This is the new music of Buenos Aires, the new Tangowe started this music in 1954. My name is Astor Piazzolla. I was born in Argentina. I was raised in New York, and my parents come from Trani, Italia. This strange instrument you see here many people say it is an accordion. It's not an accordion; it's a bandoneon. It's an instrument that was invented in Germany in 1854 to play religious music in a church. It started in church, and then a couple of years later, they took it to the whorehouses in Buenos Aires. And now we are taking it to Central Park. It's a nice tour for this instrument." My favorite song, a ridiculously solipsistic task of choosing, has always been "Mumuki," inspired by the term of endearment for his wife, Laura. Minister of State Greg Hands of the UK Department for International Trade arrived in Hanoi on February 1 for high-level trade talks. The high-level trade talks focus on how the UK joining of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) will boost the economic firepower of the worlds most dynamic trade bloc, according to the British Embassy. Vietnam was the first leg of his three-day Asia-Pacific tour, which also includes Malaysia and Singapore. The visit aims to promote the UKs engagement in the CPTPP, of which Vietnam is a founding member. It was also an opportunity to mark the 50th anniversary of the UK - Vietnam diplomatic relations and discuss the thriving bilateral trade relationship, which has increased 12.4% over the last year and is valued at GBP5.9 billion (US$7.3 billion), the embassy noted. With the next round of CPTPP negotiations coming soon, the minister expressed the UKs desire to finalize accession at the earliest opportunity. Speaking of his visit, Minister Greg Hands said: Joining CPTPP will add even more economic firepower to this exciting and dynamic trade alliance, adding GBP2 trillion to CPTPPs GDP. Secretary of the HCMC Party Committee Nguyen Van Nen on February 1 received outgoing Cambodian Consul General to HCMC Sok Dareth who came to bid farewell at the end of his tenure. Related News Cooperation between HCMC, Cambodian localities promoted Speaking at the event, the citys Party Chief highly appreciated Mr.Sok Dareths outstanding contribution to strengthening friendship and cooperative relations between the two countries, HCMC and Cambodian localities. He hoped the outgoing Cambodian Consul General would continue to contribute to enhancing the bilateral cooperation, including HCMC and Phnom Penh along with Cambodian provinces and cities. Mr. Nen emphasized that the history of CambodiaVietnam relations is associated with many glorious achievements as well as painful losses and sacrifices in wars protecting the countries. Therefore, the young generation must be responsible for maintaining and contributing to the relationship to be more and more sustainable. Leaders at all levels of the two countries continue to effectively implement the guidelines and policies of the senior leaders in order to further take bilateral relations to a new height, he said. The Secretary of the HCMC Party Committee affirmed that HCMC will be always ready to make every effort to further promote development of relations between the two countries. Mr. Sok Dareth expressed his sincere thanks to the leaders of the Party, State, HCMC and people of the city for creating favorable conditions for the operation of the Consulate General of the Kingdom of Cambodia in HCMC, contributing to strengthening the relations between the two countries. He congratulated the southern economic hubs success in controlling coronavirus and achieving great achievements as well as continuing to be one of the countrys leading economic localities. He acknowledged the municipal government that will be always ready to support and create conditions for the Consulate General and the community of Cambodia in HCMC to operate, live and study conveniently. He hoped Vietnam in general and HCMC in particular to continue to enhance investment in Cambodia contributing to the countrys development Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Vietnam, and Ambassador Dennis Francis Smith, Representative of Trinidad and Tobago to the United Nations (UN), on behalf of the two governments, signed a joint statement on the establishment of the diplomatic ties between the two countries at New York. Accordingly, Vietnam and Trinidad and Tobago agreed to exchange diplomatic representatives at the ambassadorial-level under the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. On the same day, the document was sent to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for circulation and to UN member countries for information. With the establishment of diplomatic relations with Trinidad and Tobago, Vietnam has had official diplomatic relations with all 35 countries in America as well as 192 countries worldwide, including 190 out of 193 UN member countries. This demonstrates the foreign policy of diversification and multilateralisation of international relations, and attaching importance to developing relations with Latin America and the Caribbean. On the occasion, Ambassador Giang and Ambassador Smith had a discussion on measures to promote cooperation between the two nations. They affirmed that the establishment of diplomatic ties will help open all-around cooperation in the future. Talking to the Vietnam News Agencys correspondents in New York, Smith spoke highly of the cooperation potential between the two countries, stressing that Trinidad and Tobago has cooperated with Vietnam within multilateral mechanisms of the UN. The Caribbean country looks forwards to bilateral cooperative relations with the Southeast Asian nation in various fields, including culture, people-to-people exchange, agriculture, fishery, energy, engineering and tourism, the diplomat said. Establishing diplomatic relations with a self-reliant country and a reliable partner like Vietnam is a milestone in the foreign policy of Trinidad and Tobago, he stressed. The two diplomats agreed to continue sharing information to explore strengths and potential for cooperation between the two countries, especially oil and gas exploitation, tourism and agriculture. They pledged to strengthen close coordination at the UN and other multilateral forums. De-facto Speaker of the House Marjorie Taylor Greene (Q-GA) is leading the GOP charge to remove Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) from the Foreign Affairs Committee because they say she is anti-semitic. Rep. Dean Phillps (D-MN), who is Jewish, suggested to Greene and other non-Jewish GOP representatives that, "if you really are sincere about defeating anti-semitism in America, how about asking us? How about asking us what we need? And let me assure you, you might be surprised by the answer." While he was at it, he managed to get a good dig into Greene, Paul Gosar, and other wacko hate-mongers in the house: Furthermore, [Omar, unlike Greene and her Q-MAGA cohort] has never posted a video depicting herself decapitating and killing fellow members of Congress. She doesn't question whether a plane really smashed in to the Pentagon and 9/11. She does not wonder if school shootings in America are staged. She has not propagated the absurd notion that space lasers financed by the Rothschild family are the cause of wildfires in California. She has never equated vaccine mandates with Adolf Hitler, and she has never ever expressed support for executing leaders of the United States Congress. Now being a conspiracy theorist alone is not grounds for removal from committees. I'll admit that. But depicting violence or supporting violence against fellow members of Congress is grounds for removal, being a Democrat or a Republican, but no one no one has accused representative Omar of depicting or supporting violence against anyone in this chamber. So why will 90% of Jewish members of the United States House of Representatives vote to maintain her committee assignment? Quite simply, because we believe in the human capacity to learn from mistakes, to make amends, and that atonement should be rewarded, not punished. Coming from an entrepreneurial background, Niraj Hutheesing possesses over three decades of experience working across diverse industries like Manufacturing, Textiles, Chemicals and IT. Currently, he is busy chartering the overall growth of Cygnet Infotech, his brainchild and a software development company with a vision of creating a leading Technology brand where quality, innovation and personalized services outdo low cost, and make-shift solutions. It is his unmatched and progressive technical acumen and business insights, that Cygnet Infotech has today grown from a workforce of 7 to 1000+ people working for clients in 35 countries. Being a philanthropist by heart, he is also actively involved with several notable CSR activities. With a cumulatively growing interest towards Software & Product Engineering, Niraj is delivering value and sustainability to ever changing business environment with emerging technology trends. In a recent conversation with the Editor of siliconindia, Niraj Hutheesing, Founder & Managing Director, Cygnet Infotech, shared his thoughts on the how advancing Software & Product Engineering can help build Business Resilience. How do you think is Software and Product engineering vitally contributing in improving business resilience, overcoming the COVID-19 effects. Clients inherently seek solutions from businesses, whether B2B or B2C. Every interaction with a company can trigger an immediate and lingering effect on their sense of trust and loyalty, while in times of crisis, it is amplified. A business's commitment to clients success builds resilience in the relationship. In times of disruptions, the opportunity is to redefine your business systems and culture with the help of software, because we live in SDx (Software Defined Everything) world or are migrating to it by choice/compulsion. The SDx markets can be witnessed growing at attractive rates close to 30 percent year-on-year. Conceptually, SDx presses all the elements of the tech ecosystem to work together in sync to achieve the desired output for the business, breaking the operational silos. For every action theres required an access to historical customer account information. A human-centric design thinking and cloud-enabled software platforms are the way forward to the forefront of the longer-term shifts in consumer behaviour. The shift can come from anywhere, be it a natural crisis like COVID-19 or market disruptions with tech. What factors have enabled India to be a robust global marketplace in digital engineering services? In India, the demographically dominant and rising middle class emphasizes education, opportunities for learning, and skills, where there is an increasing focus on tech & infrastructure. Among the enablers are: Talent availability: India can only be the marketplace leader with a talent pool of more than 2-million STEM graduates, out of which, there are a considerable number of them with AI/ML, Cloud, Cybersecurity, and 5G skillsets. India can only be the marketplace leader with a talent pool of more than 2-million STEM graduates, out of which, there are a considerable number of them with AI/ML, Cloud, Cybersecurity, and 5G skillsets. Improving the quality of talent: In India, organizations have started to adopt strategies to increase and enhance the quality of the existing talent pool. Some have begun collaborating with academic institutions to develop digital curricula, while some are creating alternate talent pools through targeted skilling programmes. In India, organizations have started to adopt strategies to increase and enhance the quality of the existing talent pool. Some have begun collaborating with academic institutions to develop digital curricula, while some are creating alternate talent pools through targeted skilling programmes. Ecosystem collaboration across start-ups, fintech, and academia: India is the world's third-largest start-up ecosystem. Across the BFSI, healthcare, and CPG/retail sectors, many domestic and global companies compete with these startups to co-create new products through collaboration and incubator/accelerator programme models. While most Indian enterprises are going digital, which aspects should they consider which will yield the maximum benefit? In India, digital transformation has gained momentum after demonetisation in 2016. Due to this, Indian enterprises have started leveraging technology more aggressively to stay competitive in their respective market segments. Digital transformation refers to integrating digital technologies into all aspects of a business, including people, processes, and platforms. This can involve implementing new software and systems, automating processes, and upskilling employees to improve efficiency, increase competitiveness, and drive innovation. Some of the critical ways include leveraging of digital technologies: enterprises can improve the customer experience by providing personalised, seamless interactions across all channels. Automation of repetitive, manual tasks can improve efficiency and reduce errors. By collecting and analyzing data, enterprises can gain insights into customer behaviour, market trends, and operational performance and help make more informed decisions. Moving to the cloud can help enterprises reduce costs, improve scalability, and enable access to a wide range of digital technologies. Cybersecurity measures and techniques will safeguard vital systems and confidential data against evolving digital threats. Also, digital transformation can increase employee engagement by providing employees with better tools and processes. Indian enterprises should consider these aspects to drive their digital transformation and reap maximum benefit. What should be the critical parameters for businesses to evaluate digital engineering service providers? Typically, Software product engineering services can be characterised as an activity that systematically develops future-ready software products while accelerating time-to-market and maximizing RoI. You may evaluate service providers on: Capabilities: Provide the proper ability in terms of technology and delivery model. They should deeply understand their target industry, customers, and business processes. Provide the proper ability in terms of technology and delivery model. They should deeply understand their target industry, customers, and business processes. Experience: The digital transformation partners should have experience in delivering similar services or projects with similar clients. This helps them understand what works and what doesn't, and thereby build credibility. The digital transformation partners should have experience in delivering similar services or projects with similar clients. This helps them understand what works and what doesn't, and thereby build credibility. Industry Intimacy: An in-depth understanding of the client's target industry, customers, and business processes helps them provide insightful solutions relevant to their client's needs. The ability to execute any project or part of a project within a time-frame is another essential feature to look at while evaluating potential digital transformation partners. Businesses should look for more than a digital engineering service provider, a co-innovation partner who continues to advance modern digital engineering roadmap across industries and areas of expertise. How digital engineering services can support different industries in achieving their growth, and what role Cloud-first approach will play? Today, most industries need software development, data analytics, automation, and digital transformation consulting services. For example, in the manufacturing industry, digital engineering services can help to implement Industry 4.0 technologies such as IoT and ML to improve efficiency and performance. In the healthcare industry, digital engineering services can help to implement electronic health records, telemedicine, and other digital technologies to improve patient care and reduce costs. A cloud-first approach provides a flexible, scalable, and cost-effective platform for digital transformation initiatives. They allow businesses to access the latest technologies and services without significant upfront investment in hardware and infrastructure. The access can help companies to implement new digital technologies quickly and easily, such as AI, ML, and Big data analytics. A paradigm shift in how companies approach their IT operations can be attributed to the cloud, which is not just a technology platform. It is the new normal for many organizations globally because it allows Scalability and flexibility, Advanced security, and Accelerate innovation. What are the top trends to look out for, according to you, and how can these change the market dynamics? To stay competitive, businesses need to automate traditionally manual processes and reduce overhead costs. Automation and low-code technologies are changing the way we automate processes at work. They are making it possible for us to do more with less effort and time while automating repetitive tasks that used to take hours or even days. Automation is helping them generate more revenue through increased efficiency in operations. According to a recent study conducted by McKinsey & Company, 43 percent of organizations surveyed have already adopted automation across at least one aspect of their operations. However, only seven percent have fully automated all critical functions within their businesses. An exciting trend noted by this report was that financial services firms were leading adoption rates by far (63 percent). Low Code reduces the time taken for developers to build complex applications and allows them to work on multiple projects at once. It also provides greater flexibility than traditional application development methods, which often results in slow turnaround times when changes are required in the application code. A recent Forrester Research study found that over 80 percent of organisations use low-code technologies to speed up their processes and go to market. This trend is a massive change in market dynamics. We have seen a shift from the traditional method of developing applications to that involves writing code in low-code languages like Python or Ruby. It is about creating APIs for these languages and connecting them to business process engines like SAP and Oracle BPM. It helps more users access and build their custom applications. What future challenges are expected in the growing digital engineering space? People's needs are being redefined. They expect a seamless experience across all channels. As a result, there is an increase in the market for a better customer service experience, lesser resources, staff, and higher speeds. In doing so, a few challenges could be: At least 50 locations would be chosen through a challenge mode and will be established as a total package of tourism, said Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman while addressing the Union Budget for the year 2023-24. According to the Minister, these locations will be chosen through a challenge mode that takes an integrated and creative approach, with both domestic and international travelers as the main emphasis of tourism growth. All the aspects such as physical connectivity, virtual connectivity, tourist guides, high standards for food streets, and tourists security along with all the relevant aspects are to be available on an App to enhance the tourist experience. The attraction for domestic as well as foreign tourists Talking about the attraction for domestic as well as foreign tourists that the country offers, Union Minister Sitharaman stated, There is a large potential to be tapped in tourism. The sector holds huge opportunities for jobs and entrepreneurship for youth in particular. Sector-specific skilling and entrepreneurship development will be adopted to achieve the objectives of the Dekho Apna Desh initiative. In order to raise knowledge of the rich history and culture of India and to entice people to visit the country, the Ministry of Tourism established the Dekho Apna Desh program in January 2020. This project is in accordance with the Prime Ministers address on the 15th of August 2019, in which he urged every citizen to travel to at least 15 places by the year 2022. It was launched as an appeal by the Prime Minister to the middle class to prefer domestic tourism over international tourism. The integrated development of theme-based tourist circuits, the Swadesh Darshan scheme was also launched. Swadesh Darshan scheme would receive Rs 1,412 crore The flagship Swadesh Darshan scheme would receive Rs 1,412 crore in allocation, up from Rs 600 crore in 20222023. 50 locations across 15 states will be chosen for promotion as part of Indias new destination-focused tourism policy under the redesigned Swadesh Darshan program. Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD), the Ministrys other flagship program, will receive Rs 250 crore, almost the same as in 20222023. While presenting the Union Budget, the Minister informed that under the Vibrant Villages Programme, tourism infrastructure, and amenities will be facilitated in border villages. She added, States will be encouraged to set up a Unity Mall in the state capital of most prominent tourism center or the financial capital for the promotion and sale of their own ODOPs (One District, One Product), GI products, and other handicraft products. Promotion of tourism will be taken up on mission mode The Union Minister reiterated that the tourism sector holds huge opportunities for jobs and entrepreneurship and the promotion of tourism will be taken up on mission mode with the active participation of states convergence of government programs and Public-Private Partnerships. On 31st January, Union Minister of Tourism & Culture G. Kishan Reddy launched The Visit India Year 2023 project, and also unveiled its logo, kicking off the year of ambitious plans and initiatives for increasing tourism in India. The launch also holds significance as India is hosting the G20 Presidency. The Union Minister further stated that this year, over one lakh international delegates will come to India, where they will be shown the full range of Indian culture, including its festivals and landmarks. To further the tourism potential, Indias first G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting is scheduled to be held at Rann of Kutch between 7th to 9th of February 2023. Bhanu Chopra, Founder & MD, RateGain Travel Technologies Limited, said, "The key takeaway from the respected Finance Minister's budget for the tourism industry is the focus on leveraging technology to provide a seamless experience to both buyers and sellers. Tourism is one of the few industries that has crossed pre-pandemic levels of recovery, and a large part of that is because of the initiatives of the government in promoting domestic tourism, and the initiative taken to promote 50 destinations will only take this further." The union budget 2023 is expected to enhance the massive investment plans of large Indian corporates such as Tata, Reliance Industries (RIL), Adani and JSW in new regions such as semiconductor and precision engineering, electric vehicle (EV), renewable power, battery manufacturing, and 5G technology and infrastructure, executives say. Tata Group plans to invest $90 billion in the next five years to build new businesses like semiconductor and precision engineering, electric vehicle (EV), renewable power, battery manufacturing, and 5G technology and infrastructure. RIL targets to invest $50 billion in the next three years in building five Giga factories for renewable power infrastructure manufacturing, 5G, and chemicals. JSW and Adani groups also plan large investments in renewable and hydrogen space. The Budget offers to set up 100 labs for developing applications using 5G services. The labs will cover applications such as smart classrooms, precision farming, intelligent transport systems, and health care applications. It will help expand the 5G offerings of Reliance Jio, Airtel and Vodafone Idea. The labs will also help nurture startups in the 5G ecosystem, says an executive with a telecom major. Tata group is in the business of building a 5G hardware and infrastructure. The corporate houses are also investing in green hydrogen, especially RIL, Adani, Tata Motors and JSW Energy. The Budget proposes an outlay of Rs 19,700 crore for the National Green Hydrogen Mission to facilitate the transition of the economy to low carbon intensity, reduce dependence on fossil fuel imports, and help the country assume technology and market leadership in the sunrise sector. "Our target is to reach an annual production of 5 MMT by 2030," said Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during the Budget speech. According to the Budget, sustainability is going to be one of the prime focus areas of the government. The corporate houses also have their own targets to turn carbon neutral. The Budget proposes viability gap funding for battery energy storage systems with a capacity of 4,000 MWH. Another area in which the corporates are interested is precision engineering, semiconductor, and mobile phone manufacturing. FM also said that mobile phone production in India has increased from 5.8 crore units valued at about Rs18,900 crore in 2014-15 to 31 crore units valued at over Rs 2,75,000 crore in the last financial year. Samsung India has one of the world's largest mobile manufacturing facilities in Noida. The government wants the Indian companies to use the opportunity and start manufacturing in these engineering segments when the western counties look to reduce their China dependency. Apple looks to enhance the manufacturing of its iPhone in India as it faces troubles in China. Indian companies including Tatas are looking to cash in on this opportunity. "To further deepen domestic value addition in the manufacture of mobile phones, I propose to provide relief in customs duty on the import of certain parts and 30 inputs like the camera lens and continue the concessional duty on lithium-ion cells for batteries for another year," says the minister. Skilling is another focus area of the government that will help the companies to avail trained manpower in emerging business areas. Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana will be launched to skill lakhs of youth within the next three years. "The scheme will cover new age courses for Industry 4.0 like coding, AI, robotics, mechatronics, IOT, 3D printing, drones, and soft skills. To skill youths for international opportunities, 30 Skill India International Centres will be set up across different states," said Sitharaman. Cloud demand will drive India to the second largest market for enterprise IT management software ManageEngine despite larger macroeconomic concerns, Zoho Corporation cofounder Sridhar Vembu stated on Tuesday. Interacting at ManageEngine UserConf Mumbai 2023, Vembu states the Zoho management expects its enterprise IT management division to cross $1 billion in revenue by the next year, given the demand metrics. The Pleasanton, California and Chennai-headquartered firm generates revenue from licensing of software products, consulting, software maintenance and technical support. Growth is slower than it was a year ago, but we are still doing well, Vembu said. The business is seeing signs of longer decision-making by clients, higher client churn, and lower spend by customers, he stated. What we can hope to do is survive the earthquake. We have built a strong foundation and we expect to survive this, Vembu stated. The rate of digitalisation is picking up here (in India) at a rapid pace, making IT management more important than ever and setting up ManageEngine to soon reach $1 billion in global revenue, he further said. In 2022, Zoho Corp became the first bootstrapped company in India to record an annual revenue of $1 billion. The Indian unit of global business software provider reported a 43% increase in consolidated profit for fiscal 2022, as per its latest filings with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. Recently the third largest revenue market worldwide for ManageEngine, India is set to surpass the United Kingdom in the next three years, the firm said. ManageEngine India has registered a year-over-year growth of 50% in 2022 while the customer count increased by 30%, driven by demand primarily from the BFSI, manufacturing and real estate segments. Speaking about the layoffs by big tech companies, Vembu said as a private company, Zoho Corp is willing to take a dip in profit in order to retain its staff and does not see any impact to its 12,000 employee base, almost half of which work for ManageEngine. We will be willing to take a decline in profit in order to make sure that we retain our staff. It builds a long-term culture and value system, he said. He added that the firm is focused on talent creation through its learning programmes, especially to leverage rural talent. IT industry's apex body Nasscom on Wednesday said that the Union Budget for 2023-24 is technology-backed, focused on building a sustainable future and an inclusive economy at-scale with a sharp focus on investment, industry, inclusiveness and infrastructure. In a statement, Nasscom said that the Budget could undoubtedly be termed as a blueprint for India @100. "It touched upon all the critical aspects required to position India as a leader in terms of digital offerings, along with a focus on talent and sustainability. It is bold and strategic, with a clear focus on growth and development," said the IT industry body. Calling out the Indian economy as a tech-driven, knowledge-based economy, the budget focuses on three key transformational trends that will help build India its competitive advantage -- digital transformation, energy transformation, and supply chain resilience. The budget outlines India's plan to become an engine for global growth and deploy digital as leading India's development. "It called out the role of technology in almost all the major announcements -- from building digital public infrastructure (DPI) for agriculture to the use of tech for accelerating the skilling momentum to growing e-courts to powering green growth and sustainable mobility," said Nasscom. The creation of 5G labs will further help in opening newer avenues and opportunities, scaling up new business models and employment prospects. "The government also reiterated its commitment to green growth. Focus on green fuel, green energy, green farming, green mobility, green buildings, green equipment, and policies for efficient energy use across various economic sectors is indeed the need of the hour. Allocating Rs 35,000 crore towards achieving net zero goals and energy transition is commendable," it added. Highlighting that India is the third largest ecosystem for startups, the budget offers a playing ground for the startup community as well. San Mateo, CA (94402) Today Some clouds this morning will give way to generally sunny skies for the afternoon. High 58F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight A few passing clouds, otherwise generally clear. Low 46F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph. A property owner in Wichita, Kansas discovered that the expensive monthly drain cleaning his rental property has required is the result of an AT&T contractor drilling a hole and running a line thru his sewer lateral. AT&T nor its contractor appear concerned. The problem has been going on for a year or more. This story is all too common. I think this guy needs to stop calling AT&T and call a lawyer. KAKE: After days of scratching his head, Smith finally put a camera down the main sewage pipe, and couldn't believe what he saw. "Found out that there was a big orange cable going through the sewer line," he said. Smith discovered that an AT&T line was drilled straight through the main drainage pipe, causing a huge blockage. "I've got a sewer line, it's a $4,500 line, that if I paid the money to have it fixed, they're going to run a line right back through it," said Smith. After nearly a year of painstaking calls and emails to AT&T, Smith says there's still no resolution. "It's frustrating because, you know, the big utility companies are showing record profits And then just to turn around and just kind of say, well, gee, isn't that too bad? That's sad," said Smith. 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! Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Life is short, but February is shorter. The cleaning month, according to the Romans, who practised atonement and purification. Its also Groundhog Day (Feb 2) and Valentines Day (Feb 14), a good match for some of the more cerebral of this months movies, where there is a lot of recrimination, regret and sadness. No doubt, its a sombre month in movie-land, although the tougher films come from A-list directors: Darren Aronofsky, Steven Soderbergh, Sarah Polley and newcomer Charlotte Wells, who has won extravagant praise for her debut feature, Aftersun. Brendan Fraser stirs the usual controversy in a teacup with The Whale. And the Oscar nominees are out, so its time to tick off the contenders. Find out the next TV, streaming series and movies to add to your must-sees. Get The Watchlist delivered every Thursday. The Whale The latest from Darren Aronofsky, who brought us The Fountain, The Wrestler, Black Swan and Mother! The Whale is his first feature in five years and it has generated a lot of talk, with Brendan Fraser playing a morbidly obese English teacher whos trying to reconnect with his daughter. Fraser wore a fat suit for the role, so he and Aronofsky have been copping criticism for not using an obese actor - somewhat predictably. Reviews have been positive, but not uniformly so. Opens February 2. Advertisement The Honeymoon The latest from British comedy writer Dean Craig, who wrote Death at a Funeral. His recent films have also died, but this one might be worth a peek: it looks raucous and ridiculous, with some good physical comedy. A newlywed couple heads to Venice on honeymoon; the grooms oafish friend crashes the party and things go south from there. Asim Chaudhry plays the friend. Opens February 2. Magic Mikes Last Dance Steven Soderbergh returns to the directors chair he vacated after the original Magic Mike ten years ago. Channing Tatum brings the beef (for the last time?) as the stripper with a heart of gold. Salma Hayek plays the woman who wants to help him take his act to the London stage. The promo line says its the final tease, but we shall see. There have been rumblings about spin-offs with characters other than Magic Mike. The series will probably go on as long as it has legs - and pecs, biceps and butts. Just shoot me. Opens February 9. The Son Advertisement French playwright and director Florian Zeller wrote and directed The Father, based on his own play. Christopher Hampton helped to adapt it to an English setting. In The Son, Hugh Jackman plays a man who walked out on his marriage, some years earlier. Now his ex-wife (Laura Dern) asks him to help with their troubled 17-year-old son (Zen McGrath), whom he barely knows. Zeller is once again directing his own work, adapting the play with Hampton. Fans of The Father will be lining up. Anthony Hopkins makes an appearance. Opens February 9. Women Talking This could be the film of the month. Its based on a true story. At a strict and conservative Mennonite colony in Bolivia, some women discover theyve been drugged and raped by their own menfolk. The women meet to work out what to do: stay, leave, fight back? Canadian actress, writer and director Sarah Polley has assembled a glistening cast: Claire Foy, Rooney Mara, Frances McDormand, Ben Whishaw, Judith Ivey. It has been nominated for best picture and best adapted screenplay for the coming Oscars, which surprised even its director. Looks intense. Opens February 16. Close Advertisement Nominated for best international feature film at the Oscars (which are on March 13). Two 13-year-old boys, Leo and Remi, have an intense but innocent friendship that becomes complicated when they get to high school. Its the second feature of Belgian director Lukas Dhont, who based it on his experiences as a teenager. It won the Grand Jury prize at Cannes (the second prize) and the Sydney Film Festival Prize at last years Sydney Film Festival. Opens February 16. Knowing the Score This is Janine Hoskings biographical documentary on Australian conductor Simone Young, who stormed the citadels of classical music, kicking down doors and punching through ceilings. Is she the real life version of the character Cate Blanchett plays in Tar? Not quite, even though Blanchett executive produced the documentary. At one point, Young responds to the gender question with a memorable line: What does being a woman have to do with conducting? My tits dont get in the way. Looks terrific. Opens February 16. Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey Is nothing sacred? Winnie the Pooh reborn as a slasher movie? How is that even possible, when Disney owns the rights to the original books? Actually, the first book entered public domain in the US in January last year. So here we have a grown-up Christopher Robin returning to the Hundred Acre Wood to find that Pooh and Piglet have never forgiven him for leaving. They take bloody revenge on a group of women renting a cottage nearby. Looks to be completely scurrilous and appalling - so just right for the horror crowd. Opens February 16. Advertisement Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Monsters are metaphors. Zombies tap into our fear of the mindless mob, werewolves warn of our uncontrolled animal side, ghosts are the past that refuses to go away. But metaphors shift with the times, and vampires are perhaps the most flexible of terrors. In the century or so since Dracula first sank his fangs into our collective unconscious, the vampire has variously represented anxieties about predatory elites, addiction, sexual transgression and much more. Weve seen biker vampires, superhero vampires, queer, camp and comic vampires. Things have been mostly quiet in the long shadow of the Twilight franchise, but bloodsuckers are making their return: a remake of Stephen Kings Salems Lot is due to land this year, while Robert Eggers (The Witch, The Northman) is in pre-production for a remake of Nosferatu. Closer to home, F. W. Murnaus classic is also the inspiration for a very contemporary tale. When playwright Keziah Warner was pitching her latest work to Malthouse Theatre, she was sure someone else would have pipped her to the post. She couldnt have been the first to notice the parallels between the parasitic undead and the new breed of ruthless entrepreneurs bleeding life from local communities and the planet itself? Jacob Collins-Levy: Its usually the Count from Sesame Street Im drawing on. Credit:Kristian Gehradte Theres pretty obvious capitalist metaphors there: a rich person coming to a small town and f---ing it up, she says. And the people of the town welcome it, even though ultimately, its terrible. Murnaus 1922 Nosferatu is recognised as the greatest silent horror film. When the director couldnt secure the rights to Bram Stokers Dracula, he changed a few names and locations and made his own version, in which the sinister Count Orlok travels from his remote castle to a bustling town. As his victims pile up the town itself begins to fall apart. Warner has long been a fan of Murnaus film. One of the things thats really interesting about it is how much Orlok talks about his connection to earth and how he draws his strength from the earth, she says. I thought there was something really interesting in vampires and the land. Advertisement The playwright has moved the action to remote Tasmania. What fascinated her about the Apple Isle within the Australian Gothic tradition was its focus on the environment. Tasmania has iconic examples of environmental degradation. The tiger and the devil and salmon farming, the flooding of Lake Pedder, the deforestation. In her Nosferatu, the town of Bluewater has all but collapsed after the local mine shutdown. The landscape has been blighted by industry, but hope comes in the form of a billionaire stranger wanting to relocate there. The townsfolk leap at his offer, but their deal with the devil increasingly takes an awful toll. Even a century later, Murnaus version of the vampire remains one of the most unsettling. Vampires tend towards the seductive, but the original Nosferatu was a twisted nightmare of fangs and claws and eyes that never blink. Warners Orlok is a more attractive figure, but she wanted to include a nod to the source. Orlok transforms throughout the play. He does start more Nosferatu-esque and ends slightly more Edward Cullen, but I really liked how actually terrifying Orlok is. Genuinely weird and disquieting. From left, David Bowie in The Hunger; Robert Pattison and Kristen Stewart in Twilight; Max Schreck in Nosferatu. Credit: Jacob Collins-Levy plays Orlok in the Malthouse production. Rehearsing a scene of unexpected violence late in the play, his aura is more that of David Bowie in The Hunger than Max Schreck in Nosferatu. Its usually the Count from Sesame Street Im drawing on, he jokes. I was attracted to the fact that theres so many different incarnations of the vampire that you can draw on, and that this play contains, he says. It feels like an homage to the different incarnations of the vampire that weve seen. Advertisement Loading The play leans into its Gothic roots for all its contemporary resonances, it also has fun with the trappings of the genre. This is part of its appeal to director Bridget Balodis. Im very attracted to this genre, she says. I think its such a great place to play. As a director theres something about imagining a completely sideways view ... that opens the door for you to be able to say or do or show a particular image of the world that you cant in a naturalistic way. The subtle humour of Warners script also drew her in. Its very satisfying in terms of the horror but theres also this dry comedy throughout, which really suited me. As obviously monstrous as Orlok is in this telling, the real tension of the work lies in how long his victims are able to ignore the horrors theyve invited into their world in exchange for short-term comforts. The denial is a big theme in the work, and the length of time it goes on for. Its like willing ignorance, ignoring the thing that is right in front of you because youre getting what you want, says Balodis. Loading Theres a metaphor for you in an age of climate change, growing inequity, and all kinds of denialism, you can take your pick. But recontextualising Nosferatu within an Australia setting adds more to its relevance, says Balodis. Theres something embedded in the Australian psyche to do with two things. Theres the horror of the small town, the frightening locked-in feeling ... everybody knows everybodys stuff and theres no escape. Advertisement Tenterfield Mayor Bronwyn Petrie wants to be able to assure her constituents they were not sidelined in the recovery from the 2019-20 Black Summer bushfires. Right now, she cant. A scathing audit released on Thursday found the governments Bushfire Local Economic Recovery program which aimed to support job retention and creation in areas ravaged by the fires lacked integrity and transparency. The fire in September 2019 struck Tenterfield during the annual Peter Allen Festival. Credit: Volunteer Fire Fighters Association In particular, the audit confirmed an intervention by then-deputy premier John Barilaros office to impose a $1 million minimum threshold on fast-tracked projects had the effect of excluding all projects in electorates held by the Labor Party and ultimately meant 21 of 22 funded projects were in seats held by the Coalition. While Tenterfield had some success in later rounds, receiving $5.7 million to fix Mount Lindesay Road and another $960,000 for water supplies, the rejection of its fast-track applications has left Petrie and the community with questions. A three-year-old boy has died after he was allegedly left in a locked car throughout the day in Sydneys south-west as the temperature rose above 30 degrees. Emergency services were called to a blue Toyota Yaris parked outside a row of shops on Railway Parade at Glenfield, near Liverpool, about 3pm. Paramedics attended after the cars owner, a relative of the child, reported the boy was unresponsive. The three-year-old died at the scene. Real estate agent Rubel Islam, who knows the man through the local Bangladeshi community, said the child had an older brother who would usually be taken to school before the younger child was taken to childcare. Protesters clash with Catholic faithful outside Cardinal Pells funeral Were sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. Were working to restore it. Please try again later. Dismiss Loading The third is that he flags his interest in specific challenges. He praises impact investing that seeks to raise private capital for social policies such as housing affordability, so voters should watch for more on this front. And he uses the essay to strongly back new ways to invest in the economy, such as public funds backed by debt. What does this mean? Chalmers argues for more bodies such as the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, which offers debt and equity to projects that reduce carbon emissions. This fund requires public debt but is off the budget, so it does not deepen the deficit. Is this news? Not really. Labor is already creating a National Reconstruction Fund with $15 billion in debt, a Housing Australia Future Fund with another $10 billion and a Rewiring the Nation Corporation with a whopping $20 billion, all on top of the $10 billion set aside for the CEFC. Nobody should need an essay in The Monthly to tell them Labor believes in borrowing money for state intervention. Labor told us this at the election. But here is the thing: the Liberals love their own brand of intervention. The previous government kept the CEFC after it was set up by Labor and the Greens in 2010. As the years went on, the Liberals found they needed the CEFC to invest in renewables and act on climate change. The debate on this approach is not about whether these funds should exist the Coalition caved on that but about how many of them Australia really needs and about the safeguards required to prevent taxpayer cash from being poured down the drain. Chalmers has an eye on the horizon while he writes about the immediate crisis. His message about fairness and equity is aimed squarely at progressive voters so Australians know he stands for more than budget management. He is building his profile as a potential successor to Anthony Albanese as prime minister and making his case from a position of strength. When voters were asked in the latest Resolve Political Monitor who was best to manage the economy, 37 per cent named the government and 29 per cent named the Coalition. All of this means the ferocious media debate about the essay should be handled with care. The essay is being painted as a repudiation of the free market and a wholesale rejection of supply-side economics when it is no such thing. The conservative critics are setting up a straw man. Jim Chalmerss essay sparked outrage and alarm. For example, here is Chalmers: For a decade before the pandemic, when most advanced economies had a terrible record, governments and independent authorities, backed by conservative prejudices and vested interests, still mostly stuck to a negative form of supply-side economics. They pursued loosely defined goals for competitiveness through a race to the bottom on wages and public investment. His complaint is about a negative form of economics which he never clearly defines this is the only reference to supply-side economics in the essay and his substantive point is about the fall in real wages. That fall is a blunt, hard fact. On the free market, here is Chalmers again: Carefully constructed markets are a positive and powerful tool. There is no rejection of the free market. There is certainly a signal about tougher regulation. Loading Communism? Well, the Liberals grew steadily fonder of their market watchdogs during nine years in power. They berated energy bosses, imposed gas controls, set prices, created a banking royal commission, announced a surprise bank levy and blocked foreign investment deals. Yes, some business mates did very well in those years, but it was transactional. Where was the free market ideology back then? What stands out from the essay is not a policy pledge or imminent decision but a statement of intent. The key phrase is values-based capitalism but it is never defined. It is a work in progress, to be demonstrated in policy later. Governments and investors can be partners, not protagonists, he writes. Our local communities can gain choice and control over their own futures. And the same regulatory frameworks that ensure that for-profit capital in the private sector creates value for investors can generate public value in the for-purpose economy. This is what values-based capitalism can look like. One implication of the essay is that the progressive side of politics can use Chalmers own catchphrase to demand action on social spending. There are rumours of an increase in the JobSeeker rate in the May budget. Without one, Chalmers is open to the charge that he is failing his own values-based test on fairness. On another front, the argument about equity surely lends support to the case to amend the stage three tax cuts. Loading It is true, as The Australian Financial Review said in an editorial this week, that Chalmers did not say enough about how to expand the economy by improving productivity, the central achievement of the reforms when Bob Hawke and Paul Keating held power. Chalmers wrote about investing in people and technology to lift productivity, but he did not flesh this out. The unfairness in the criticism is to assume he has nothing to say on growth. Chalmers has no shortage of speeches and interviews ahead of him to make his case. The sheer volume of the outrage has been like a heavy-metal band screaming at an audience deafened by years of electric guitar. Some of the critics clearly feel their readers and listeners need to be panicked into a stampede. But Australians are not deaf and will shrug off the hectoring. Chalmers wants an economy that improves fairness and reduces inequality. Australians should welcome a treasurer who engages on these ideas. His essay is not the first word, nor the last, on what to do about the problems of the past two decades. Developer Douglas Jemal is ready to start his $1 million renovation of the historic Meidenbauer House in Buffalo's Fruit Belt neighborhood, after workers spent several months cleaning up and stabilizing the deteriorated structure. Jemal's Douglas Development Corp. is rehabbing the three-story residence on High Street, with plans for seven studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments, and three new staircases at entrances in the front, back and side of the building, which is sandwiched between Maple and Mulberry streets. 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. Exterior work, which requires approval from the Buffalo Preservation Board, includes replacing the roof, restoring the masonry and replacing windows. Plans also include a new three-space parking lot on the west side of the building, and a nine-space lot on the east side. Jemal also proposes to put a deck on the footprint of a former non-historic garage that was demolished because it was a hazard. The Meidenbauer House is a 5,400-square-foot combination of two brick houses, located at 204 High and 291 Maple, that date back to 1870. The endangered 19th-century structure, which is a local landmark and part of the High Street Historic District, was built by a German malting family when the Fruit Belt neighborhood was home to breweries. The city took ownership in 2005 and issued four requests-for-proposals to redevelop the property since then. But developers, preservationists and neighbors have disagreed about what to do. The Fruit Belt Community Development Corp., an affiliate of St. John Baptist Church, sought to tear down the building for a parking lot next to a planned grocery store, but that plan was derailed by local opposition. Most recently, Dr. Greg Daniel's Kanaka Partners was named designated developer in 2020, with plans for affordable housing for employees of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus. But the project was delayed, and then Daniel pulled out after his option expired. For Buffalo's endangered buildings, local landmark status may not stop the wrecking ball Uncertainty looms among several of the 134 structures in the city theaters, industrial buildings, houses, neighborhood bars and schools that have local historic status. That left the building mired in uncertainty. The Campaign for Greater Buffalo History, Architecture & Culture offered to buy the city-owned property for $1 last March, and then Jemal stepped forward days later with his own offer to buy it under a designated developer agreement. The Preservation Board will review Jemal's application on Thursday. Also up for review is a request by Hannah Demolition to demolish a three-story commercial building at 510 Niagara St., owned by real estate investor Thomas Giles Kavanagh. The 11,334-square-foot building was once owned by Appliance Plus Outlet and was last used for first-floor retail and four upstairs apartments. But it's now vacant, boarded-up, and considered a hazard by the city. The city panel will also consider an application by the Black Rock Historical Society to designate the properties at 1884, 1888, 1896, 1902, 1918, 1920, 1924, 1930, 1932, 1940, 1942 and 1966 Niagara St. as the Lower Black Rock Historic District. Those contiguous properties all sit along two blocks on the west side of Niagara, from Amherst to Austin streets, according to the application. They include the Jubilee Theater, the J.L. Davis Department Store, the A.A. Justin & Sons Wagon Shop, the Frank Argus Hardware & Stoves building, the John Argus Store, the John Argus Home, the Elisha Safford Home, the Jubilee Library, the Unity Temple, the Canal House and the Wilson House, as well as a retail and apartment building. Two additional parcels at 1894 and 1962 Niagara are considered "non-contributing" to the district, but would still be in it. The Society said the 12 properties date to the period from 1830 to 1915, and originally comprised the commercial and retail center of Black Rock. They are also "the only Erie Canal era streetscape" remaining in the city, but a "new development project threatens" three of them, the Society wrote, without elaborating. A group of Victorian councillors has written to the state government calling for guidelines to end Christian prayers in local council meetings. The letter, sent on Tuesday and signed by 21 councillors from across the state, argues widespread use of a single faiths prayers at the start of meetings is inconsistent with the multicultural and multi-faith diversity of the communities the council represents. Councillors have called for the end of Christian prayers at local government meetings. Credit: Darrian Traynor Some councillors object to being compelled by their councils governance rules to participate in a religious ceremony as part of their role, says the letter, which also cites peer-reviewed research by Monash University Professor of Law Luke Beck, who has questioned whether the use of prayers is consistent with the Local Government Act of 2020. The signatories say Christian prayer use is inconsistent with the diversity of the communities councils represent. The letter was sent to Premier Daniel Andrews, Local Government Minister Melissa Horne, Multicultural Affairs Minister Colin Brooks, and the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission. Dalgleish said there was no easy short-term fix and schools had to consider combining classes and recruiting fourth-year teaching graduates. He said the problem was as much about getting new teachers as retaining current ones. We know many are retiring as they get towards the end of their career and some are saying, No, Im leaving early because Im burnt out. We are saying, Why? How do we keep you in the system? Berwick Lodge Primary School principal Henry Grossek said a dark cloud of teacher shortages was looming, and he knew of colleagues desperately trying to fill positions. Grossek said under current conditions, it was impossible for schools to deliver the same consistency, breadth of program and continuity for students as before the pandemic. Its intuitively obvious that that sort of uncertainty, disruption, lack of continuity will affect children feeling comfortable at school, he said. Australian Principals Federation Victorian president Tina King. Credit: Jason South At the end of the day we come here, we want it to work, we put a smile on, we work really hard at it, but we have to remember there is a personal cost to teachers and principals in being under this sustained pressure to deliver a quality education with so many things making it hard to do that. Australian Principal Federation Victorian president Tina King said schools had to redirect additional extracurricular programs and resources because of the workforce shortages and factors such as time-in-lieu requirements, expected reduced voluntary parental payments and the impact of COVID-19. They are struggling. Principals have worked from July on recruitment. We are not getting the number of people and individuals we need coming from outside the system, she said. Loading King said some schools had to redirect teachers to fill vacancies in essential classes such as English and maths. There has been an active recruitment campaign for overseas teachers ... were going to start seeing them flow in, but the situation is dire, she said. But education recruitment company anzuk director Daniel Mundy said things were moving in the right direction. He said teaching recruits would arrive in Australia from South Africa, the UK and Canada in the next six months, and expected more than 1000 teachers from overseas to arrive through 2023, depending on visas and school sponsorships. Independent Education Union deputy secretary David Brear said the intensity of teaching work, excessive administrative burdens, constant reform and a lack of support in the classroom had taken a toll. Number of Victorian teaching registrations In 2020, there were 136,470 registrations. In 2021, there were 138,340 registrations. In 2022, there were 141,454 registrations. Too many teachers are leaving the profession early, in many cases, as a result of workload-related burnout, and these same reasons are causing many prospective teachers to think twice, he said. The state government has invested millions of dollars into fast-tracking pathways for professionals to enter teaching, such as Echuca winemaker Trent Eacott. Eacott, 38, is taking a midlife career change and has swapped 18 years of long harvesting days at a vineyard for the classroom. Loading The father of three started a two-year program with Teach for Australia (TFA) in November and is already teaching chemistry and agricultural science at Echuca College. For him, the teacher shortage presented an opportunity for a safe career change. TFA, in which students complete a Master of Teaching at the Australian Catholic University, has 142 associates in Victorian schools this year. For me, it was time for a change and I started to look into my strengths and where I think I could make a difference, Eacott said. Australian Education Union president Meredith Peace said the staffing gaps were deeply concerning, with schools redirecting staff from the tutor learning initiative, reducing curriculum and combining classes to cover absences. The union wants retention payments for existing staff, cost of living support for pre-service teachers, funded job placements for pre-service teachers, more targeted and funded support for early career teachers and support to reduce teacher workload. A Department of Education spokesperson said the overwhelming majority of government schools were fully staffed for the start of the school year and the delivery of programs was expected to continue as normal. The Australian Education Union wants better conditions to retain and recruit teachers. Credit: Louise Kennerley Our successful recruiting campaigns have resulted in 5000 more teachers being registered in Victoria at the end of 2022 compared to 2020, the spokesperson said. After a post-doctorate at the ANU, Steffen joined the CSIRO Division of Environmental Mechanics as editor and information officer but soon pursued his growing interest in global environmental change and sustainability as the executive officer of the Global Change and Terrestrial Ecosystems Program of the International Geosphere-Biosphere Program (IGBP), an international body co-ordinating research into global change. Born in Norfolk, Nebraska, he trained as a chemist at the University of Missouri before gaining his PhD from the University of Florida in 1975. He came to Australia with his wife Carrie in the late 1970s after a detour to spend a year working for the Peace Corps in rural Fiji. Professor Will Steffen was one of Australias pre-eminent climate scientists, the founding director of the Australian National Universitys Climate Change Institute and a founding councillor of Australias Climate Council. Steffen quickly became one of the leaders in this emerging research field and, throughout the 1980s and 90s, helped drive the shift to a more interdisciplinary science, bringing together disparate fields such as ecology, biology, oceanography and climate research into the larger study of earth system science. From 1998 to 2004 he was based in Stockholm as the executive director of the IGBP. When he returned to Australia, he advised the federal government on issues of climate and joined the ANU Fenner School of Environment and Society as director before becoming the Inaugural Director of the ANU Climate Change Institute. He was a foundation member of the Australian Climate Commission until it was dissolved by the Abbott government in 2013. In response, Steffen, along with fellow commissioners Tim Flannery, Lesley Hughes and Amanda McKenzie, launched an independent advisory body, the Climate Council, in a crowdfunded campaign that raised more than $1 million in one week. Steffen was also a significant advocate of the concept of the Anthropocene, the idea that humanity has entered a new geological age, and was the climate science expert on the Anthropocene Working Group. Among many seminal publications, he is known for his 2009 paper A safe operating space for humanity published in Nature (with Johan Rockstrom and others), which introduced the concept of planetary boundaries. Steffen and his co-writers identified nine planet-scale processes that regulate the stability of the earth system, and which, if crossed, may lead to large-scale environmental changes. Former Liberal staffer Bruce Lehrmann has accused the prosecutor who led the rape trial against him of professional misconduct and being driven by politics and personal malice. Lehrmann was charged with sexually assaulting his former colleague Brittany Higgins in the office of their then-boss, former Coalition minister Linda Reynolds, after a night drinking with friends in March 2019. DPPs Shane Drumgold (left) and Bruce Lehrmann, who has filed a complaint against him. Credit: Rhett Wyman, Alex Ellinghausen Lehrmann, who pleaded not guilty to the charge, has always maintained his innocence and there have been no findings against him. The ACT Supreme Court trial was aborted late last year due to juror misconduct, and a retrial was abandoned due to concerns over Higgins fragile mental health. Ever since Alexander the Great stamped his handsome portrait on coins across the Middle East and Central Asia, monarchs have understood the value of currency as a way of promoting their image to their subject peoples. That was certainly true in Australia where, as early as 1855, the Sydney Mint started producing Australias first gold sovereigns with Queen Victorias august countenance. The red ragging republicans at the Reserve Bank of Australia and within the Albanese government, however, on Thursday broke with that long tradition by announcing the face of the reigning monarch will no longer appear on any of the nations legal tender. The image of the late Queen Elizabeth II that now adorns the $5 note will be replaced not by King Charles III but by an Indigenous design which will be determined by a committee of experts. Predictably, monarchists have declared a culture war red alert. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has described the decision as woke nonsense and an attack on society, blaming Treasurer Jim Chalmers, who the RBA consulted on the decision. Personal information including addresses and salary information on 140 current and former Australian staff of multinational media outlet The Guardian may have been accessed by hackers in the crippling cyberattack that hit the company late last year. Its local leaders had told employees in a mid-January internal email that we dont currently believe there is a risk to Australian staff but cautioned that its technical teams were continuing to investigate the breach. The Guardian initially believed Australian staff details had not been affected by the attack. Credit: On Thursday The Guardians Australian managing director Dan Stinton and editor Lenore Taylor emailed local staff to say 140 people employed between February 2017 and May 2019 had their details affected. Tax file numbers, bank account details, superannuation information, salaries and addresses were among the staff details potentially compromised. Stinton and Taylor told staff in an email seen by this masthead that key Guardian servers were corrupted in the hack, preventing access to information that showed what the hackers had accessed until they were rebuilt. Two federal departments have banned staff from downloading TikTok on work phones, but given no reason for the ban, nor said whether it extends to other social media networks as fears grow overseas about the security of the Chinese-owned service. The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry confirmed in answers to parliament that their employees were forbidden from downloading TikTok on work devices, joining the Departments of Defence and Home Affairs. TikTok, owned by Chinas ByteDance, has shaken up the social media industry in recent years. Credit: AP Late last year US President Joe Biden signed a law with bipartisan backing that barred American federal public servants from having TikTok on their work devices because of security concerns. Spokespeople for the federal agriculture and environment departments confirmed the bans but would not say when they were implemented or why, and refused to answer questions about whether the prohibition extended to all other social media applications. Bangkok: The Myanmar junta marked the second anniversary of its takeover of the government by extending a state of emergency imposed when it seized power, a move that appeared to set back its plans for an election that had been expected in August. Protesters and exiled civilian leaders marked the day with silent protests vowing to end what they called the armys illegal power grab. In major cities across Myanmar, streets emptied as people stayed home a move that avoided another potential violent crackdown while hundreds of democracy supporters attended rallies in Thailand and the Philippines. Activists stage a play condemning the coup leader Min Aung Hlaing at an anti-Myanmar junta demonstration in front of the United Nations building in Bangkok on February 1. Credit: Getty In the main commercial cities of Yangon and Mandalay, images on social media showed deserted streets. Democracy activists had urged people not to go out between 10am and 3pm. There was also a rally in Yangon by about 100 supporters of the military, flanked by soldiers, photographs showed. Manila: The United States and the Philippines have announced plans to expand Americas military presence in the South-East Asian nation with access to four more bases as they both seek to deter Chinas increasingly aggressive actions towards Taiwan and in the disputed South China Sea. The agreement was reached as US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin was in the country for talks about deploying US forces and weapons in more Philippine military camps. Demonstrators burn a mock U.S. flag as they protest against the visit of US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin. Credit: AP In a joint announcement, the two countries said they had decided to accelerate the full implementation of their so-called Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement, which aims to support combined training, exercises and interoperability. As part of the agreement, the US has allocated $US82 million ($115 million) towards infrastructure improvements at five current EDCA sites and expanded its military presence to four new sites in strategic areas of the country. The 11 members of the Erie County Stadium Corp. board of directors didn't have a say in negotiating the deal to build a new stadium for the Buffalo Bills in Orchard Park. But they will have a central role in shepherding the deal through the review process and then overseeing the project during construction. The group was formed more than two decades ago, but it had been inactive for several years, until recently. Last Monday, the subsidiary of Empire State Development approved the framework for the new Buffalo Bills stadium project. The publics last opportunity to chime in on the deal before the Erie County Legislature votes on it and the final paperwork is signed by all parties is at a hearing at 5 p.m. Thursday at ECC South. The stadium corporation was not involved in the almost yearlong negotiations to take the project from a tentative agreement in March to something thats nearing completion. But it still plays a vital role in implementing the deal, as it has with other stadium-related projects since it was first established in 1998. The state entity must approve all the agreements that are part of the building of a stadium, including a new 30-year lease that will kick in when construction is substantially complete in 2026, a community benefits agreement and a non-relocation agreement. And once the new Bills stadium is built, the Erie County Stadium Corp. will take over as its outright owner, with the county ceding ownership of the property to the state. Erie County owns Highmark Stadium and the property around it more than 240 acres in total and leases it to the stadium corporation, which then subleases it to the Bills. Framework in place for new Bills stadium as 30-year, $1.4 billion deal nears completion The framework for the new Bills stadium project deal, including a 30-year lease and community benefits agreement, was unanimously approved by the Erie County Stadium Corp. on Monday. Its really the legal entity and states arm in implementing this project, Stephen Gawlik, senior council with Empire State Development, said of the stadium corporation. I look at it like were implementing what the state negotiated. What's its role? Bob Duffy, the group's new chair, said the bulk of the work for the Erie County Stadium Corp.s board of directors will come between now and the completion of stadium construction. Well respect everyones schedule and there wont be an abundance of meetings, but we wont be inactive for long periods of time, he said. I think theres enough scrutiny and enough emphasis on making this work and be a success that whenever a meeting is necessary, it will happen. We are committed to whatever is needed. Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz said the stadium corporations approval of the deal was needed for Empire State Development the economic development arm of the state to be able to close the deal. Like the Erie County Legislature, the stadium corporation cannot renegotiate the deal and can only vote up or down on it, he said. Community benefits, stadium deal tied to Buffalo Bills regardless of who owns team, Poloncarz says The Erie County executive met with The Buffalo News editors and reporters this week to offer more insight into how the community benefits agreement would work. The Bills, state and county came to an initial agreement in principle in March for a $1.4 billion open-air stadium to be built in Orchard Park, across the street on Abbott Road from the current Highmark Stadium. Funding for construction will include $600 million from the state, $250 million from the county and $550 million from the Bills. The corporation does not negotiate the new stadium deal or lease or other big-ticket items, Poloncarz said. It is in more of an oversight role on behalf of the Empire State Development. Whats coming next The Erie County Stadium Corp. will not be at the stadium project public hearing Thursday, but members will receive all comments from it and review them to determine if any adjustments to the agreement need to be made. Its important that the public gets to speak out, said Duffy, a former lieutenant governor for the state, whos now the chair of the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce. Gawlik said the corporation is likely to meet in February and March for administrative needs and to go over any final details of the deal, and then as needed, if there is any stadium-related business or issues to address. Thats a significant change for a board that Gawlik said hasnt met in several years because there were not any matters to meet about. This is an enormous project, and the opening day is likely September 2026, so there will be some lulls for us, Duffy said. But with a project of this magnitude, things always pop up that may have to come back to the corporation. An extension of both the current lease, which is up in July, and non-relocation agreement will be part of the new stadium agreement and should take the sides through the end of construction, Poloncarz said. That means the stadium corporation should not have to approve an updated lease annually up until the new stadium is complete. Who's on the board? The board of directors consists of 11 members, including Duffy, seven of whom have been appointed by the governors office. According to its bylaws, as many as 15 people can serve on the board. Directors are: Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown Buffalo Building Trades Council President Paul Brown Former Buffalo Urban League President/CEO Brenda Williams McDuffie University at Buffalo President Satish Tripathi 43North Chair Eric Reich ECMC President and CEO Thomas Quatroche Erie County Attorney Jeremy Toth Erie County DPW Commissioner William Geary Erie County Legislature Chair April Baskin Erie County Associate Deputy Comptroller Bryan Fiume Of those not appointed by the state, Toth and Geary were appointed by Poloncarz, Baskin by the Legislatures Majority Conference and Fiume by the Legislatures Minority Conference. There are some very good people on that board who will be good stewards of public money," Duffy said. What it's done The entity was first incorporated in February 1998 to help facilitate the essential governmental functions in connection with a new lease after the original lease from when the stadium first opened in 1973 had expired. Originally called Rich Stadium, it was funded and built by Erie County. In July 2013, the Erie County Stadium Corp. again entered into an agreement with the Bills and Erie County on a 10-year lease. The Bills, county and state have also met annually to discuss multiple issues like infrastructure, parking lots, security issues and how to spend money on what projects. The stadium corporation typically does not get involved in much of that discussion but will meet at times to make sure everything was done in accordance with the lease agreements, Poloncarz said. Who's in charge? Duffy said when Gov. Kathy Hochul asked him to take on the volunteer role, he answered "yes" immediately. He was officially appointed as chair on Jan. 23 the day the corporation met to approve the new stadium project and takes over for Howard Zemsky. I have plenty on my plate and learned to say no in my life to a lot of things, but in all honesty, I would never say no to this, Duffy said. I have a passion for this and Im proud to do it. He was part of the lease negotiations with the Bills in 2013 as lieutenant governor and said he learned then about the challenges the team endures as a small market franchise and the way they must economize to compete with teams in larger cities. Buffalo is the NFLs second-smallest market. To ever take a chance of the team leaving, it would be a catastrophe, Duffy said. If the governor and leadership in Western New York did not step up the way they did, believe me, even with the intentions of not leaving, the Bills would have been presented with a number of choices that would certainly have been very inviting to consider. Duffy provides invaluable knowledge of the Bills administration and understands the team's overall economic value to the region and the importance of a strong process that puts Western New York's economic future at its center, said Matt Janiszewski, Hochuls upstate press secretary. Duffy said hes already taking calls and reading emails from people weighing in on the deal. Some are bringing up issues that cant be changed at this point in the process, like putting a dome on the new stadium or putting it downtown. Some people are complaining. You get that. But, overall, I do think theres a sense of excitement, Duffy said. Portsmouth: Britains Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said his country would always be conscious of its colonial past within the Indo-Pacific but could not erase the past, as the UK seeks greater ties to counter Chinas influence within the region. Cleverly on Thursday dismissed the notion that comments from Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong earlier this week calling for countries such as Britain to come to terms with its uncomfortable colonial past had caused a rift between the pair. Britain and Australia meanwhile reaffirmed their pledge for greater co-operation in diplomatic efforts. Britains Foreign Secretary James Cleverly holds a press conference with Foreign Minister Penny Wong. Credit: Getty Wong, who was born in Malaysia and is of Chinese and British descent, said in a speech at Kings College London on Tuesday that former imperial powers must not remain sheltered in narrower versions of their pasts when it came to engaging in the region and trying to find more common ground. Southern England: In a field in the south of England, Ukrainian army recruit Olena, a 46-year-old mother from Kyiv with no military experience, is being put through the paces by Australian armed forces. Having signed up for the army last May, she is now learning how to test bodies for booby traps, remove landmines from a field and safely evacuate from artillery fire. Olena, a Ukrainian receiving infantry training in Britain, fights back tears as she explains why she joined up. Credit: Getty Images It is part of an intensive five-week course that would typically take six months to teach, time that Ukrainians dont have. Olena, who will not give her real name to protect her identity and the safety of her family, including her teenage daughter, will return to Ukraine trained up with a military kit and ready to help with the war effort. PHILIPSBURG:--- The President of the Cay Hill Community Council Ms. Angelique Romou informs the Residents of the Cay/Hill/Little Bay District that the location for the Town Hall Meeting scheduled for this Saturday the 4th of February 2023 has changed to the Asha Stevins Hillside Christian School Cay-Hill Campus. The meeting will be from 5 pm to 7pm. Topics of discussion are: Introduction of the Cay Hill Community Council and Street leaders Introduction of the CayHill Little Bay Community Police Officer Discussion of the coming together of the Cay Hill Community The New Hospital The New SZV Building The Ambulance Department AOB Romou is encouraging all residents of the Cay Hill/Little Bay district to come out to the Asha Stevins Hillside Christian School Cay Hill Campus and be informed, ask questions and get answers. PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- The Ministry of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Planning, and Infrastructure (Ministry of VROMI), hereby announces that on Wednesday, February 1st, and Thursday, February 2nd, 2023, the Bush Road, from the Peridot round-a-bout to Dominos Pizza will experience some disruption due to road works (resurfacing) being carried out. This is to allow road resurfacing work to be carried out from 8:00 PM until 1:00 AM. Those living in the immediate area should exercise caution when moving around during the stipulated date and time. Motorists are requested to be vigilant and observant of the traffic directional signs. The Ministry of VROMI apologizes for any inconvenience that this may cause. Willemstad/Philipsburg:--- The Centrale Bank van Curacao en Sint Maarten is issuing a 5-guilder silver commemorative coin honoring the city of Willemstad and marking its 25th anniversary as a World Heritage site. The historic area of Willemstad has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1997, reason enough to honor Curacao's capital with a commemorative coin in 2023. Willemstad is one of a select few World Heritage Cities that have been awarded this special status because of their universal cultural and historical value. Willemstad is characterized by its historic neighborhoods, cultural diversity, unique urban architecture, and over 700 multicolored monuments. The city is also unique as a historic Caribbean seaport. The commemorative coin will be produced by the Royal Dutch Mint. Its design parallels that of the Dutch commemorative coin for which His Majesty King Willem-Alexander made the first strike here in Curacao today. As the coin will celebrate Curacao's important UNESCO World Heritage Sites, a public call was made to designers/artists in Curacao to design both the euro and NAf. coins. The winning design is by Curacaoan artist Cleo Maxime de Brabander. The obverse shows King Willem-Alexander with the Queen Juliana Bridge in Willemstad in the background. Four stars at the top of the obverse side symbolize the four countries that comprise the Kingdom of the Netherlands: Curacao, Aruba, Sint Maarten, and the Netherlands. The reverse features a cityscape showing the four neighborhoods that make up the UNESCO World Heritage Site: Punda, Otrobanda, Scharloo, and Pietermaai. The design features key monuments, including the Handelskade, the Mikve Israel-Emanuel synagogue in Punda, Fort Amsterdam, and the Emanu-el temple, which marks the border of the Pietermaai neighborhood. The coin is minted in the highest quality Silver Proof and comes in a presentation case, with a Certificate of Authenticity. The mintage is limited to 500 pieces. The Willemstad coin will also be legal tender in Curacao and Sint Maarten, with a nominal value of 5 guilders. This will be one of the last commemorative coins to be issued in our current currency, the Netherlands Antilles guilder. Sales will begin later this year. Announcements will be made on CBCS social media channels and on our website: https://www.centralbank.cw/functions/banknotes-coins. Willemstad, February 2, 2023 CENTRALE BANK VAN CURACAO EN SINT MAARTEN Trillium Gold Appoints New Chief Financial Officer Trillium Gold Mines Inc. (TSXV:TGM, OTCQX:TGLDF, FRA:0702) (aTrillium Golda or the aCompanya https://www.commodity-tv.com/ondemand/companies/profil/trillium-gold-mines-inc/ ) is pleased to announce that Mr. Jeffrey Oa?Neill has been appointed the Companya?s Chief Financial Officer effective immediately. Jeffrey Oa?Neill is President and owner of JMO Enterprises Ltd., a private consulting firm specializing in acquiring mineral exploration projects in Canada and the USA. He is also a Director for Sanibel Ventures Corp., Northern Lion Gold Corp. and Barksdale Resources.A Mr. Oa?Neill acted as Regional Sales Manager, Western Canada, for Primus Business Solutions. In 2004, he co-founded Momentum Conferencing Solutions, the largest Canadian reseller of voice/video/data collaboration solutions, and acted as Vice President, Sales until 2007. Mr. Oa?Neill assumes the position of CFO in place of Mr. Ian MacNeily who was on contract with the Company until year end 2022 and has stayed on until this time for an effective transition.A Russell Starr, President & CEO of Trillium Gold commented, aOn behalf of the Board I would like to welcome Jeff to the Trillium team.A He joins us at a compelling time as we uncover valuable historical evidence of gold and critical minerals along our 100 km Confederation Belt towards a high-quality drill program this year.A We look forward to benefiting from Jeffa?s senior financial management expertise and valuable business perspective. About Trillium Gold Mines Inc. Trillium Gold Mines Inc. is a growth focused company engaged in the business of acquisition, exploration and development of mineral properties located in the Red Lake Mining District of Northern Ontario. As part of its regional-scale consolidation strategy, the Company has assembled one of the largest prospective land packages in and around the Red Lake mining district in proximity to major mines and deposits, as well as along the Confederation Lake and Birch-Uchi greenstone belts.A In 2022 the Company closed a number of acquisitions effectively extending its contiguous land position over more than 100 km of favourable structures on trend with Kinross Golda?s Great Bear Project and Evolution Mininga?s Red Lake Operation. In addition, the Company has interests in highly prospective properties in Larder Lake, Ontario.A Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements This news release contains forward-looking information, which involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual events to differ materially from current expectations. Forward-looking information is based on managementa?s reasonable assumptions, estimates, expectations, analyses and opinions, which are based on managementa?s experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, and other factors that management believes are relevant and reasonable in the circumstances, but which may prove to be incorrect.A Such factors, among others, include: impacts arising from the global disruption caused by the Covid-19 coronavirus outbreak, business integration risks; fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions; fluctuations in securities markets; fluctuations in spot and forward prices of gold or certain other commodities; change in national and local government, legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments; risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining (Incl. environmental hazards, industrial accidents); inability to obtain adequate insurance to cover risks and hazards; the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities and indigenous populations; availability of increasing costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (Incl. the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); and title to properties. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation, except to the extent required by law, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Addendum to Notice of General Meeting Golden Rim Resources (ACN 006 710 774) (Company https://www.commodity-tv.com/ondemand/companies/profil/golden-rim-resources-ltd/ ) hereby gives notice to Shareholders that, in relation to the Notice of General Meeting dated 13 January 2023 in respect of the General Meeting to be held on Wednesday, 15 February 2023 at 12 noon (AEDT) (Meeting), the Directors have resolved to add Resolution 4 as set out below, and to supplement the information contained in the Explanatory Memorandum (Addendum). The numbering used in this Addendum is a continuation of the number used in the Notice of General Meeting and the Explanatory Memorandum. The definitions used in this Addendum are as defined in the Notice and the Explanatory Memorandum, unless otherwise defined in this Addendum. This Addendum should be read in its entirety. If Shareholders are in doubt as to how they should vote, they should seek advice from a suitable qualified professional advisor prior to voting. Should you wish the discuss the matters set out in this Addendum, please do not hesitate to contact the Company by telephone at +61 (03) 8677 0829. PROXY FORM Annexed to this Addendum is a replacement proxy form (Replacement Proxy Form). To ensure clarity of voting instructions by Shareholders on the Resolutions to be considered at the Meeting, Shareholders are advised that: If you have already voted by completing a Proxy Form and wish to vote on Resolution 4 or otherwise change your proxy vote: Please place a new vote, which will replace your previous vote, by following the proxy lodgement instructions below. If you have already voted by completing a Proxy Form and do not wish to vote on Resolution 4 or otherwise change your vote: You need not take any action as the earlier submitted vote remains valid. If you have not yet voted or wish to vote: Please place a vote by following the proxy lodgement instructions below. Replacement Proxy Forms can be lodged: Online: https://investorcentre.linkgroup.com Login to the Link website using the holding details as shown on the Proxy Form. Select \-Voting\- and follow the prompts to lodge your vote. To use the online lodgement facility, shareholders will need their \Holder Identifier\ (Securityholder Reference Number (SRN) or Holder Identification Number (HIN) as shown on the Proxy Form). By mail: Golden Rim Resources Ltd c/- Link Market Services Limited Locked Bag A14 Sydney South NSW 1235 Australia By hand: Paramatta Square Level 22, Tower 6 10 Darcy Street Parramatta NSW 2150 OR Link Market Services Limited Level 12, 680 George Street Sydney NSW 2000 By fax: +61 2 9287 0309 Additional Resolution Resolution 4 a Approval of change of Company name To consider and, if thought fit, to pass with or without amendment, as a special resolution the following: \-That the change of the Company name to \Asara Resources Limited\ is approved under and for the purposes of sectionA 157 of the Corporations Act and for all other purposes, with effect from the date that ASIC alters the details of the Company\-s registration.\- Addendum to the Explanatory Memorandum Resolution 4 a Approval of change of company name General SectionA 157(1)(a) of the Corporations Act provides that a company may change its name if the company passes a special resolution adopting a new name. Resolution 4 seeks the approval of Shareholders for the Company to change its name to \-Asara Resources Limited\- under and for the purposes of sectionA 157(1)(a) of the Corporations Act. In connection with the change of Company name, the Company\-s ASX code is also proposed to change from \-GMR\- to \-ARJ\-. Effect of approval of the Resolution The proposed name has been reserved by the Company with ASIC. If Resolution 4 is passed the change of name will take effect when ASIC alters the details of the Company\-s registration. Board recommendation Resolution 4 is a special resolution and therefore requires approval of 75% of the votes cast by Shareholders present and eligible to vote (in person, by proxy, by attorney or, in the case of a corporate Shareholder, by a corporate representative). The Board recommends that Shareholders vote in favour of Resolution 4. Placement of Shortfall completes successful A$8.3 million capital raising Golden Rim Resources Ltd (ASX:GMR, Golden Rim or Company https://www.commodity-tv.com/ondemand/companies/profil/golden-rim-resources-ltd/ ) is pleased to advise receipt of firm commitments for approximately A$2.2 million for the Entitlement Offer Shortfall Placement (Shortfall Placement) from existing and new sophisticated and institutional investors. The 74,021,585 new fully paid ordinary shares to be issued pursuant to the Shortfall Placement (Shortfall Placement Shares) will be issued at a price of $0.03 per share. Together with the Entitlement Offer which raised approximately A$3.66 million and the recent Placement which raised approximately A$2.44 million, the Company has raised A$8.3 million, before costs, to fund exploration drilling and work programs at the Companya?s flagship Kada Gold Project in eastern Guinea and general working capital. The Shortfall Placement was joint lead managed by Argonaut Securities Pty Ltd and Canaccord Genuity (Australia) Limited. The Shortfall Placement will settle on Thursday, 9 February 2023 and Shortfall Placement Shares will be allotted and are expected to commence trading on ASX on Friday, 10 February 2023. The Shortfall Placement Shares to be issued will rank equally with existing ordinary shares on issue. CEO, Tim Strong said aWe are extremely pleased to complete such a successful fundraising. The significant demand from investors underpins the quality the Kada project, which has the potential to be Guineaa?s, and West Africaa?s, next big gold discovery. The fundraise allows us to build on the existing 930,000oz[1] gold resource at the Massan prospect, to establish the potential resource at the Bereko prospect, as well as initial exploration on additional early-stage targets. RC drilling at both Massan and Bereko has progressed very well and our first assays are imminent. A second rig for diamond drilling is expected to commence in the next few weeks. The team and I are excited for what will be a transformational year ahead.a?a? [1] ASX Announcement: Kada Maiden Mineral Resource 930koz Gold dated 3 March 2022 (Inferred Mineral Resource of 25.5Mt at 1.1g/t gold). The Company confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the Kada Mineral Resource estimate and that all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the estimate continue to apply and have not materially changed. WASHINGTON - The Biden administration announced a rule Monday cracking down on Medicare private plans that have overcharged the federal government. The rule calls for a more aggressive approach to how plans are audited in the Medicare Advantage program, which enrolls nearly half of all Medicare beneficiaries. The administration said it expects to collect as much as $4.7 billion over a decade from its heightened oversight. The rule strengthens the ability of the government to audit plans and recover the overpayments. It is the government's strongest action against the practices in more than a decade. At a news conference announcing the change, Xavier Becerra, the health and human services secretary, acknowledged that Medicare had been criticized for not taking a hard enough stand against the plans' pattern of overcharging. 'Today, we are taking some long-overdue steps to move us in the direction of accountability," he said. As Medicare Advantage has become increasingly popular with older Americans, he said the agency needed to make sure it was properly overseeing the private plans. "We want to encourage correct reporting across the program," he said. Health insurers had lobbied heavily against the policies in the rule, which relate to a system of risk adjustment, and are likely to bring legal action against the government. Becerra said he could not speculate on any potential litigation, but he emphasized he thought the new rule was ready "for prime time." Insurers were upset by the rule. "This rule is unlawful and fatally flawed, and it should have been withdrawn instead of finalized," said Matt Eyles, president of AHIP, a large insurer trade group, in a statement. Evidence from government audits, fraud lawsuits and academic analysis has shown that many plans have been systematically overcharging the federal government for years by exaggerating the health problems of their customers to collect extra payments. But the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which regulates the plans, has been reluctant to tackle the overcharging in the face of industry opposition, technical complexity and the plans' popularity. Under current rules, regulators have been closely reviewing a small subset of patient medical records to compare them with billing codes sent to the federal government. Under the new policy, the error rate found in the sample will be extrapolated across all the records in the plans since 2018, a change that would substantially increase the magnitude of possible repayments. Officials said plans owe the government $479 million in overpayments from 2018 alone. The extrapolation approach was first proposed in 2018 by the Trump administration. Monday's regulation makes the new audit system final. But the original proposal would not have made the payments retroactive. "It's appropriate to have extrapolation going forward," said Seema Verma, who was the CMS administrator when the rule was first proposed in 2018. But she said the retroactive nature of the rule was "extremely unfair and problematic." 'They're likely to get sued," she said But some industry critics had been calling for Medicare to go even further, applying the broader penalties as far back as 2011, when the audits began. "At least we're on the right track now," said Ted Doolittle, a former senior Medicare official, who said he was disappointed the agency had gone back only to 2018. But he commended federal officials for their decision to extrapolate from the results of the audits. The rule also does not include a formula adjustment that insurers had asked for, which would have reduced the penalty amounts in some cases. Medicare officials said the change was not necessary. Medicare Advantage plans have become popular and are expected to cover the majority of Medicare beneficiaries by the end of this year. They often offer customers lower premiums than the government Medicare plan, and they cover additional benefits like dental care. Plans have warned that regulations that reduce payments to the plans could erode their ability to offer such extra benefits. The plans have become a major profit center for insurance companies. They earn more gross profit on Medicare plans than other types of insurance, according to a study from the Kaiser Family Foundation, a research group unaffiliated with the insurer Kaiser. In the press call, Dara Corrigan, the CMS director of the center for program integrity, emphasized that even the billions in estimated recoveries from the plans were small compared with the scope of the program. She said the estimated $4.7 billion in recovered overpayments represented one-fifth of 1% of federal payments to the plans over the period. The audits will focus on extra payments the plans receive when they care for patients who have serious health conditions. The extra payments are meant to compensate the companies for the additional costs associated with treating sicker patients, as part of risk adjustment. But identifying additional diagnoses in order to collect the extra payments has become a major strategic goal of industry players, which use software, home health visits and other measures to maximize the number of diagnoses for each patient, evidence has shown. Three of the five largest insurers in the industry have been accused of fraud by the Justice Department for inflating diagnoses. The rule was released Monday after the closing of markets. Many of the major insurers are public companies, and investors have been awaiting its release. This page requires Javascript. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. 18,891,066 is the total number of citizens in Romania with the right to vote recorded in the Electoral Register as of January 31, 2023, down 984 from the previous month, according to the Standing Electoral Authority (AEP). In a press statement released on Thursday, AEP says that on December 31, 2022, there were 18,892,050 Romanian voters in the Electoral Register, told Agerpres. The differences are said to be a result of the current operations performed by mayors in the Electoral Register related to administrative-territorial units and data imports from the General Directorate for the Records of Persons (DGEP). Thus, in January, 25,390 persons were deleted from the Electoral Register as a result of death and 29 persons as a result of their right to vote being taken away. At the same time, 97 people regained their electoral rights as a result of the ban on their rights having elapsed. The number of voters who turned 18 in the same period is 19,235, all automatically entered into the Electoral Register by AEP based on information from DEPABD. As a result of the data import from DGEP, 5,103 new voters were added. Out of the total number of Romanian voters in the Electoral Register, 18,068,920 have their domicile or residence in the country, and 822,146 have their domicile abroad and are Romanian passport holders. A Lancaster man was arrested Wednesday and charged by criminal complaint with the production and possession of child pornography, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced. According to prosecutors, the Lancaster Police Department received information Jan. 8 alleging that 41-year-old Jacob Schmidbauer recorded a sexually explicit video of a young girl. During their investigation, law enforcement officers seized 22 electronic devices that allegedly belonged to Schmidbauer, as well as a Secure Digital, or SD, card. Prosecutors said that a review of the SD card discovered 32 video clips, which included the sexually explicit video of the minor female victim. The charges against Schmidbauer carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum of 30 years and a $250,000 fine. He made an initial appearance in federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and is being held. Users of the platform for the online issuance of criminal record certificates created 7,684 new accounts in the first 24 hours after the platform became operational on Wednesday morning, told Agerpres. "In the first 24 hours after the platform for the online issuance of criminal record certificates became operational, 7,684 new accounts were created on the hub of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. As many as 6,912 of the accounts were validated on GHISEUL.RO and 153 citizens went to police offices for in-person validation of their accounts," MAI reported on Thursday. Also, 5,532 criminal record certificates were generated on the online platform. As many as 59,879 people, including 7,869 Ukrainian citizens, entered Romania on Wednesday, February 1, the General Border Police Inspectorate (IGPF) reported on Thursday. According to IGPF, at the border points nationwide on Wednesday, nearly 122,400 people, Romanian and foreign citizens, were checked both on the way in and on the way out of Romania, as well as more than 40,100 means of transport, told Agerpres. Starting February 10, 2022 (pre-conflict time) 3,451,784 Ukrainian citizens entered Romania. The border police detected 34 illegal acts (19 crimes and 15 misdemeanors) in the areas under their jurisdiction - the crossing points and the green border - committed by both Romanian and foreign citizens, levying more than RON 26,250 in fines in the process. Assets of an estimated value of RON 108,500 were impounded. Twenty-three foreign citizens who did not meet the conditions provided by the law were denied entry. Also on Wednesday, 12 Romanian citizens were not allowed to leave for various legal reasons. The minister of National Defense, Angel Tilvar, and the Chief of the Defense Staff, general Daniel Petrescu, met on Thursday at the headquarters of the Ministry of Defense, with the Chief of the General Staff of the Portuguese Armed Forces, Admiral Antonio Silva Ribeiro, the Defense Ministry (MapN) informs in a press release. The discussion agenda focused on the state of cooperation in the field, the evolution of the security situation in Eastern Europe, as well as on the joint training program. Also, the dialogue concerned the project of training pilots and technical support personnel from the Romanian Air Force in the Portuguese Republic.Minister Tilvar emphasized the importance of the presence of the Portuguese military staff in our country both from an operational point of view and from the point of view of transatlantic and European solidarity in the face of the aggression of the Russian Federation in Ukraine. He appreciated the contribution of the Portuguese contingent, together with the Polish contingent and the one from the Republic of North Macedonia, as well as the other allied soldiers from the Southeast Multinational Brigade to the new allied defensive architecture, which also contributes to the strengthening of Romania's defense and security."The excellent relations with the Portuguese allies have the prerequisites for expansion, once the agreement on cooperation in the field of defense that we signed last year comes into force. We are in the stage of boosting the procedures for the ratification of this agreement, which will contribute to the development of relations in all the three formats: bilateral, NATO and EU", declared the Romanian minister.General Daniel Petrescu reiterated his appreciation for the effort of his Portuguese colleagues to strengthen the deterrence and defense position in the eastern area of NATO and the European Union. The joint program continues to increase the training of the forces."The training that began with the deployment of the Portuguese contingent led to an increase in the interoperability and reaction capacity of the structures. We will keep the cadence of exercises and training. We are interested in the participation of the Portuguese Air Force in the air policing service in our country and in the more consistent participation of the Romanian military staff, together with Portuguese troops, in missions and operations of NATO, the EU and the UN", said the chief of defense.The series of talks was preceded by the ceremony of handing over the "National Order of the Star of Romania in the rank of Commander, with the sign of peace, for the military" to Admiral Antonio Silva Ribeiro, an order conferred by the President of Romania, as a sign of high appreciation of the constant interest and support given to the country our.The visit of the high-ranking military official to our country, between February 1-3, takes place at the invitation of the Chief of the Defense Staff, and the program also included the 1st Training Battalion from Caracal, the deployment unit of the Portuguese contingent, part of the Multinational South-East Brigade. Bucharest policemen conducted on Thursday a number of 60 searches in Bucharest and the counties of Ilfov, Prahova, Arges, Iasi, Giurgiu and Teleorman, in a criminal case in which investigations are being conducted regarding the commission of the crime of tax evasion in a continued and aggravated form, with an estimated damage of 2 million EUR, told Agerpres. "Between 2019 and 2022, the persons would have created and implemented a criminal mechanism through which, using several ghost companies, would have registered and declared several acquisitions that would not have had economic content, causing a damage of approximately 2,000,000 EUR," a press release from the Bucharest Municipality General Police Directorate (DGPMB) sent to AGERPRES on Thursday informs. Moreover, 40 arrest warrants will be handed out on the names of the suspects, in view of their hearing. "In order to recover the damage caused, the movable/immovable assets and the accounts held by the suspected persons have been identified, and the insurance seizure measure shall be instituted, up to the competition of the amount of approximately 2,000,000 EUR," the quoted source shows. The action benefited from the relevant support of the General Inspectorate of Romanian Police (IGPR) - the Special Operations Directorate. The Danube Delta is a special tourist destination, where visitors should contemplate nature, not destroy it, says the governor of the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve (RBDD), Gabriel Marinov, in a message on the occasion of the World Wetlands Day, which is celebrated on Thursday, February 2, told Agerpres. He recalled that in the Danube Delta there are over 9,000 species of plants and animals that are strongly affected by human actions. "Many do not want to understand that the Danube Delta is not necessarily a tourist destination in the strict sense of the word. It must primarily be regards as an interesting landscape and also of a scientific interest. Many come to the Delta as if they were going to resorts such as Mamaia, Sinaia or any other resort established at national, European or world level. No! The Danube Delta is a completely different tourist destination in which tourists must be very little intrusive, tourists should only contemplate and not destroy the environment," said the RBDD governor. Gabriel Marinov reiterated that the RBDD Administration does not have the necessary resources to cope with the large number of tourists. "And our capabilities, of the administration, are extremely limited in relation to the large number of tourists. That's why we can't deal with all of them. Not to mention the tonnes of garbage that we collect with the help of non-governmental organizations or by our own forces, of the large sums we have to pay to the sanitation companies to transport the tonnes of garbage from the tourist areas. Look at what is happening on the wild beaches of Corbu, Vadu, where there are mountains of garbage that we also collect," the Governor of the Reserve also said. In his opinion, one-day tourism is one of the most harmful for the natural habitats in the RBDD, because of the very high speed with which the boats move in order for the visitors to see as large an area as possible, in the shortest possible time, the waves produced by boats affecting the species on the banks and the bottom of the waters. According to a press release sent to AGERPRES on the occasion of World Wetlands Day, in the localities of Sulina, Crisan, Chilia Veche and Murighiol, students and teachers from schools within the RBDD perimetre participate in events organized by the heads of the Visiting, Information and Ecological Education Centres of the Reservation Administration. This year's World Wetlands Day celebration takes place under the motto "It's time to restore wetlands," this year's theme being meant to highlight the urgent need to prioritize the reconstruction of wetlands. "Wetlands are being lost three times faster than forests, making them the most threatened ecosystem on Earth. More than 80% of all wetlands have disappeared since the 1700s. Since 1970, at least 35% of wetlands have been lost, and the reversal of this trend is critical," reads a press release of the RBDD Administration. According to this source, the RBDD Administration implements projects aimed at ecological reconstruction activities necessary to improve the hydrological conditions in the natural aquatic habitats in the reserve and preserve biodiversity. RBDD was the first and largest wetland of international importance, especially as a waterfowl habitat, included by Romania on the list of the Ramsar Convention, in September 1991. Currently, there are 20 RAMSAR sites in Romania covering an area of 1,177,749 hectares. World Wetlands Day wants to bring attention to the value of wetlands to humanity and the planet. It also marks the date of adoption in 1971, in the Iranian city of Ramsar, of the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, especially as a habitat for waterfowl, an international document that establishes rules for the protection of ecosystems formed by wetlands. Romania joined the Ramsar Convention by adopting Law no. 5/1991, thus recognizing the importance of wetlands that host habitats with characteristic flora and fauna having fundamental ecological functions and a great ecological, economic, natural, scientific and recreational value, their disappearance being irreparable. By signing a new contract between Romgaz and Socar for the delivery of natural gas, all opportunities in Romania will be used to export Azerbaijani gas to other European markets, on Thursday said Azerbaijan's president Ilham Aliyev. We are stepping into a new phase. Last month, in Bucharest, an agreement was signed to deliver the Azerbaijani gas to Romania. We will address other European markets through you and we will use all these opportunities from Romania to export gas from Azerbaijan and beyond, said the Azerbaijani president, after meeting with the Romanian president, Klaus Iohannis, who announced that on Friday a new contract will be signed between Romgaz and Socar for the delivery of Azerbaijani natural gas to Romania for the period April 1, 2023 - April 1, 2024.The president of Azerbaijan recalled that the last segment of the Southern Gas Corridor was put into operation two years ago and that last year the Strategic Partnership with the EU on gas was signed.We will increase the export volumes, this is our priority, the Azerbaijani president said.He stressed the importance of green energy and reiterated that the Ministerial Meeting of the Southern Gas Corridor Advisory Council will take place on Friday.Noting that the ports of Baku and Constanta are important, Ilham Aliyev stressed: Let's improve cooperation between these two locations.The Azerbaijani president pointed out that the political dialogue between Romania and Azerbaijan is very dynamic.As far as the economy is concerned, the trade is showing the results, the volume has doubled, but it is not at the volume we want it yet, because most of our trade is represented by oil and then we have to diversify these volumes, to make the next steps. (...) In the economic sphere we have again very good results and we can have even better results in the field of energy, which is a key element not only for the Romanian-Azerbaijani relationship, but is currently on the global agenda, Ilham Aliyev said.President Klaus Iohannis is on his first official visit to Azerbaijan on Thursday and Friday, at the invitation of president Ilham Aliyev. On Friday, the president of Romania will open, together with his Azerbaijani counterpart, the Ministerial Meeting of the Southern Gas Corridor Advisory Council, which will also be attended by the European Commissioner for Energy, Kadri Simson. On the same day, president Iohannis will lay a wreath at the Heroes Monument in Baku. Ensuring the security of the EU's external borders and the efficient management of the migration phenomenon can only be achieved through a coordinated effort at the national and European level, stated the minister of Internal Affairs, Lucian Bode, at the "Efficient Management of the EU's External Borders" ministerial conference, organized in Sofia, Bulgaria. "At the same time, the development of regional cooperation, with an emphasis on readmission and return, the implementation of joint operations, the organization of thematic training programs and the adoption by regional partners of some strategies based on the best practices in the matter, are very valuable tools for achieving this objective," said minister Bode, according to a post on his Facebook page. He participated, in Sofia, at the invitation of his Bulgarian counterpart, Ivan Demerdzhiev, in the ministerial conference "Efficient management of the external borders of the EU", where a topic of great importance for Romania and the European Union as a whole was discussed - the management of external borders and of migration, told Agerpres. "I drew attention to the fact that it is important that the states that are not in the front line in terms of ensuring the security of the EU's external borders or that, due to their geographical position, are protected from the challenges faced by the member states in the south and east of Europe, avoid to consider that the responsibility is only of the states with external borders and to be open to compromise solutions to demonstrate that European solidarity really works, not being a one-way responsibility," said Bode. The Interior minister had, on the sidelines of the conference, a new bilateral meeting with his counterpart Ivan Demerdzhiev, Acting Deputy Prime Minister for Public Order and Security and Minister of the Interior of the Government of Bulgaria. On this occasion, the two deepened the bilateral consultations started on the occasion of the informal Justice and Home Affairs Council in Stockholm regarding the acceleration of the accession process of Romania and Bulgaria to the Schengen area. "I believe that we must continue to coordinate in order to achieve our common objective as quickly as possible, because I am convinced that the accession of Romania and Bulgaria to the Schengen area will bring many benefits for all member states, especially from the perspective of ensuring the security of the European Union," Bode also wrote. The head of the Department for Emergency Situations, Raed Arafat, received, on Thursday, the visit of a delegation of the General Directorate of Fire Safety and Civil Protection from Bulgaria, with whom he discussed the operation of the integrated emergency system in Romania, both from a legislative point of view, as well as operationally, told Agerpres. The Bulgarian delegation was led by Chief Commissioner Aleksandar Dzhartov. According to a DSU press release, Arafat presented the guests with the history of emergency medicine in Romania, the way the Department for Emergency Situations is organized and functions, the beneficial role that the integrated national emergency system brings to the citizens, the changes implemented throughout time in order to increase the quality of the response and the mode of action in case of disasters. The discussions also focused on common and integrated dispatching, the way of training the personnel working in the field of emergency situations, the endowment of high-performance technology to provide a professional framework. The Bulgarian delegation visited the Integrated Municipal Center for Emergency Situations, which brings together all emergency structures under the coordination of DSU - firefighters, SMURD, SABIF Ambulance Service, the Dealul Spirii Inspectorate for Emergency Situations Bucharest-Ilfov and the General Aviation Inspectorate. Over 50 migrants have been apprehended by the Arad border policemen while attempting to illegally cross the border hiding in two trucks and a van which underwent verifications at the Nadlac II Border Crossing Point (PTF). The van was registered in Slovakia and driven by a Moldovan citizen, and the two trucks were driven by Turkish citizens. According to the documents accompanying the goods, the three drivers transported pallets, aluminum and metal profiles for commercial companies in Austria and the UK, told Agerpres. "Based on the risk analysis, the border policemen conducted a thorough control of the three means of transportation. Thus, they discovered a total of 52 foreigners hidden in the cargo compartments. The persons were taken over and transported to the headquarters of the sector for investigations and, following the checks, our colleagues established that they are citizens of various states (Bangladesh, Egypt, Morocco, Somalia, Syria, Lebanon, Turkey and Iraq), who intended to get fraudulently in Western European countries," the Arad Border Police conveyed on Thursday. In all cases, the border policemen carry out investigations. President Klaus Iohannis will pay an official visit to Azerbaijan on Thursday and Friday, at the invitation of his counterpart Ilham Aliyev, told Agerpres. On the sidelines of the visit, the two presidents will open the Ministerial Meeting of the Consultative Council of the Southern Gas Corridor. According to the Presidential Administration, the visit of Klaus Iohannis to Baku takes place in continuation of the very good talks held with President Ilham Aliyev, in Bucharest, on December 17, 2022, on the occasion of the participation of the two heads of state in the signing ceremony of the Agreement between the Governments of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Georgia, Romania and Hungary regarding the Strategic Partnership in the field of green energy development and transport. The Republic of Azerbaijan is the first state in the South Caucasus region with which Romania raised bilateral relations to the level of Strategic Partnership, in 2009, both states confirming openness and interest in further deepening it, as well as developing strategic projects with regional impact, says the same source. During the political consultations in Baku, the two presidents will discuss in depth the development of bilateral cooperation in areas such as energy, transport, trade, investments, digitization, agriculture, education and culture. Also, in the continuation of the discussions in Bucharest, of December 2022, the two president discussed the current stage of implementation of the regional interconnection projects such as the submarine power cable and the initiation of similar projects in the digital field. They also talked about increasing cooperation on strategic initiatives between Europe and Central Asia, by using the role of Romania and the Republic of Azerbaijan as bridges. On the occasion of his participation in the official opening of the Ministerial Meeting of the Consultative Council of the Southern Gas Corridor, President Klaus Iohannis will express our country's solidarity and commitment to ensuring European energy security by expanding cooperation with partners in the region and diversifying sources and transport routes for energy resources, states the Presidential Administration. A local man who admitted robbing the same South Buffalo bank branch twice in a week was sentenced Wednesday in Erie County Court to serve up to six years in prison for his crimes, the Erie County District Attorney's Office reported. Donald R. Thie, 60, of no permanent address, must serve a minimum of two years in prison following his Dec. 15 guilty plea to three counts of robbery that included a third incident at another branch. Prosecutors say Thie's crime spree began just before 10 a.m. Dec. 20, 2021, when he passed a note to a teller at a bank on Seneca Street. The note threatened the use of a weapon and Thie gestured as if he had one on him, authorities said. He stole $1,300 in cash in this robbery. Then, at 11:20 a.m. Dec. 27, 2021, Thie returned to the same branch and, this time, stole $1,000 in cash after passing a threatening note to the teller. One month later, at about 10:25 a.m. Jan. 24, 2022, Thie went to a bank branch on Dorrance Avenue, and ordered a teller to give him money, prosecutors say. He made off with $1,700 in this robbery. Prosecutors did not further identify the two branches. President Klaus Iohannis was received on Thursday by his Azerbaijani counterpart, Ilham Aliyev, at the Zugulba Presidential Palace in Baku, told Agerpres. The Romanian head of state, who is on a two-day official visit to Azerbaijan, was welcomed with military honors. The delegation accompanying President Iohannis includes Minister of Foreign Affairs Bogdan Aurescu, Energy Minister Virgil Popescu, head of the Romanian Intelligence Service Eduard Hellvig, and presidential advisors Cosmin Marinescu, Luminita Odobescu, Daniela Barsan and Delia Dinu. The two presidents will have one-on-one and official talks, at the end of which they will make joint press statements. According to the Presidential Administration, during their political consultations, the two presidents are to enter details of the development of bilateral cooperation in areas such as energy, transport, trade, investments, digitization, agriculture, education and culture. The stage of the implementation of regional interconnection projects, such as the undersea power transmission cable, will also be assessed, and the initiation of similar digital projects will be approached. Another topic of discussion refers to the expansion of cooperation on strategic initiatives between Europe and Central Asia, using Romania and the Republic of Azerbaijan's role as connecting bridges. The visit to Baku takes place at the invitation of President Ilham Aliyev. On Friday, the Romanian president will open together with his Azerbaijani counterpart the Ministerial Meeting of the Advisory Council of the Southern Gas Corridor, to also be attended by European Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson. President Iohannis will also lay a wreath at the Heroes Memorial in Baku. Romania will join, as of this year, the Indicators on National Education System (INES) programme dedicated to the indicators of education systems, in the context of our country's accession process to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), a release of the Education Ministry sent to AGERPRES on Thursday informs. According to the Ministry, as a result of the participation in the INES, Romania will be included for the first time in the "Education at a Glace 2023" (EAG 2023) publication, along the OECD member states and other candidate states, told Agerpres. "The information collected through the INES programme are the basis of the OECD's emblematic publication - 'Education at a Glance', the most authoritative source for accurate and relevant information about the state of education in the 38 member states and a series of partner countries. With over 120 charts and 180 tables, its indicators cover the results and impact of learning in the economic and social spheres, financial and human resources invested in education, access to education, participation and progress, as well as the learning environment and the organization of schools. The EAC 2023 edition will feature professional and technical education," the press release states. The information for the "Education at a Glare" are collected at national level throughout the year, based on administrative or survey data, already collected, involving up to 20 separate questionnaires. The publication also includes data from international surveys, such as PISA, PIAAC and TALIS. In the beginning of this week, the Ministry of Education and the OECD organized a workshop regarding Romania's participation in the INES statistical data programme. At the event hosted by the Bucharest University of Economic Studies, participated more than 40 representatives and experts from the OECD, the Ministry of Education, the National Institute of Statistics, the Executive Unit for Financing Higher Education, Research, Development and Innovation (UEFISCDI), the National Authority for Qualifications, the National Center for the Development of Professional and Technical Education, the National Center for Policies and Evaluation in Education and the National Agency for Community Programmes in Education and Vocational Training Area (ANPCDEFP). The agenda included Romania's accession process to the OECD in the education area, the OECD's working schedule, the INES objectives and the activities carried out by the related networks. Romania's representatives presented the main policy objectives in the education area, the structure of the education system, as well as the existing mechanism to collect data for it. The salt lakes locate in the vicinity the Ocna Sugata village, situated at the base of the Gutai Mountains, will be arranged and included in the tourist circuit of Maramures county, mayor Ioan Oanea told AGERPRES on Thursday. "One of the eight lakes supplied the balneal resort in the locality, and another lake was preferred by tourists because it is located in a wild area. Two other smaller lakes were partially developed by the locals, also for tourist purposes, but the important thing is that these lakes will now be included in the tourist offer of Ocna Sugatag, rearranged and prepared to receive tourists in decent conditions. Our locality is nationally recognized for the very old spa&balneal resort, holiday cottages and tourist boarding houses, which have appeared here since the 90s," Ioan Oanea said. The mayor also mentioned that the landscape of the eight lakes will start this year and will be achieved through a funding ensured through the North-West Regional Development Agency (ADR). "The landscape of some spots for talking walks, bike paths and rest benches on the edge of the lakes will be made through a funding provided by the North-West ADR, but also through another project," Ioan Oanea also mentioned. One of the deepest lakes has 2.9 meters and was formed by the collapse of a salt mine. The lake has an estimated area of over 1,000 square meters and a perimeter of 131 meters. Annually, over 10,000 tourists arrive for treatments in the spa and balneal resort of the Ocna Sugatag. Three Nobel laureates, Orhan Pamuk, Jean-Marie Lehn and Jean-Pierre Sauvage, are invited by the West University of Timisoara (UVT) in the series of events "At UVT, culture is capital!", scheduled in the spring of this year. "As a high-performing academic space, the West University of Timisoara assumes a major role in the Timisoara community, for the year of the European Capital of Culture, in 2023. The invitation of the three Nobel laureates to the UVT this year is part of a wider agenda, which the UVT offers to local, national and European culture lovers. The 2023 UVT agenda includes dozens of events, debates, conferences, workshops and valuable productions," UVT rector Marilen Pirtea said in a statement sent to AGERPRES on Thursday. The West University of Timisoara proposes a component of great impact within the Timisoara 2023 - European Capital of Culture cultural programme, through the agenda of events dedicated to the entire community, grouped under the generic "At UVT, culture is capital!". In the series of these events, in the first part of this year, the academic community of UVT will host three exceptional meetings, with major personalities of art and world science, Nobel laureates in the field of literature and chemistry, told Agerpres. At the beginning of April, the writer Orhan Pamuk, winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature (2006), will be invited to a special meeting with the public in Timisoara, an absolute premiere for the local cultural environment. The laureate is considered as one of the most famous contemporary Turkish writers, his works being translated into over 40 languages and published in over 100 countries. Also in April, the researcher Jean-Marie Lehn, laureate of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry (1987), honorary member of the Romanian Academy, will be present at the UVT for a meeting of great intellectual brilliance, put under the sign of passion for science. The French academician was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1987, together with two other researchers, for his work in the synthesis of cryptands. Researcher Jean-Pierre Sauvage, winner of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry (2016), will be the guest of the academic community of the UVT. A leading figure in the field of chemical research, Jean-Pierre Sauvage was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry due to his contributions, together with two other researchers, in the study of a complex of two interconnected molecules in the form of a ring. These events are part of the Timisoara 2023 - European Capital of Culture cultural programme, financed by the municipality of Timisoara through the Timisoara Project Center. The World Vision Romania Foundation and the VeDem Just association are calling for an urgent vote on a bill amending the Criminal Code, under which sex with a minor under 16 years of age will be considered rape regardless of whether or not sex is consensual, told Agerpres. According to a World Vision Romania press statement released on Thursday, without the adoption of this provision, the courts will continue to judge the sexual abuse of a minor as an act carried out with the consent of the child. The bill has received a favourable opinion from the Judiciary Committee of the Chamber of Deputies, and the next step is a final vote in the plenary session of the chamber. Under the legislation in force, sex with a minor that includes intercourse without consent is considered rape, and the penalty is imprisonment between 7 and 12 years. The other sexual relations where prosecutors and judges consider that there is consent from the minor under 16 years old are classified as sexual intercourse with a minor, where penalties are lower: between 1 and 5 years (if the victim is between 14 and 16 years old), and between 2 and 9 years (for the victim younger than 14). Romanian courts rarely issue the higher sentences in such cases, World Vision Romania claims. The bill amending the Criminal Code says that sex with a minor under 16 years of age will be considered rape regardless of whether or not consent is expressed by the child. The penalties range between 7 and 12 years in prison, if it is found that the victim has consented, and between 8 and 15 years in prison, if the victim has not consented. The minor who is over 14 years old and who rapes another minor will be criminally liable. If the offence by the minor takes place with the consent of the victim under 16 and the age difference between the perpetrator and the victim does not exceed four years, the offence is not punished. According to VeDem Just, Romania has been condemned by the European Court for Human Rights (ECHR) four times over the last seven years for the poor investigation of sexual abuse cases in which the victims are minors. For more than a year, support for another presidential run by Donald Trump steadily faded among Republicans as more and more GOP voters decided that, while they admired the former president, they were ready to move on. But in the wake of revelations that President Joe Biden also stored classified documents in his home and office, support for Trump is rebounding. Republicans repulsed by Democrats' hypocrisy are rallying around the former president. In October 2021, the GOP nomination seemed to be Trump's for the taking a Quinnipiac University poll found that 78% of Republican voters wanted him to run again. But by June 2022, that share was down to 53%, according to a PoliticoMorning Consult survey. Last July, a New York Times-Siena College poll found support for a third Trump nomination had slipped to 49% a 29-point slide in nine months. Trump then got hit by a double whammy: the news that he had unlawfully kept hundreds of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, followed by the disastrous showing of many of his handpicked candidates in the November elections. While many thought the August FBI raid on his home was excessive, there was also a sense that this was yet another self-inflicted wound. And many correctly held Trump responsible for the GOP's disastrous midterm performance, blaming him for costing Republicans winnable races across the country by endorsing unelectable candidates. More and more Republicans were becoming open to supporting a different standard-bearer. Meanwhile, Trump's midterm record stood in stark contrast to that of Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, who won reelection overwhelmingly, helped in part by support from independents, women and Hispanic voters. When Trump lashed out at DeSantis after the election, he alienated many in the MAGA movement who love both of them. Trump's November announcement that he was seeking a third term landed with a thud. And his call in December to "terminate" the Constitution and declare him the "RIGHTFUL WINNER" of the 2020 election was bizarre and off putting. A YouGov poll found just 35% of Republicans favored Trump for 2024, while 42% said they would prefer DeSantis a reversal from the previous month. But then something else happened: News broke that classified documents from Biden's tenure as vice president had been found in a District of Columbia office Biden had used and at his Delaware home. Significantly, it emerged that Biden had kept this information from voters in November. In the wake of the Biden documents scandal, Republicans are rallying around Trump again. A Jan. 14 YouGov poll found that 59% of Republican voters say they want Trump to run again in 2024 a 14-point bounce since Dec. 10. (Though, more Republicans also said they thought DeSantis would be more likely than Trump to beat Biden.) What changed? A swing bloc of Republican primary voters appear to feel they were duped into abandoning Trump. They were told that the former president's handling of classified documents was irresponsible, only to fi nd that Biden had been similarly irresponsible. And while Democrats have tried to stress the differences between Trump and Biden's cases, most on the right are not buying the distinctions. Both men had classified documents in their homes, but only Trump's residence was raided by the FBI. Why are the Biden revelations helping Trump? What Democrats don't seem to understand is that most Republicans including many who would prefer a different 2024 nominee don't share the left's hatred of the former president. They admire his historic accomplishments in office, and they believe he was treated unfairly, first with former special counsel Robert S. Mueller's III investigation into possible collusion with Russia (which turned out to be little more than a conspiracy theory) and then his impeachment trials. But Trump's loss to Biden, his conduct after the 2020 election and his disastrous 2022 midterm performance had convinced many that it was time to move on. Now, the Biden scandal seems to have changed that at least for the moment. Recognition and concern are growing on the right that Democrats are going after Trump not because they care about the integrity of classified information (or his shady New York business dealings) but because they want Trump to be convicted of a felony to prevent him from winning office again. His supporters feel that their country is becoming a banana republic, where the legal system is weaponized for political purposes. The Democrats' strategy of relentlessly pursuing Trump is backfiring. Instead of ignoring the former president, and letting Republicans come to their own conclusion that they need another standard-bearer (which many were realizing), Democrats want to make that decision for them. As a result, they are pushing GOP voters back into Trump's arms, making it more likely he could again secure the Republican nomination and the presidency. Marc A. Thiessen On Twitter: @marcthiessen A Buffalo judge on Thursday ordered an emergency demolition of two deteriorating 19th-century properties in the city's Cobblestone District near the KeyBank Center. Housing Court Judge Patrick M. Carney said the properties at 110 and 118 South Park Ave., pose a danger to the public. The danger increased after the Christmas week blizzard, which buckled part of a roof, knocked down three walls and led to more masonry damage in an area blocked off from the public. Scaffolding to protect against falling bricks already surrounds a portion of 110 South Park that wraps around Illinois Street. "The buildings represent a danger to public welfare and safety, and I am approving the motion for an emergency demolition," Carney said. "[City] inspectors said the buildings have become more dangerous from the prior storm." Preservationists have long been frustrated by primary owner Darryl Carr's failure to fix the historic properties and at how long the court case has languished. The locally landmarked district is certified by the National Park Service as a neighborhood that meets the requirements of the National Register of Historic Places. Preservationist Tim Tielman expressed outrage over the decision. "It is a grotesque illustration of demolition by neglect," said Tielman, executive director of the Campaign for Greater Buffalo History, Architecture and Culture and the author of the local landmark listing for the properties. "These are the iconic buildings of the Cobblestone Historic District and are the reason that district was created. They are the last pre-Civil War era buildings on the entire buffalo waterfront." Carney said he was swayed by recent photographs showing new damage to the properties, heightening his concern of further collapses of portions of the structures. He expressed his frustration at being unable to reach a better resolution over the years. "I spent 14 years trying to salvage these buildings, and could not find an avenue to do it," Carney said. Carr, who also owns the Cobblestone Bar and Grill just east of the buildings, has long contended the buildings are structurally unsafe and contaminated from industrial chemicals, and he has an engineering report that supports his position. He wants to build a high-rise building in their place featuring housing, a hotel and shops. He said he is beginning the process to get permits for the project, which he said will incorporate the buildings' facades in his project's design. "It's a relief to actually get a judgment and be able to move on in some type of way with this process," Carr said. City attorney Michael Perley said the city will appeal the decision, and Carney granted a seven-day stay of his order to allow time to do so. "This is a very complex situation and the arguments are complex," Perley said afterward. "The judge already granted a stay and we will immediately appeal and we will prosecute that appeal diligently." Perley has maintained that Carr's request to demolish the properties must go through the city's administrative demolition process, which includes a review by the advisory Buffalo Preservation Board. "We are obviously upset and frustrated that Judge Carney would issue what we think is an unnecessary emergency demolition order," said Christiana Limniatis, Preservation Buffalo Niagara's director of preservation services. "These buildings are incredibly important and can be rehabilitated. We are happy to hear the city will be fighting it and continuing to pursue the eminent domain proceeding." Preservationists have found an ally in the Brown administration and Fillmore Council Member Mitchell Nowakowski, whose district includes the Cobblestone District. They are seeking to seize the properties by eminent domain so a developer other than Carr can repair the buildings. The proposal is currently before the Common Council. Carney cast doubt on the legality of taking Carr's property, calling the process "basically kind of a sham." He also questioned the economics of trying to salvage the properties, suggesting that even if a big-pocketed developer Douglas Jemal were to take on the project, it would be an "altruistic" act rather than an economically feasible one. Carr purchased the three-story 1869 building at 118 South Park in 2003. That property, which was the longtime home of the Buffalo Blacksmith Shop, consists of buildings added on over the years that extend nearly halfway along Illinois Street. The 1852 building at 110 South Park, purchased in 2008, was home when it opened to George Mugridge & Son Steam Bakery, makers of hardtack a type of biscuit for the Union Army during the Civil War. The building was also used by Phoenix Die Casting Co., which operated a machine shop in the front and a foundry in the back from 1950 to 1988. The wrecking ball nearly came down on the properties in 2009, when then-Housing Court Judge Henry J. Nowak issued an emergency demolition. That order was later reversed on appeal. Carr and the city agreed to mothball the buildings, leaving them in limbo for several years, while not prosecuting Carr for their condition. A succession of housing court violations, court-ordered repairs, fines and more court appearances followed. Each week, I publish the First Course, an email newsletter that dishes insight, news, tips and more from St. Louis thriving dining scene. Exclusive to the newsletter is a weekly recommended dish from an area establishment. Here is a sampling of the recommendations Ive offered in recent weeks. If you want to read these as soon as I send them every Thursday morning, visit stltoday.com/newsletters and subscribe to the First Course. Jerk chicken with passion-fruit boba at Cleveland-Heath I dont have many opportunities to write this. At Cleveland-Heath in downtown Edwardsville, I encountered something Ive never seen before: boba as in boba from boba tea as part of a savory dish. The pearls of passion fruit boba garnish Cleveland-Heaths jerk chicken, which is served over a less surprising mound of coconut-cilantro rice and black beans. Evan Buchholz, the restaurants chef and owner, had intended the boba for a dessert but thought it could add a tropical note to the chicken and cut through the jerk seasonings spice. The passion fruit boba indeed does both. The sweet-tart pops enliven the chicken (and the rice and beans, for that matter) and contrast, if not dampen, the jerk seasonings bite. This is a fun, delicious dish. Buchholz and his wife, Gina, took ownership of Cleveland-Heath in late 2021. At the time, he was already serving his second stint as the acclaimed restaurants executive chef, and he has proven himself the ideal fit for maintaining the Cleveland-Heath standard (I began my recent lunch with a cup of the restaurants always comforting posole) and pushing it to new heights. Where Cleveland-Heath, 106 North Main Street, Edwardsville More info 618-307-4830; clevelandheath.com Birria (as in the stew) at Tienda El Ranchito If you have enjoyed the boom in recent years of quesabirria and birria de res tacos, you owe it to yourself to try the dish that is the parent of both: birria, the stew of goat (or beef), from the Mexican state of Jalisco. During my time in St. Louis, I have found only two places serving birria with goat. One, Pueblo Nuevo in Hazelwood, closed in 2020. The second is Fairmont City mainstay Tienda El Ranchito, one of several notable Mexican restaurants in the small Metro East community. (Right across Collinsville Road from Tienda El Ranchitos parking lot is another must-visit, Mi Tierra Bonita.) Here an order of birria brings a tremendous bowl brimming with dusky red-orange consomme and hunks of bone-in goat. The meat isnt lean, but it adds even more body to the already lush broth. The consomme is certainly spiced but isnt so hot that the goats distinct flavor cant assert itself. The consomme will stain your favorite shirt. You wont mind. The goat meat makes it difficult to compare this birria with the consomme accompanying the beef birria at other area restaurants. (For my money, the best of those beef borths is at Tacos La Jefa.) If you happen to know of another restaurant serving birria as a stew with goat, please let me know. Where Tienda El Ranchito, 2565 North 32nd Street, Fairmont City More info 618-875-1521; tiendaelranchito.com Poke at Hello Poke As I wrote in my recent review of Sando Shack, owners Amy Guo and Dan Jensen originally moved from Seattle to St. Louis to open Hello Poke at the Food Hall at City Foundry. With the delays to the debut of the Food Hall, the couple founded Sando Shack in the meantime. Guo and Jensen didnt abandon Hello Poke, though. It was one of the inaugural restaurants when the Food Hall finally did open in August 2021. I have spent a fair amount of time at the Food Hall since then see my reviews of Chez Ali, Chicken Scratch, Sureste and a three-for-one look at 4 Hens Creole Kitchen, Fordos Killer Pizza and Intergalactic but I hadnt visited Hello Poke until recently. Poke restaurants, at least as they have appeared in St. Louis in recent years, are difficult to review in a traditional sense. Often, the whole point is to build your version of the Hawaiian dish from a menu of base, protein and topping options. Such is the approach at Hello Poke. I went with a relatively straightforward bowl: ahi tuna, rice and spicy mayonnaise with cucumber, green onion, ginger and jalapeno. Here you choose a crunch to finish, and I opted for onion crisps (like the bits in green-bean casserole). I couldnt ask for much more from a bowl of poke. The flavors were fresh, clean and bright, and each element had the proper texture, from the just-firm-enough rice to the very thin but still just-a-little-crisp cucumber. Hello Poke will make for a welcome change of pace whenever I can tear myself away from Sando Shacks fried chicken sandwiches. Where Hello Poke at the Food Hall at City Foundry, 3730 Foundry Way More info facebook.com/hellopokestl Pork poutine at Eat Crow Youll have to give me the benefit of the doubt when I say my new years resolution for you, dear reader, is to cut back on the burgers and fried chicken sandwiches in 2023. I buckled but didnt break at Eat Crow, which opened in late July in Soulard. A spinoff of Maplewood mainstay the Crows Nest maybe best known for its weekend Metal Brunch menu Eat Crow features a similar menu, including an appealing selection of burgers. If you dont already know the Crows Nest, the pork poutine ($13) makes a fitting introduction to its new sibling: waffle fries dressed with pork gravy and a gouda-jalapeno sauce, showered with bacon and garnished with green onion. Wait! some north-of-the-border pedant might interrupt. Those sound like cheese fries, not true poutine. Sure, fine, whatever. Eat Crows pork poutine is an excellent basket of cheese fries. The gouda-jalapeno sauce is exceptionally creamy, with the just-right piquancy to stand up against the twin oinks of all that bacon and the thin but still richly flavored pork gravy. I ordered the pork poutine as my main course, but the dish is listed among Eat Crows starters. You could order it as a prelude to a burger or the restaurants fried chicken sandwich. Not me. Not this week, at least. Where Eat Crow, 1931 South 12th Street More info 314-934-1400; eatcrowstl.com The movie "Groundhog Day" was released on Feb. 12, 1993. Here is our original review. "GROUNDHOG DAY" is a movie Yogi Berra could love. It's deja vu all over again. It's also very funny, over and over again. With Bill Murray giving one of his best performances, supported nicely by Andie MacDowell and Chris Elliot, "Groundhog Day," is a charming and hilarious film about love and weather and the people involved in them. Phil Conners (Murray) is a selfish, rude television weatherman in Pittsburgh who is sure he's on his way to a big network job. So he is not thrilled with another annual trip to Punxsutawney, Pa., home of the world-famous groundhog who tells us if winter will be short or long. The trip turns into Conners' personal little hell. He keeps waking up at 6 a.m. on Groundhog Day, Feb. 2. Over and over and over again. Feb. 3 never comes. But Conners realizes that it's a new day for everyone else and only he has memories of the previous Groundhog Day. He soon finds some big benefits in that fact. Correct a few mistakes here, grab an opportunity there. One of those opportunities is for Conners to put the make on Rita (MacDowell), his producer. As long as he can endure the face-slapping, Conners believes he can refine his seduction to perfection. In the first hour of this movie, Murray is as funny as he's ever been. He tones down his trademark hip-sarcastic persona just a tad, enough to make Conners the egocentric jerk we all know instead of a caricature of one, but he keeps enough of a sharp edge so his putdowns still draw blood. When the shenanigans give way to the interaction between Murray and MacDowell, the movie switches gears and slows down a bit. But just when I thought I was about to be bored by a maudlin, over-sentimentalized ending, I was fooled. Murray and MacDowell become a charming couple trying to find out what it is they like about each other. Murray, whose brand of comedy is an acquired taste, has always had a problem making his characters sincere. He does it with this role. MacDowell deserves a lot of credit for that. Her earnest yet easy-going performance and her almost angelic appearance would persuade even a jerk like Conners to fall in love. Chris Elliott, best known for his appearances with David Letterman, plays Conners' laconic cameraman and has some hilarious moments. Director Harold Ramis deserves credit for keeping this film on track. It easily could have become too broad and lose any chance at tenderness. Ramis and Danny Rubin, who wrote the script from Rubin's story, skillfully blend the love and laughs through a plot that evokes "Beauty and the Beast" and "It's a Wonderful Life." "Groundhog Day" is a charming and hilarious film. Or did I already say that? Anyway, it is worth repeating. 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 ST. LOUIS Marvin King sat back in his couch with his arm leaning against a cane. He was speaking via Zoom to a committee of the St. Louis Board of Aldermen in support of a resolution by Alderman Shameem Clark-Hubbard. The resolution supports the janitorial workers in the courthouses downtown that are part of the 22nd Circuit Court. King, who is disabled, used to be one of those workers. He got fired, he believes, for union organizing. Every time I turned around, my supervisors would tell me I couldnt be talking about the union, he told the aldermen. I wrote about King last year after he got fired. The state of Missouri wouldnt pay him unemployment. Thats because the company that provides janitorial services to the courts, Alton, Ill.-based Challenge Unlimited Inc., treats its disabled employees differently than its non-disabled employees. The company, which is organized as a nonprofit, calls workers like King clients, under a Missouri law that is designed to encourage companies to hire disabled workers. The law is mostly applied to the sheltered workshops in the state. It allows companies to not pay into the unemployment system, as long as they are also providing training and rehabilitation services to disabled employees. King told me last year, and repeated to the aldermen on Wednesday, that Challenge Unlimited provided no such services. That means the disabled workers were doing the same work as other janitors, without any rehabilitation services, and being treated differently because they didnt qualify for unemployment benefits. The disabled clients even had their own handbook, with a different set of rules. Several organizations the Service Employees International Union, the American Civil Liberties Union and the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund have been trying to pressure the courts and city leaders to cancel the contract with Challenge Unlimited or force the company to stop discriminating against disabled employees. The disabled workers are doing exactly the same job but they are not getting the same compensation, Claudia Center, the legal director for the disability rights organization told the committee. Because this form of disability discrimination is so overt, it definitely is appropriate for you all to direct to the court that its expenditures on contracts should comply with these basic laws. The question for city officials is who has the power to do something about the problem? Challenge Unlimited has denied it is doing anything inappropriate. The court has said it doesnt have the power to investigate the complaints about its contract. The office of Mayor Tishaura O. Jones has said the city doesnt have the ability to do anything about a contract with the courts. So the various advocates found themselves in front of the committee of the Board of Aldermen, telling Kings story and asking for help. They found sympathetic ears. Theres definitely something fishy going on here, said Alderman Annie Rice. Its getting me mad, just listening to it, said Alderman Michael Gras. Why do we still have this contract? asked Alderman Bill Stephens. Its a really shameful practice, said Alderman Cara Spencer, the committee chairman. King is still unemployed, but perhaps the pressure applied will help him and fellow disabled workers. The committee passed the resolution 6-0. It is on the agenda for the full Board of Aldermen on Friday. If passed, it will at least send a message. Challenge Unlimiteds contract runs out June 30. The court is in the process of sending out bids for the next contract. In a statement, Jones spokesman Nick Desideri said the mayor supports the workers efforts to unionize. Any contractor the court selects to clean its facilities must respect the fundamental rights of its workers, Desideri said. King may not be able to return to work at the courthouse, depending on what happens with the contract. The 62-year-old Army veteran has had a variety of health issues in the past few years. But he hopes his former co-workers end up getting a contract that treats them fairly. The organizations fighting for him want more than that. They want back pay for the unemployment benefits that King didnt receive. They want Challenge Unlimited to stop treating disabled workers differently. And they want somebody at the courts to take responsibility for a contract that follows state law. Im ashamed that our tax dollars are paying for a contract that fails to protect workers equally, Spencer says. Shes not alone. But will anybody do anything about it? King awaits an answer. PONTOON BEACH Metro East authorities say theyve found the man responsible for the cold case killing of a woman who disappeared from East St. Louis in 2013. A state prisoner, Roger Dale Sutton Jr., 55, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder and one count of concealing a homicidal death in the killing of Patrenia Trina Butler-Turner, a 40-year-old mother last seen in January 2013, Madison County States Attorney Tom Haine announced Thursday. Police believe she died by strangulation. The break in the case came about two months ago in December when authorities received a tip about skeletal remains concealed in a wooded area of Pontoon Beach off of Illinois Route 111, Haine said Thursday during a news conference at Pontoon Beach police headquarters. Trina Butler-Turner was a daughter, a mother, Haine said. She was last seen 10 years ago when her family reported her missing. But today, we can now say that due to extraordinary police work, we believe we have found Trinas body. We believe she was murdered and we believe we have found her killer. Police received DNA results Wednesday confirming the identity of the remains, and they charged Sutton the next day. Sutton, of Pontoon Beach, is serving a two-year sentence for felony meth possession at the Centralia Correctional Center in Illinois and would have been eligible for parole in two weeks. We moved pretty quickly on this knowing he was about to get out of prison, said Pontoon Beach police Chief Chris Modrusic. Suttons nephew, Nathan J. Beyer, 32, of Alton, was also charged with concealment of a homicidal death and is accused of helping to hide the body. Haine declined to elaborate on how evidence connected Sutton to her death or the connection, if any, he had to the victim. Butler-Turner was last seen getting into a pickup truck in East St. Louis, wearing blonde braids, a leather jacket with lamb fur around the collar and a cross, according to her missing person report. She is survived by three children and four grandchildren. She was a good mom and a good person, loving and caring, Butler-Turners daughter Candace Burnett said Thursday. Burnett thanked investigators and said her family was not familiar with Sutton before he was identified as a suspect. I want that man to never get out of jail, she said. Burnett said she always held out hope her mother would be found someday. I thought maybe she was going to be found held somewhere, she said. But not like this. Burnett said her own daughter never got to know her grandmother because she was only 6 months old when Butler-Turner went missing. Sutton has a long list of arrests and past felony charges, including convictions for residential burglary, battery and unlawful restraint dating back to the mid-1990s through his most recent arrest in 2021. He was living in Granite City and working as a dock worker in Metro East when a woman filed an order of protection against him in 2005 claiming he choked her, threw her on a couch and claimed he was going to kill her. He was charged with domestic battery that year, but charges were dropped. Sutton was arrested in Calhoun County, Illinois, on April 30, 2021, for meth possession. He pleaded guilty in January 2022, but was eligible for parole Feb. 14. Bail for Sutton on the new charges was set at $3 million Thursday. Beyers bail is $500,000. Pontoon Beach asked anyone with more information about Sutton or the killing to call the department at 618-931-5100. ST. LOUIS A jury on Wednesday convicted a man of murdering his girlfriend by stabbing her 27 times on the doorstep of a 24-hour day care where she looked after children. Steven Johnson, 56, was convicted of armed criminal action and first-degree murder, which carries a mandatory sentence of life without parole, in the killing 36-year-old Tyana Moore. The decision came after a one-day jury trial during which prosecutors presented evidence including a video of Johnsons arrival at Kolors Learning Center, 3030 Whittier Street, after 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 27, 2022, testimony from police and photos of the scene. Moore was found lying face-down on the porch of the day care with two children inside. A medical examiner said she had been stabbed more than two dozen times, twice fatally in the heart. She had defensive wounds on her hands and feet. Tyana was fighting for her life, said prosecutor Natalia Ogurkiewicz. Johnson was interviewed by police two weeks later. He initially said that his car had broken down after work that night, so he was nowhere near the Whittier address. He later said he went to the day care to talk to Moore and they started fighting. He said she pulled out a knife or a gun, and he feared for his life. But on Tuesday, Johnson took the stand and accused Moore of drugging him. He said they had gone to the back of the day care and had sex, and during the encounter, he felt the prick of what he suspected to be a needle. He realized he was high, so he went back around front to confront her, he said. I asked her, What did you do to me? he said. He started stabbing, and everything went blank, he said. Johnsons attorneys argued he acted in the heat of the moment and should receive a conviction of involuntary manslaughter or second-degree murder. But Ogurkiewicz said it was a very, very easy case. This is a domestic homicide, she said. (Moore died) from being stabbed in the heart by someone who claims but does not act like he loves her. The jury ultimately convicted Johnson of murder and armed criminal action. St. Louis police officers and staff from the city medical examiner's office sift dirt near a home in the 3200 block of North 19th Street on Tuesday after human remains were dug up by residents, including the neighborhood's alderman, on Monday. Police were called to the abandoned home over the weekend but said they did not find remains, so neighbors called Alderman Brandon Bosley for help instead. Residents on Tuesday said they were frustrated by what they saw as a lack of effort by police to find the remains. ST. LOUIS A wood-paneled federal courtroom usually home to methodical legal procedures was instead bumping Wednesday with the music of local rapper 30 Deep Grimeyy. The 25-year-old Grimeyy, real name Arthur Pressley, has garnered tens of millions of views on YouTube, and he has hundreds of thousands of monthly listeners on Spotify. But on Wednesday, he was sentenced to almost eight years in prison on a federal gun charge. Prosecutors argued his lyrics, rapped over drilling beats and heavy bass, corresponded with more serious crimes. They said he spoke about the local gang 30 Deep and that Pressley was the leader of the group. Pressleys attorney Lenny Kagan said the suggestion was comical. My rap career is an image I have to portray, Pressley told the judge. I feel like I have been targeted just because of my rap name. Pressley was sentenced Wednesday to seven years and eight months. Pressley was stopped by St. Louis police on Jan. 5, 2021, in a 2008 Pontiac G8 that had a taillight out and bore the license plates registered to a Jeep. In the seat next to him, officers found a Beretta 92FS 9 mm pistol with an extended magazine. He was set to face trial in October 2021. On the first day, he presented a fake bill of sale for the gun that was assigned to someone else in the Pontiac. He eventually pleaded guilty on the second day of trial to being a felon in possession of a firearm. He has two previous convictions for unlawful gun possession. In an unusual move Wednesday, prosecutors presented more than two hours of evidence, including photos and text messages from Pressleys phone, social media posts and jail phone calls. They argued Pressley should receive the maximum sentence of 12 years in prison because he was the ring leader of 30 Deep, which procured weapons for others and paid people for committing crimes. Investigators said he was deeply connected with other members of his gang who committed robberies and murders. He is leading gangs. He is obstructing justice, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassandra Wiemken. He is brazen. He is prolific, and he has no respect for the law. The evidence also included music videos where Grimeyy discussed committing crimes and held guns and ammunition. In one video, a woman dressed as a corrections officer mimed performing a sex act on Pressley in a car outside the federal courthouse. Kagan, Pressleys attorney, agreed the video was in poor taste but said there was no evidence to prove the guns or ammunition in the videos were real. 30 Deep was a brand, not a gang, Kagan argued, comparing it to rapper Kanye Wests apparel brand, Yeezy. And the people who appeared in his videos or messages were Pressleys friends or other people who wanted a piece of a burgeoning talent. Pressley didnt hurt or purchase weapons for anyone, Kagan said. There is no evidence hes a gang member of any kind, he said. Ultimately, Judge Stephen R. Clark said he did not find that there was enough evidence to connect Pressley to assaults or murders. However, Clark said he believed Pressley was a gang leader and used another person to acquire a weapon that he was not allowed to own. Despite the sentence, however, Pressleys career continues. The rapper released new music on Wednesday, and videos posted to his Instagram showed a billboard advertising the album on Times Square. JEFFERSON CITY Missouri Republicans on Thursday killed a proposal to restrict unsupervised minors from carrying firearms in public. The plan had been included in wide-ranging crime legislation by Rep. Lane Roberts, R-Joplin. But GOP members of the committee he chairs, the House Crime Prevention and Public Safety Committee, removed the provision Thursday. I just have a different approach for addressing public safety that doesnt deprive people, who have done nothing to any other person, who will commit no violence, from their freedom, said Rep. Bill Hardwick, R-Waynesville. Roberts defended the approach. This is about people who dont have the life experience to make a decision about the consequences of having that gun in their possession, Roberts said. Why is an 8-year-old carrying a sidearm in the street? Democrats agreed with Roberts. We are telling you, as the representatives and as people who represent some of these dangerous communities and these dangerous areas, this is an important piece, said Rep. LaKeySha Bosley, D-St. Louis. Minors in possession of firearms became an issue following the states passage of constitutional carry legislation in 2016. Sgt. Charles Wall, spokesman for the the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, previously told the Post-Dispatch that under current state law, there is no minimum age to lawfully possess a firearm. Wall said that Missouris constitutional carry law that took effect Jan. 1, 2017, eliminated the requirement for a concealed carry permit and allowed for open carry in the state. He said the department uses the status offense of behavior injurious to take minors into custody who are possessing firearms, absent any other criminal conduct. Wall said the behavior injurious offense is not a criminal offense. The legislation designed to keep children from walking down the street with deadly weapons was unanimously recommended by a bipartisan working group of three Democrats and three Republicans appointed by House Speaker Dean Plocher, R-Des Peres. Democrats on the panel included Reps. Marlon Anderson and Donna Baringer of St. Louis, and Robert Sauls of Independence. Republicans included Roberts, as well as Reps. Ron Copeland of Salem and John Black of Marshfield. The legislation is House Bill 301. CLAYTON For at least three years, the St. Louis County Council has listened at its weekly meetings to public comments that have ranged from the earnest to the vitriolic, often broaching such subjects as nuclear war, pornography and vaccine conspiracies. Now the council is considering a limit on free speech. Council Chair Shalonda Webb, a Democrat from unincorporated North County, said at this weeks meeting that shes done allowing people to spout their views on issues outside the councils control. What I want to make sure is that your freedom of speech is related to the business of this business meeting, Webb said Tuesday, interrupting a regular speaker a few seconds into her weekly speech, which usually takes the form of a poem and often calls county officials morons. The public comment period at St. Louis County Council meetings gained notoriety during the pandemic for speakers who talked about wide-ranging issues, often barely connected to county business. As at school board and municipal meetings across the country, public comments at the council often took on culture wars, declaring that mask mandates were authoritarian or arguing LGBTQ content in schools was exposing kids to pornography. Speakers on Tuesday immediately accused Webb of depriving them of their First Amendment right to free speech. But its common in Missouri for local governments to regulate public comment. The St. Louis Board of Aldermen doesnt have a public comment period at all, though people can comment at aldermanic committee meetings. The Columbia city council requires speakers to request permission to speak, and they must specify a topic they want to discuss. Public testimony isnt allowed at Kansas City council meetings, though committees accept comment on specific ordinances, according to the Kansas City Beacon. Im not aware of any law that would prohibit them from limiting who speaks and what they speak on, said Jean Maneke, a Missouri Press Association attorney specializing in government transparency. This is a business meeting of a public body, and they probably have a feeling that they need rules to do their job properly. Youre depriving me of my freedom Before the COVID-19 pandemic, public speakers at the council meetings often stuck to talking about county business: a controversial zoning problem, or animal welfare at the countys shelter. Regular gadflies alleged corruption. But as pandemic mandates sparked outrage, speakers began skirting the limits of polite public discourse. YouTube temporarily blocked recordings of multiple council meetings in 2021 because they spread misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines. At a recent meeting, a public speaker made reference to councilmembers two of whom are Black picking cotton. And nearly every week, one speaker says LGBTQ content in schools is sexualizing children. On Tuesday, newcomer Tamara Rucker kicked off public comments. Rucker, who helps families collect excess proceeds from delinquent property tax sales, described her difficulty working with county staff. Then council regular Kim Landgraf spoke. She usually recites a poem that blasts the council and liberals. But just seconds into her speech, Webb cut her off. Webb told Landgraf she would no longer be allowed to speak on issues that arent included on the meeting agenda, nor would any other speakers. So youre depriving me of my freedom of speech? Landgraf said. Webb said she would consult the rest of the council on a rule regulating topics in public comment. But it created an uproar. Councilman Ernie Trakas, a Republican from unincorporated South County, said speakers should be able to discuss whatever they want at St. Louis County Council meetings. In a back-and-forth with Webb, he accused her of trying to suppress free speech. Citizens of St. Louis County, take heed, there are those that seek to limit and restrict your First Amendment rights, said Trakas. Dont let it happen. Republican council members said they were caught off guard by Webbs ultimatum Tuesday. Republican Councilman Mark Harder of Ballwin pointed out that other public speakers Tuesday night addressed issues not on the agenda, but they werent silenced. None of the rules that weve agreed to here said anything about what people can speak to, Harder said. Im definitely against anything thats going to limit free speech. Councilwoman Lisa Clancy, a Democrat from Maplewood, said she supports Webb. While some may see Chairwoman Webbs efforts as about limiting free speech, I know her to be about ensuring that our public forum doesnt continue to be a home for anti-LGBTQ, anti-Semitic, or racial slurs, Clancy said, and for the spread of inaccurate, baseless claims about vaccines and COVID. In all, Tuesdays speakers ran the gamut: Landgraf equated vaccine mandates to genocide and said gender-affirming practices aim to annihilate the family unit. Frequent speaker Chris Wilcox covered taxing low-income workers and affordable housing. Mark Passow talked about nuclear warfare. And Washington University student Jason Zhang shared concerns about pedestrian safety at a Forest Park Parkway crossing connecting to campus. While the council can decide what rules govern their meetings, including regulating public forum, the chair doesnt have the power to make sweeping changes to the rules, according to the county charter. Any member of the council may propose a resolution to change the rules, but changes must be approved by a majority of the council. At a meeting in mid-January, for instance, the council voted 6-1 to move the public forum from the beginning of the meeting to the end. A proposed new rule could come before the council as soon as next week. JEFFERSON CITY St. Louis Lambert International Airport is in ongoing negotiations to land more flights to international destinations and one state lawmaker wants the state to pony up some money to help subsidize that effort. In a hearing on the state budget Thursday, Sen. Brian Williams, D-University City, said if Kansas Citys revamped airport is getting $5 million in the governors latest midyear spending adjustment to help it lure an international flight, St. Louis should also get some of the largesse. I dont know if its appropriate for the rest of the state to be left out of this funding, Williams told members of the Senate Appropriations Committee as it reviewed a $625 million spending blueprint largely targeted at giving low-paid state workers 8.7% raises. Included in that package is the money for Kansas City, which was included in last years budget, but not spent because of technical issues. Lambert airport chief Rhonda Hamm-Niebruegge agreed with Williams, saying the state should extend money for subsidies to all airports in the state. The state cant give money to one and not the other, Hamm-Niebruegge told the Post-Dispatch Thursday. Lambert currently is subsidizing a Lufthansa flight to Frankfurt, Germany, using money from the St. Louis County Port Authority and business interests organized by Greater St. Louis Inc. The connection with Germany is seen as a way to make St. Louis a more attractive branch-office location for European companies. Bayer and Merck KGaA already have large operations in the metro area, and German seed company KWS has a research presence. The current agreement runs through 2024. Hamm-Niebruegge said Lambert is in constant negotiations for European carriers and state money could only help bring more flights to the region. Were trying to get a clarification on the language. It should be open to all the airports in the state, she said. If there are state money opportunities we want to be in on it too. It is not uncommon for midsize airports across the nation to bankroll international flights. The Post-Dispatch previously reported that Pittsburgh struck a $3 million deal with British Airways in 2019 for flights to London, and Indianapolis landed a Delta Air Lines flight to Paris in 2018 for $5.5 million. Baltimore, Raleigh and other cities also have put up cash for European connections. If there is going to be state dollars it has to be shared, Hamm-Niebruegge added. Dan Haug, director of Gov. Mike Parsons budget office, didnt shut the door on the idea, but the governor wants the midyear budget deal approved quickly so raises can be distributed to state workers beginning in March. Adding money for Lambert could come in the states regular spending plan, which isnt due to be approved until early May, Haug suggested. Under the governors plan, workers would get raises to bring high turnover rates among employees under control. Some agencies are reporting 50% of their workers leave within one year of their hiring. The proposal also includes an extra $2 per hour bump for employees working in overnight shifts at prisons, mental hospitals and nursing homes for military veterans. Those are shifts that are very difficult to recruit for now, Haug said. The package also includes $20 million for school safety grants to help schools address potential threats. If approved, the money would pay for physical security upgrades and technology that could be used to stop violence within schools. Haug said the governor wants to launch the program as soon as possible. Sen. Lincoln Hough, a Springfield Republican who chairs the budget panel, expressed concern about the governor trying to launch a new program via the midyear budget adjustment, but said he wouldnt block the funding. Do I want to stand in the way of $20 million for school safety grants? No, I do not, Hough said. The grant program could put money in the pipeline by March so schools could begin work in the summer, rather than waiting for the states overall budget to be put in place by July 1. The proposal also calls for the $2.3 million conversion of a number of regional administrative offices of the Department of Mental Health into bed space for hundreds of patients who are awaiting treatment in jails and hospitals. The legislation is House Bill 14. A Buffalo police officer active in the Strike Force unit that patrolled minority neighborhoods wrote almost 12,000 traffic tickets over an eight-year period. More than 70% of them went to Black and brown motorists. One of his partners on the Strike Force issued 85% of his tickets to drivers who were Black or Hispanic. Court records pull back the curtain on Buffalo Police Department's questionable ways Lawyers for the group Black Love Resists in the Rust, which argues that Mayor Byron W. Browns Strike Force set up checkpoints targeting drivers of color, have gathered up internal emails and records. Here's what they revealed. They were among five officers who issued a total 31,046 tickets from 2012-2020. Around 72% went to motorists identified as Black or Hispanic. Less than 7% went to drivers identified as white. The figures seemed out of whack for a city that the U.S. Census Bureau says is roughly 48% white, 33% Black and 12% Latino or Hispanic. The figures were compiled, using city data, by lawyers pressing a broad lawsuit against City Hall and the police department. The suit claims that the true intent of Mayor Byron W. Browns specially created Strike Force was to pull revenue out of minority neighborhoods, East Buffalo in particular. Discriminatory language not tolerated, mayor says, firing back at retired Buffalo cop's testimony Discriminatory language by any employee is not tolerated in this administration, Mayor Byron Brown said. He didnt say the retired lieutenant was wrong. But he said department officials would deal seriously with such a complaint. Sworn testimony from city financial officials indicates they regularly monitored how many tickets Buffalo police officers issued, both when the Strike Force was setting up traffic-enforcement checkpoints and after the Strike Force was deactivated late in 2017. An email cited in court papers shows that then-Finance and Administration Commissioner Donna Estrich learned in February 2018 that ticket revenue would top $10,000 a day the following month. Her quick response was, I love it. In pretrial testimony, retired police officials have defended the Strike Forces work, and Browns current police commissioner, Joseph Gramaglia, has said his officers dont target minorities in enforcing the law. In November, after The Buffalo News reported that a retired lieutenant had testified that a coarse racial slur against Black people was in widespread use among officers, the mayor responded by saying his administration does not tolerate discriminatory language by employees. Lawyers for the group Black Love Resists in the Rust presented the ticket data in court papers in an attempt to lengthen the list of officers and city officials they would like to depose. They want to learn, among other things, how the officers were instructed to go about their jobs, and the extent to which finance officials stressed the need for revenue. Buffalo police regularly use racial slur for Black people, officials testify There is a problem with systemic racism at every level, it appears, with the Buffalo Police Department, said Anjana Malhotra, a senior attorney with the National Center for Law and Economic Justice Lawyers defending the city say Black Love Resists has already been allowed to take twice the number of depositions allowed by the federal Rules of Civil Procedure, and many went beyond the seven-hour time limit. As for the five officers who, the data shows, wrote most of their tickets to Black and brown drivers, the lawyers say Black Love Resists has not shown how they are privy to information that the many officers already deposed did not have. The city's lawyers, with the Hodgson Russ law firm, made similar arguments to blunt attempts to depose two other officers who ticketed members of Black Love Resists, and to depose former Finance Commissioner Estrich and traffic violations prosecutor Octavio Villegas. Black Love Resists has other ways to obtain the information they want, the lawyers said. The city has already provided documents showing the total sum of fines from traffic violations, the lawyers wrote, urging the judge to turn down the request. The federal complaint claims that a racially discriminatory method of traffic enforcement was implemented by a large number of defendants over nearly a decade. According to the data presented in the recent court brief, Officer Michael Acquino issued 85% of his tickets to Black and Hispanic motorists; Officer Richard Hy issued 71% of his tickets to Blacks and Hispanics; Officer Kelvin Sharpe, who wrote almost 12,000 tickets from 2012-2020, at least twice as much as any of the other four, gave 71% to Blacks and Hispanics; Officer Justin Tedesco wrote 63% to those groups; and Officer Andrew Whiteford, 62%. Around 7% of their tickets were written for white motorists, and when multiple tickets were issued in a stop, the five wrote more to Black and Hispanic motorists than whites, the data shows. At various stages of their careers, all were members of the police departments Strike Force or its Housing Unit, which complemented the Strike Force, or both. They are still on the force. Lawsuit over Buffalo policing bogged down for years: An 'endless game of rope-a-dope' There has been no trial date set or even a hint of a settlement as frustrations boil over between the two sides. The Black Love Resists lawyers have contended that Black and Hispanic drivers receive the most tickets because police set up most of their traffic-safety checkpoints in Black and Hispanic neighborhoods under the guise of crime-fighting. When filing the lawsuit in 2018, the lawyers asserted that more than 85% of checkpoints took place in neighborhoods that are predominantly Black or Latino. The lawyers for Black Love Resists suggest the imbalance could have been even more severe if the race of all motorists had been entered into data. The lawyers mined data from a tracking system dating to 2012, when officers entered the race of the motorist if they knew it, and a new tracking system that also could note the race of a motorist if it had been provided during some previous interaction with Buffalo police. The driver's race was not entered for 19% of the more than 31,000 tickets that the five officers issued. WASHINGTON The Republican-led House voted after raucous debate Thursday to oust Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., from the chamber's Foreign Affairs Committee, citing her anti-Israel comments and in a dramatic response to Democrats last session booting far-right GOP lawmakers over incendiary remarks. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy was able to solidify Republican support against the Somali-born Muslim in the new Congress although some GOP lawmakers expressed reservations. Removal of lawmakers from House committees was essentially unprecedented until the Democratic ousters two years ago of hard-right Republican Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia and Paul Gosar of Arizona. The 218-211 vote along party lines came after a heated debate in which Democrats accused the GOP of targeting Omar based on her race. Omar defended herself, asking if anyone was surprised she was being targeted "because when you push power, power pushes back." Democratic colleagues hugged her during the vote. "My voice will get louder and stronger, and my leadership will be celebrated around the world," Omar said in a closing speech. Republicans focused on six statements Omar made that "under the totality of the circumstances, disqualify her from serving on the Committee of Foreign Affairs," said Rep. Michael Guest of Mississippi, the incoming chairman of the House Ethics Committee. "All members, both Republicans and Democrats alike who seek to serve on Foreign Affairs, should be held to the highest standard of conduct due to the international sensitivity and national security concerns under the jurisdiction of this committee," Guest said. The resolution proposed by Rep. Max Miller, R-Ohio, a former official in the Trump administration, declared, "Omar's comments have brought dishonor to the House of Representatives." Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York said Omar has "made mistakes" and used antisemitic tropes condemned by House Democrats four years ago. But that's not what Thursday's vote was about, he said, "It's about political revenge." Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., went further, referring to the Sept. 11, 2001, attack as she called the GOP's action part of one of the "disgusting legacies after 9/11: the targeting and racism against Muslim-Americans throughout the United States of America. And this is an extension of that legacy." She added, "This is about targeting women of color." McCarthy denied the decision was a tit-for-tat after the Greene and Gosar removals under Democrats, though he warned in late 2021 that such a response might be expected if Republicans won back the House majority. He noted Omar can remain on other panels, just not Foreign Affairs, after her anti-Israel comments. Democrats rallied Thursday in Omar's defense. "This clearly isn't about what Ilhan Omar said as much as who she is being a smart, outspoken Black woman of the Muslim faith is apparently the issue," said Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Wis. Black, Latino and progressive lawmakers in particular spoke of her unique voice in the House and criticized Republicans for what they called a racist attack. "Racist gaslighting," said Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo. A "revenge resolution," said Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington, chair of the progressive caucus. "It's so painful to watch," said Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., who joined Congress with Omar as the first two female Muslims elected to the House. "To Congresswoman Omar, I am so sorry that our country is failing you today through this chamber," Tlaib said through tears. "You belong on that committee." Omar was the first to wear a hijab in the House chamber after floor rules were changed to allow members to wear head coverings for religious reasons. She quickly generated controversy after joining Congress in 2019 with a pair of tweets that suggested lawmakers who supported Israel were motivated by money. In the first, she criticized the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, or AIPAC. "It's all about the Benjamins baby," she wrote, invoking slang about $100 bills. Asked on Twitter who she thought was paying members of Congress to support Israel, Omar responded, "AIPAC!" In a May 2021 tweet, she made reference to Israel as "an apartheid state" over its treatment of Palestinians. Omar's remarks sparked a public rebuke from then House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other Democrats who made clear that she had overstepped. "We have to always be willing to step back and think through criticism, just as I expect people to hear me when others attack me about my identity," Omar tweeted. "This is why I unequivocally apologize." McCarthy blocked Reps. Adam Schiff and Eric Swalwell, both California Democrats, from rejoining the House Intelligence Committee once the GOP took control of the chamber in January, but the action on Omar required a House vote. Several Republicans skeptical of removing Omar wanted "due process" for lawmakers who face removal. McCarthy said he told them he would work with Democrats on creating a due process system, but acknowledged it's still a work in progress. One Republican, Rep. David Joyce of Ohio, voted present. In the last Congress, several Republicans joined Democrats in removing Greene and Gosar from their committees. Sen. Josh Hawleys latest performative legislation (pretty much the only kind he does) calls for walling off Social Security and Medicare to protect it from the current debt-ceiling battle. Like much of what the Missouri Republican files, this sounds good until you get into the meat of the thing. Analysts say its a simplistic approach that wouldnt work even if it did have a chance of passage. If Hawley is interested in actually doing something to protect these important programs, he should confront the fellow Republicans in the House who are threatening them. The debt ceiling is the maximum amount of money the government can borrow to pay its debts. Congress must raise it occasionally as government expenses rise, which is usually a routine matter. It cannot be stressed enough that refusal to raise the debt ceiling, as a cadre of House Republicans are doing, is not a refusal to spend more money, but rather a refusal to pay debts already incurred by Congress. The mere threat of defaulting on those debts can send markets crashing. The current fiscal hostage-takers are being vague about exactly what ransom they plan to demand in exchange for agreeing to raise the ceiling later this year. Thats because any serious cuts to the federal budget would necessarily involve either defense, which most Republicans dont want to touch, or Social Security and Medicare, which they most certainly do want to touch, but which they know are considered untouchable by a great many Americans whose paycheck taxes cover those entitlements. Enter Hawley, a cultural conservative whose self-styled populist schtick sometimes puts him on what would normally be considered the liberal side of some issues, including protecting Social Security and Medicare. He wont get any argument from us there. But his new legislation a three-page bill that essentially just declares the two programs off-limits in debt-ceiling fights appears to be press-release fodder rather than a serious attempt at that goal. (Kind of like Hawleys goofy legislation last year attacking Disney for being too woke.) As experts told The Kansas City Star, Hawleys bill doesnt take into account the complexities of both programs and their relation to the rest of the federal budget. Hawleys team has clearly not talked to anybody who is going to explain actually how Treasury auctions work, said one Brookings Institution analyst. The logic of it doesnt work in terms of interest payments and any anything like that. What might work is for Hawley to use his Senate bully pulpit to publicly condemn the House GOP for even talking about forcing a default on Americas debts. That kind of pushback from a high-profile Republican senator could pressure them to stop these reckless games. That would demonstrate a seriousness of purpose that this legislation doesnt. We patiently await Hawleys next press release. EQS-Ad-hoc: Steinhoff International Holdings N.V. / Key word(s): AGM/EGM Steinhoff International Holdings N.V. : Delay in issuing 2023 Annual General Meeting Notice 02-Feb-2023 / 20:45 CET/CEST Disclosure of an inside information acc. to Article 17 MAR of the Regulation (EU) No 596/2014, transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group AG. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. DISCLOSURE OF INSIDE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO ART. 17 OF THE EU MARKET ABUSE REGULATION (EU 596/2014, MAR) Steinhoff International Holdings N.V. Delay in issuing 2023 Annual General Meeting Notice Steinhoff International Holdings N.V. (the Company or Steinhoff) disclosed on the 27 January 2023 that it intended to publish the notice for the 2023 Annual General Meeting (AGM Notice) ultimately on 2 February 2023. At the same time the Company disclosed that Steinhoff will simultaneously issue a circular to shareholders including further background, details and explanations regarding the proposals to approve the maturity extension transaction including the equity reorganisation elements (Shareholder Circular). The Company has been delayed publishing the AGM Notice and Shareholder Circular today whilst it seeks certain regulatory confirmations. As a consequence, the Annual General Meeting scheduled for 16 March 2023 will take place at a later date. The Company is working to obtain the confirmations as soon as possible and further updates will be provided to the market as and when available. The Company has a primary listing on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and a secondary listing on the JSE Limited. Stellenbosch, 2 February 2023 Contact: Steinhoff International Holdings N.V. Investor Relations Phone: +27 21 808 0700 E-mail: investors@steinhoffinternational.com As Feb. 14th approaches, nearly half of pet parents prefer their pet over a person as their Valentine NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- With Valentines Day on the horizon, pet parents around the country are replacing flowers and chocolates with kibble and chew toys. MetLife Pet Insurances new Pet Parent Pulse Survey reveals many people prioritize their furry friends over their human connections, with eight-in-ten pet parents revealing theyd rather spend time with a pet than go on a first date. Whats more 42% of pet parents surveyed said they would rather have their pet as their Valentine instead of a person. Pets are more than just animal companions. Most respondents (78%) consider their pet to be their child, with 69% stating they love their pet more than some family members. Love is in the air this Valentines Day and comes in many forms, said Brian Jorgensen, Head of Pet Insurance at MetLife. Our recent MetLife Pet Insurance survey reveals just how special the companionship and connection between pets and their parents are. In fact, nearly one in six respondents said they tell their pet they love them more than they tell their partner! As part of the survey findings, single pet parents were more likely than married pet parents to prefer pet companionship to human interaction (82% to 75%, respectively). Additionally, Millennials (25-40-year-olds) were also more likely than older pet parents to prefer spending free time with their pets instead of people (83% of Millennials compared to 71% of pet parents aged 57 and up). Divorced/separated pet parents, by contrast, were most split in their perspective, with just over half indicating they would prefer a pet Valentine over a human one. While there is no question that the bond between pet parents and their animal companions is strong, over half of pet parents (54%) worry about being able to care for their pet in the future with current economic uncertainties. Pets can be expensive beyond the Valentines Day gifts. The average pet parent will spend just under $1,500 a year, with the biggest expense after food being vet care. To support these pet parents, MetLife Pet Insurance offers an array of pet insurance plans that allow them to take the steps necessary to safeguard their pets health while also easing their financial burden. Every year, Valentines Day serves as a loving reminder to spend time with those we care about most. As our survey shows, this includes pets, Jorgensen explains. One of the greatest acts of love a pet parent can take is to ensure the health and safety of their pet. MetLife Pet Insurance provides pet parents with the support they need to care for their pet without breaking the bank. To learn more about pet insurance, visit Metlifepetinsurance.com/monthoflove. To get a customized quote to meet your pets needs, click here. Research Methodology On behalf of MetLife Pet Insurance, CITE Research (www.citeresearch.com) conducted an online survey among 1,001 U.S. adult pet parents in January 2023. Respondents were screened to be at least 18 years of age and currently own a pet. About CITE Research CITE Research Inc. is a tactical global market research firm specializing in quantitative and qualitative market research. We empower our clients with dynamic research targeting the platforms that matter most for brands on a global scale. A strategic partner to Fortune 500, non-profits and start-ups, our research solutions help companies reach and engage consumers, influencers, customers, analysts, and media. For more information, please call 646-206-9017 or visit www.citeresearch.com. About MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions, LLC MetLife Pet coverage is underwritten by Metropolitan General Insurance Company, a Rhode Island company, or Independence American Insurance Company, a Delaware company. MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC is the administrator for this coverage. The entity may operate under an alternate, assumed, or fictitious name in certain jurisdictions as approved, including MetLife Pet Insurance Services LLC (New York and Minnesota), MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions Agency LLC (Illinois). For more information, visit https://www.metlifepetinsurance.com/. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230202005640/en/ Delaney Crowe 571-577-7997 [email protected] Source: MetLife, Inc. NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Accenture (NYSE: ACN) has acquired Bionest, a strategy and consulting firm dedicated to addressing complex strategic decisions for leading biopharma organizations across innovative areas of science including precision medicine and diagnostics, oncology, cell & gene therapy (CGT), and rare diseases. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230201006099/en/ Accenture has acquired Bionest, a strategy and consulting firm dedicated to addressing complex strategic decisions for leading biopharma organizations across innovative areas of science including precision medicine and diagnostics, oncology, cell & gene therapy (CGT), and rare diseases. (Graphic: Business Wire) Headquartered in New York with a European office in Paris, Bionest's team of 46 scientifically-minded consultants, industry executives, and specialists will join Accenture Strategy in the Life Sciences practice. Bionest's focus on go-to-market strategy in life science's most exciting and challenging areas will broaden and deepen Accenture's capabilities. Scientific and technological advancements are creating breakthroughs for patient health, resulting in more complex and personalized therapies. This New Science, a dynamic combination of the best in science and health technology, is expected to drive 81 percent of biopharma revenue growth. However, biopharma companies must also juggle increasingly complex commercialization challenges, patient access issues, and a changing regulatory and economic environment to achieve that growth. As a result, biopharma companies must constantly assess their go-to-market strategy to maintain a competitive edge. Brad Michel, a senior managing director at Accenture who leads its North America Life Sciences practice, said, "Biopharma companies are shifting to New Science to drive more precise and effective ways to treat and care for patients in previously unattainable ways. Oncology, precision medicine, and cell and gene therapies will drive disproportionate growth while delivering differentiated patient outcomes in the coming years. The addition of Bionest's highly skilled team of experts expands our capabilities and will support our clients in bringing therapeutics to patients faster and more efficiently." Bionests clients include both major established and emerging pharmaceutical and biotechnology brands, chiefly in North America and Europe. Complex areas of science require novel thinking when it comes to how businesses consider their go-to-market strategy, said Rachel Laing, Ph.D., Bionest leader and managing director. Melinda Kutzing, Ph.D., Bionest leader and managing director, added, By joining Accenture, we'll be able to bring new capabilities to our clients through strategy development and operational execution in some of the most exciting areas of science." Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. About Accenture Accenture is a leading global professional services company that helps the worlds leading businesses, governments and other organizations build their digital core, optimize their operations, accelerate revenue growth and enhance citizen servicescreating tangible value at speed and scale. We are a talent and innovation led company with 738,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries. Technology is at the core of change today, and we are one of the worlds leaders in helping drive that change, with strong ecosystem relationships. We combine our strength in technology with unmatched industry experience, functional expertise and global delivery capability. We are uniquely able to deliver tangible outcomes because of our broad range of services, solutions and assets across Strategy & Consulting, Technology, Operations, Industry X and Accenture Song. These capabilities, together with our culture of shared success and commitment to creating 360 value, enable us to help our clients succeed and build trusted, lasting relationships. We measure our success by the 360 value we create for our clients, each other, our shareholders, partners and communities. Visit us at www.accenture.com. Forward-Looking Statements Except for the historical information and discussions contained herein, statements in this news release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as may, will, should, likely, anticipates, aspires, expects, intends, plans, projects, believes, estimates, positioned, outlook, goal, target and similar expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance nor promises that goals or targets will be met, and involve a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that are difficult to predict and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. These risks include, without limitation, risks that: the transaction might not achieve the anticipated benefits for Accenture; Accentures results of operations have been, and may in the future be, adversely affected by volatile, negative or uncertain economic and political conditions and the effects of these conditions on the companys clients businesses and levels of business activity; Accentures business depends on generating and maintaining client demand for the companys services and solutions including through the adaptation and expansion of its services and solutions in response to ongoing changes in technology and offerings, and a significant reduction in such demand or an inability to respond to the evolving technological environment could materially affect the companys results of operations; if Accenture is unable to match people and their skills with client demand around the world and attract and retain professionals with strong leadership skills, the companys business, the utilization rate of the companys professionals and the companys results of operations may be materially adversely affected; Accenture faces legal, reputational and financial risks from any failure to protect client and/or company data from security incidents or cyberattacks; the markets in which Accenture operates are highly competitive, and Accenture might not be able to compete effectively; Accentures ability to attract and retain business and employees may depend on its reputation in the marketplace; Accentures environmental, social and governance (ESG) commitments and disclosures may expose it to reputational risks and legal liability; if Accenture does not successfully manage and develop its relationships with key ecosystem partners or fails to anticipate and establish new alliances in new technologies, the companys results of operations could be adversely affected; Accentures profitability could materially suffer if the company is unable to obtain favorable pricing for its services and solutions, if the company is unable to remain competitive, if its cost-management strategies are unsuccessful or if it experiences delivery inefficiencies or fail to satisfy certain agreed-upon targets or specific service levels; changes in Accentures level of taxes, as well as audits, investigations and tax proceedings, or changes in tax laws or in their interpretation or enforcement, could have a material adverse effect on the companys effective tax rate, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition; Accentures results of operations could be materially adversely affected by fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; changes to accounting standards or in the estimates and assumptions Accenture makes in connection with the preparation of its consolidated financial statements could adversely affect its financial results; as a result of Accentures geographically diverse operations and strategy to continue to grow in key markets around the world, the company is more susceptible to certain risks; if Accenture is unable to manage the organizational challenges associated with its size, the company might be unable to achieve its business objectives; Accenture might not be successful at acquiring, investing in or integrating businesses, entering into joint ventures or divesting businesses; Accentures business could be materially adversely affected if the company incurs legal liability; Accentures global operations expose the company to numerous and sometimes conflicting legal and regulatory requirements; Accentures work with government clients exposes the company to additional risks inherent in the government contracting environment; if Accenture is unable to protect or enforce its intellectual property rights or if Accentures services or solutions infringe upon the intellectual property rights of others or the company loses its ability to utilize the intellectual property of others, its business could be adversely affected; Accenture may be subject to criticism and negative publicity related to its incorporation in Ireland; as well as the risks, uncertainties and other factors discussed under the Risk Factors heading in Accenture plcs most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and other documents filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission. Statements in this news release speak only as of the date they were made, and Accenture undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statements made in this news release or to conform such statements to actual results or changes in Accentures expectations. Copyright 2023 Accenture. All rights reserved. Accenture and its logo are trademarks of Accenture. This content is provided for general information purposes and is not intended to be used in place of consultation with our professional advisors. This document refers to marks owned by third parties. All such third-party marks are the property of their respective owners. No sponsorship, endorsement or approval of this content by the owners of such marks is intended, expressed or implied. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230201006099/en/ Maggie Nolan Accenture +1 845.661.0952 [email protected] Marchell Gillis Accenture +1.678.657.7515 [email protected] Source: Accenture Association Will More Sharply Focus on Accelerating Supply Chains Growth, Game Changing Advancements, Says Melissa Hockstad ACI Convention State of the Association Previews ACI Commitments on Advocacy, Science, Sustainability and Outreach Efforts ORLANDO, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The cleaning product supply chain will remain essential and resilient even in the storm of a roller coaster economy, according to the President and CEO of the American Cleaning Institute. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230202005611/en/ American Cleaning Institute President & CEO Melissa Hockstad presents her State of the Association address at the 2023 ACI Convention in Orlando, Florida. (Photo: Business Wire) Melissa Hockstad, in presenting her State of the Association address at ACIs 2023 Industry Convention, said that a record turnout at the 2023 ACI Convention signals to me that cleaning product makers, chemistry producers and industry suppliers are ready to map out the next wave of effective, efficient and sustainable products that will contribute to public health and improve our quality of life. More than 1,050 industry representatives attended ACIs Convention. Fostering growth and innovation Hockstad added that supporting and accelerating the industrys business growth and innovation is one of the key strategic pillars for the Institute in the years ahead. ACI will have a sharper focus on highlighting inventive and potential game-changing commercial advancements across the supply chain, noting that this years ACI Convention expanded its Innovation Showcase to two sessions to accommodate 15 member company presentations that are bringing new ideas and chemistries to market to serve the needs of consumers and customers around the world. We also want to cultivate impactful relationships with key stakeholders and continue advocating for a fair and equitable legislative and regulatory environment. Hockstad said that ACI will continue its advocacy leadership in Congress to enact a federal standard governing cleaning product ingredient communication, which would bring about a consistent and transparent approach for consumers to understand whats in their cleaning products, no matter where they live in the United States. Amplifying industry sustainability efforts ACI will also do more to amplify the industrys efforts on sustainability by driving impactful actions throughout the supply chain on short-term and longer-term initiatives to reduce emissions and packaging. We know that operating sustainably is good for business and critical for our future, said Hockstad. We also will increase focus on enhancing consumers knowledge and adoption of sustainable cleaning practices, whether its washing clothes in cold water or better understanding more about new and emerging sustainable cleaning practices and products. Science is the backbone of what we do Reiterating that ACI is seen as the go to organization for cleaning product science and research, Hockstad said the associations focus will be to advance, promote and utilize science to drive informed dialogue and decision making. Sound science is the backbone of what we do and drives our decision-making on policymaking and our outreach, year in and year out. Hockstad pointed to an ACI workshop planned for March 2, 2023 in Arlington, Virginia that will examine new test methods for cleaning product safety as a prime example of industrys commitment to product stewardship and understanding the latest research. Promoting Positive, Proactive Partnerships ACIs reputation as a credible source of information on the safe, beneficial and proper use of cleaning products allows it to create powerful, productive partnerships on critical issues of mutual interest that provide opportunities to maximize impact. Hockstad pointed to ACIs ongoing work with Safe Kids Worldwide (promoting safe product use and storage) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (highlighting the importance of proper cleaning and hygiene practices in schools) as just two examples of how the association can promote dialogue and increase understanding, knowledge and trust of our industry. Through the work of our great staff and the support of our member companies, ACI will, more than ever, succeed in our role as the voice of our industry for the news media, policymakers and critical stakeholders. We will continue to promote, protect and preserve the reputation of our supply chain and the lifeblood called innovation that will help bring about a more sustainable planet. The American Cleaning Institute (ACI www.cleaninginstitute.org) is the Home of the U.S. Cleaning Products Industry and represents the $60 billion U.S. cleaning product supply chain. ACI members include the manufacturers and formulators of soaps, detergents, and general cleaning products used in household, commercial, industrial and institutional settings; companies that supply ingredients and finished packaging for these products; and chemical distributors. ACI serves the growth and innovation of the U.S. cleaning products industry by advancing the health and quality of life of people and protecting our planet. ACI achieves this through a continuous commitment to sound science and being a credible voice for the cleaning products industry. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230202005611/en/ Brian Sansoni 202.662.2517 (office) 202.680.9327 (mobile) [email protected] Source: American Cleaning Institute Legal Tech Leader Appoints Doug Matthews Chief Product Officer and Andrew Hoyt to Chief Technology Officer ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Aderant, a leading global business management software provider for law firms, has strengthened its executive firepower with two new C-level hires, Doug Matthews as Chief Product Officer (CPO) and Andrew Hoyt as Chief Technology Officer (CTO). In addition, the company has promoted Jessica Kattman to Vice President, Global Marketing and Communications. Aderant continues to make bold strides forward to expand its team and talent base. These moves come on the heels of two years of tremendous global growth for the organization. With the acquisitions of American LegalNet (ALN) and viGlobal, it was important for President and CEO Chris Cartrett to continue to fill out a strong, innovative leadership team with tenured experts. Advancing the knowledge and skill in its product and technology teams was imperative to continued success. The growth we have experienced in recent years is a testament to the strength of our team. Going forward though, we have much larger plans. Adding Doug and Andy to the leadership team was crucial for us to be able to deliver on our long-term company vision, said Cartrett. I am excited to work with these extremely talented individuals and welcome their desire to push the envelope to further grow our business and enhance the delivery of quality solutions that help our clients run a better business. Matthews brings 20+ years of product leadership tenure to the position, including building world class product management teams and designing and executing successful cloud and business transformation strategies. Prior to joining Aderant, he was General Manager and Senior Vice President of the Data Protection Business at Veritas Technologies, LLC where he prioritized the delivery of crucial business capabilities with a customer-first approach, built on solving their most critical unmet needs. Matthews is well-suited to grow the Aderant product suite both internally through development as well as through acquisitions and partnerships with third-party organizations. Hoyts forward-thinking and hands-on leadership style made him the perfect choice for Aderants next CTO. He will oversee the companys global development team and collaboratively develop the future technical vision and roadmap for the entire Aderant product suite. Hoyt joins Aderant from NCR Corporation, where he implemented an API-First Strategy, prioritizing client interests. He also led the companys initiative to migrate clients from their legacy platforms to cloud-native applications. His 17-year tenure at IBM where he guided clients through their digital transformations with new technologies and process makes him the ideal candidate to lead Aderants continued transition to the cloud space. With Matthews and Hoyt leading the charge on the product and technology side, Aderant is poised to see even more growth and expansion. This fast-paced move to the cloud puts clients in the drivers seat of their own technological destiny, which is where Kattman will play a vital role. Kattman has been instrumental in Aderants growth over the past two years. Educating the market and bringing awareness to Aderants breadth of products that support all facets of a law firms business, regardless of the PMS they run, will be the driver for future growth. Creating a unique and engaging customer experience falls under her purview via events, client communications and overall brand synergy. Jess has been a tremendous leader in our organization. Her creativeness and attention to detail have shaped who Aderant is today. Promoting her to Vice President and moving her onto our executive team simply gives her a larger platform and voice to continue our evolution into the company and provider we desire to be, said Cartrett. These moves complete Aderants executive leadership group. This journey began in late 2021 after Cartrett moved into the President role. A focus on leadership and talent was his top initiative, leading to the appointment of Shira Aharoni as Aderants first Chief People Officer. Aderant has heavily invested in its strategy of attracting, developing, and growing talent within its organization. The addition of Aharoni in 2022 has brought significant change in how the company manages and supports its people. Aharonis history in HR leadership within software companies like NCR Corporation and Finastra LTD, gives her the expertise and passion required to shape and strengthen the Aderant team. Aharoni has been instrumental in helping lead the overall workforce strategy in conjunction with COO Raphael Shure. Our people cant give 100% to our clients if they arent getting 110% from us, said Aharoni. I believe in a strong people-first approach when it comes to how we operate our business and am proud to work with a leadership group that has the same ideals. Rounding out our leadership group with the extreme talent and passion that these individuals bring to the table will prove to be an incredible benefit to both the Aderant team and our clients, said Shure. I, for one, am excited to see what this group will deliver for our future. To learn more about career opportunities at Aderant, click here. About Aderant Aderant is a global industry leader which provides comprehensive business management software for law firms and other professional services organizations. The companys popular technology brands include Aderant Expert/Expert Sierra for practice management, Handshake and Drive for knowledge management, iTimekeep & OCG Live for timekeeping and compliance, BillBlast for eBilling, Milana for docketing and calendaring, the vi by Aderant for people management. Aderant operates as a unit of Roper Technologies (NYSE: ROP), a constituent of the S&P 500 and the Fortune 500 indices. The company is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, and has several other offices across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. For more information, visit Aderant.com, email [email protected], or follow the company on Twitter @Aderant or LinkedIn. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230202005156/en/ Media Megan Haight Director, Brand Strategy, Aderant [email protected] Christy Burke, Burke & Company PR 917-623-5096 [email protected] Source: Aderant CASTLE ROCK, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Aircraft Performance Group (APG), the leading global provider of proprietary flight operations software solutions, announced today the signing of a new 3-year agreement with the Vista Global group. APG will continue its long-standing relationship with Vista, the number one on-demand charter company in the world, providing a complete software solution for flight feasibility, runway analysis, and weight & balance. Vista will use APGs isFlightPossible API complemented by the class-leading iPreFlight Genesis iPad application, with plans for Vista to upgrade to iPreFlight Genesis PRO over the coming months. These applications are used across the entire Vista Members fleet of over 360 aircraft. Vista has expanded its business rapidly, reporting double-digit growth in the first half of 2022, accelerated new client memberships, and has expanded across all markets globally, particularly in the United States. The group includes the leading brands VistaJet, XO and Apollo Jets; its operating partners' network extends further to XOJET Aviation, GMJ Air Shuttle, Red Wing Aviation, and Talon Air. The groups recently supported the growing demand for its services through the acquisition of Air Hamburg in Germany and Jet Edge in the United States. APG is a leader in aircraft performance software for dispatchers and pilots. This, coupled with its excellent and responsive customer support, allowed us to make the very easy decision to continue our relationship, said Cliff Berrington, Director of Operations at VistaJet. We look forward to seeing how iPreFlight Genesis PRO can improve the optimization of our fleet management over the coming years. For over 20 years, APG has supported aircraft businesses and pilots with mission-critical flight operations software. Vista will continue to use iPreFlight Genesis as their aircraft performance solution, enabling pilots and dispatchers to determine maximum takeoff and landing weights and perform required weight and balance computations. Additionally, Vista will make use of APGs isFlightPossible solution to get instant confirmation on the feasibility of any flight and to quickly determine the best aircraft for any mission with minimal input. APG is delighted to continue our longstanding relationship with Vista. This contract is a significant step in our commitment to support Vista as they expand globally with outstanding flight operations solutions that allows operators to be safe, efficient and compliant, stated Mark Stevens, APG Head of Sales - EMEA. Additionally, we are thrilled to broaden our relationship with Vista with expansion into our newest iPreFlight Genesis PRO product line. We look forward to working closely with Vista and its companies over the coming years. About Aircraft Performance Group Aircraft Performance Group (APG) is a leading global provider of business and corporate aviation flight operations software solutions. For more information, visit www.flyapg.com. About RocketRoute, an APG Company RocketRoute, an APG Company, is a leading software platform simplifying route planning and flight plan submissions to air traffic controllers. RocketRoute solutions span private, business and commercial aviation, and are the backbone of many air rescue operations in Europe. www.rocketroute.com About Vista Vista Global Holdings (Vista) subsidiaries provide worldwide business flight services. A global group headquartered at the DIFC in Dubai, Vista integrates a unique portfolio of companies offering asset light services to cover all critical aspects of business aviation: guaranteed and on demand global flight coverage, subscription and Membership solutions; and cutting-edge technology. The Groups mission is to lead the change to provide clients with the most advanced flying services at the very best value, anytime, anywhere around the world. Vistas knowledge and understanding of all facets of the industry deliver the best end-to-end offering and technology to all business aviation clients, through its VistaJet and XO branded services and duly licensed carriers. Vista is not a direct air carrier and does not operate or charter flights. More Vista information and news at www.vistaglobal.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230202005389/en/ Jessica Thompson [email protected] 303-539-0410 Source: Aircraft Performance Group FISHERS, Ind. & NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Alacrity Solutions Group, LLC (Alacrity Solutions or the Company), a recognized leader in providing insurance claims management services in North America, today announced that BlackRock Alternatives, through its Long Term Private Capital (LTPC) strategy, has acquired a majority interest in the Company. Alacritys prior majority investor, Kohlberg & Company (Kohlberg), and management team will retain a significant minority interest in the Company. Alacrity Solutions is a market-leading, technology-enabled diversified provider of outsourced solutions to U.S. insurance carriers, providing essential services across the claims lifecycle, including field and desk adjusting, temporary housing, specialty and auto solutions, managed repair services and desktop review. The Company has a national presence in all 50 states and processes over 2.8 million claims annually on behalf of more than 300 carrier clients. Led by a best-in-class management team with a track record of innovation and execution, Alacrity Solutions has delivered strong, persistent organic growth and completed 16 strategic acquisitions to create a differentiated solutions platform. Due to its high quality adjuster network, superior execution and unwavering commitment to client success, the Company has developed a reputation for accurate, professional, and scalable services that serve clients critical needs throughout the claims handling and resolution process. We are thrilled to be partnering with BlackRock LTPC, and continuing our partnership with Kohlberg, for our next chapter of growth, said Jim Pearl, CEO of Alacrity Solutions. BlackRock LTPC has an exceptional reputation as a collaborative partner to the management teams of its portfolio companies, and I am looking forward to working with them to expand the capabilities we provide to our valued clients. BlackRock LTPC is the ideal partner to accelerate Alacritys position as the preeminent platform for outsourced insurance claims solutions in North America given our shared vision and alignment. Likewise, Kohlberg has been a terrific partner for Alacrity over the last four years, having helped us execute on a number of strategic initiatives, including the expansion of our services across North America and continued technology innovation, and I am pleased to have Kohlbergs continuing support. Andre Bourbonnais, Global Head of BlackRock Long Term Private Capital, commented, Alacrity Solutions has established itself as a differentiated market leader in the fast-growing outsourced claims solutions space, with long-tenured customer relationships and an impressive history of growth. As long-term investors in the financial and business services sectors, we believe the Company has significant growth potential and are excited to partner with Jim and the Alacrity Solutions management team, alongside Kohlberg, to sustain the Companys strong momentum. Kohlberg is proud to have supported Alacritys transformation and growth over the last four years, as they solidified their position as the leading outsourced claims provider to personal lines insurers, commented Christopher Anderson, Partner, Kohlberg & Company. In addition to completing three strategic acquisitions, we partnered with Jim to invest heavily into the sales, service and technology organizations which has further differentiated the business from its peers and served to greatly accelerate its organic growth profile. The BlackRock LTPC team brings deep relevant experience and alignment with Alacrity managements vision, mission and strategy, and our firm is pleased to be partnering with them and looks forward to continuing to support Alacritys ongoing growth and future success. Alacrity Solutions is BlackRock LTPCs seventh investment to date and its fifth investment in North America. BlackRock LTPC is an innovative private equity strategy focused on investing in high-quality businesses and value creation through active collaboration with management teams. The strategy's flexible duration and prudent approach to leverage preserve optionality for growth and help enable compounded capital appreciation. BlackRock LTPC's team of 23 professionals are based in New York and London and invest across North America and Western Europe. BofA Securities acted as financial advisor and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP acted as legal advisor to BlackRock LTPC. Evercore and Waller Helms Advisors acted as financial advisors, and Ropes & Gray acted as legal advisor to Alacrity Solutions and Kohlberg. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. About Alacrity Solutions Alacrity Solutions, based in Fishers, Indiana, is one of the largest independent providers of insurance claims management services in North America. Alacrity provides property, auto, and casualty claims adjustment services, staffing solutions, as well as temporary housing services and a nationwide managed repair network to national and regional insurance companies, MGAs, TPAs, self-insured corporations, and clients in the federal/state government sector. For more information, please visit: www.alacritysolutions.com. About BlackRock Alternatives BlackRock Alternatives serves investors seeking outperformance in infrastructure, private equity, credit, real estate, hedge funds and multi-alternatives. We strive to bring our investors the highest quality investments by drawing upon our global footprint, superior execution capabilities and position as a preferred partner. BlackRock manages $318 billion in alternative investments and commitments on behalf of clients worldwide as of December 31, 2022. About Kohlberg & Company Led by Sam Frieder and Gordon Woodward, Kohlberg is a leading private equity firm based in Mount Kisco, New York. Over its 35 year history, the firm has organized eleven private equity vehicles, through which it has raised over $13 billion of committed equity capital and generated over $10 billon in realized returns with no realized losses since 2007. Kohlberg employs a rigorous white paper research program which results in a higher percentage of proprietary deals and expedient value creation for its portfolio companies. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230202005085/en/ BlackRock Christopher Beattie (646) 231-8518 [email protected] Kohlberg & Company Sophia Templin (917) 596-8172 [email protected] Source: BlackRock MIRAMAR, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- AllClear Repair Services (AllClear), a subsidiary of AllClear Aerospace & Defense, is pleased to announce that it has received EASA Part 145 approval in accordance with the provisions of the agreement between the United States and the European Union on cooperation in the regulation of civil aviation safety. In addition to supporting military component repairs, this certification expands AllClears current and future commercial capabilities to service the greater global community by offering dual release certifications. We are excited about our latest accomplishment of adding EASA Part 145 certification to our repair station. This certification allows us to further expand our existing global customer base and offer more solutions to customers requiring dual release authority, stated Nick Gimbel, Director of MRO for AllClear Repair Services. About AllClear Repair Services AllClear Repair Services is an AS9110 certified FAA and EASA Part 145 certified repair station, based in Miramar, Florida, holding accessory class ratings and limited airframe and instrument ratings. AllClear specializes in the complete repair and overhaul of pneumatic, hydraulic, fuel, and electro-mechanical systems, landing gear, and brakes for defense and commercial platforms. In addition to in-house repair capabilities, AllClear provides expert repair management services, rotable exchange pool access, tooling development, engineering design services, and fabrication. Through strategic alliances customers have access to managed repair services at dozens of global locations that come with accelerated turnaround times, advanced capabilities, certified quality, and preferential pricing. About AllClear Aerospace & Defense AllClear Aerospace & Defense is the military aviation aftermarket industrys leading provider of mission-ready solutions. We provide excellence in sustainment for the U.S. militaries and its allies. Headquartered in Miramar, Florida, AllClears sustainment solutions cover over 25 of the most utilized military aircraft platforms, supported with distribution agreements from leading OEMs, in-house and managed repair services, engineered products, manufacturing, and logistics solutions. AllClear represents more than 30 years of defense aerospace sustainment experience and expertise, focused on the bigger mission mindset of keeping militaries mission ready. AllClear locations include Abu Dhabi, UAE; Camarillo, CA; Cambridge, UK; Chatsworth, CA; Greenville, SC; Macon, GA; Miramar, FL; Seoul, S. Korea; Singapore; South San Francisco, CA; and Tokyo, Japan. To learn more visit GoAllClear.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230202005208/en/ AllClear Aerospace & Defense Ruth Garcia VP Marketing & Communications [email protected] Source: AllClear Repair Services WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Apex Home Loans, powered by Luminate Home Loans, announced today the addition of Leo Anzoleaga to its award-winning mortgage broker team. As a Senior Vice President of Residential Lending, Leo will be responsible for creating residential mortgage business, developing business partner relationships, and delivering an exceptional customer experience. With nearly 20 years of experience in the mortgage industry, Leo Anzoleaga has helped homebuyers and agents throughout the Washington, D.C. region and beyond stay competitive by providing pre-underwritten loans rather than pre-approval letters through his Excellent Loan Program. As a Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist, Leo and The Leo Anzoleaga Group build each client a personalized mortgage plan to help them reach their short- and long-term financial goals through real estate. Leo will be a fantastic addition to Apex Home Loans, said Craig Strent, CEO and Co-Founder of Apex Home Loans. Not only does he bring almost two decades of experience in the mortgage industry, but his commitment to supporting real estate agents and creating learning opportunities for the industry makes his services extremely valuable for homebuyers and partners alike. Leo also designs and facilitates professional development classes for real estate agents and small business owners through the How2Collective. Meeting them where they are in their career journeys, his offerings include How2Start, How2Scale, How2Execute, and How2Finance. In 2020, Leo launched Leos Circle to recognize talented real estate agents measuring not only production, but also the way they are building their businesses and leading the industry. This association also creates a network with opportunities for them to connect and learn from each other while building content that promotes their own offerings and teams in the process. What Im most excited about in joining Apex is the opportunity to work with not only an industry leader, but also how Apex and I share the same vision around building community, cultivating an excellent team, and taking pride in helping people achieve their dream of owning a home, said Leo Anzoleaga, Senior Vice President of Residential Lending. I couldnt be happier to be a part of Apex and the entire Luminate Home Loans family because it allows us to remain local while giving us the resources to help buyers and homeowners across the country. Leo Anzoleaga can be contacted at [email protected] About Apex Home Loans Apex Home Loans, Inc. powered by Luminate Home Loans is a local mortgage Equal Housing Lender headquartered in Montgomery County, MD. Licensed in MD, DC, DE, VA, NJ, PA, FL, and WV, Apex focuses on delivering superior customer experiences and takes pride in helping people achieve their dream of owning a home. Were like you: fellow homeowners, active community members, and family-focused individuals. Apex selects custom financing solutions for homebuyers and homeownersall while retaining complete in-house control over the processing and underwriting of their loans. Visit apexhomeloans.com to learn more. About Leo Anzoleaga With nearly 20 years of experience in the mortgage industry, Leo Anzoleaga specializes in helping homebuyers and their agents stay competitive in the fast-paced Washington, D.C. real estate market. Leo has dedicated his time to training and developing the next generation of real estate agents with How2Collective professional development classes and the founding of Leos Circle, a designation that recognizes talented real estate agents for their journey to success rather than production alone while also providing them a mastermind community within the industry. For more information, visit anzoleaga.com. Equal Housing Opportunity. Lennar Leo I. Anzoleaga (NMLS ID #251882 DC:MLO251882 FL:LO113037 MD:28992 VA:MLO-6813VA). Luminate Home Loans, Inc. NMLS#150953. Corporate Headquarters 2523 Wayzata Blvd. S. Suite 200, Minneapolis, MN 55405. For licensing information, go to: www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org. This advertisement does not constitute a loan approval or loan commitment. Loan approval and/or loan commitment is subject to final underwriting review and approval. Other terms and conditions apply. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230202005639/en/ Evan Sullivan, [email protected] Source: Leo Anzoleaga Group Global reference index gauges performance of public companies dedicated to reporting gender-related data ORANGE, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- AVANGRID, Inc. (NYSE: AGR), a leading sustainable energy company and member of the Iberdrola Group, today announced that it is a member of the 2023 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index (GEI), a modified market capitalization-weighted index developed to gauge the performance of public companies dedicated to reporting aggregate gender-related data. This reference index measures gender equality across five pillars: leadership & talent pipeline, equal pay & gender pay parity, inclusive culture, anti-sexual harassment policies, and external brand. The 2023 GEI reaches globally to represent 45 countries and regions, including firms headquartered in Luxembourg, Ecuador, and Kuwait for the first time. The 484 member companies represent a variety of sectors, including financials, technology, and utilities, which continue to have the highest company representation in the index from 2022. Were extremely proud to join Iberdrola as members of the 2023 Bloomberg GEI, said AVANGRID CEO Pedro Azagra. The Bloomberg GEI includes over 70 metrics and our strong score on those related to inclusive culture affirms the work weve done to build a diverse and inclusive workplace community, which we are proud of. As a member of the global Iberdrola Group, we know that diverse perspectives make us better. With a variety of voices in the room, we make sounder decisions, serve our customers more effectively, and foster an environment where people feel valued. AVANGRID submitted a social survey created by Bloomberg, in collaboration with subject matter experts globally. Those included on this years index scored at or above a global threshold established by Bloomberg to reflect disclosure and the achievement or adoption of best-in-class statistics and policies. Contributing to AVANGRIDs strong score on inclusive culture are its numerous gender inclusive programs such as: Paid Parental Leave, for parents welcoming a new child through birth, surrogacy, adoption, or foster care placement. Fertility and family-forming care and coverage, including surrogacy and adoption. Coverage for gender-affirming surgery. Access to subsidized back-up care for children, elder family members and those with special needs. Tools for financial well-being, from planning toolkits to a retirement webinar series, many of which are offered in partnerships with the companys Business Resource Groups, like WomENergy and Avangrid African American Council for Excellence, to ensure the needs of specific communities are met. Education and tuition reimbursement programs, including AVANGRIDs new student loan debt repayment program for non-union employees. Were very proud of what we have achieved, and we know there is more work to do, said Liberna Charles, vice president of talent management and diversity at AVANGRID. We are committed to constantly improving and to making progress a priority. Taking part in the Bloomberg GEI was important to us not only for transparency, but to learn what other leading companies are doing in the DE&I space so that we can continue to push the envelope. Alongside Bloomberg GEI, AVANGRID has active involvement with key public memberships. The company signed onto Paradigm for Parity in 2021, a coalition of organizations dedicated to addressing the systemic gender and racial gaps in the corporate sector. Additionally, the company is part of CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion, pledging to support a more inclusive workplace for employees, communities and society at large. AVANGRID has also committed to a goal of having 35% women in executive positions by 2025. "Congratulations to the companies that are included in the 2023 GEI," said Peter T. Grauer, Chairman of Bloomberg and Founding Chairman of the U.S. 30% Club. "We continue to see an increase in both interest and membership globally, reflecting a shared goal of transparency in gender-related metrics. About AVANGRID: AVANGRID, Inc. (NYSE: AGR) aspires to be the leading sustainable energy company in the United States. Headquartered in Orange, CT with approximately $40 billion in assets and operations in 24 U.S. states, AVANGRID has two primary lines of business: Avangrid Networks and Avangrid Renewables. Avangrid Networks owns and operates eight electric and natural gas utilities, serving more than 3.3 million customers in New York and New England. Avangrid Renewables owns and operates a portfolio of renewable energy generation facilities across the United States. AVANGRID employs more than 7,000 people and has been recognized by JUST Capital in 2021, 2022 and 2023 as one of the JUST 100 companies a ranking of Americas best corporate citizens. In 2023, AVANGRID ranked first within the utility sector for its commitment to the environment. The company supports the U.N.s Sustainable Development Goals and was named among the Worlds Most Ethical Companies in 2022 for the fourth consecutive year by the Ethisphere Institute. AVANGRID is a member of the group of companies controlled by Iberdrola, S.A. For more information, visit www.avangrid.com. About Bloomberg: Bloomberg is a global leader in business and financial information, delivering trusted data, news, and insights that bring transparency, efficiency, and fairness to markets. The company helps connect influential communities across the global financial ecosystem via reliable technology solutions that enable our customers to make more informed decisions and foster better collaboration. For more information, visit Bloomberg.com/company or request a demo. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230201005935/en/ MEDIA: Sarah Warren [email protected] 585-794-9253 Source: AVANGRID, Inc. The $1.16M loan was provided by Citizens Business Bank LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Christina Development Corporation (Christina), through its private equity real estate company Christina Real Estate Investors 4, LLC (Christina 4), has secured a $1.16 million loan from Citizens Business Bank to refinance 1128 Larrabee, a recently acquired, fully occupied, six-unit multifamily apartment project located north of the world-famous Sunset Strip in West Hollywood. Christina 4 acquired 1128 Larrabee in November 2022 for $2.45 million in partnership with Silver Creek Commercial Development (Silver Creek). The three-story building is situated on an approximately 6,976-square-foot lot and is adjacent to 1120-1124 Larrabee Street, another partnership-sponsored development project that will soon encompass 22 luxury residences designed by renowned architectural firms Gruen Associates and Marmol Radziner. Our excellent reputation in the industry coupled with our long-standing relationship with Citizens Business Bank facilitated this attractive loan, especially given the current state of the market, said Vincent Chan, Chief Operating Officer at Christina. Christina Real Estate Investors (CREI) programmatic series of private equity real estate companies offers accredited investors the opportunity to participate in the ownership of high-quality real estate exclusively located in the best submarkets in the Westside region of Los Angeles. By acquiring, improving, and operating a diversified portfolio of investment-grade properties, Christinas primary objective is to achieve superior long-term, tax-advantaged returns. The companys current private equity company offerings, Christina 5 Wealth Builder and Christina 5 Income Builder, are strategically positioned to benefit from distressed acquisition opportunities and are operating and open for participation by accredited investors and members seeking to take advantage of a new wave of opportunities during this next real estate cycle. To learn more about Christina, visit christinala.com. This release is not an offer to sell or a solicitation to purchase securities, and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation, or sale in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful. Any offering by Christina 5 Wealth Builder and Christina 5 Income Builder will be made only in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in the Private Placement Memorandum. Investment in real estate involves the risk of loss. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. About Christina Christina is a Malibu-based real estate developer, manager, & sponsor founded in 1977. For 45+ years the firm has sponsored investments in the Westside Region of Los Angeles, primarily via eight submarkets including Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Century City, Malibu, Santa Monica, Silicon Beach, West Hollywood, & Westwood. Christina provides accredited investors with the opportunity to participate in the ownership of select investment properties in these ultra-prime neighborhoods. The firm has been featured in Bloomberg, Forbes, Los Angeles Times, & Yahoo Finance. To learn more, visit ChristinaLA.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230202005259/en/ R[AR]E Public Relations Amy Rossetti [email protected] 310.779.6025 Source: Christina Development Corporation SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- EDF Renewables North America today announced the execution of a 20-year virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) with Thermo Fisher Scientific, the world leader in serving science. The VPPA covers the full output of the 200-megawatt ac/256 MWdc Millers Branch Solar Project, which is located in Texas and slated for commercial operation in December 2025. With the addition of Millers Branch to Thermo Fishers renewable energy procurement portfolio, the Company has purchased enough renewable energy to match 100% of its current annual electricity consumption in the U.S. by 2026. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230202005638/en/ The Millers Branch solar project, located in Texas, is slated for commercial operation in December 2025. (Photo: Business Wire) The purchase of low carbon electricity from Millers Branch Solar supports Thermo Fishers progress toward its net-zero commitment. The project will also contribute to the local economy - the construction phase will provide job creation, local spending with vendors, and an expanded tax base, said Valerie Barros, Senior Director of Origination and Power Marketing at EDF Renewables. We applaud Thermo Fisher for taking bold action to power its U.S. sites with 100% renewable electricity and are honored to partner with them on these long-term purchase agreements. Once complete, the project is expected to generate 545,000 MWh of renewable energy annually, enough to meet the consumption of nearly 51,000 average homes1. This is equivalent to avoiding over 386,000 metric tons of carbon (CO) emissions annually which represents the greenhouse gas emissions from over 83,000 gasoline-powered passenger vehicles driven over the course of one year2. EDF Renewables, one of the largest renewable developers in North America, is committed to providing solutions to meet our customers carbon-reduction goals. With 35 years of experience and 24 gigawatts of wind, solar, and storage projects developed, EDF Renewables provides integrated energy solutions from grid-scale power to electric vehicle charging. 1 According to U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2020 Residential Electricity Sales and U.S. Census Data and typical transmission assumptions. 2 According to U.S. EPA Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies calculations and typical transmission assumptions. EDF Renewables North America is a market leading independent power producer and service provider with 35 years of expertise in renewable energy. The Company delivers grid-scale power: wind (onshore and offshore), solar photovoltaic, and storage projects; distribution-scale power: solar and storage; asset optimization: technical, operational, and commercial expertise to maximize performance of generating projects, and onsite solutions, through the Companys PowerFlex subsidiary, offering a full suite of onsite energy solutions for commercial and industrial customers: solar, storage, EV charging, energy management systems, and microgrids. EDF Renewables North American portfolio consists of 16 GW of developed projects and 13 GW under service contracts. EDF Renewables North America is a subsidiary of EDF Renewables, the dedicated renewable energy affiliate of the EDF Group. For more information visit: www.edf-re.com. Connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230202005638/en/ Sandi Briner, +1 858-521-3525 [email protected] Source: EDF Renewables North America Ovation Green will help producers navigate the emerging sustainable energy economy PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Emerson (NYSE: EMR) has combined its comprehensive power expertise and renewable energy capabilities into the Ovation Green portfolio to help power generation companies meet the needs of customers navigating the transition to green energy generation and storage. By uniting the recently acquired Mita-Teknik software and technology with its own industry-leading Ovation automation platform, deep renewable energy knowledge base, cybersecurity solutions and remote management capabilities, Emerson has created a new extension of its power-based control architecture. The resulting portfolio focuses on the emerging clean energy market to provide simplified renewables automation to help power producers build and scale sustainable operations. Renewable electricity capacity has seen record growth in recent years. However, transitioning to cleaner energy systems or scaling up existing ones is a complex undertaking for power producers. Wind turbines, solar arrays, lithium-ion batteries, hydrogen electrolyzers and hydroelectric power all use a wide variety of automation software and technologies. As renewable portfolios grow, the number of applied technologies will multiply, increasing learning curves and adding complexity to operations as solutions from different vendors require additional integration. While some existing systems can provide layers of connectivity between very specific assets, the Ovation Green portfolio will deliver a single set of purpose-built software and solutions that supports different technologies in one standardized, intuitive system. Countries around the globe are focused on transitioning to a clean energy economy in the coming decades, and while green energy is a simple concept everyone understands, the road to implementation is not always clear, said Bob Yeager, president of Emersons power and water solutions. With the Ovation Green portfolio, our software, support and solutions are unified in one system from a single trusted provider to help power producers more quickly, easily and reliably manage their renewable electricity operations. Full access to real-time and historical operations information empowers owners and operators with greater visibility and control of all renewable assets across the enterprise. Through an integrated portfolio of data-driven asset control and management solutions, Ovation Green technologies provide secure, standardized access to data, independent of equipment manufacturer or system type, across a single or multiple sites. By gathering, collating and contextualizing vast amounts of data created by renewable generation and storage assets, Emersons Ovation Green portfolio provides a clear view of renewable operations in a seamless space. The portfolio will empower actionable intelligence from a unified platform to drive faster, more informed decisions to increase availability and production while reducing operations and maintenance costs. Emersons Ovation Green portfolio will be featured at the Intersolar and Energy Storage North America Conference February 14-16 in Long Beach, California. To learn more about Ovation Green technologies, please visit Emerson.com/Ovation-Green. Additional resources: About Emerson Emerson (NYSE: EMR) is a global technology and software company providing innovative solutions for the worlds essential industries. Through its leading automation portfolio, including its majority stake in AspenTech, Emerson helps hybrid, process and discrete manufacturers optimize operations, protect personnel, reduce emissions and achieve their sustainability goals. For more information, visit Emerson.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230201005770/en/ For Emerson Denise Clarke 512.587.5879 [email protected] Source: Emerson Purchase expands First Americans ability to service customers in Rocky Mountain region and surrounding markets SANTA ANA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- First American Financial Corporation (NYSE: FAF), a premier provider of title, settlement and risk solutions for real estate transactions and the leader in the digital transformation of its industry, announced today the completion of First Americans acquisition of assets of 1031 Solutions, LLC, a full-service 1031 exchange company that provides qualified intermediary services for real estate exchanges, including reverse and improvement exchanges, to attorneys, tax advisors, real estate professionals and investors. All of 1031 Solutions capabilities will now be positioned under the First American Exchange Company brand. We are pleased to welcome 1031 Solutions and its deep expertise to the First American family, said Julie Baird, president of First American Exchange Company. The addition of 1031 Solutions will augment our ongoing efforts to offer customers in the Rocky Mountain region and surrounding markets superior service, and were looking forward to pursuing new opportunities for growth. Based in Boulder, Colorado and founded in 2002, 1031 Solutions expert staff has more than 50 years combined experience facilitating 1031 tax-deferred exchanges. 1031 Solutions founders Richard and Linda Levy will assist with the transition of the business and customer relationships. Joining First American will provide new opportunities to serve our customers, said Richard Levy. Were also pleased our staff will join a company that shares a similar employee-centric culture, which is reflected in First American's being named one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For by Great Place to Work and Fortune magazine for the seventh consecutive year. About First American First American Financial Corporation (NYSE: FAF) is a premier provider of title, settlement and risk solutions for real estate transactions. With its combination of financial strength and stability built over more than 130 years, innovative proprietary technologies, and unmatched data assets, the company is leading the digital transformation of its industry. First American also provides data products to the title industry and other third parties; valuation products and services; mortgage subservicing; home warranty products; banking, trust and wealth management services; and other related products and services. With total revenue of $9.2 billion in 2021, the company offers its products and services directly and through its agents throughout the United States and abroad. In 2022, First American was named one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For by Great Place to Work and Fortune Magazine for the seventh consecutive year. More information about the company can be found at www.firstam.com. About 1031 Solutions, LLC 1031 Solutions, LLC is a full-service 1031 exchange company that provides qualified intermediary services for real estate exchanges, including reverse and improvement exchanges. Based in Boulder, Colorado and founded in 2002, 1031 Solutions serves as a resource for 1031 tax-deferred exchanges to attorneys, tax advisors, real estate professionals and investors in the Rocky Mountain region and across the nation. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements made herein 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. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts and may contain the words believe, anticipate, expect, intend, plan, predict, estimate, project, will be, will continue, will likely result, or other similar words and phrases or future or conditional verbs such as will, may, might, should, would, or could. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding anticipated benefits from the transaction. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that may prove to be incorrect. Risks and uncertainties exist that may cause results to differ materially from those set forth in these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the anticipated results to differ from those described in the forward-looking statements include, without limitation, regulatory-, technology- or business-related challenges. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. First American does not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date the forward-looking statements are made. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230202005293/en/ Media Contact: Marcus Ginnaty Corporate Communications First American Financial Corporation (714) 250-3298 Investor Contact: Craig Barberio Investor Relations First American Financial Corporation (714) 250-5214 Source: First American Financial Corporation HILLSDALE, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The National Wild Turkey Federation presented Hillsdale College Nimrod Education Center Director Al Stewart with a Special Recognition Award at the 50-year anniversary celebration in Grand Blanc, Michigan on Jan. 14. I am honored to be recognized by the National Wild Turkey Federation, said Stewart. I am proud to work with so many outstanding individuals and organizations, such as the National Wild Turkey Federation, that are committed to hunting and angling through their spirit of sportsmanship and their respect for our natural resources. The National Wild Turkey Federation is a membership organization that is dedicated to maintaining robust wild turkey populations; benefiting healthy forests, waterways, and communities; and championing the soul of the American hunting lifestyle. Stewart was recognized for his 50-plus years of dedication to wildlife, conservation, and natural resource management and for his commitment to teaching the public about the societal benefits of hunting and angling through the Nimrod Education Center. Al truly embodies the core of this award, National Wild Turkey Federation Michigan State Chapter President Bert VanderWeele said. We thank him for his forward and visionary thinking, collaboration with traditional and non-traditional partners and for his ability to instill respect for our cherished natural resources and the American ethic of conservation. Stewart previously served as the upland game bird specialist and program leader for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. He has been acknowledged for his positive impact on wildlife and natural resources at international, national, and state levels. Hunting and angling plays a large roll in funding conservation efforts that also fuel economic prosperity, said Stewart. More than 50 million Americans hunt and fish every year, creating over $200 billion in economic activity and supporting over 1.5 million jobs. The continuation of these time-honored traditions by organizations like the National Wild Turkey Federation and Hillsdale Colleges Nimrod Center ensure that our lands and water receive the care and funding they need to remain accessible and magnificent for all Americans. For photos of Stewart receiving award from VanderWeele, click here. For a high-resolution copy of the Hillsdale College clocktower logo, click here. About the Nimrod Society The Nimrod Society is a 501(c)(3), non-profit foundation aimed at encouraging state and federal wildlife management and conservation agencies to adopt self-sustaining revenue models to fund ongoing, comprehensive media-based education campaigns targeted at the general public. The Nimrod Society was formed in 2003 and refers to the biblical name of Nimrod, the founder of several ancient cities and known as a mighty hunter before the Lord (Genesis 10:8-12). For more information, visit nimrodsociety.org. About Hillsdale College Hillsdale College is an independent, nonsectarian, Christian liberal arts college located in southern Michigan. Founded in 1844, the College has built a national reputation through its classical liberal arts core curriculum and its principled refusal to accept federal or state taxpayer subsidies, even indirectly in the form of student grants or loans. It also conducts an outreach effort promoting civil and religious liberty, including a free monthly speech digest, Imprimis, with a circulation of more than 6.2 million. For more information, visit hillsdale.edu. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230202005650/en/ Emily Stack Davis 517-803-3745 [email protected] Source: Hillsdale College NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Today, Macquarie Global Infrastructure Total Return Fund Inc. (the Acquired Fund), a New York Stock Exchange-listed closed-end fund trading under the symbol MGU, announced that the Acquired Fund will make final distributions in connection with the reorganization of the Acquired Fund into abrdn Global Infrastructure Income Fund (the Acquiring Fund), a New York Stock Exchange-listed closed-end fund trading under the symbol ASGI (the Reorganization). The final distribution will be payable March 3, 2023 to common shareholders of record on February 24, 2023. The final Acquired Fund distributions will consist of substantially all of the Acquired Funds undistributed tax-exempt interest income, ordinary income and capital gain net income, if any, earned and anticipated to be earned through close of business on March 10, 2023. In early 2024, common shareholders of the Acquired Fund will receive a Form 1099-DIV for the calendar year 2023 that will tell shareholders how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes. The final distribution is as follows: FUND ESTIMATED DIVIDEND PER SHARE Macquarie Global Infrastructure Total Return Fund Inc. $0.13 The final distribution is being made in connection with an Agreement and Plan of Acquisition (the Plan of Acquisition) providing for (i) the acquisition by the Acquiring Fund of substantially all of the assets of the Acquired Fund, in exchange for newly issued common shares of the Acquiring Fund; (ii) the distribution of such newly issued common shares of the Acquiring Fund to holders of common shares of the Acquired Fund; and (iii) the dissolution of the Acquired Fund thereafter. The Plan of Acquisition was approved by shareholders at the Special Meeting of Shareholders held on November 9, 2022, and the transaction is currently anticipated to close on or about March 10, 2023 at approximately 5:00pm ET. Following completion of the acquisition, the Acquired Fund will be delisted. About the Acquired Fund Macquarie Global Infrastructure Total Return Fund Inc., a diversified closed-end fund, is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The Funds investment adviser is Delaware Management Company (Investment Adviser), a series of Macquarie Investment Management Business Trust, which is a subsidiary of Macquarie Management Holdings, Inc. (MMHI). MMHI is a subsidiary, and subject to the ultimate control, of Macquarie Group Limited. Macquarie Asset Management is a global asset manager that aims to deliver positive impact for everyone. Trusted by institutions, pension funds, governments, and individuals to manage more than $US508 billion in assets globally,1 we provide access to specialist investment expertise across a range of capabilities including infrastructure, green investments & renewables, real estate, agriculture & natural assets, asset finance, private credit, equities, fixed income and multi asset solutions. The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of its total assets (which includes the aggregate of the Funds average daily net assets plus proceeds from any outstanding borrowings used for leverage) in equity and equity-like securities and instruments, such as common stocks, preferred stocks, convertible securities and hybrid securities issued by US and non-US issuers (Infrastructure Issuers) that primarily own or operate Infrastructure Assets. Infrastructure Assets are an underlying foundation of basic services, facilities and institutions upon which the growth and development of a community depends and may provide the necessities of everyday life, such as fresh water, roads, airports, utilities, power, steam heating systems, hospitals, schools and other social services. Past performance is no assurance of future results. Investment return and market value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate. Shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. An investor should consider the Fund's investment objective, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. Forward-looking statements are based on information that is available on the date hereof, and neither the Investment Adviser nor any other person affiliated with the Investment Adviser has any duty to update any forward-looking statements. Important factors that could affect actual results to differ from these statements include, among other factors, material, negative changes to the asset class and the actual composition of the portfolio. 1 As of September 30, 2022 Other than Macquarie Bank Limited ABN 46 008 583 542 (Macquarie Bank), any Macquarie Group entity noted in this press release is not an authorised deposit-taking institution for the purposes of the Banking Act 1959 (Commonwealth of Australia). The obligations of these other Macquarie Group entities do not represent deposits or other liabilities of Macquarie Bank. Macquarie Bank does not guarantee or otherwise provide assurance in respect of the obligations of these other Macquarie Group entities. In addition, if this press release relates to an investment, (a) the investor is subject to investment risk including possible delays in repayment and loss of income and principal invested and (b) none of Macquarie Bank or any other Macquarie Group entity guarantees any particular rate of return on or the performance of the investment, nor do they guarantee repayment of capital in respect of the investment. 2023 Macquarie Management Holdings, Inc. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230202005881/en/ Investor/Broker Inquiries Tel: 866 567-4771 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.macquarieim.com/mgu Media Inquiries Lee Lubarsky 347 302-3000 [email protected] Source: Macquarie Global Infrastructure Total Return Fund Inc. LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Scott Suzuki, who has 22 years of auditing experience assessing and improving organizations in both the public and private sector, has been named the general auditor of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. Suzuki, who will report directly to Metropolitans Board of Directors, will begin in his new role on Feb. 6. He succeeds Gerald C. Riss, who retired in 2022 after 20 years as Metropolitans general auditor. I look forward to working with Mr. Suzuki, as he brings a wealth of leadership experience, knowledge, and integrity that will serve Metropolitan well in ensuring our practices and approaches best serve our Southern California service area, said board Chair Adan Ortega, Jr. As general auditor, Suzuki will independently review internal controls, financial records and reports, develop a flexible annual audit plan, determine compliance with bond covenants and applicable laws and regulations, ensure that assets and resources are properly accounted for and safeguarded against waste, loss or misuse, and administer Metropolitan's contract for audit services with an independent public accounting firm. Prior to joining Metropolitan, Suzuki served as Orange Countys assistant director/acting director of internal audit since 2018. He got his start in the auditing field in 1995 as internal auditor for HomeBase, Inc. followed by auditor positions at Deloitte and the California State University system, before joining Orange County as a principal/senior internal auditor in 2002. In 2006, Suzuki became an internal audit/compliance manager for Santa Ana-based John Wayne Airport before transferring to Orange Countys auditor-controller in 2014 as an accounting manager. In 2016, he was promoted to director/assistant director of internal audit at the auditor-controllers office before moving to his most recent role as assistant director/acting director. Suzuki received his bachelors degree in business economics from the University of California, Los Angeles. He holds a CPA license and CIA, CISA, and CFE designations. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230202005822/en/ Rebecca Kimitch, (213) 217-6450; (202) 821-5253, mobile; [email protected] Maritza Fairfield, (213) 217-6853; (909) 816-7722, mobile; [email protected] Source: Metropolitan Water District of Southern California KYOTO, Japan--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Nidec Corporation (TOKYO:6594; OTC US: NJDCY) (the Company or Nidec) announced today that, in accordance with its November 30, 2022 press release, Nidec to Execute a Share Transfer Agreement on Italian Machine Tool Manufacturer PAMA and Its Affiliates, it has completed the acquisition of all the shares of PAMA S.p.A (PAMA) on February 1, 2023. Accordingly, PAMA will become a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company as outlined below together with Nidecs business strategy going forward. 1. Outline of the New Subsidiary (1) Company name PAMA S.p.A. (2) Head quarter The city of Rovereto, Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy (3) Foundation 1926 (4) New management Director & Chairperson: Tatsuya Nishimoto (Newly appointed) Director & General Manager: Alessandro Batisti (Reelected) Director: Takeshi Motohashi (Newly elected) (5) Business bases Manufacturing and sales bases: Italy and China Sales bases: The US, Germany, India, and others (6) Affiliates Nine companies in China, the US, Germany, India, and others (7) Principal businesses Manufacturing and sale of machine tools (boring and milling machines and machining centers, among others) (8) Number of employees Approximately 430 (9) Sales Forecast as of the end of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 135.6 million euro (approximately 19.12 billion yen) 2. PAMAs Strengths A company, PAMA, with a broad product portfolio and high technological capabilities in the fields of 5-face milling machine, boring and milling machines, and large machine tools, boasts the worlds largest market share as a boring and milling machine manufacturer, whose end users include major press machine, construction equipment, heavy machine for energy, earthmoving machine, shipbuilding and aerospace aircraft manufacturers. In addition, PAMA enjoys stable annual sales in Europe, North America, and China the country where PAMA has been in business since 1988. 3. Creating Synergies with the Nidec Group Nidec Machine Tool Corporation and Nidec OKK Corporation, two Nidec Group companies whose main products are gear cutting machines, large machine tools and machining centers, have been in need of further developing the multitasking and 5-axis machining technology as well as expanding its lineup of boring and milling machines in the large machine tools space. Also, both companies main sales area has been in Japan and, compared with other major Japanese machine tool manufacturers, the two companies have generated less sales from overseas markets such as European and American markets and Chinese market, where the future growth is expected. PAMAs joining the Nidec Group will enable the Company to pursue synergies in all the areas of sale, manufacturing, and product development, including: (1) expanding sales in the Asian, European and American markets based on a wide range of product lineup and cross selling; (2) developing new products and components by combining the three companies technological expertise; and (3) reducing lead time for delivery and manufacturing cost based on a global production optimization in Europe, the US, and Asia. 4. What Nidec Aims to Accomplish with Its Machine Tool Business The annual sales of Nidec Machine Tool, Nidec OKK, and PAMA combined are approximately 87 billion yen. By generating synergies between these three companies and other Nidec Group companies, and implementing new M&As, the Company plans to achieve sales of more than 260 billion yen in its machine tool business in the fiscal year of 2025 (and 500 billion yen in the fiscal year of 2030). Nidec stays committed to actively investing in the industry of machine tools, which are dubbed as machines of machine or mother machines, and contributing to the development of Japans machinery sector. 5. Effects on Financial Performance for the Current and Next Fiscal Years The Stock Acquisition is expected to have no significant impact on the Companys consolidated financial performance for this fiscal year ending March 31, 2023. If necessary, the Company will make additional disclosure on a timely basis in accordance with the rules of the Tokyo Stock Exchange upon determination of further details. Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Information This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding the intent, belief, strategy, plans or expectations of the Nidec Group or other parties. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or events and involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those described in such forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, the risks to successfully integrating the acquired business with the Nidec Group, the anticipated benefits of the Transaction not being realized, changes in general economic conditions, shifts in technology or user preferences for particular technologies and changes in business and regulatory environments. The Nidec Group does not undertake any obligation to update the forward-looking statements contained herein or the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements except as may be required by law. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230201005454/en/ Masahiro Nagayasu General Manager Investor Relations +81-75-935-6140 [email protected] Source: Nidec Corporation The good news for American veterans is that when the PACT Act became law last year, they became approved for medical care related to illnesses related to toxic substances from burn pits and other sources. The bad news is that some may not know they are eligible for health care that was previously denied. Indeed, under the new law, certain illnesses are now presumed to be covered. Thats an about-face from previous years. Some veterans may have been turned down for such care before last Aug. 10, when Biden signed the bill. But with this measures bipartisan approval, the world of veterans health care has changed for the better. Now its essential to be sure the service men and women who bear the scars of chemical poisoning know about it. Burn pits are where troops set fire to just about anything that would burn, including fuel, furniture, metals and plastics. More than 3 million veterans have been exposed to the often dangerous fumes from those pits since the 1991 Gulf War, according to the government. The consequence has been conditions that range from allergy-like symptoms to upper respiratory illnesses and cancer. President Biden knows about that. Toxic smoke, thick with poisons, spreading through the air and into the lungs of our troops, he said as he signed the legislation. When they came home, many of the fittest and best warriors that we sent to war were not the same. Headaches, numbness, dizziness, cancer. My son, Beau, was one of them. Beau Biden, former attorney general of Maryland, was an Iraq War veteran who died of brain cancer in 2015. The president believes exposure to burn pits was the cause. Already, more than 213,000 claims for benefits have been submitted under the new law. Additionally, more than 959,000 veterans have received new VA toxic exposure screenings, the department said, with nearly 40% reporting an exposure concern. Thats an alarming rate and good reason for veterans with even a hint of worry to make use of these valuable new services. The PACT Act thats Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics became law in part because Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., wouldnt let it go until it passed. It covers veterans from as far back as the Vietnam War and includes benefits for veterans exposed not just to burn pits, but Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. It also expands the list of health conditions that the Department of Veterans Affairs presumes are caused by exposure to these substances. It offers care both to veterans and their survivors. For too long, this country misused its veterans, some of whom it had pressed into service. This law makes a radical and welcome change. In addition to Biden and Gillibrand, credit for its passage goes to a comedian. Jon Stewart, a passionate supporter of veterans, tore into a group of Republicans who, at the 11th hour, threatened to derail the bill. Shamed, they quickly backed down. For information about benefits and services under the new law, visit va.gov/PACT or call 800-MYVA411. Local veterans may call 716-862-8829 for eligibility and enrollment help. Veterans, themselves, should help spread the word to comrades who may not be aware that help is available help that only a few months ago they might have been denied. 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. STAMFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Regulatory News: Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE: PM) will host a live audio webcast on www.pmi.com/2022Q4earnings on Thursday, February 9, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. ET, to discuss its 2022 Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year results, which will be issued at approximately 7:00 a.m. ET the same day. During the webcast, Jacek Olczak, Chief Executive Officer, and Emmanuel Babeau, Chief Financial Officer, will discuss PMIs 2022 results and 2023 outlook, and answer questions from the investment community and news media. The webcast will be in a listen-only mode. The audio webcast may also be accessed on iOS or Android devices by downloading PMIs free Investor Relations Mobile Application on www.pmi.com/irapp. An archived copy of the webcast will be available until 5:00 p.m. ET on Friday, March 10, 2023, on www.pmi.com/2022Q4earnings. Slides and script will also be available on www.pmi.com/2022Q4earnings. Philip Morris International: Delivering a Smoke-Free Future Philip Morris International (PMI) is a leading international tobacco company working to deliver a smoke-free future and evolving its portfolio for the long term to include products outside of the tobacco and nicotine sector. The companys current product portfolio primarily consists of cigarettes and smoke-free products, including heat-not-burn, vapor and oral nicotine products, which are sold in markets outside the U.S. Since 2008, PMI has invested more than USD 9 billion to develop, scientifically substantiate and commercialize innovative smoke-free products for adults who would otherwise continue to smoke, with the goal of completely ending the sale of cigarettes. This includes the building of world-class scientific assessment capabilities, notably in the areas of pre-clinical systems toxicology, clinical and behavioral research, as well as post-market studies. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized the marketing of versions of PMIs IQOS Platform 1 devices and consumables as a Modified Risk Tobacco Products (MRTPs), finding that an exposure modification orders for these products are appropriate to promote the public health. As of September 30, 2022, excluding Russia and Ukraine, PMI's smoke-free products are available for sale in 70 markets, and PMI estimates that approximately 13.5 million adults around the world had already switched to IQOS and stopped smoking. With a strong foundation and significant expertise in life sciences, in February 2021, PMI announced its ambition to expand into wellness and healthcare areas and deliver innovative products and solutions that aim to address unmet consumer and patient needs. For more information, please visit www.pmi.com and www.pmiscience.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230202005587/en/ Philip Morris International Investor Relations: Stamford, CT: +1 (203) 904 2410 Lausanne: +41 (0)58 242 4666 Email: [email protected] Media: David Fraser Lausanne: +41 (0)58 242 4500 Email: [email protected] Source: Philip Morris International The Integration Will Boast the Most Comprehensive Tech Transfer and IP Management Solutions on the Market ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Resurgens Technology Partners, a software-focused private equity firm, today announced that its portfolio company, Wellspring, the leading provider of innovation and IP management software, has completed the acquisition of IP Pragmatics, a leading consulting and services company for technology transfer and intellectual property management. The combined company offers the most comprehensive tech transfer and IP management solutions on the market, servicing over 900 companies, research institutions and government agencies worldwide. Wellspring has long been the recognized software leader in tech transfer and IP management with a diverse, blue-chip customer base of hundreds of organizations across more than 70 countries. In recent years, there has been a notable increase in demand for value-added services that complement Wellsprings core software system. In the past year alone, weve scaled our professional services team considerably while rapidly expanding our roster of value-added services clients, said Robert Lowe, CEO at Wellspring. Joining forces with IP Pragmatics enables us to efficiently build this fast-growing segment of our business and realize our vision to provide holistic support services for our clients in the technology transfer industry. TTO directors and IP leaders recently have employed a wide variety of software vendors and service providers. For the past several years, Wellspring and IP Pragmatics have operated as business partners, working together to improve the overall client experience. Integrating the two firms capabilities creates the first end-to-end offering capable of delivering a comprehensive solution across every category of need in this market. The addition of IP Pragmatics extensive experience in IP renewals, back-office support and strategic advisory work rounds out Wellsprings growing suite of professional services to support technology commercialization on a global scale. The acquisition enables the integration of renewals software into Wellsprings flagship Sophia system, supported by a global staff of professionals providing docketing, intellectual property assessment, financial management, licensing support, government reporting and other services. Were excited to become part of the Wellspring family, said Rupert Osborn, founder and CEO of IP Pragmatics. As partners, our two firms have developed a high degree of familiarity and bidirectional trust. Now, we can take our formidable synergies to the next level. This acquisition underscores the partnership that Wellspring has with Resurgens Technology Partners and demonstrates the collective aim to expand Wellsprings platform offerings to provide tech transfer offices with an end-to-end solution of IP management software supported by value-added services. The combination of Wellsprings software platform with IP Pragmatics expertise is an important step toward achieving our vision to provide the tech transfer offices of research universities, hospitals and institutions worldwide with the software and services necessary to support technology commercialization, said Danny Carpenter, Principal at Resurgens. We are very excited to combine these capabilities and continue to accelerate the growth and momentum of Wellspring. About Wellspring Wellspring is the world's leading provider of R&D and Innovation Management software and solutions for corporations, universities, and government agencies. Wellspring helps clients succeed in today's innovation economy by coordinating global R&D and innovation programs managing development portfolios, researching technology trends, finding innovation partners, identifying startups, and commercializing inventions. Wellspring works with more than 500 organizations worldwide to support the continued development of the global Knowledge Supply Chain. For more information, please visit wellspring.com. About IP Pragmatics For over a decade, IP Pragmatics has been among the worlds pre-eminent providers of professional services and consulting for Corporate IP and Technology Transfer communities worldwide. The IP Pragmatics team is made up of ex-industry and IP specialists with active global networks and contacts. The team also has extensive market, industry, IP and scientific information resources to complement its analytical rigor. IP Pragmatics clients include universities, research institutes, SMEs, large enterprises and public-sector organizations in over 20 countries. IP Pragmatics is headquartered in London, with offices in Edinburgh and Sydney and partners worldwide. For more information, please visit ip-pragmatics.com. About Resurgens Technology Partners Resurgens Technology Partners is a tech-focused private equity firm investing in North American and select European lower middle-market application and IT/infrastructure software businesses. Resurgens growing team offers a diversity of investing, operating and talent management experience, applying an active and engaged value creation approach with each portfolio company. Resurgens is headquartered in Atlanta, with additional professionals located in Austin, London and Silicon Valley. For more information, please visit resurgenstech.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230202005591/en/ Brendan A. McGrail Associate Vice President, Prosek Partners [email protected] 508-414-1206 Source: Resurgens Technology Partners Greater Colorado Venture Fund raises $25 million fund, in partnership with Colorado Venture Capital Authority; Funds will be used to galvanize, support and expand rural Colorado founders and entrepreneurs in their business building efforts. DURANGO, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Today, the Greater Colorado Venture Fund (GCVF) announced, in collaboration with the Colorado Venture Authority, a $25M close of GCVF Fund II. GCVF will deploy the initial investments from Fund II over the next five years. GCVFs Fund I raised $17.5M in 2018 and has since made 29 investments and has realized five exits. The Colorado Venture Authority recently released new information about its statewide efforts to provide greater access to venture funding. Greater Colorado Venture Funds core investment thesis is to identify, invest and support founders in the overlooked rural market across rural Colorado. GCVF is industry agnostic and focused on seed stage companies. Similar to Fund I, Fund II will invest in 25-30 companies with an average initial check size of roughly $500K. The investment focus, within rural Colorado, is on founders and entrepreneurial teams in outdoor recreation, B2B SaaS (Govtech, Cybersecurity), Energy, Aerospace, CPG, and Agtech industries. This exciting partnership builds upon our ongoing work to boost Colorado's strong economy, bring good-paying jobs to Coloradans in rural communities, and support small businesses, said Governor Jared Polis. As a businessperson, I know that every dollar counts when building a business from the ground up which is why I'm proud of our bold work to support Colorado's innovative entrepreneurs. The impetus for our work originally at GCVF was the Colorado Venture Capital Authority. Colorado is special, in part, because we have leaders that are forward thinking and allocate real dollars to ensure greater access to entrepreneurship and capital resources. This has been an incredible example of the power of public-private partnerships as we all aim to bolster the resources and entrepreneurial outcomes across rural communities in Colorado, said Marc Nager, Co-Founder, Greater Colorado Venture Fund. We continue to be inspired by the quality of founders that we find in Colorado, especially as we emerge from a COVID world. Were doubling down on our thesis that founders, and those who want to join them, want to prioritize quality location and lifestyle to create both greater personal and economic outcomes for themselves and the communities they are a part of, Marc added. With less than 1% of venture dollars invested in Colorado going to companies in rural communities, GCVF is helping drive meaningful change in a greatly underserved and overlooked market. In the past four years, they have invested over $14.5M directly into companies while helping them raise nearly $50M in total. New business starts in America are down nearly 60% since the early 1990s. Over 59% of all counties in America are in a state of economic decline, and over 50% of all economic growth in the US since the 2008 recession has been isolated to just 20 out of 3,007 counties. In Colorado, 83% of Rural counties have median incomes below the state average and all of Colorados distressed counties are considered rural. Entrepreneurs drive rural communities and the world forward in incredible ways. GCVF has shown that opportunity exists in rural markets to drive competitive returns for venture capital investors. The entrepreneurial energy and impact they help drive feels a lot like what we saw in Boulder a decade ago, just right sized in a beautiful way for rural communities, said Nicole Glaros, Former Chief Investment Strategy Officer at Techstars and Advisor to GCVF. Rural Colorado has a long history of punching above its weight when it comes to entrepreneurial success stories. Companies like Mercury Payment Systems, Osprey, Big B's, Smartwool have shown that meaningful businesses are being built in rural Colorado and are providing long term benefits to their local communities and beyond. GCVF exists to support amazing entrepreneurs in rural Colorado, while providing a playbook that can be shared with the rest of the country, said Cory Finney, Co-Founder, Greater Colorado Venture Fund. Grand Junction, Colorado based Cloudrise is an example of business and community impacts from the GCVF. Rob Eggrebrecht and his co-founder, Hillary Laird, moved their lives to Grand Junction intentionally in 2019 as they were starting Cloudrise. Said Laird: Our team has spent decades in the cybersecurity space, and our decision to build and grow Cloudrise from Grand Junction has created a wonderful advantage. We are able to attract top talent, keep costs reasonable, and enjoy an incredible quality of life that weve never had in our careers until now. From helping design an internship program at Colorado Mesa University for talent development to genuine value add investors like GCVF, we find ourselves asking why any founder with the option would do it any other way. ABOUT GREATER COLORADO VENTURE FUND The Greater Colorado Venture Fund (GCVF) is pioneering venture capital for Rural America by catalyzing entrepreneurial action and spreading opportunities to build sustainable communities in rural America. GCVF invests in Colorado companies with high growth potential located outside of the Colorado Front Range urban corridor. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230130005102/en/ Marc Nager [email protected] Source: Greater Colorado Venture Fund GREENWICH, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- StratCap, LLC (StratCap or the Company) has commenced a formal process to explore strategic alternatives for Strategic Wireless Infrastructure Fund, LLC (Fund I), including the possible sale of its portfolio of cell towers, wireless easements and related assets. The Company has engaged Media Capital Advisors (MCA), a provider of brokerage and valuation services to the wireless and tower sectors of the communications industry, to assist in this process. StratCap has indicated that it is working with MCA to identify possible buyers, including cell tower and telecommunications companies, real estate firms, sovereign wealth funds, private equity investors, and pension funds, for the Fund I portfolio of assets. Jim Condon, Managing Partner at StratCap, stated, We believe that this is an opportune time to explore alternatives to enhance value for Fund Is investors. Todd Rowley, who manages Fund I and leads StratCaps Wireless Infrastructure Group (StratCap Wireless), added, Weve assembled a robust, diverse portfolio of mission-critical digital infrastructure assets that we believe will generate significant buyer interest in the marketplace. Notwithstanding the potential sale of the Fund I portfolio, the Company remains bullish on the sector and continues to acquire and manage these mission-critical assets across various platforms and verticals throughout its organization. StratCap expects to continue to expand its footprint in the digital infrastructure sector. As of December 31, 2022, Fund I owned and managed a diverse portfolio that included over 100 individual assets located throughout the U.S. with approximately 218 tenant leases and approximately 50% remaining available tower capacity. About StratCap StratCap is a privately held, global alternative asset management platform committed to providing access to dynamic asset classes and highly experienced asset management professionals. The Company is focused on a wide range of digital economy assets with an emphasis on digital infrastructure, sustainability, and technology-centric sectors. Safe Harbor Statement Certain items in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements, which can be identified by words like "expect," "will," "intends," think and similar expressions. These statements are based on management's current expectations and beliefs and are subject to a number of trends and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements; StratCap can give no assurance that its expectations will be attained. Forward-looking statements are necessarily speculative in nature, and it can be expected that some or all of the assumptions underlying any forward-looking statements will not materialize or will vary significantly from actual results. Variations of assumptions and results may be material. Such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. StratCap expressly disclaims any obligation to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in its expectations with regard thereto or change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230202005764/en/ StratCap Media Contact: Robert Bruce Chief Marketing Officer 949.432.9485 Source: StratCap, LLC Accenture Federal Services, a subsidiary of Accenture (NYSE: ACN), has been awarded a position on a 10-year, $900M Air Force digital engineering contract. Accenture Federal Services will bid and compete as a prime contractor on task orders to conduct research and development, rapid prototyping, and solution delivery services that advance the ability of the U.S. Air Forces Base Defense System to respond to adversary threats. These threats range from small unmanned systems to hypersonic missiles. We look forward to helping the Air Force Base Defense System test innovative, mission-critical ways of using intelligence data collected from existing sensors and cameras, said Stephen Carlon, Accenture Federal Services managing director, C4ISR lead. Were excited to build upon our longstanding partnership with the U.S. Air Force to advance its ability to make highly effective threat mitigation decisions. Accenture Federal Services brings a pair of proven digital engineering solutions to support the Air Force Base Defense system, which have already been successfully deployed in dozens of systems across the Department of Defense. Ageon ISR is a real-time mission control and forensic analysis solution, and PICARD is a sensor fusion platform capable of unlocking data otherwise trapped in legacy environments. The company will also provide expertise in the development of synthetic environments through the use of virtual reality (VR). The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) Architectures and Integration Directorate expects work on awarded task orders to be completed by 2032. About Accenture Federal Services Accenture Federal Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of Accenture LLP, is a U.S. company headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. We serve every Cabinet-level department and 30 of the largest federal organizations. Accenture Federal Services transforms bold ideas into breakthrough outcomes for clients at defense, national security, public safety, civilian and public and military health organizations. Visit us at accenturefederal.com About Accenture Accenture is a leading global professional services company that helps the worlds leading businesses, governments and other organizations build their digital core, optimize their operations, accelerate revenue growth, and enhance citizen servicescreating tangible value at speed and scale. We are a talent and innovation led company with 738,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries. Technology is at the core of change today, and we are one of the worlds leaders in helping drive that change, with strong ecosystem relationships. We combine our strength in technology with unmatched industry experience, functional expertise, and global delivery capability. We are uniquely able to deliver tangible outcomes because of our broad range of services, solutions and assets across Strategy & Consulting, Technology, Operations, Industry X and Accenture Song. These capabilities, together with our culture of shared success and commitment to creating 360 value, enable us to help our clients succeed and build trusted, lasting relationships. We measure our success by the 360 value we create for our clients, each other, our shareholders, partners, and communities. Visit us at www.accenture.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230202005091/en/ Donna Savarese Accenture +1 301 250 0660 [email protected] Source: Accenture Aramark (NYSE: ARMK), a global leader in food, facilities management and uniforms, today announced an agreement to sell its 50% equity stake in AIM Services to Mitsui & Co., Ltd. for $535 million. The Company will use the proceeds from the transaction toward debt repayment. AIM Services was established as a joint venture between Aramark and Mitsui Group companies in 1976 to provide food services to clients across a variety of business sectors in Japan. As part of our strategy to deliver profitable growth, we regularly review the Companys portfolio to identify opportunities to create value for shareholders, stated John Zillmer, Aramarks Chief Executive Officer. Monetizing this non-controlling interest will enhance operating focus, strengthen our balance sheet through accelerated debt repayment, and will be accretive to earnings per share. The transaction is anticipated to close at the beginning of Aramarks fiscal third quarter, subject to customary closing conditions and approvals. As previously announced, Aramark is scheduled to host its fiscal first quarter earnings call on February 7, 2023 at 8:30 a.m. ET. A news release containing the results will be issued before the call. Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) today announced that it has entered into an accelerated share repurchase (ASR) agreement with Bank of America, N.A. to repurchase $500 million of Northrop Grummans common stock. The ASR is in addition to previously planned repurchases, including open market share repurchases. The company continues to target returning more than 100% of its free cash flow to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases in 2023. Under the ASR agreement, Northrop Grumman expects to receive an initial delivery of approximately 0.9 million shares on Feb. 6, representing approximately 80 percent of the expected share repurchases under the ASR agreement, based on the companys closing price of $440.86 on Feb. 2, 2023. The final number of shares to be repurchased through the ASR will be based on Northrop Grummans volume-weighted average price during the term of the transaction, less a discount, and is expected to be completed no later than the second quarter of 2023. The ASR will be completed under the companys current share repurchase authorization, which currently has approximately $2.5 billion remaining. Northrop Grumman is a leading global aerospace and defense technology company. Our pioneering solutions equip our customers with the capabilities they need to connect and protect the world, and push the boundaries of human exploration across the universe. Driven by a shared purpose to solve our customers toughest problems, our 95,000 employees define possible every day. Note: Statements in this press release contain or may contain statements that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as will, expect, anticipate, intend, may, could, should, plan, project, forecast, believe, estimate, guidance, outlook, trends, goals and similar expressions generally identify these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date when made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements after the date of this release, except as required by applicable law. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and inherently involve a wide range of risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. A discussion of these risks and uncertainties is contained in the Companys filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Source: Northrop Grumman Corporation Standex International Corporation (NYSE: SXI) announced today that it previously signed an agreement to sell its Procon Pumps business to Investindustrial, a leading European investment and advisory group, at an enterprise value of $75 million, subject to customary post-closing adjustments. The transaction is expected to close during the month of February. The Procon business was previously part of the Specialty Solutions segment. In fiscal year 2022, Procon's net revenues were $33.7 million. "After a thorough competitive process, we are pleased to announce the sale of our Procon business to Investindustrial," said Standex President & CEO David Dunbar. "Investindustrial's portfolio of companies includes the CEME Group, which manufactures solenoid pumps, rotary pumps, and solenoid valves in Italy and across the globe. We believe CEME Group is well-placed to enable the Procon business to grow and reach its strategic potential. I would like to thank our Procon colleagues for their contributions to Standex and wish them much success as they start a new chapter for the business." Standex intends to use the proceeds from the sale in accordance with its current capital allocation framework, comprised of organic growth opportunities, inorganic initiatives, and returning capital to shareholders. FILE PHOTO-The logo of the Adani Group is seen on the facade of its Corporate House on the outskirts of Ahmedabad, India, January 27, 2023. REUTERS/Amit Dave (Reuters) -Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani is in talks with lenders to prepay and release pledged shares as he seeks to restore confidence in the financial health of his conglomerate, Bloomberg News reported on Thursday. The move would see lenders release some of the stock in Adani Group companies that was pledged as collateral, Bloomberg reported, citing a person with knowledge of the matter. The group hasn't faced margin calls on these pledges and is seeking the prepayment proactively, according to the report. The key priority is to remove any concern about margin calls and Adani officials will speak with investors in coming days and will make all payments on time, Bloomberg reported. Goldman Sachs trading executives said on an investor call Thursday it was the firm's view that the Adani debt had hit a floor in the short term and bonds of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd have become interesting due to the value of the company's current assets, Bloomberg said in a separate report, citing people with knowledge of the matter. The Goldman traders touted Adani Ports' debt as being well capitalized with cash on hand, the report said, adding that they also expected this entity to be able to refinance its bonds. Adani Group and Goldman Sachs did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment. Reuters reported earlier that Adani entities made scheduled coupon payments on outstanding U.S. dollar-denominated bonds on Thursday, adding that the conglomerate plans to issue a credit report by Friday that will address concerns raised by Hindenburg Research about its liquidity. Since Hindenburg's report on Jan. 24, Adani Group's companies have lost nearly half their combined market value. Adani Enterprises - described as an incubator of Adani's businesses - has lost $26 billion in market capitalisation. On Thursday, Adani's market losses swelled above $100 billion. (Reporting by Jahnavi Nidumolu and Sneha Bhowmik in Bengaluru; Editing by Shailesh Kuber and Anil D'Silva) FILE PHOTO: A Cadillac Lyriq electric vehicle (EV) under General Motors is seen during its world premiere on a media day for the Auto Shanghai show in Shanghai, China April 19, 2021. REUTERS/Aly Song LOS ANGELES (Reuters) -Netflix Inc has unveiled a new star for some of its upcoming programming: electric vehicles from General Motors and other automakers. The streaming service announced an agreement on Thursday to feature vehicles including the Chevrolet Bolt, the electric GMC Hummer pickup and the Cadillac Lyriq in TV series and films "where relevant." The companies will highlight the partnership in a commercial featuring Will Ferrell that will air during the Feb. 12 Super Bowl. Netflix and GM called the agreement "part of a commitment to a more sustainable future." Financial terms were not disclosed. Netflix said it will help creators "better understand how EVs can complement and enhance their stories." Shows that will feature GM's electric vehicles include "Love is Blind," "Queer Eye" and "Unstable." Netflix productions also will include electric vehicles made by other automakers, the company said. (Reporting by Lisa Richwine; Editing by Leslie Adler and Deepa Babington) AFGHANISTAN-WOMEN-AID Afghan people stand with food aid being distributed by a non-governmental organization at a gymnasium in Kabul on Jan. 17, 2023. At least three leading international aid agencies have partially resumed life-saving work in Afghanistan, after assurances from the Taliban authorities that Afghan women can continue to work in the health sector. Credit - Wakil KohsarAFP/Getty Images Its been a year and a half since the United States left Afghanistan, and the Taliban continues to make decrees in an effort to silence and eliminate women from society. Two months into their administration in Nov. 2021, the Taliban sent all women employees of the government home. A month later, they ordered the closure of university campuses for women, and yet another ban calls for the segregation of healthcare preventing women to be seen by male doctors. Afghan women begin each day with confusion, dismay, and fear of whats to come. In the latest salvo of Jan. 9, 2023, the Taliban threatened the closure of all stores and markets where women work in northern Mazar-e-Sharif and the closure of all beauty salons in Baghlan. The Taliban have denied these claims, but they are giving women a 10-day grace period after which they will be provided appropriate locations to work. In Taliban language, thats a ban in the making. Worried about my friends back home, I called Maryam (not her real name) whom I remember as a youngster during the first reign of the Taliban in 1996. After the Taliban fell, Maryam returned to school and had to start first grade at the age of nine. She studied economics at Herat University and later married a police officer who worked at the Ministry of Interior. Her husband was killed in a Taliban ambush in 2018. During these years, Maryam was the breadwinner for her children. She was working in a government office until November 2021 when, like most women Afghan civil servants, she was prevented from working in the government office. These latest decrees pose yet another challenge for Maryam to put food on the table for her three children, so Maryam decided to open a sewing shop with two other friends. Although Maryam has decided to move the sewing shop to her home, she is certain that she will have trouble finding customers. On the phone, she sighs deeply and says, I must get out of Afghanistan before it is forbidden for us women to even breathe. Story continues Read More: One year after the fall of Kabul, Afghan women are attempting to build new lives abroad The 20-year U.S. military involvement in Afghanistan has left many women widows, many of whom are now their familys only breadwinnerswomen who have to put food on the table no matter what the suffering and hardships. After banning women from employment in the civil service and academia, large numbers of women have joined the ranks of street beggars. The Taliban made only one concession: that women who beg are not required to have a mahram, a male companion, when leaving their homes. From the Talibans perspective, the presence of a large number of women in the streets doesnt challenge their honor, but a woman working in an office is seen as a sign of her independence and empowerment, threatening the religious, social, and cultural identity that the Taliban upholds. I, however, remember Afghanistan of two years ago very differently. In Kabul, my apartment was located in the Karte Chahar district across from the Kabul University campus, in a neighborhood with three high schools and five private and public schools. The indomitable enthusiasm and excitement of the girls during the school holidays gave me hope that it was impossible for Afghanistan to return to the dark days of the past. Before the fall of the previous regime, that reality was defined by the presence of millions of girls and women in the education sector and various other walks of life in urban and rural Afghanistan. Todays Afghanistan has been defined by the post-Aug. 15, 2021 reality when Kabul, once again, fell to the Taliban. All around me, the Taliban commanded the streets as if they had risen from their graves. They passed by me as though I didnt even exist. The Kabul University campus was now a ghost town, and no one but the Taliban could be seen on the streets. Black paint was smeared on posters of womens images on a barbershop window I passed and advertisement posters with womens images had been torn down. The city that used to be humming with life and cheerful crowds was no more. Instead, there was the milling of distraught crowds of young and old, men and women, around the Kabul Airport, queuing up for their last hope a way out. In the last days of August 2021, I watched the American military planes through my 10th floor apartment window as they took off and landed from the hell-on-earth that was the Kabul Airport. My concern was for the women of Afghanistan: How many women can these military planes rescue? Where will they take them? What will become of the women who are left behind? Will women be suppressed again under the yoke of misogynistic slavery? Are the Taliban saving Afghans from sin and corruption by establishing the Islamic version of Gilead in Afghanistan that will spawn yet another Handmaids Tale? Will Afghan women be subjugated in a 21st-century serfdom of the Taliban? Will Afghan women fight for their rights at the ballot box as an alternative to Taliban rule? Or will these girls and women be crushed the way we were in 1996? I lived under the Taliban regime from 1996 to 2001, and I have seen their world from under my burqa. Girls schools were shuttered, shopkeepers were threatened not to sell to women who didnt have a mahram, and all women were expelled from public and private offices. The Taliban ordered men to protect and herd their wives, daughters, and sisters properly, as if they were livestock. Tucked away from the Talibans eyes early in the spring of 1997, those of us who were once in school gathered for a meeting in the safety and privacy of the womens public bathhouses to discuss our future. It was there that the first feminist political action by the girls of my hometown, Herat, took place. We planned a public demonstration against the Taliban, calling for the reopening of our schools. Our 10-girl-strong demonstration started on a Wednesday morning and ended instantly. An angry armed guard stood in front of the governors office and swore that if we didnt leave immediately, he would gun down every one of us. Soon after that incident, the womens bathhouses were closed. Several of the girls I knew from the bathhouse gatherings committed self-immolation. The rest of them were forced into arranged marriages, often to members of the Taliban. In the summer of 1997, when five brave young men of Herat also tried to protest the Taliban, they were accused of conspiracy against the Islamic Emirate. They were beheaded and hanged from the meat hooks of butcher shops. The rustic and traditional city of Herat could not protest this Taliban crime. No voice was raised after that. No protest was organized. The war-weary grown-ups, exhausted by civil war, simply surrendered their fate to the Taliban law. For 10 long years, they had fought against the Russians to honor and liberate the homelandthey had paid their dues. The plight of women under Taliban rule did not concern the men much. But they were not alone in abandoning us. The world community turned away as well. While many men suffered, it was the women who paid the highest price. As the outside world espoused third-wave feminist slogans, they couldnt be heard by the faraway and locked-up women of Afghanistanand their plight couldnt be heard either. During the two decades after the fall of the Taliban in 2001, girls went back to school and women filled the rank and file in the public and private sectors of society. Women played a major role in the development of their country. A new generation grew up in Afghanistan that did not expect to see the Taliban as the only reality for Afghanistan. Read More: What Afghanistans Women Stand to Lose It was quite clear that, this time around, the girls and women of Afghanistan would not be silenced and would stride farther than the previous generations of Afghans. It took some time for women to come out of the shock of the governments sudden collapse after the U.S. withdrawal, but ultimately they returned to the streets in protest. Girls in Badakhshan, Herat, Kabul, and Mazar-e Sharif took to the streets in small groups risking the wrath and pain of Taliban whips. They raised their voices for freedom and justice in front of school gates, on the street, and on university campuses. The many miseries and gender apartheid that have befallen women in Afghanistan like Maryam are not the responsibility of the Afghan women alone. It is a crime against humanity and must concern every human being on this planet. 20 million women have been taken hostage by the Taliban20 million women locked away, herded, denied basic rights, abused, and have literally vanished from daily life. If theyre not already buried underground, they are virtually buried alive. Maryams firm, strong, and telling voice is a testimony that she does not and will not spare any effort for herself or her children. She is determined to continue to fight along with many other women, but they cannot defeat the Taliban alone. The liberation of the women of Afghanistan is the responsibility of all the countries that believe in human rights and that have protected their interests on Afghan soil for the past 22 years. ST. JOHN'S, Newfoundland and Labrador, Feb. 02, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fortis Inc. ("Fortis" or the "Corporation") (TSX/NYSE: FTS) will release its 2022 financial results on Friday, February 10, 2023. A teleconference and webcast will be held the same day at 8:30 a.m. (Eastern). David Hutchens, President and Chief Executive Officer and Jocelyn Perry, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer will discuss the Corporation's 2022 annual financial results. Shareholders, analysts, members of the media and other interested parties in North America are invited to participate by calling 1.416.764.8658. International participants may participate by calling 1.888.886.7786. Please dial in 10 minutes prior to the start of the call. No passcode is required. A live and archived audio webcast of the teleconference will be available on the Corporation's website, www.fortisinc.com. A replay of the teleconference will be available two hours after the conclusion of the call until March 10, 2023. Please call 1.416.764.8692 or 1.877.674.7070 and enter passcode 760995#. About FortisFortis is a well-diversified leader in the North American regulated electric and gas utility industry with 2021 revenue of $9.4 billion and total assets of $64 billion as at September 30, 2022. The Corporation's 9,100 employees serve utility customers in five Canadian provinces, nine U.S. states and three Caribbean countries. Fortis shares are listed on the TSX and NYSE and trade under the symbol FTS. Additional information can be accessed at www.fortisinc.com, www.sedar.com, or www.sec.gov. A .pdf version of this press release is available at: http://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/9eba5f28-1a4b-42ad-837c-d3670c8e4bac For further information contact Investor Enquiries:Ms. Stephanie Amaimo Vice President, Investor RelationsFortis Inc.248.946.3572 [email protected] Media Enquiries:Ms. Karen McCarthyVice President, Communications & Corporate AffairsFortis Inc.709.737.5323 [email protected] Source: Fortis CHICAGO, Feb. 02, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bader Rutter, the No. 1 U.S. B2B marcom agency, has launched a new full-service location in Chicago to keep pace with the firms fast-growing food and beverage practice. The expansion on Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago strengthens services currently provided to an extensive client roster headlined by powerhouse food and beverage brands, including McCain Foods, Tetra Pak and Seaboard Foods. Chicago is the food and beverage capital of the United States, said David Jordan, president of Bader Rutter. Expanding to our new home on Michigan Avenue cements our position as a destination for the industrys leading brands and professionals. Recent wins in the food and beverage space helped Bader Rutter attract talent with a background in large-scale consumer brands, foodservice and CPG. This experience builds on the agencys extensive background in the food production system. Achieving success in food and beverage requires experience, creativity and a heavy helping of know-how these have been keys to our growth, success and stability for the past 50 years, Jordan said. The expertise and advanced skill set of our talent pool allows us to deliver more than our clients may expect from an advertising agency. In addition to recently hiring a trained chef and former high-end restaurant owner as the agencys food service practice lead, Bader Rutter has welcomed professionals who have worked with industry-shaping brands, including McDonalds, Molson Coors, Gatorade, ConAgra, Tyson and Kraft Heinz. The agencys food production system know-how is further fueled by IntelDistillery.com, which has scrutinized topics and trends driving the food and beverage industry since 2012. Our purpose is to grow brands, transform businesses and reshape industry categories, Jordan said. Keeping our finger on the pulse of the industries we serve enables us to fiercely champion our clients success and solve business challenges with unmatched creativity. To learn more about how Bader Rutter and the agencys 260 employees help food and beverage brands strengthen their purpose, attract consumers and share their good with the world, please visit: https://baderrutter.com/food Media: Click here for downloadable video and images. ### About Bader Rutter Bader Rutter is a full-service advertising and marketing agency with offices in Milwaukee and Chicago. It is both the largest agricultural marketing agency and the leading B2B marcom agency in the country. With close to 260 employees in 17 states, Bader Rutter offers a full array of advertising, digital and social media, public relations, business consulting, and branding and design capabilities. The employee-owned agencys expertise includes core work in agriculture, the food production system, pet care and animal health, insurance and financial services. More information on the food and beverage practice at Bader Rutter can be found at www.baderrutter.com/food. Attachments Ben Borden Bader Rutter 414-344-8429 [email protected] Source: Bader Rutter MELBOURNE, Australia, Feb. 02, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Results released today from a clinical study have shown that the drug afamelanotide can reduce critical skin damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation, a leading factor in skin cancer and photoaging. The CUV151 study, conducted by Australian company CLINUVEL, treated nine fair-skinned volunteers with the photoprotective drug afamelanotide and showed that treatment could significantly reduce artificially provoked sunburn damage after just six days. Frequent and intense sunburn is recognised as a primary risk factor for skin cancer, with fair skinned individuals known as Fitzpatrick phototypes I-III at high-risk, CLINUVELs Head of Clinical Operations, Dr Pilar Bilbao said. Showing that we can objectively reduce erythema, sunburn DNA damage, under controlled clinical conditions after a single dose of afamelanotide provides our team with valuable data on how this drug, and other similar molecules, can reduce the burden of UV-induced damage. Further clinical work is ongoing to assess the properties and influence of afamelanotide on other parts of cellular DNA, Dr Bilbao said. Between five and six million cases of skin cancers are diagnosed in the USA alone every year, with UV exposure and fair skin proven to increase an individuals lifetime risk.1 An estimated US$8.1 billion is spent annually treating skin cancers in the USA, suggesting more effective preventative measures are required. CLINUVEL is evaluating afamelanotide as a photoprotective and DNA repair treatment for individuals at highest-risk of UV and light damage, focusing first on patients with the DNA repair disorder xeroderma pigmentosum (XP). The CUV151 study followed a parallel protocol to clinical trials for XP patients, assessing biomarkers of UV-induced skin damage in healthy volunteers following provocation of UV damage before and after afamelanotide treatment. The first results showed a statistically significant decrease in UV-erythema dose response, the redness indicative of first DNA damage, which was provoked by incremental doses of UV light (p=0.018). An increase in the minimal erythemal dose a measure of intensity of UV light to provoke sunburn was also found. Earlier results in XP patients showed that afamelanotide could reduce UV-induced DNA damage, with analyses of skin samples (biopsies) from CUV151 ongoing to assess DNA damage in the healthy volunteers. Todays results build upon the decades of research CLINUVEL has conducted into the use of afamelanotide to protect skin from light, with the first evidence that a single dose of the drug has a photoprotective effect in healthy volunteers. These data add to our regulatory dossier for XP while further developing our specialised healthcare products for wider populations at highest risk of UV-induced damage and skin cancer, Dr Bilbao said. Final results from the CUV151 study and further results from CLINUVELs DNA Repair Program are expected later in 2023. Media enquiries: Monsoon Communications, Mr Rudi Michelson, +61 411 402 737, [email protected] Note to media: CLINUVEL has released further investor and technical releases on results from the CUV151 study. For more details, go to www.clinuvel.com. 1 Skin & Cancer Foundation Skin Cancer Facts & Statistics, https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-facts/; American Academy of Dermatology Skin Cancer https://www.aad.org/media/stats-skin-cancer. About Afamelanotide Afamelanotide belongs to the family of melanocortins, hormones and their analogues, which are recognised to activate human pigmentation, reduce oxidative damage, inflammation and swelling, and optimise the response of skin cells to UV-induced damage. CLINUVEL is already marketing a controlled-release formulation of afamelanotide known as SCENESSE as the worlds first photoprotective drug for the rare disorder erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP). Further results from the Companys DNA repair program are expected later in 2023. About CLINUVEL PHARMACEUTICALS LIMITED CLINUVEL (ASX: CUV; ADR LEVEL 1: CLVLY; BORSE FRANKFURT-DAX: UR9) is a global specialty pharmaceutical group focused on developing and commercialising treatments for patients with genetic, metabolic, systemic, and life-threatening, acute disorders, as well as healthcare solutions for specialised populations. As pioneers in photomedicine and the family of melanocortin peptides, CLINUVELs research and development has led to innovative treatments for patient populations with a clinical need for systemic photoprotection, assisted DNA repair, repigmentation and acute or life-threatening conditions who lack alternatives. CLINUVELs lead therapy, SCENESSE (afamelanotide 16mg), is approved for commercial distribution in Europe, the USA, Israel and Australia as the worlds first systemic photoprotective drug for the prevention of phototoxicity (anaphylactoid reactions and burns) in adult patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP). Headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, CLINUVEL has operations in Europe, Singapore, and the USA. For more information, please go to https://www.clinuvel.com. SCENESSE, PRENUMBRA, NEURACTHEL, and CYACELLE are registered trademarks of CLINUVEL. Head of Investor Relations Mr Malcolm Bull, CLINUVEL PHARMACEUTICALS LTD Investor Enquiries https://www.clinuvel.com/investors/contact-us Forward-Looking Statements This release contains forward-looking statements, which reflect the current beliefs and expectations of CLINUVELs management. Please see the full disclaimer on CLINUVELs website. www.clinuvel.com Level 11535 Bourke StreetMelbourne - Victoria, Australia, 3000 T +61 3 9660 4900 F +61 3 9660 4909 Source: Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals Limited VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 02, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Canadians in every province will pay more than $1,300 per person in 2022/23 on government interest costs, finds a new study published by the Fraser Institute, an independent, non-partisan Canadian public policy think-tank. Interest must be paid on government debt, and the more money governments spend on interest payments the less money is available for the programs and services that matter to Canadians, said Jake Fuss, associate director of fiscal studies at the Fraser Institute and author of Federal and Provincial Debt Interest Costs for Canadians, 2023 edition. The study finds that taxpayers across Canada will pay a total of $68.6 billion on interest payments for the federal and provincial debts in 2022. The federal government will spend $34.7 billion on debt servicing charges in 2022/23, which is more than the government expects to spend on childcare benefits ($29.4 billion) and employment insurance benefits ($24.8 billion). Nationally, Newfoundland and Labradors combined federal and provincial interest costs is the highest in the country at $2,727 per person. Quebec, Canadas second most populous province, is the next highest at $2,110 per person. Meanwhile, total expenditures on interest costs for Albertans ($6.7 billion) is more than what the province will spend on physicians this year, and combined federal-provincial interest costs for British Columbians ($7.4 billion) are nearly equivalent to what the province expects to spend on its social services this year. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic and recession, governments across Canada and in Ottawa were racking up large debts, and this debt imposes real costs on Canadian taxpayers in the form of interest payments, said Fuss. Interest payments across the country are substantial, and that takes money away from other important priorities. MEDIA CONTACT: Jake Fuss, Associate Director, Fiscal StudiesFraser Institute To arrange media interviews or for more information, please contact:Drue MacPherson, Fraser Institute(604) 688-0221 Ext. 721[email protected] Follow the Fraser Institute on Twitter | Like us on Facebook The Fraser Institute is an independent Canadian public policy research and educational organization with offices in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, and Montreal and ties to a global network of think-tanks in 87 countries. Its mission is to improve the quality of life for Canadians, their families and future generations by studying, measuring and broadly communicating the effects of government policies, entrepreneurship and choice on their well-being. To protect the Institutes independence, it does not accept grants from governments or contracts for research. Visit www.fraserinstitute.org Source: Fraser Institute LONDON, Feb. 02, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Global Ship Lease, Inc. (NYSE: GSL) (the Company) announced that today its 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders was reconvened for a second time (the Meeting) for the sole purpose of voting on one outstanding proposal - to approve the adoption of an amendment to the Companys Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation establishing a quorum for all meetings of shareholders of the Company of one-third (1/3) of the shares, present either in person or by proxy, issued and outstanding and entitled to vote at such meetings (Proposal Three). Although Proposal Three was supported by approximately 89% of the Class A common shares voted, it did not achieve the requisite affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the Class A common shares outstanding, and accordingly, Proposal Three was not approved. The Meeting has not been further adjourned. The Company would like to thank all shareholders who voted in the Meeting. About Global Ship Lease Global Ship Lease is a leading independent owner of containerships with a diversified fleet of mid-sized and smaller containerships. Incorporated in the Marshall Islands, Global Ship Lease commenced operations in December 2007 with a business of owning and chartering out containerships under fixed-rate charters to top tier container liner companies. It was listed on the New York Stock Exchange in August 2008. As at December 29, 2022, Global Ship Lease owned 65 containerships, ranging from 1,118 to 11,040 TEU, with an aggregate capacity of 342,348 TEU. 32 ships are wide-beam Post-Panamax. Adjusted to include all charters agreed, up to December 29, 2022, the average remaining term of the Companys charters as at September 30, 2022, to the mid-point of redelivery, including options under the Companys control and other than if a redelivery notice has been received, was 2.9 years on a TEU-weighted basis. Contracted revenue on the same basis was $2.23 billion. Contracted revenue was $2.65 billion, including options under charterers control and with latest redelivery date, representing a weighted average remaining term of 3.7 years. Safe Harbor Statement This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements provide the Company's current expectations or forecasts of future events. Forward-looking statements include statements about the Company's expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, intentions, assumptions and other statements that are not historical facts. Words or phrases such as "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "ongoing," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "will" or similar words or phrases, or the negatives of those words or phrases, may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not necessarily mean that a statement is not forward-looking. These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions that may be incorrect, and the Company cannot assure you that the events or expectations included in these forward-looking statements will come to pass. Actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including the factors described in "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F and the factors and risks the Company describes in subsequent reports filed from time to time with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, you should not unduly rely on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly revise any forward-looking statement to reflect circumstances or events after the date of this press release or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Investor and Media Contact: The IGB GroupBryan Degnan646-673-9701or Leon Berman 212-477-8438 Source: Global Ship Lease Inc. Vancouver, British Columbia, Feb. 02, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gold Lion Resources Inc. (Gold Lion or the Company) (CSE: GL) (OTC: GLIOF) (FWB: 2BC) announces that it has acquired the rights to a property option agreement (the Option Agreement) dated as of December 18, 2022 pursuant to which it has the option to acquire a 100% interest in 57 mining claims covering approximately 2,950 hectares in the James Bay region of Quebec (the Mia Li-3 Lithium Project). MIA LI-3 LITHIUM PROJECT The Mia Li-3 Lithium Project is located approximately 15 km northwest of Q2 Metals Corp.s (Q2) Mia Li-1 and Mia Li-2 projects (the Mia Li-1 & 2 Projects) in the James Bay region of Quebec. The Mia Li-3 Project is also directly adjacent to ground newly acquired by Q2 and presents a favourable opportunity for exploration on the same trend. Historical work by Main Exploration Company Ltd. in 1959 (GM10200) reported several spodumene-bearing pegmatites on the Mia Li-1 & 2 Projects. The westernmost mineral showings of the Mia Li-1 & 2 Projects were sampled in 1997 by Quebec government geologists and assays returned grades of 0.47% Li2O and 2.27% Li2O respectively. Numerous pegmatite intrusions have been recorded along the 8.3 km long trend but were never followed up for their lithium potential. The 1959 report also details that the pegmatite dykes are as much as 100 feet (30.5 metres) in width and are commonly zoned, with spodumene crystals described as being as much as 2 feet (0.61 metres) in length. The southern half of the Mia Li-1 & 2 Projects covers a northeast limb of the Vieux Comptoir granite and a concordant intrusive body described as a spodumene granite on SIGEOM, the Quebec provincial government's geomining information system. Gold Lions Mia Li-3 Lithium Project also contains the Vieux Comptoir Granite unit, an undifferentiated granite package that may contain phases of pegmatitic granite, k-feldspar granite and spodumene granite. This news release contains information about adjacent properties on which Gold Lion has no right to explore or mine. Readers are cautioned that mineral deposits on adjacent properties are not indicative of mineral deposits on the Company's properties. The technical information contained within this news release has been reviewed and approved by Martin Ethier, Geo (#1520), a Member of the Order of Geologists of Quebec and the Qualified Person for the purpose of this news release as defined in National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). Mr. Ethier is considered independent of the Company within the meaning of NI 43-101. THE TRANSACTION Gold Lion acquired the rights to the Option Agreement under a share exchange agreement dated February 1, 2023 (the SEA) among Gold Lion, 1391740 B.C. Ltd. (139 BC) and the shareholders of 139 BC pursuant to which Gold Lion acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of 139 BC from the 139 BC shareholders. As consideration under the SEA, Gold Lion: has made an initial aggregate cash payment of $50,000 to the 139 BC shareholders, has issued an aggregate of 10,000,000 common shares of Gold Lion (the Shares) at a deemed price of $0.0675 per Share, representing an aggregate value for the Shares of $675,000, to the 139 BC shareholders, and is required to make an additional aggregate cash payment of $50,000 to the 139 BC shareholders on or before March 6, 2023. The Shares were issued to the 139 BC shareholders pursuant to applicable securities laws and the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange. The transaction is an arm's-length transaction for the Company and does not constitute a fundamental change or result in a change of control of the Company, within the meaning of the policies of the CSE. About Gold Lion Resources Inc. Gold Lion Resources Inc. is a mineral exploration company actively involved in the exploration of its precious metal focused portfolio including the Cuteye and Fairview Properties located in Idaho and British Columbia. For more information please visit: https://goldlionresources.com/. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Lawrence Hay, CEO T: 604-687-2038 The CSE and Information Service Provider have not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Often, but not always, forward-looking information and information can be identified by the use of words such as plans, expects or does not expect, is expected, estimates, intends, anticipates or does not anticipate, or believes, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might or will be taken, occur or be achieved. Actual future results may differ materially. In particular, this release contains forward-looking information relating to the Company's expected benefits of the Transaction and opportunities which will arise from the acquisition of the Property. The forward-looking information reflects management's current expectations based on information currently available and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking information. Such risk factors may include, among others, but are not limited to: general economic conditions in Canada and globally; industry conditions, including governmental regulation and environmental regulation; the availability of capital on acceptable terms; the need to obtain required approvals from regulatory authorities; stock market volatility; competition for, among other things, skilled personnel and supplies; incorrect assessments of the value of acquisitions; geological, technical, processing and transportation problems; changes in tax laws and incentive programs; failure to realize the anticipated benefits of acquisitions and dispositions; and the other factors. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include: (i) adverse market conditions; and (ii) other factors beyond the control of the Company. New risk factors emerge from time to time, and it is impossible for the Companys management to predict all risk factors, nor can the Company assess the impact of all factors on Companys business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ from those contained in any forward-looking information. The forward-looking information included in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties that could affect financial results is contained in the Companys filings with Canadian securities regulators, which are available at www.sedar.com. 600-1090 West Georgia St., Vancouver, British Columbia V6E 3V7 T: (604-687-2038)/ W: https://goldlionresources.com/ Source: Gold Lion Resources Inc. CHICAGO and JASPER, Ind., Feb. 02, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Granite Creek Capital Partners, L.L.C., a private investment firm based in Chicago, in partnership with Muzinich BDC, Inc., today announced its funding of Peak Toolworks (Peak), a complete tool solutions provider and Audax Group portfolio company. Peaks incumbent lender, PNC Bank, N.A., continued its support of the company. The funding supports Peak Toolworks Acquisition of Expert Die, Inc. (Expert Die). Headquartered in Whitfield County, GA, Expert Die provides customers in North Georgia, East Tennessee, North Mississippi and North Alabama with blade sales and saw sharpening services. With the addition of Expert Die, Peak Toolworks now has a total of 12 locations across the U.S. and Canada. The funding was provided from Granite Creeks FlexCap II fund and represents the latest investment by Granite Creek in the industrials space. Peak is a premier manufacturer of cutting tools with an 80-year history of engineering excellence and reliable service, said Peter Lehman, co-founder and partner at Granite Creek. Expert Die is an outstanding complement to Peaks existing network of manufacturing and sharpening service sites. We are excited to support Peak in its quest to further scale and diversify the business. With Granite Creeks investment and the subsequent addition of Expert Die, Peak has strengthened its southern presence, building on our companies ability to serve their loyal customer base, said Kerry Baskins, CEO and president of Peak. Our partnership with Expert Die has provided ample momentum moving into the new year and has us enthusiastic for the advancement to come. About Peak ToolworksHeadquartered in Jasper, Indiana, Peak Toolworks is a complete tool solutions provider, offering sharpening services, consumable tool manufacturing, and resale products for the secondary woodworking, composite, and metals industries across the U.S. and Canada. Peak is a servicer and manufacturer of saw blades and other tools used on wood, metals, and composites across building materials and general industrial end-markets. About Audax GroupAudax Group is a leading alternative investment manager with offices in Boston, New York, San Francisco and London. Since its founding in 1999, the firm has raised over $32 billion in capital across its Private Equity and Private Debt businesses. With more than 360 employees and over 150 investment professionals, the firm is a leading capital partner for North American middle market companies. For more information, visit the Audax Group website: www.audaxgroup.com. About Granite Creek Capital Partners, L.L.C.Founded in 2005, Granite Creek Capital Partners, L.L.C. is a Chicago-based private investment firm focused on providing capital and operational resources to lower middle market companies engaged in manufacturing, business services, healthcare, and agribusiness. With an experienced team of investment professionals bringing expertise in private equity, banking, operations, and business development, Granite Creek has a successful track record of investing in and supporting its portfolio companies. In 2022, Granite Creek was named to Inc.s Founder-Friendly Investors list for the third year in a row, honoring the private equity and venture capital firms with the best track record of success backing entrepreneurs. For more information on Granite Creek, visit www.granitecreek.com or call 312-895-4500. For more media information, contact:Lisa Hendrickson, LCH Communications for Granite Creek516-643-1642[email protected] Source: Granite Creek Capital Partners Covington, Kentucky, Feb. 02, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Accreditation Committee of the College of American Pathologists (CAP) has awarded accreditation to Gravity Diagnostics based on the results of a recent on-site inspection as part of the CAPs Accreditation Programs. James (JP) Canner, Gravity's Chief Science Officer & Laboratory Director, was advised of this national recognition by CAP and congratulated for the excellence of the services being provided. "We have an amazing team at Gravity Diagnostics that is constantly striving to provide the best service for our patients," said Canner. "I would like to specifically thank our General Supervisor, Leon Friesen, and Director of Laboratory Operations, Oscar Diaz for their work on this accreditation." Gravity Diagnostics is one of more than 8,000 CAP-accredited facilities worldwide. "Our CAP accreditation is the direct result of the impeccable standards, hard work, and intentional effort set forth by each employee in our world-class lab, said Tony Remington, Gravitys CEO and Founder. They're constantly exploring new ways to improve our testing lines, lab operations, and capabilities. Without them, Gravity would not exist." The U.S. federal government recognizes the CAP Laboratory Accreditation Program, begun in the early 1960s, as being equal to or more stringent than the governments own inspection program. During the CAP accreditation process, designed to ensure the highest standard of care for all laboratory patients, inspectors examine the laboratorys records and quality control procedures for the preceding two years. CAP inspectors also examine laboratory staff qualifications, equipment, facilities, safety program and record, and overall management. About Gravity Diagnostics and the G360 Companies G360 is the parent company of Gravity+ and Gravity Diagnostics. G360 is transforming health through lab-based science and innovative home testing products that provide a simple, intuitive experience that empowers individuals to take charge of their healthcare destiny and live healthier lives. Using their CAP-accredited and CLIA-certified laboratory, they provide fast and convenient services that give an engaging experience that delivers value beyond your test result. Their clients include universities, public health organizations, addiction recovery centers, private practices, Fortune 500 companies, and more. The company is a proud advocate for physicians, patients, and communities, supporting them with unsurpassed integrity, regulatory compliance, and clinical expertise. About the College of American Pathologists (CAP) As the world's largest organization of board-certified pathologists and leading provider of laboratory accreditation and proficiency testing programs, the College of American Pathologists (CAP) serves patients, pathologists, and the public by fostering and advocating excellence in the practice of pathology and laboratory medicine worldwide. For more information, READ THE CAP ANNUAL REPORT at cap.org. Attachment Emily Brucken Gravity Diagnostics 8594203928 [email protected] Source: Gravity Diagnostics FOSTER CITY, Calif., Feb. 02, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GridGain, provider of enterprise-grade in-memory computing software for high-performance applications, today shared details about the companys continuing momentum as it helps companies deliver the data processing speed and scale necessary to gain insights faster from ever-increasing volumes of information. In 2022, GridGain experienced its 9th consecutive year of strong revenue growth with cash-positive operations. Responding to customer requests, key enhancements were made to the platform in the areas of high availability, replication, hybrid transactional/analytical processing (HTAP), and disaster recovery. Furthermore, the company deepened its integrations with the top three cloud provider vendors. Adoption of the GridGain platform expanded significantly from its core use cases in financial services to new critical use cases in telecommunications, transportation & logistics, and retail. In support of its growing customer base, the company established GridGain University. And GridGain strengthened its executive team, announcing the appointment of Eoin OConnor as President and CEO and Katherine Barnhisel Rincon as Chief Marketing Officer. Our customers and prospects continue to tell us that the current economic environment has put even greater pressure on them to make smarter and faster data-based business decisions in order to remain competitive, said GridGain President and CEO, Eoin OConnor. Im extremely proud that, throughout 2022, the GridGain team continued to execute on our mission of providing customers with the technology and understanding to build out their infrastructures with the speed and scale they need to thrive. Growth GridGains core business has averaged 42% annual sales growth since 2017. Bookings from existing customers increased by 68% in 2022. Net revenue retention rate was 123% in 2022, reflecting GridGains exceptional customer satisfaction. The number of companies that have purchased over $1 million from GridGain increased by 22% in 2022. Management Appointed Eoin O'Connor as President and CEO. O'Connor has been with GridGain since 2016, serving as CFO and more recently as COO, and has been pivotal in transforming the company into a leader in the distributed in-memory computing industry. Named Katherine Barnhisel Rincon as Chief Marketing Officer. Rincon has more than 25 years of technology marketing experience and is responsible for the company's global go-to-market strategy. Products and Services Enhanced the replication and high-availability capabilities of the GridGain platform to support customers evolving requirements in the financial services and telco industries. Enhanced the platforms Snapshot and disaster recovery capabilities to further increase cluster durability, and make it even easier to recover data stored in a GridGain cluster. Enhanced the platforms HTAP capabilities to simplify and accelerate combining OLTP and OLAP processing in a single data platform. Delivered deeper integrations with the major cloud providers AWS, Google Cloud and Microsoft Azure to further support cloud-based scale and simplify the development and migration of such use cases. Expanded its training efforts, including establishing GridGain University, which offers a flexible curriculum to help participants gain the specific GridGain and Apache Ignite knowledge they need. Awards Received an American Business Stevie Award for Company of the Year Computer Software Medium. Ranked on the 2022 Silicon Valley Business Journal list of the Top 25 Fastest Growing Private Companies in Silicon Valley. Ranked on the 2022 San Francisco Business Times list of the Top 100 Fastest Growing Private Companies in the San Francisco Bay Area. Received Honorable Mention on the insideBIGDATA IMPACT 50 List. In-Memory Computing Thought LeadershipGridGain again hosted two free virtual Ignite Summits in 2022 that featured speakers from CERN, Expedia, HPE, IBM, iFood, JP Morgan Chase, Motorola, AWS Aurora, GridGain and more. More than 1,200 attendees from around the world heard talks and participated in discussions on a wide range of topics around modern data architectures and leading industry use cases. In addition to the Ignite Summits, GridGain continued its in-memory computing thought leadership and education program, delivering valuable resources and hosting and participating in a wide variety of webinars, meetups, training sessions and conferences. The GridGain In-Memory Computing PlatformThe GridGain in-memory computing platform provides the extreme speed and massive scalability to meet the needs of todays data-intensive applications, without ripping and replacing existing databases. Built on Apache Ignite, it can also be deployed as an in-memory database. The platform scales by adding new nodes to the cluster, which can handle petabytes of data. The worlds leading companies look to the GridGain platform as a key to the success of their digital transformation initiatives. About GridGain SystemsGridGain Systems is revolutionizing real-time data access and processing by offering an enterprise-grade cloud-native in-memory computing platform. Common use cases for the GridGain platform include high-speed operational analytics, application acceleration, AI/ML model training, and digital integration hubs for real-time data access across data sources and applications. GridGain solutions are used by global enterprises in financial services, software, e-commerce, retail, online business services, healthcare, telecom, transportation, logistics, and other major industries, with a client list that includes ING, Citibank, American Express, AutoZone, UPS, 24 Hour Fitness, Microsoft, American Airlines, Agilent and UnitedHealthcare. For more information, visit gridgain.com. CONTACT:Brigit ValenciaFor GridGain Systems[email protected]360.597.4516 GridGain is a trademark or registered trademark of GridGain Systems, Inc. Apache, Apache Ignite, and Ignite are trademarks of The Apache Software Foundation. All other product and company names herein may be trademarks of their registered owners. Source: GridGain Systems Arlington Heights, IL, Feb. 02, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL (February 2, 2023) The Heartland Institutes new book, Climate at a Glance for Teachers and Students: Facts on 30 Prominent Climate Topics, will be arriving in schools across the United States this week, giving more than 8,000 middle- and high-school science teachers the latest data and research on the climate. The 80-page book covers 30 climate topics often discussed in science classes, as well as among the general public and media, and provides the data to show the earth is not experiencing a climate crisis. The book is designed to be easily utilized by teachers to integrate into their lesson plans with its breakdown into five sections: (1) The Atmosphere and Land, (2) The Sea and Ice, (3) Temperatures and Extreme Weather, (4) Humans and Animals, and (5) Scientific and Policy Controversies. The data in the book with footnotes in each chapter citing the sources was compiled by authors Anthony Watts, senior fellow for environmental policy at The Heartland Institute who has worked as an on-air meteorologist since 1978; and James Taylor, president of The Heartland Institute who has been studying and communicating about climate and energy policy for Heartland for more than 20 years. The book was edited by H. Sterling Burnett, director of The Heartland Institutes Arthur B. Robinson Center for Climate and Environmental Policy and managing editor of Environment & Climate News. Download a free digital copy of the book here. All three climate experts will be presenting at The Heartland Institutes 15th International Conference on Climate Change in Orlando, Florida, Feb 23-25. For more information about this book distribution, or to interview the authors, please contact Vice President and Director of Communications Jim Lakely at [email protected] or call/text 312-731-9364. Teachers and students need a concise, scientifically compelling summary of the most frequently discussed climate change topics, said Heartland Institute President James Taylor. Climate at a Glance for Teachers and Students provides exactly that. Moreover, the summaries are the perfect format and length to be daily lessons or homework assignments. The goal of this book is to present facts that are normally ignored or outright distorted by pundits and the mainstream media, said Heartland Institute Senior Fellow Anthony Watts. Realizing that the book would be attacked from the beginning, because it is counter to the ongoing climate narrative, every topic is factually referenced to government science agencies such as NOAA, and NASA, as well as peer-reviewed science publications. People reading these facts for the first time are likely to be shocked to discover that what theyve been told was true, simply isnt. Concerning climate change, too many science classes have become laboratories of indoctrination, teaching students what to think about this important topic, rather than how to think about it and reason through it based on facts and using the scientific method, said H. Sterling Burnett, Ph.D., director of the Arthur B. Robinson Center on Climate and Environmental Policy at The Heartland Institute. With this book, we are circumventing the normal channels of communication with students and teachers, which have been foreclosed to free debate about climate, and going directly to the source. Providing teachers with a concise, easily accessible, fact filled book about key climate topics eschewing all rancor, ad hominem, and politics. Anyone who wants to understand the true state of climate science, based in government data and peer reviewed literature, rather than headlines and quickly thrown together white papers, should ready Climate at a Glance, he said. Among the facts in this book that counter common and false alarmist narratives about the climate: Crop Production, p. 6: As the climate modestly warms, global crop yields have set new records almost every year. That is due, in part, to longer growing seasons and greater concentrations of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Floods, p. 10: The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports it has "low confidence" in climate change is impacting flooding. The annual cost of flood damage in the United States (per GDP) has declined significantly over the last nearly 120 years. Snowpack, p. 12: Average North American snowpack extent is virtually the same as it was in the late 1960s, when U.S. satellite measurements began. There has been only a modest decline in Eurasian snowpack in recent years. Coral Reefs, p. 24: Corals thrive in warm water, not cold water, and recent warming has allowed corals to expand their range. The primary causes of coral bleaching are not "global warming," but sediment and agricultural chemical run offs. Ocean Acidification, p. 32: Ocean water is not overly acidic with the pH of surface ocean waters falling by merely 0.1 pH units since 1850 and is still well above the neutral pH number of 7. Sea-Level Rise, p. 36: Global sea levels have risen more than 400 feet since the beginning of the current interglacial period, as it does between ice ages. NASA satellite instruments, with readings dating back to 1993, show global sea levels rising at a pace of just 1.2 inches per decade with no sign that pace is accelerating. Hurricanes, p. 41: The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has found no increase in the frequency or severity of hurricanes despite modest warming. U.S. Heat Waves, p. 49: The all-time high temperature records set in most states occurred in the first half of the 20th century. The heat waves of recent decades have been far less severe and frequent than they were in the 1930s. U.S. Wildfires, p. 54: Even in the recent worst wildfire seasons, those fires typically burned one-fifth to half as much land as the standard wildfire seasons in the early 20th century. Climate Refugees, p. 58: Despite much fear-mongering, a majority of the islands from which climate activists predicted would produce "climate refugees" due to sea-level rise have actually seen their landmass increase in recent decades. The United Nations confirms casualties linked to climate-related natural disasters have declined this century. Polar Bears, p. 69: Polar bear populations have increased dramatically in recent decades despite claims to the contrary made in the media and among climate activists. Polar bears have thrived in much warmer climates than we are experiencing today. The Heartland Institute is a national free-market think tank founded in 1984 in Chicago and now located in Arlington Heights, Illinois. The Economist magazine called Heartland the worlds most prominent think-tank promoting skepticism about man-made climate change. Heartland has organized 15 International Conferences on Climate Change and published the 3,000-page Climate Change Reconsidered series of volumes by the Nongovernmental International Panel on Climate Change. ### Attachment Jim Lakely The Heartland Institute 312-731-9364 [email protected] Source: The Heartland Institute SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 01, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- KlimaDAO has ratified 250,000 USDC in funding to support the development of the Improved Cookstoves project in Bangladesh in collaboration with SCB Group. The funding will enable the issuance of 31,250 Gold Standard certified carbon credits between 2023 and 2025, with the goal of providing liquidity for consumers within the Digital Carbon Market (DCM) on the Polygon blockchain. By rolling out energy-efficient, improved smokeless cook stoves known locally as 'Chula' to the community, the project helps address environmental and health issues that stem from the use of inefficient cookstoves and polluting open flames within homes. The partnership demonstrates how decentralized mechanisms can be used to transparently allocate resources towards high-impact carbon projects globally, and how community-wide governance can enable greater stakeholder engagement and scrutiny around the type and quality of carbon credits that are bridged into the DCM. The partnership announcement comes after three months of discussion on KlimaDAO's Community Forum and a token vote via the Snapshot platform. Drew Bonneau of KlimaDAO said, "This collaboration represents a significant milestone for KlimaDAO and the wider DCM, as the community's first DAO-wide token vote to allocate funding towards a project financing initiative. The carbon markets are becoming an increasingly important mechanism for directing capital to projects across the globe, and increased community involvement can help raise the scrutiny, scale and profile of project financing. The Improved Cookstoves for Rohingya Refugees in Bangladesh project, with its strong environmental and social co-benefits, now serves as a blueprint for future decentralized carbon project initiatives." Kevin McGeeney, CEO of SCB Group, said, "The on-chain community, always at the forefront of shaping emerging best practice in voluntary carbon markets, has once again demonstrated how forward-thinking and agile it is by agreeing to support this project. I congratulate KlimaDAO for their collaborative approach and am especially pleased I've had the honor to visit this project firsthand. The people we're supporting left everything behind in their homeland of Myanmar, and although they are now safe in Bangladesh, their situation is beyond what most of us can imagine. Your support allows these people to cook their rations and boil their water, saving time that can be more productive and sparing the scarce resources of the surrounding environment in the world's most densely populated country." About KlimaDAO KlimaDAO's mission is to accelerate the delivery of climate finance globally by building the transparent, neutral, and public infrastructure needed to scale the Digital Carbon Market. Contact KlimaDAO. About SCB Group SCB has more than 17 years' experience in the global renewables and commodity markets. With an industry-leading team and more than 100 employees across offices in Chicago, London, Singapore and Geneva, SCB is a world-leading low-carbon commodity company. It provides market-based carbon trading solutions to assist clients in achieving their sustainability goals and supports the financing of high-integrity and quality emission reduction and removal projects. Contact SCB Group. Contact Information: Katherine Anderson Senior Marketing Manager, SCB Group [email protected] Alex Taylor Press [email protected] Related Images Image 1 KlimaDAO logo This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. Attachment Featured Image for KlimaDAO Featured Image for KlimaDAO Source: KlimaDAO CALGARY, Alberta, Feb. 02, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LithiumBank Resources Corp. (TSX-V: LBNK) (OTCQX: LBNKF) (LithiumBank or the Company) is pleased to provide a corporate update and outline key milestones for 2023. In 2022, LithiumBank successfully completed its 3-year acquisition and exploration campaign that was focused on: Reservoirs that contain commercially viable lithium brine concentrations in Alberta & Saskatchewan; Geological formations that can support large scale brine extraction and subsequent reinjection; Availability of comprehensive historical data; Existing past producing wells and local infrastructure; Proximity to labour; and Supportive local relationships & partnerships; This resulted in acquiring three separate development districts that are part of a portfolio of claims that totalled over 4 Million acres (see Figure 1): Boardwalk: 572,237 acres that cover 100% of the Leduc reef complex, 270 kilometres west of Edmonton. Park Place: 1,571,364 acres that cover - ~95% of the Leduc reef complex 50 kilometres south of Boardwalk. Saskatchewan: 336,595 acres across three highly prospective properties in southern Saskatchewan. LithiumBank has since established Canadas first indicated mineral resource of lithium brine at the Companys Boardwalk lithium brine project (the Boardwalk Project or Boardwalk), and assayed wells up to 82.0 mg/L lithium from Leduc brine at the Companys Park Place project (the Park Place Project or Park Place). LithiumBank is now focused on developing the Boardwalk and Park Place district projects by further quantifying their mineral resources and completing financial models to be included in coming Preliminary Economic Assessments. Emerging North American Lithium Developer 2023 Strategy LithiumBanks successful exploration programmes and geological assessments have identified Boardwalk and Park Place as flagship district scale projects that possess key elements required for potential commercial development. In the Companys view, both projects have an ideal combination of lithium resource potential and brine chemistry that is compatible with existing extraction technologies. Furthermore, each area is well situated with paved highways, permitted well pads, power & natural gas lines throughout, skilled labour force and hundreds of past & present production wells. During 2023 the Company intends to further de-risk these flagship assets by commissioning a brine processing pilot plant to establish optimal production parameters. Additionally, LithiumBank expects to conduct detailed hydrogeological modeling and brine sampling at both Boardwalk and Park Place to further expand and upgrade the classification of their lithium resources to measured and indicated categories. The Company is working with a number of experienced Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technology providers to enhance recovery, lower power consumption, and reduce project capex. This work and subsequent reservoir sampling is expected to be incorporated into a Preliminary Economic Assessment on the Boardwalk Project which the Company expect will be completed in Q1 2023, and a NI-43-101 inferred resource assessment at Park Place. LithiumBank has also retained consultants that have successfully permitted and attracted government financing for industrial projects in Alberta. LithiumBanks ongoing transition from a lithium resource explorer to developer is a defining moment for our young company of 3 years," commented Rob Shewchuk, CEO and director of LithiumBank. I am proud of my teams success in acquiring a 4 million acre plus portfolio of prospective lithium brine assets and evaluating their potential. We will soon be completing a further resource estimate at Park Place and await receipt of a PEA of Boardwalk. Shifting gears to become a development company with near term lithium production potential, at multiple district scale projects, highlights our view that Alberta is a critical centerpiece to North Americas lithium supply chain industry. We are looking forward to a catalyst rich 2023 across our entire lithium brine portfolio. Figure 1: LithiumBank Projects in Western Canada. LithiumBank Development Assets The Company is proud to be building off a successful 2022 that saw LithiumBank begin publicly trading in April (TSX.V, OTCQB & Frankfurt), increase lithium brine holdings to over 4 million acres, and announce Canadas first lithium brine indicated mineral resource at Boardwalk. In addition to providing a summary of work done to date below, the Company will further detail its 2023 project level goals over the coming weeks. Boardwalk The Boardwalk Project is located in west-central Alberta, approximately 85 km east of the City of Grande Prairie and 270 km northwest of the City of Edmonton (see Figure 2). The Project consists of 30 contiguous Alberta Metallic and Industrial Mineral permits covering an area of 572,237 acres. Boardwalk is covered by 100% Crown mineral rights and has no current operating oil and gas producers in the Leduc Formation. Highlights at Boardwalk in 2022 include: Completed hydrogeological studies of the Boardwalk reservoir that showed the Production Zone within the Leduc Formation is capable of providing consistent, high volume brine production over a 20-year period. Of particular note, the Production Zone accounts for only 10% of the Leduc Formation by volume at Boardwalk. Results from DLE test work completed by Conductive Energy Inc. indicate that it was highly effective and scalable for extracting lithium chloride (LiCl) from the Boardwalk brine. Highlights of this testing includes: 93% Lithium Chloride (LiCl) recovery achieved in under 60 minutes of extraction processing; High purity lithium concentrates were achieved between 2,500 4,000 mg/L; and DLE increased the lithium concentration of samples between 35-60 times over feed grade. LithiumBank announced the first brine project in Canada to include indicated mineral resources of 393,000 tonnes of Lithium Carbonate Equivalent (LCE) at a grade of 71.6 mg/L and 5,808,000 tonnes of Inferred LCE at 68.0 mg/L lithium1. A Preliminary Economic Assessment being led by Hatch is well underway and is expected to be completed in Q1 2023. Figure 2: Boardwalk lithium brine project. Park Place The Park Place Project is located in west-central Alberta, approximately 180 km west of the City of Edmonton (see Figure 3). Park Place consists of 83 contiguous Alberta Metallic and Industrial Mineral permits covering an area of 1,571,364 acres. Highlights at Park Place in 2022 include: LithiumBank initiated a hydrogeological study that is utilizing pre-existing data to determine the porosity, permeability, transmissivity, and volume estimates of lithium-bearing brine. These estimates are expected to be used to complete a NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate; Consolidated the mineral rights (only crown mineral rights in the project area) that cover over 95% of Leduc carbonate reef complex; and In January of 2023, the Company announced assay results from three samples taken from a 72-meter-thick interval at the top of the Leduc Formation (Figure 3) that returned grades ranging between 71.2 82.0 mg/L lithium with an overall average of 77.2 mg/L lithium. Figure 3: Park Place lithium brine project. Saskatchewan LithiumBank is the second largest land holder in Saskatchewan with 336,595 acres of mineral permits across three separate property areas (see Figure 4). Each property listed below is targeting the Duperow Formation, which is a stratigraphic equivalent to the Leduc Formation in Alberta. Increased activity in the Companys property areas continue to report encouraging lithium grades in brine sampled from the Duperow Formation. Kindersley 111,483 acres, located in west-central Saskatchewan near the Alberta border that consists of 16 claims acquired through auction from the Saskatchewan government. In November 2022, the Company completed a hydrogeological study that indicated: The Duperow Formation, within the Kindersley Project area hosts a brine volume of 3.89 km3 at a 6% porosity cut off. Lithium grades reported adjacent to the property range between 70 and 78 mg/L lithium. The Duperow Formation is an unconfined aquifer that measures up to 300 metres thick within the area of the Companys mineral permits. Multiple zones of potential lithium brine production within the Duperow Formation add up to ~90 m in net pay at a 6% porosity cut off. South Property 134,229 acres, located in southern Saskatchewan along the border with the United State that consists of 8 claims acquired through auction from the Saskatchewan government. LithiumBanks South Property is directly adjacent to Prairie Lithiums Williston Basin project that is under agreement to be acquired by Arizona Lithium for approximately C$70.6 million in cash and stock. The South Property shares the same reservoir and key infrastructure including electricity, natural gas, fresh water, paved highways, and railroads. Estevan 90,883 acres, located in southeast Saskatchewan that consists of 11 claims acquired through auction from the Saskatchewan government or from Freehold owners. Neighboring lithium exploration activities, adjacent to the Companys Estevan property have reported lithium grades ranging between 77 and 148 mg/L lithium. Figure 4: LithiumBank's Saskatchewan lithium brine projects. The scientific and technical disclosure in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Kevin Piepgrass (Chief Operations Officer, LithiumBank Resources Corp.), who is a Member of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of the Province of British Columbia (APEGBC) and is a Qualified Person (QP) for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Piepgrass consents to the inclusion of the data in the form and context in which it appears. About LithiumBank Resources Corp. LithiumBank Resources Corp. is a development company focused on lithium-enriched brine projects in Western Canada where low-carbon-impact, rapid DLE technology can be deployed. LithiumBank currently holds over 3.6 million acres of mineral titles, 3.33M acres in Alberta and 336k acres in Saskatchewan. LithiumBanks mineral titles are strategically positioned over known reservoirs that provide a unique combination of scale, grade and exceptional flow rates that are necessary for a large-scale direct brine lithium production. LithiumBank is advancing and de-risking several projects in parallel of the Boardwalk Lithium Brine Project. Contact: Rob ShewchukCEO & Director[email protected](778) 987-9767 Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements This release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, including statements regarding future estimates, plans, objectives, timing, assumptions or expectations of future performance, including without limitation, that the geological formations can support large scales brine extraction and subsequent reinjection, that the lithium resource potential and brine chemistry of Boardwalk and Park Place are compatible with existing extraction technologies, the Companys intention to further de-risk the Boardwalk Project and Park Place Project by commissioning a brine processing pilot plant, the Companys intention to conduct detailed hydrogeological modeling and brine sampling at the Boardwalk Project and Park Place, the Companys intention to complete a Preliminary Economic Assessment on the Boardwalk Project and the expected timing thereof and the statement that the Company intends to complete an NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate on the Park Place Project and the expected timing thereof, are forward-looking statements and contain forward-looking information. 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 or would or occur. Forward-looking statements are based on certain material assumptions and analysis made by the Company and the opinions and estimates of management as of the date of this press release, including that the Company will be able to use its work with DLE technology providers and reservoir sampling in a Preliminary Economic Assessment and an NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate, that the lithium resource potential and brine chemistry of the Boardwalk Project and Park Place Project are compatible with existing extraction technologies, and that the geological formations can support large scale brine extraction and subsequent reinjection. These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. Important factors that may cause actual results to vary, include, without limitation, that the Company is not able to complete a NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate as anticipated or at all, or that the results of the NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate will not be as expected by management, that the Company is not able to complete the Preliminary Economic Assessment as anticipated or at all, that the Company is not able to use its work with DLE technology providers and reservoir sampling in the Preliminary Economic Assessment or the NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate, that the geological formations are not able to support large scale brine extraction and subsequent reinjection, and that the lithium resource potential and brine chemistry of the Boardwalk Project and Park Place Project are not compatible with existing extraction technologies. 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. _____________________________1 See NI 43-101 Technical Report - Updated Indicated and Inferred Resource Estimates for LithiumBank Resources Corp.s Boardwalk Lithium-Brine Project in West- Central Alberta, Canada. By D. Roy Eccles P. Geol., Jim Touw P. Geol., Egon Linton P. Eng. with an Effective date of 20 December 2022 The report is available on www.sedar.com and the Companys website. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c4a6b4ba-20ff-49b9-b943-c6dcf0355fa6 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c76d3028-96e3-4211-bba0-b8b5bda2c06a https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a680fc98-d144-4fb4-b754-e1bb0398dec2 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fd57358e-ea73-4e01-a3a7-655de8eb4402 Figure 1: LithiumBank Projects in Western Canada. Figure 1: LithiumBank Projects in Western Canada. Figure 2: Boardwalk lithium brine project. Figure 2: Boardwalk lithium brine project. Figure 3: Park Place lithium brine project. Figure 3: Park Place lithium brine project. Figure 4: LithiumBank's Saskatchewan lithium brine projects Figure 4: LithiumBank's Saskatchewan lithium brine projects Source: Lithiumbank Resources Corp. CALGARY, Alberta, Feb. 02, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LithiumBank Resources Corp. (TSX-V: LBNK) (OTCQX: LBNKF) (LithiumBank or the Company) is pleased to provide a corporate update and outline key milestones for 2023. In 2022, LithiumBank successfully completed its 3-year acquisition and exploration campaign that was focused on: Reservoirs that contain commercially viable lithium brine concentrations in Alberta & Saskatchewan; Geological formations that can support large scale brine extraction and subsequent reinjection; Availability of comprehensive historical data; Existing past producing wells and local infrastructure; Proximity to labour; and Supportive local relationships & partnerships; This resulted in acquiring three separate development districts that are part of a portfolio of claims that totalled over 4 Million acres (see Figure 1): Boardwalk: 572,237 acres that cover 100% of the Leduc reef complex, 270 kilometres west of Edmonton. Park Place: 1,571,364 acres that cover - ~95% of the Leduc reef complex 50 kilometres south of Boardwalk. Saskatchewan: 336,595 acres across three highly prospective properties in southern Saskatchewan. LithiumBank has since established Canadas first indicated mineral resource of lithium brine at the Companys Boardwalk lithium brine project (the Boardwalk Project or Boardwalk), and assayed wells up to 82.0 mg/L lithium from Leduc brine at the Companys Park Place project (the Park Place Project or Park Place). LithiumBank is now focused on developing the Boardwalk and Park Place district projects by further quantifying their mineral resources and completing financial models to be included in coming Preliminary Economic Assessments. Emerging North American Lithium Developer 2023 Strategy LithiumBanks successful exploration programmes and geological assessments have identified Boardwalk and Park Place as flagship district scale projects that possess key elements required for potential commercial development. In the Companys view, both projects have an ideal combination of lithium resource potential and brine chemistry that is compatible with existing extraction technologies. Furthermore, each area is well situated with paved highways, permitted well pads, power & natural gas lines throughout, skilled labour force and hundreds of past & present production wells. During 2023 the Company intends to further de-risk these flagship assets by commissioning a brine processing pilot plant to establish optimal production parameters. Additionally, LithiumBank expects to conduct detailed hydrogeological modeling and brine sampling at both Boardwalk and Park Place to further expand and upgrade the classification of their lithium resources to measured and indicated categories. The Company is working with a number of experienced Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technology providers to enhance recovery, lower power consumption, and reduce project capex. This work and subsequent reservoir sampling is expected to be incorporated into a Preliminary Economic Assessment on the Boardwalk Project which the Company expect will be completed in Q1 2023, and a NI-43-101 inferred resource assessment at Park Place. LithiumBank has also retained consultants that have successfully permitted and attracted government financing for industrial projects in Alberta. LithiumBanks ongoing transition from a lithium resource explorer to developer is a defining moment for our young company of 3 years," commented Rob Shewchuk, CEO and director of LithiumBank. I am proud of my teams success in acquiring a 4 million acre plus portfolio of prospective lithium brine assets and evaluating their potential. We will soon be completing a further resource estimate at Park Place and await receipt of a PEA of Boardwalk. Shifting gears to become a development company with near term lithium production potential, at multiple district scale projects, highlights our view that Alberta is a critical centerpiece to North Americas lithium supply chain industry. We are looking forward to a catalyst rich 2023 across our entire lithium brine portfolio. Figure 1: LithiumBank Projects in Western Canada. LithiumBank Development Assets The Company is proud to be building off a successful 2022 that saw LithiumBank begin publicly trading in April (TSX.V, OTCQB & Frankfurt), increase lithium brine holdings to over 4 million acres, and announce Canadas first lithium brine indicated mineral resource at Boardwalk. In addition to providing a summary of work done to date below, the Company will further detail its 2023 project level goals over the coming weeks. Boardwalk The Boardwalk Project is located in west-central Alberta, approximately 85 km east of the City of Grande Prairie and 270 km northwest of the City of Edmonton (see Figure 2). The Project consists of 30 contiguous Alberta Metallic and Industrial Mineral permits covering an area of 572,237 acres. Boardwalk is covered by 100% Crown mineral rights and has no current operating oil and gas producers in the Leduc Formation. Highlights at Boardwalk in 2022 include: Completed hydrogeological studies of the Boardwalk reservoir that showed the Production Zone within the Leduc Formation is capable of providing consistent, high volume brine production over a 20-year period. Of particular note, the Production Zone accounts for only 10% of the Leduc Formation by volume at Boardwalk. Results from DLE test work completed by Conductive Energy Inc. indicate that it was highly effective and scalable for extracting lithium chloride (LiCl) from the Boardwalk brine. Highlights of this testing includes: 93% Lithium Chloride (LiCl) recovery achieved in under 60 minutes of extraction processing; High purity lithium concentrates were achieved between 2,500 4,000 mg/L; and DLE increased the lithium concentration of samples between 35-60 times over feed grade. LithiumBank announced the first brine project in Canada to include indicated mineral resources of 393,000 tonnes of Lithium Carbonate Equivalent (LCE) at a grade of 71.6 mg/L and 5,808,000 tonnes of Inferred LCE at 68.0 mg/L lithium 1 . . A Preliminary Economic Assessment being led by Hatch is well underway and is expected to be completed in Q1 2023. Figure 2: Boardwalk lithium brine project. Park Place The Park Place Project is located in west-central Alberta, approximately 180 km west of the City of Edmonton (see Figure 3). Park Place consists of 83 contiguous Alberta Metallic and Industrial Mineral permits covering an area of 1,571,364 acres. Highlights at Park Place in 2022 include: LithiumBank initiated a hydrogeological study that is utilizing pre-existing data to determine the porosity, permeability, transmissivity, and volume estimates of lithium-bearing brine. These estimates are expected to be used to complete a NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate; Consolidated the mineral rights (only crown mineral rights in the project area) that cover over 95% of Leduc carbonate reef complex; and In January of 2023, the Company announced assay results from three samples taken from a 72-meter-thick interval at the top of the Leduc Formation (Figure 3) that returned grades ranging between 71.2 82.0 mg/L lithium with an overall average of 77.2 mg/L lithium. Figure 3: Park Place lithium brine project. Saskatchewan LithiumBank is the second largest land holder in Saskatchewan with 336,595 acres of mineral permits across three separate property areas (see Figure 4). Each property listed below is targeting the Duperow Formation, which is a stratigraphic equivalent to the Leduc Formation in Alberta. Increased activity in the Companys property areas continue to report encouraging lithium grades in brine sampled from the Duperow Formation. Kindersley 111,483 acres, located in west-central Saskatchewan near the Alberta border that consists of 16 claims acquired through auction from the Saskatchewan government. In November 2022, the Company completed a hydrogeological study that indicated: The Duperow Formation, within the Kindersley Project area hosts a brine volume of 3.89 km 3 at a 6% porosity cut off. Lithium grades reported adjacent to the property range between 70 and 78 mg/L lithium. The Duperow Formation is an unconfined aquifer that measures up to 300 metres thick within the area of the Companys mineral permits. Multiple zones of potential lithium brine production within the Duperow Formation add up to ~90 m in net pay at a 6% porosity cut off. South Property 134,229 acres, located in southern Saskatchewan along the border with the United State that consists of 8 claims acquired through auction from the Saskatchewan government. LithiumBanks South Property is directly adjacent to Prairie Lithiums Williston Basin project that is under agreement to be acquired by Arizona Lithium for approximately C$70.6 million in cash and stock. The South Property shares the same reservoir and key infrastructure including electricity, natural gas, fresh water, paved highways, and railroads. Estevan 90,883 acres, located in southeast Saskatchewan that consists of 11 claims acquired through auction from the Saskatchewan government or from Freehold owners. Neighboring lithium exploration activities, adjacent to the Companys Estevan property have reported lithium grades ranging between 77 and 148 mg/L lithium. Figure 4: LithiumBank's Saskatchewan lithium brine projects. The scientific and technical disclosure in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Kevin Piepgrass (Chief Operations Officer, LithiumBank Resources Corp.), who is a Member of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of the Province of British Columbia (APEGBC) and is a Qualified Person (QP) for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Piepgrass consents to the inclusion of the data in the form and context in which it appears. About LithiumBank Resources Corp. LithiumBank Resources Corp. is a development company focused on lithium-enriched brine projects in Western Canada where low-carbon-impact, rapid DLE technology can be deployed. LithiumBank currently holds over 3.6 million acres of mineral titles, 3.33M acres in Alberta and 336k acres in Saskatchewan. LithiumBanks mineral titles are strategically positioned over known reservoirs that provide a unique combination of scale, grade and exceptional flow rates that are necessary for a large-scale direct brine lithium production. LithiumBank is advancing and de-risking several projects in parallel of the Boardwalk Lithium Brine Project. Contact: Rob Shewchuk CEO & Director [email protected] (778) 987-9767 Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements This release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, including statements regarding future estimates, plans, objectives, timing, assumptions or expectations of future performance, including without limitation, that the geological formations can support large scales brine extraction and subsequent reinjection, that the lithium resource potential and brine chemistry of Boardwalk and Park Place are compatible with existing extraction technologies, the Companys intention to further de-risk the Boardwalk Project and Park Place Project by commissioning a brine processing pilot plant, the Companys intention to conduct detailed hydrogeological modeling and brine sampling at the Boardwalk Project and Park Place, the Companys intention to complete a Preliminary Economic Assessment on the Boardwalk Project and the expected timing thereof and the statement that the Company intends to complete an NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate on the Park Place Project and the expected timing thereof, are forward-looking statements and contain forward-looking information. 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 or would or occur. Forward-looking statements are based on certain material assumptions and analysis made by the Company and the opinions and estimates of management as of the date of this press release, including that the Company will be able to use its work with DLE technology providers and reservoir sampling in a Preliminary Economic Assessment and an NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate, that the lithium resource potential and brine chemistry of the Boardwalk Project and Park Place Project are compatible with existing extraction technologies, and that the geological formations can support large scale brine extraction and subsequent reinjection. These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. Important factors that may cause actual results to vary, include, without limitation, that the Company is not able to complete a NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate as anticipated or at all, or that the results of the NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate will not be as expected by management, that the Company is not able to complete the Preliminary Economic Assessment as anticipated or at all, that the Company is not able to use its work with DLE technology providers and reservoir sampling in the Preliminary Economic Assessment or the NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate, that the geological formations are not able to support large scale brine extraction and subsequent reinjection, and that the lithium resource potential and brine chemistry of the Boardwalk Project and Park Place Project are not compatible with existing extraction technologies. 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. _____________________________ 1 See NI 43-101 Technical Report - Updated Indicated and Inferred Resource Estimates for LithiumBank Resources Corp.s Boardwalk Lithium-Brine Project in West- Central Alberta, Canada. By D. Roy Eccles P. Geol., Jim Touw P. Geol., Egon Linton P. Eng. with an Effective date of 20 December 2022 The report is available on www.sedar.com and the Companys website. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c4a6b4ba-20ff-49b9-b943-c6dcf0355fa6 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c76d3028-96e3-4211-bba0-b8b5bda2c06a https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a680fc98-d144-4fb4-b754-e1bb0398dec2 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fd57358e-ea73-4e01-a3a7-655de8eb4402 Nexans to sponsor the restoration of Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral _PRESS RELEASE_ As a sponsor of the restoration of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral, Nexans plays a n important role in the preservation of French heritage The Group is contributing its fire safety expertise to the cathedral's restoration in the form of 200 km of Nexans Alsecure low fire -hazard cables These cables will be produced in France at the Mehun-sur-Yevre (Cher) and Autun (Saone-et-Loire) sites Paris, February 2nd, 2023 Nexans, a French leader in the design and manufacture of cable and service systems, has announced a sponsorship agreement with the public body and project owner overseeing the conservation and restoration of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral. The Group is providing its expertise in fire safety cable solutions, with a commitment to donate nearly 200 km of low fire-hazard cables to the cathedral restoration project. These cables will be used to deliver electricity, and will equip Notre-Dame de Paris with cutting-edge fire safety technologies. The Nexans Alsecure low fire-hazard cables produced and supplied by the group can significantly slow down the spread of fires. They also reduce hazardous gas emissions and facilitate evacuations by ensuring low smoke emissions. This type of cable is already used in French establishments open to the public, such as kindergarten and hospitals. It is an integral part of Nexans commitment to anticipating fire risks, securing assets, and protecting life. As a sponsor, Nexans is proud to be associated with the restoration of the cathedral a universal symbol both of Paris and of France and to contribute to conserving French heritage. Our employees are all set to take part in this joint adventure, embodying the unity that is one of Nexans' core values, says Christopher Guerin, Nexans CEO. This commitment is made possible thanks to the significant mobilization of the Group's employees at the Mehun-sur-Yevre (Cher) and Autun (Saone-et-Loire) production sites. The deliveries from the two sites will start in summer 2023. General Jean-Louis Georgelin, special representative of the President of the Republic, president of the public body responsible for the conservation and restoration of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral, comments: It is our pleasure to receive Nexans' sponsorship in kind. The group is offering us its expertise in fireproof electrical cables, which are needed for the cathedral's reopening in 2024. We take great care to provide the cathedral with the very best products and equipment, particularly in terms of fire safety. We are delighted that French know-how has once again played a role in the restoration of Notre-Dame de Paris. It is France's good fortune that companies like Nexans are lending their support to the revival of our heritage. About Nexans For more than a century, Nexans has played a crucial role in electrifying the planet and is committed to electrifying the future. With almost 25,000 staff in 42 countries, the Group is driving the change towards the new world of electrification: a safer, more sustainable, renewable, carbon-free world, accessible to all. In 2021, Nexans generated 6.1 billion in standard sales. The Group is a leader in the design and manufacture of cable systems and services in five main areas of activity: Energy Production & Transmission, Distribution, Uses, Industry & Solutions and Telecom & Data. Nexans was the first player in its industry to create a Corporate Foundation to support actions that promote access to energy for disadvantaged populations worldwide. The Group is committed to helping achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. Nexans. Electrify the future. Nexans is listed on the Euronext Paris stock market, compartment A. For more information, please visit www.nexans.com Contact: Communications Emmanuel Guinot [email protected] Maellys Leostic Tel.: +33 (0)7 87 04 96 58 [email protected] Investor Relations Elodie Robbe-Mouillot Tel.: +33 (0)1 78 15 03 87 [email protected] Attachment FALLS CHURCH, Va., Feb. 02, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) today announced that it has entered into an accelerated share repurchase (ASR) agreement with Bank of America, N.A. to repurchase $500 million of Northrop Grummans common stock. The ASR is in addition to previously planned repurchases, including open market share repurchases. The company continues to target returning more than 100% of its free cash flow to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases in 2023. Under the ASR agreement, Northrop Grumman expects to receive an initial delivery of approximately 0.9 million shares on Feb. 6, representing approximately 80 percent of the expected share repurchases under the ASR agreement, based on the companys closing price of $440.86 on Feb. 2, 2023. The final number of shares to be repurchased through the ASR will be based on Northrop Grummans volume-weighted average price during the term of the transaction, less a discount, and is expected to be completed no later than the second quarter of 2023. The ASR will be completed under the companys current share repurchase authorization, which currently has approximately $2.5 billion remaining. Northrop Grumman is a leading global aerospace and defense technology company. Our pioneering solutions equip our customers with the capabilities they need to connect and protect the world, and push the boundaries of human exploration across the universe. Driven by a shared purpose to solve our customers toughest problems, our 95,000 employees define possible every day. Note: Statements in this press release contain or may contain statements that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as will, expect, anticipate, intend, may, could, should, plan, project, forecast, believe, estimate, guidance, outlook, trends, goals and similar expressions generally identify these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date when made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements after the date of this release, except as required by applicable law. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and inherently involve a wide range of risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. A discussion of these risks and uncertainties is contained in the Companys filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. New York, Feb. 01, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PHI Group, Inc. (n/k/a Philux Global Group Inc.,www.philuxglobal.com, PHIL), a diversified holding company currently sponsoring PHILUX Global Funds, developing the Asia Diamond Exchange project (ADE), engaging in mergers and acquisitions and investing in select opportunities that may have potential for high growth, is pleased to update our shareholders and investors regarding the progress of the Asia Diamond Exchange project in Vietnam. In spite of the resultant ramifications caused by the Covid-19 pandemic that have affected our Asia Diamond Exchange development program, we have been able to accomplish remarkable milestones with respect to forging unprecedented relationships with and getting support from major global diamonteers, international diamond exchanges, rough diamond supplying countries and companies, worldwide investors, the Vietnamese central and provincial governments and the Kimberly Certification Process authority which make it possible for us to move forward with the plans to establish the Asia Diamond Exchange in Vietnam to serve the rough, polished and laboratory-grown diamond markets. The Company plans to hold a press conference in Vietnam as soon as practical to officially announce the participation of international partners in this program. We have been working with the provincial leaders of Quang Nam Province and Chu Lai Open Economic Zone Authority in Central Vietnam and Dong Nai Province in Southern Vietnam to prepare and complete the required documents for the licensing process in order to construct the Asia Diamond Exchange buildings and other supporting facilities. We are also pleased and encouraged to see the recent progress at the Long Thanh International Airport project and the visit of His Excellency Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at the site on January 29, 2023. According to the plan, phase 1 of the project will build a runway (No. 1) 4,000m long, 75m wide and a system of taxiways and aprons to ensure the operation of aircraft, meeting the capacity of 25 million passengers/year and 1.2 million tons of cargo per year. The total investment of phase 1 is over 109,111 billion VND (approximately USD 4.5 Billion), expected to be completed and put into operation in 2025. We have submitted an application for investment registration to build the rough diamond portion of the Asia Diamond Exchange (ADE) in Bau Can Tan Hiep Industrial Park, Long Thanh District, Dong Nai Province, Vietnam and have received very supportive response from the People's Committee of Dong Nai Province - Industrial Parks Management Board, No. 513/KCNDN-T, with guidance regarding the development and investment of this project. We plan to develop a total area of 1,000 hectares adjacent to the Long Thanh International Airport for the Asia Diamond Exchange (ADE) project and the industrial park and logistics center with an investment amount of approximately USD 5 billion in the first phase. We have the commitments of a number of major international investors that have agreed to provide capital for this and other projects we are currently undertaking. On other notes, the Company is currently in the process of closing an investment package of USD 250 million and have received consent from Tin Thanh Group (TTG) to extend the closing the acquisition of TTG until this investment package is consummated. The Company expects to file the 10-Q report for the quarter ended September 30, 2022 in the coming days to become current with the US Securities and Exchange Commission as a fully-reporting company and also file the 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2022 quickly thereafter. About PHILUX Global Group PHI Group (n/k/a Philux Global Group Inc., www.philuxglobal.com, (PHIL) primarily focuses on PHILUX Global Funds, a group of Luxembourg bank funds organized as Reserved Alternative Investment Fund (RAIF) (www.philuxfunds.com), and building the Asia Diamond Exchange (ADE) in Vietnam. The Company also engages in mergers and acquisitions and invests in selective industries and special situations that may substantially enhance shareholder value. Safe Harbor Act and Forward-looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as may, future, plan or planned, will or should, expected, anticipates, draft, eventually or projected, which are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. Contact:Philux Global Group Inc.Email: [email protected]Tel: +1-714-793-9227 Source: PHI Group, Inc. SEOUL, KOREA, Feb. 01, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NFT Marketplace playNomm (CEO Sung-Uk Moon) and Superchief Gallery NFT is hosting the Asia number one NFT Conference, 'NFT Korea Festival' on March 7th & 8th 2023, at Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP). The NFT Korea Festival is the largest gathering of Web3 and NFT industry leaders, artists, and enthusiasts in Asia. There will be over 120 Top NFT artists for the main NFT show. Superchief Gallery NFT, the world's first physical IRL NFT gallery in United States, is in charge of the NFT art curation for this festival and is introducing the top NFT artists to the Korean NFT market. With both world's renown NFT artists, such as Shavonne Wong, Equinoz, Davey Perkins, the NFTs of the Korean artists will also be displayed. With the concept of East meets West, the collaboration of these art pieces will be another breath catching moments to experience. With the high quality of Korean display technologies, this amazing art pieces will be showed with the mind-blowing displays. This NFT Korea Festival being one of the largest gatherings in Asia, there will be many star guests and speakers participating in this festival, which will allow a huge networking event to meet them all. These star players from the Web3 and NFT industries will share their vision and ideas to grow the healthy Web 3.0 industry. There will also be various events for the participants and artists, such as NFT artists award, Blue-chip NFT airdrop event, exciting after party, and many more. Superchief Gallery is an independent artist-run gallery founded in 2012 by Edward Zipco & Bill Dunleavy in Brooklyn, NY. Superchief has a history of supporting underground artists from disparate scenes and collectives, enabling them to participate on the global stage. In 2016, Superchief opened their first digital art gallery focused entirely on digital-native artists. This was done to establish digital artwork as a legitimate voice in the art scene and discourse. They are very active in the industry and held many major events with OpenSea, Superrare, Foundation, etc. The NFT marketplace 2.0 playNomm, the first platform of LeisureMetaverse project, is based on its self-developed LeisureMetaverse blockchain mainnet. By using its exceptional Act To Earn (A2E) reward model and its Tokenomics, playNomm will show and gather the NFT collectors and enthusiasts back to the Industry through this festival. "We believe this NFT Korea Festival will become one of the global NFT Festivals, such as NFT NYC, NFT LA, NFT Paris, NFT London, and together, it will give chance for the NFT industry to grow and cherish for the future. playNomm, as a global NFT hub, is planning to hold this festival every year and do our best to rejuvenate the current NFT market.", said playNomm. Social Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nft_korea_festival/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/NFTKOREAFEST Media Contact Brand: playNomm Inc. Contact: Media team Email: [email protected] Website: https://m.playnomm.com SOURCE: playNomm Inc. Source: playNomm Inc. Renault Group, Nissan & Mitsubishi Motors will hold a joint conference on February 6th in London Paris, Tokyo, Yokohama February 2nd, 2023 Further to their statement made on January 30th, Renault Group, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation announce that they plan to hold a joint conference in London on Monday February 6th, 2023 at 8.30 (London time). The conference will be live streamed. The members of the Alliance will present during this conference the agreements defining the new foundations for their partnership (subject to the prior approval of their respective boards of directors). *** MEDIA CONTACTS INVESTOR RELATIONS Renault Group Philippine de Schonen +33 6 13 45 68 39 [email protected] Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Tak Ishikawa or Tomoko Shimizu Tel.: +81 (0)45-523-5520 n [email protected] Attachment FILE PHOTO: The sign outside a Kohl's store is seen in Broomfield, Colorado February 27, 2014. REUTERS/Rick Wilking (Reuters) -Kohl's Corp said on Thursday that interim Chief Executive Officer Tom Kingsbury, a director nominated by hedge funds Macellum Advisors and Ancora Holdings, will take over the role on a permanent basis. Kingsbury has been serving as an interim chief since December, after CEO Michelle Gass left Kohl's for jeans maker Levi Strauss & Co. In connection with Kingsbury's appointment as top boss, Kohl's has also entered into a cooperation agreement with Macellum and some of its affiliates, with the hedge fund agreeing to multi-year standstill, voting and other provisions. "We are very excited about the future of Kohl's under the leadership of Tom and have the utmost confidence in his ability to maximize shareholder value," said Jonathan Duskin, managing member of Macellum. Kohl's, which caters more to lower-income customers compared with rivals like Macy's Inc and Nordstrom Inc, withdrew its annual sales and profit forecasts late last year, as the company reels from weakening demand from inflation-wary shoppers. The drop in sales and an unsuccessful attempt to sell itself last year gave activist investors, including Macellum and Ancora, more ammunition to pressure Kohl's to cash out on assets and return money to shareholders. However, the company has so far been reluctant to meet some of the activists' demands, including the sale and lease-back of its real estate, arguing that it would hurt the financial health of the company. Kingsbury has been on Kohl's board since 2021. He was previously the CEO of off-price chain Burlington Stores Inc. Kohl's shares, which are down about 41% in the last 12 months, have gained 18% since the announcement of Kingsbury's appointment as interim CEO in November. (Reporting by Deborah Sophia and Uday Sampath in Bengaluru; Editing by Shailesh Kuber) Dayne Yeager's Scholarship Fund is Empowering the Next Generation of Innovators and Business Leaders A new scholarship program for entrepreneurship is launched by Dayne Yeager help jumpstart future entrepreneurship goals and produce future business leaders. The $1,000 scholarship program is open to all university and college students who pursue entrepreneurship studies. All high school students to plan to go to college and take business courses can apply, too. Interested students may apply to the scholarship program through an essay writing contest, where they must express their creativity in writing. The top student whose essay stands out exceptionally will be the one receiving the $1,000 worth of scholarship grant, which will be used for the students tuition and chosen field of study. To apply, they must provide their official names, active phone numbers, personal bios, addresses, high school name and graduation date, name of university currently enrolled in, email addresses, and the most recent GPA obtained. Investing in a business education can be expensive, so it pays to know all the options available when it comes to financing that education. Scholarships and grants can be a great way for business students to cover the costs associated with their studies. Scholarships and grants are free money that does not need to be paid back. They can provide a valuable source of funding for business students who may not be able to afford the expense of a business degree. With the right scholarship or grant, business students can receive the financial assistance they need to pursue their dreams. Dayne Yeager knows and understands how difficult it can be for business students to get through their education and achieve their dreams due to financial challenges and other aspects, which is why he launched his scholarship program which aims to provide business students with the opportunity to gain access to resources and networks that may not otherwise be available. Taking advantage of these valuable financial opportunities can help business students make the most of their education and put them in a better position to succeed. Dayne Yeager is an accomplished entrepreneur from Montgomery, TX. He earned his degree in Agribusiness at Texas A&M University and throughout his professional life, has received a number of recognitions as a well-known figure in the field of entrepreneurship. Yeagers scholarship for entrepreneurs is a special type of scholarship that is designed to help fund aspiring entrepreneurs as they start their journey to become future business leaders. Since starting a business takes a large initial investment, many aspiring entrepreneurs don't have the cash or other resources necessary to pursue their goal in entrepreneurship. There are many benefits to applying for scholarships for entrepreneurs, with the first being the fact that they can help you fund your business goals and jumpstart your dream and future business career. The scholarship can cover a wide range of expenses, from tuition to school expense, up to the necessary startup costs to specialized training. With his numerous accomplishments in his business and career, Yeager wishes to give back by means of providing scholarship grants to the most deserving students who are planning to pursue a career and become the next generation of leaders in the entrepreneurial world. Contact Info: Name: Dayne Yeager Email: Send Email Organization: Dayne Yeager Scholarship Website: https://dayneyeagerscholarship.com Release ID: 89089468 If you detect any issues, problems, or errors in this press release content, kindly contact [email protected] to notify us. We will respond and rectify the situation in the next 8 hours. TOKYO, Feb 2, 2023 - (JCN Newswire) - - Fujitsu and TORIDOLL Holdings Corporation (hereinafter TORIDOLL Holdings) today announced the deployment of Fujitsu's AI demand forecast service at 823 Marugame Udon noodle shops in Japan(1), operated by TORIDOLL Holdings. The service will enable TORIDOLL Holdings to accurately forecast the customer numbers and sales by day and time for each shop, based on weather data and POS data held by TORIDOLL Holdings. Fujitsu will help digitally transform operations for shop managers, optimizing complex manual processes including the ordering of products and food quantity planning to deliver greater overall efficiency, help reduce food loss, and realize efficient energy management through the optimization of staff allocation and air conditioning in shops. Moving forward, Fujitsu and TORIDOLL Holdings will continue to leverage AI and other leading-edge technologies, as well as various data and business know-how, to promote the digital transformation (DX) of TORIDOLL Holdings' restaurants globally, and ultimately contribute to the realization of a more sustainable society. Background TORIDOLL Holdings in November 2022 formulated its "DX Vision 2028" to transform into a true global food company. In 2021, TORIDOLL Holdings started testing the effectiveness of a new AI demand forecast service system for predicting the customer numbers and sales of its Marugame Udon brand by shop, day, and time, to realize two goals of its vision: "2. Automated shop management using AI demand forecasts" and "4. Energy management system utilizing IoT". TORIDOLL Holdings decided to deploy the new solution at all of its 823 shops in Japan. Overview of the AI forecast service The AI forecast service is based on Fujitsu's AI demand prediction solution "Fujitsu Business Application Operational Data Management & Analytics Demand Forecasting SaaS," which enables users to predict future customer and sales numbers with high accuracy based on various data held by companies, including POS data, sales calendars, and sales promotion campaigns, as well as weather data. TORIDOLL Holdings and Fujitsu will utilize the AI demand prediction service to automate and improve work schedules and optimize order processes, food quantity planning and energy use. "Fujitsu Business Application Operational Data Management & Analytics Demand Forecasting SaaS," the base of the AI forecast service, provides the following features: 1. Stable and accurate demand forecasting using AI and machine learning technologies Using a model of Fujitsu Laboratories for dynamic ensemble forecasting that leverages AI and machine learning technology to imitate human thought processes to make predictions from data characteristics, Fujitsu realized an optimal combination of multiple demand prediction models through automatic tuning. In this way, the service can offer both stable and highly accurate forecasts without the need to select from different forecasting methods by leveraging a learning model that accurately captures the characteristics of individual prediction objects that change according to various factors including periodicities, external factors and trends. 2. Easier cooperation to make use of forecast data in various operations As Fujitsu offers the forecast service via the cloud, required forecast data can be easily linked with various SaaS applications and APIs running in the cloud, thus supporting the use of forecast data in various planning operations including order placement, production planning, and work scheduling. Future Plans Under its slogan "Filling Our Planet with Dining Experiences that will Move You," TORIDOLL Holdings will continue to promote DX to offer further new food experiences by combining the two principles of "developing quickly and efficiently" and "taking time and effort". Fujitsu will continue to promote "Digital Shifts," one of its key focus areas under its global business brand Fujitsu Uvance, to realize data-driven management and an agile shift to the "new normal." Fujitsu will present this project at its booth at the Retailtech Japan 2023 event held Tuesday, February 28, 2023 to Friday, March 3 at Tokyo Big Sight, Koto-ku, Tokyo, Japan. (1) 823 Marugame Udon noodle shops in Japan: Number as of January 31, 2023 About Fujitsu Fujitsu's purpose is to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation. As the digital transformation partner of choice for customers in over 100 countries, our 124,000 employees work to resolve some of the greatest challenges facing humanity. Our range of services and solutions draw on five key technologies: Computing, Networks, AI, Data & Security, and Converging Technologies, which we bring together to deliver sustainability transformation. Fujitsu Limited (TSE: 6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.6 trillion yen (US$32 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022 and remains the top digital services company in Japan by market share. Find out more: www.fujitsu.com. Copyright 2023 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved. Accion will partner with local financial service providers, businesses, and community organizations to provide access to working capital and other opportunities for women refugees and entrepreneurs WASHINGTON, Feb. 1, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Global nonprofit Accion today announced a $1 million grant from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation to increase access to financial services and entrepreneurship opportunities for refugee women in Ethiopia and Uganda. Accion will partner with local financial service providers to better understand the needs of refugees and their host communities, while expanding access to income-generating opportunities, working capital, and training to refugee women. Ethiopia and Uganda host more than two million refugees that are typically located in rural communities underserved by social services and employment opportunities. Refugees face barriers to accessing financial services and employment due to lack of identification, digital literacy, and mobile phones. Women are especially constrained by childcare and household responsibilities, which may limit their ability to work outside of the home. Through partnerships with financial service providers and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies, Accion will expand access to business opportunities, such as e-commerce, for income generation, as well as training and access to affordable capital to provide new opportunities for women to start their own businesses. Accion will also work with local financial service providers to develop new solutions tailored to the needs of refugee women and their families and promote financial resilience and well-being. "We are excited to partner with the Hilton Foundation to provide women refugees with access to financial services, enabling them to build economic resilience by setting up small businesses that serve their communities," said Michael Schlein, President and CEO of Accion. "Together with our partners, Accion is focused on providing responsible financial services that meet the needs of women and underserved people around the world." "We are proud to support Accion's work to improve the lives of refugee and host community women in Ethiopia and Uganda," said Barri Shorey, Senior Program Officer for the Refugees initiative at the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. "Ensuring women's access to employment, entrepreneurship, and financial services is crucial not only for their family's livelihoods and well-being but also for local and national economies." In Uganda, Accion has a long-standing partnership with UGAFODE, a microfinance deposit institution, on a Financial Inclusion for Refugees initiative. Over the next two years, Accion and UGAFODE will continue to expand access to financial services to refugee women in Uganda, including savings and credit products, and financial literacy and capacity building programs. In Ethiopia, Accion is working with several partners across the ecosystem to develop, pilot, and scale a micro-retailer distributorship program, which will provide credit products to refugee women to start their own businesses, as well as additional logistics support and training. New partnerships with local financial service providers, corporates, technology companies, and humanitarian organizations operating in these communities will be developed over the course of the program, providing new products and services that meet the needs of refugee women and their communities, ensuring a pathway to sustainable and scalable solutions. About Accion Accion is a global nonprofit committed to creating a financially inclusive world, with a trailblazing legacy in microfinance and fintech impact investing. We catalyze financial service providers to deliver high-quality, affordable solutions at scale for the 1.8 billion people who are left out of or poorly served by the financial sector. Since 1961, Accion has helped tens of millions of people through our work with more than 200 partners in 63 countries. More at accion.org. About the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation International hotelier Conrad N. Hilton established the grantmaking foundation that bears his name in 1944 to help people living in poverty and experiencing disadvantage worldwide. Today, the work continues, concentrating on efforts to ensure healthy early childhood development and sustainable livelihoods for youth, support young people transitioning out of foster care, improve access to housing and support services for people experiencing homelessness, identify solutions to safe water access, and lift the work of Catholic sisters. Additionally, following selection by an independent, international jury, the Foundation annually awards the $2.5 million Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize to an organization doing extraordinary work to reduce human suffering. The Foundation is one of the world's largest, with approximately $8.5 billion in assets. It has awarded grants to date totaling more than $2.4 billion, $339 million worldwide in 2021. Please visit www.hiltonfoundation.org for more information. Contact: Sally Bohrer [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/accion-receives-grant-from-the-conrad-n-hilton-foundation-to-increase-livelihood-opportunities-for-refugee-women-in-ethiopia-and-uganda-301735406.html SOURCE Accion Alexandria community where 31% face food insecurity -- will have access to nutritious and healthy food and community resources Samuel Madden Homes is being redeveloped and reimagined by Alexandria Redevelopment & Housing Authority, Fairstead, Mill Creek Residential, and The Communities Group ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ALIVE!, the largest private safety net in Alexandria dedicated to fighting poverty and hunger, will establish a new food and services hub at the redeveloped Samuel Madden Homes. At the end of 2021, the Alexandria Redevelopment & Housing Authority (ARHA) selected Fairstead, Mill Creek Residential, and the Communities Group to work with the agency to reimagine and redevelop the Samuel Madden public housing site to create new affordable and mixed-income housing, community resources, and public open space. The team was selected for their proven track record of producing high-quality affordable housing, community engagement, and vertically integrated expertise. Since the selection, the team has been working with ARHA, the City of Alexandria, residents of the Samuel Madden Homes, and community stakeholders to refine the development plans and will have their final reviews by the Alexandria Planning Commission and City Council this month. "Food insecurity is on the rise in Alexandria, and the emergency food benefits for low-income families that were put in place during the pandemic are about to expire," said Jenn Ayers, Executive Director of ALIVE! "Being a part of the new vision for the Samuel Madden Homes will help ALIVE! grow our impact and reach even more families in need throughout Alexandria. But our mission doesn't end with food. Once we connect with a family, we work with them to understand their needs to layer in the services they need to improve their lives. You can come into an ALIVE! Food Hub location for free groceries, and leave connected to other supports, such as educational, workforce, and health care services." This food hub is much needed in Alexandria where 31% of families face food insecurity, according to a 2022 survey from the Capital Area Food Bank. ALIVE! is currently serving approximately 17,000 individuals and 4,500 households per month. The new location will be open to the entire Alexandria community and will help ALIVE! serve even more families and expand their impact. The organization sees the food hub as a conduit to connect their clients and the community with additional services tailored to their needs from financial and legal services to healthy cooking demonstrations. "Having ALIVE! on site at the new redeveloped Samuel Madden Homes will be a huge benefit to ARHA residents since many are already recipients of their crucial services," ARHA Chief Executive Officer Keith Pettigrew said. "ALIVE!'s new food and services hub will be an extraordinary addition to not only our site, but to this area of the city in general. Its convenient location will allow them to reach more community members. We want to thank everyone at ALIVE! and our development partners for the coordination and planning it has taken to make this a reality." "When working with our partners on the vision for the new Samuel Madden Homes, we knew we wanted to root the plans in the needs of the community. By partnering with ALIVE! for a new food hub in the neighborhood, as well as Hopkins House for an early learning and childcare center, we are addressing the needs of the wider community while providing high-quality housing," said Noah Hale, Director, Development, at Fairstead. Fairstead, Mill Creek Residential, The Communities Group, and the Alexandria Redevelopment & Housing Authority plan to create a community of 532 units of affordable, workforce, and market-rate housing in Old Town, which will also include 5,000 square feet of public open space, the ALIVE! Food Hub, an early learning and childcare center run by Hopkins House, and 13,000 square feet of ground-floor retail. Last summer, ALIVE! opened their first food hub in the West End of Alexandria, which serves hundreds of families every month. The organization is opening their second food hub in February. ALIVE! has been a long-time supporter of the creation of affordable housing, as access to food and housing are critical to their work of creating a community of holistic support and services. Photos of the Samuel Madden Homes and ALIVE! can be found here. About ALIVE! Founded in 1969 as Alexandrians Involved Ecumenically by 14 faith communities in response to rising levels of poverty ALIVE! has grown to 49 member congregations. For more than 50 years, ALIVE! has provided food, transitional housing, basic furniture and housewares, and emergency financial support to help families in crisis pay for medical bills and utilities and ultimately avoid eviction. To learn more, visit www.alive-inc.org. About Fairstead Fairstead is a purpose-driven vertically integrated real estate developer specializing in creating sustainable, high-quality housing. The firm's national footprint includes more than $7.8 billion in assets and identified pipeline. With offices in New York, Maryland, South Carolina, Colorado, and Florida, Fairstead's team manages 170+ communities across the country and runs its comprehensive real estate platform, which includes acquisitions and development, venture capital investments in proptech, design and construction, energy and sustainability, property management, marketing, and leasing. The firm also administers one of the industry's most proactive community impact programs to provide on-site support services to residents. For more information, visit www.fairstead.com. Media ContactsALIVE!: [email protected] ARHA: [email protected] Fairstead: [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/alive-to-bring-new-food-hub-and-services-to-redeveloped-samuel-madden-homes-301737838.html SOURCE Fairstead PHOENIX, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Bluum, North America's leading education technology solutions provider, announced that it has been honored by Systems Contractor News (SCN) as No. 11 on its Top 50 Systems Integrators in the Commercial AV Industry list for 2022. 2022 marks the second consecutive year Bluum has been named a Top 50 Integrator by Systems Contractor News. It marks the second consecutive year in which Bluum was honored by Systems Contractor News for its superior design consultation, integration, installation and best-in-class technology for businesses looking for collaboration and communication solutions. "It is always an honor to be featured on the prestigious SCN Top 50 Systems Integrators list," Bluum CEO Erez Pikar said. "Our systems integration team aims to deliver world-class customer experiences to our K-12, higher education, government and corporate customers. This ranking validates that even during a year fraught with business challenges, we were still able to deliver just that." Unlike the past couple of lists, which relied on three-year averages to account for the impact of the pandemic, SCN has returned to calculating results based on projected revenue for commercial AV systems installations for the current year. In addition to this honor, Bluum captured the coveted CRN Triple Crown Award for solution provider excellence, skyrocketed more than 1,000 places to the No. 1,310 ranking on the 2022 Inc. 5000 list, earned the No. 9 position on the Phoenix Business Journal's list of Top 50 Private Companies and placed five of its senior leaders on the CRN 2022 Women of the Channel list. Systems Contractor News currently features the Top 50 integrators in its latest issue. To learn more, visit https://www.avnetwork.com/news/scn-top-50-systems-integrators-2022. About Bluum Bluum empowers educators with technology solutions that improve learning and make it more accessible, assisting more than 26 million students to grow and flourish. Cultivate possibility with us at bluum.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook. Media ContactStefan SwiatDirector of CommunicationsO: 602-809-7028[email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bluum-earns-no-11-ranking-on-systems-contractor-news-list-of-top-50-systems-integrators-301738009.html SOURCE Bluum Stock Market SymbolsGIB.A (TSX)GIB (NYSE)cgi.com/newsroom MONTREAL, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - CGI (TSX: GIB.A) (NYSE: GIB) held its Annual General Meeting of Shareholders in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. (EST) via live webcast. All 15 directors proposed for election at the meeting were elected by shareholders on a vote by electronic ballot. The ballots cast and proxies received by CGI for the election of directors were as follows: Votes for Votes withheld % % George A. Cope 99.10 % 0.90 % Paule Dore 95.28 % 4.72 % Julie Godin 98.96 % 1.04 % Serge Godin 96.30 % 3.70 % Andre Imbeau 99.11 % 0.89 % Gilles Labbe 98.63 % 1.37 % Michael B. Pedersen 98.42 % 1.58 % Stephen S. Poloz 99.70 % 0.30 % Mary G. Powell 99.10 % 0.90 % Alison C. Reed 99.66 % 0.34 % Michael E. Roach 99.24 % 0.76 % George D. Schindler 99.28 % 0.72 % Kathy N. Waller 99.60 % 0.40 % Joakim Westh 98.33 % 1.67 % Frank Witter 99.66 % 0.34 % About CGI Founded in 1976, CGI is among the largest independent IT and business consulting services firms in the world. With 90,250 consultants and professionals across the globe, CGI delivers an end-to-end portfolio of capabilities, from strategic IT and business consulting to systems integration, managed IT and business process services and intellectual property solutions. CGI works with clients through a local relationship model complemented by a global delivery network that helps clients digitally transform their organizations and accelerate results. CGI Fiscal 2022 reported revenue is $12.87 billion and CGI shares are listed on the TSX (GIB.A) and the NYSE (GIB). Learn more at cgi.com. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cgi-reports-director-election-results-301737597.html SOURCE CGI Inc. The fintech company announces the launch of FutureCoins, a first-of-its-kind rewards program that directly links climate-friendly purchases to carbon reduction SILVER SPRING, Md., Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Future, the fintech company that is revolutionizing the way we combat climate change, has announced the launch of its new rewards program, FutureCoins. This groundbreaking program allows consumers to earn money by reducing their carbon footprint, making it easier and more rewarding than ever before to make climate-friendly choices. FutureCoins will serve to disrupt carbon markets by paying people directly for carbon reductions. Each FutureCoin is equivalent to one metric tonne (1,000 kg) of carbon saved, and will launch with an initial starting price of $90 per tonne, which is thirty times the average price paid for carbon in the voluntary market[1]. Users can earn FutureCoins by completing various missions, such as switching to an electric vehicle, opting for public transit instead of driving, saving on gas and electricity, or purchasing refurbished rather than brand new electronics. Future is best known for its FutureCard Visa Debit Card, a climate-first debit card that rewards users with up to 6% cashback on actions such as taking public transportation, electric vehicle charging, using e-bikes and/or scooters, shopping for second hand clothes and furniture, and opting for meat and dairy alternatives at the grocery store*. FutureCoins will serve as the latest addition to Future's outsized rewards for consumers for smart, conscious spending that's better for their wallet and better for the planet. "At Future, we are always looking for exciting ways to encourage climate-friendly consumption, and that began with offering generous cashback to our FutureCard members," explained Future Co-Founder and CEO, Jean-Louis Warnholz. "We're taking rewards to the next level now with FutureCoins, building on our novel carbon analytics tools, to give consumers extra credit for actions that matter the most." To celebrate the launch of FutureCoins, Future will be offering free electric vehicle charging today, February 2nd. FutureCard members can take advantage of this offer when they utilize EV charging networks nationwide (e.g., Electrify America, ChargePoint, Tesla Supercharger, EVgo, Blink Charging). To learn more about FutureCoins, visit https://www.future.green/futurecoins. About Future Future is building the most rewarding way to pay in the sustainable economy, incentivizing consumers to make climate-friendly purchases and support the shift towards a low-carbon future. Future pays consumers to reduce their carbon footprint and offers personalized recommendations to save cash and carbon. Future launched the award-winning FutureCard Visa Debit Card offering 5% cashback at 50,000 businesses across the U.S. To learn more about Future, visit future.green. *Terms and conditions apply. See future.green/legal/rewards for details. Future is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Piermont Bank, Member FDIC. The FutureCard Visa Debit Card is issued by Piermont Bank pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. Press Contacts:Melody Serafino | Future: [email protected] [1] https://carboncredits.com/carbon-prices-today/ View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/climate-startup-future-becomes-first-to-pay-members-to-reduce-carbon-emissions-with-futurecoins-301736757.html SOURCE Future VANCOUVER, BC, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - CycurID Technologies Ltd., ("CycurID" or the "Company"), is pleased to announce their working partnership with Blockchain Intelligence Group, the crypto investigation and training company. CycurID (pronounced "Secure ID") Technologies Ltd. is a Canadian-based digital identity management and cybersecurity firm that has developed a reusable digital identity app, immeTM (pronounced "I'm me"), that uses adaptive Artificial Intelligence, Biometric Authorization and Zero-Knowledge Protocols to provide full privacy of users' data with no individuals credentials or any data being stored or kept by CycurID or their partners. Gord Jessop, CycurID's COO/Co-Founder, said, "We believe that verification and authentication are the foundations of digital trust. For crypto to truly become mainstream and to overcome all of the negative news which pervaded much of the crypto markets in 2022, it is essential that those functions are performed to the highest standards, and that is why we have decided to work with Blockchain Intelligence Group." Blockchain Intelligence Group's solution, QLUE, powers complex investigations into nefarious activity involving crypto. Last year alone, Blockchain Intelligence Group helped win two major court cases for 10s of millions of dollars and set case law in S. Africa for crypto asset seizure. BitRank Verified has risk-scored more than 13.7B addresses to de-risk digital asset transactions. "Blockchain Intelligence Group believes in protecting the public from bad actors and fraud," says Lance Morignn, President, Blockchain Intelligence Group. "We are thrilled to support cutting edge innovators like CycurID." Jessop stated, "Being able to provide assurance to consumers, regulatory authorities and to anyone involved in the crypto-currency sector that CycurID's products such as the imme Wallet can be relied upon to stop transactions with bad actors and sanctioned entities is critical to instilling consumer and regulatory trust. We believe that partnering with companies like Blockchain Intelligence Group and OMNIA will ensure that CycurID is at the forefront of identity, security and crypto forensic best practices." For more information about CycurID's complete suite of cost-effective identity solutions, visit the corporate website https://cycurid.com or contact CycurID here. Learn more about imme at imme.io or contact the imme team here. No Offer or Solicitation.This press release shall not constitute a solicitation of a proxy, consent, or authorization with respect to any securities or in respect of the proposed business combination. This press release shall also not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any provinces, states or jurisdictions in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. About CycurID Technologies Ltd. - CycurID is a privately held personal identity management and security software developer based in Vancouver, British Columbia. CycurID has developed proprietary patent pending identity management and privacy software which is available via its consumer app imme (I'm me). CycurID is registered with the Better Business Bureau, WorkSafe BC and FINTRAC as a Money Service Business (MSB). CycurID and imme are Registered Trademarks of CycurID Technologies Ltd. CycurID is also incorporated in the United States as CycurID Technologies USA Ltd. Unless explicitly stated, the Company does not purport to retain title or interests to any imagery. All imagery has been used under license by the Company which allows the Company to use, reproduce, archive, modify, and display the Work, in all media, for (1) advertising, marketing, promotional and decoration purposes; and (2) personal and non-commercial uses. Blockchain Intelligence Group is the crypto investigations and training company. Founded in 2015, the company helped invent the Blockchain Analytics category. Its flagship software, QLUE, helps win court cases and recover digital assets. AML, independent and law enforcement investigators rely on the company's toolkit to track nefarious activity and de-risk transactions for digital assets. The Certified Cryptocurrency Investigator (CCI) course is endorsed by the US government and used by top law enforcement and Fortune 500 banks. Learn more at https://blockchaingroup.io/. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information This release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements including without limitation, expected growth and success of the Company. 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. 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. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include regulatory actions, market prices, and continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates, and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates, opinions or other factors should change. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cycurid-technologies-goes-big-301737359.html SOURCE CycurID Technologies Ltd. RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) will host the 2nd General Assembly in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on the 5th of February, bringing together DCO Member States to discuss strategic directions and initiatives to enable digital prosperity for all nations. Ministers representing the 13 DCO member states, along with high-level delegations from DCO observers, as well as representatives from guest countries and international organizations will convene for the General Assembly, to discuss the state of the digital economy and the challenges facing all nations in achieving equitable global digital growth and development. The 2nd General Assembly will be the first-ever in-person meeting of the DCO Member States, marking two years of progress for the international organization which has been founded to help achieve social prosperity and growth by unifying efforts to advance and promote interest in the digital economy. Deemah AlYahya, Secretary-General of the DCO said: "Digital technologies have immense potential to transform economies and empower groups including women and entrepreneurs with new opportunities, especially that 70% of the new value created in the global economy over the next decade will be based on digitally enabled platforms so it is of critical importance that all nations have the same ability to leverage the power of digitalization to achieve their goals. The DCO was formed to accelerate digital transformation through collaboration and knowledge sharing among all stakeholders to empower nations to develop strategies and programs to drive their own digital development and equally participate in the global digital economy." Focused on empowering youth, women, and entrepreneurs, leveraging the accelerative power of the digital economy and leapfrogging with innovation, The DCO is a global multilateral organization, founded in November 2020 and headquartered in Riyadh, that aims to enable digital prosperity for all by accelerating the inclusive growth of the digital economy. Thirteen Member States have joined DCO to date Bahrain, Cyprus, Djibouti, The Gambia, Ghana, Jordan, Kuwait, Pakistan, Oman, Nigeria, Rwanda, Morocco, and Saudi Arabia along with the private sector, academia, and NGO Observer Members. Real time updates from the General Assembly and select livestream sessions can be accessed via the DCO's Twitter account (@DCOrg). Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1994202/DCO_2023_Logo.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/digital-cooperation-organization-dco-hosting-the-2nd-general-assembly-in-riyadh-301736782.html SOURCE The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) TEMPE, Ariz., Feb. 1, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- SANTE Realty Investments is delighted to announce Kenny Etinson as a new member of its Advisory Board named the Founders' Circle. Mr. Etinson is a Tech Entrepreneur and Chairman of the Board of Groupe Access at Alfar Capital where he brings invaluable industry insight to his role of overseeing the company's strategic and operational aspects. Mr. Etinson was the Chief Executive Officer of Syntax where he spearheaded the software company's transformation into a prominent North American leader in the IT Infrastructure business, specialized in servicing clients running complex, mission critical ERP software. Mr. Etinson graduated from McGill University and began his career working at IBM selling complex IT solutions to midsize enterprises. He holds a Corporate Director Certification with Harvard Business School Executive Education and is an active member, and on the board, of the Young Presidents' Organization (YPO). "I am excited to join the Founders Circle and look forward to bringing my skills to the table to support the great leadership at SANTE Realty," said Mr. Etinson. Jim Small, CEO of SANTE Realty Investments commented, "I am excited to have an additional, well-respected leader advising us as SANTE Realty continues to scale our ground lease platform. Having Mr. Etinson as part of the Founders' Circle will contribute in a significant way to the success of the firm in areas of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and business intelligence. I have always been impressed with his deep knowledge and pure commitment to innovation." ABOUT SANTE REALTY INVESTMENTS SANTE Realty Investments is a purpose driven organization delivering private equity in the real estate sector where the firm has high conviction of being able to deliver superior returns to its institutional investors. The firm was founded in 2009 and has grown to be an industry leader in commercial real estate both in the US and Europe by leveraging its proprietary methodology including the SANTE Acquisition Advantage, SANTE Due Diligence Discovery, SANTE Asset Management Method, & SANTE Investor Cash Flow Maximizer programs. Further information please contact Steve Doll, CFO for SANTE Realty Investments at 602-753-3538 or via email at [email protected], Additional background information is available at www.SANTErealty.com. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/former-it-ceo-kenny-etinson-named-to-sante-realty-investments-advisory-board-301736783.html SOURCE SANTE Realty Investments New 500 kW Rooftop System Will Produce 750,000+ kWh Annually: Solar-Powered Facility Produces World's First Nailable Solar Shingle SAN JOSE, Calif, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- GAF Energy, a Standard Industries company and the leading provider of solar roofing in North America, has installed a 500 kilowatt solar system on the roof of the company's R&D and manufacturing center in San Jose. The new system will generate more than 750,000 kilowatt hours of solar energy at the 112,000 square-foot facility which produces the company's award winning solar roof, Timberline Solar . Introduced a year ago, Timberline Solar features the world's first nailable solar shingle and is the only roof system to directly integrate solar technology into traditional roofing processes and materials. "We're utilizing solar energy to produce Timberline Solar, not just because it's the right thing to do for the planet, but also because it's the right business decision, " said Martin DeBono, president of GAF Energy. ""We believe that the future of energy is solar roofs, produced in American manufacturing facilities that are fueled by solar power. We're putting our vision of energy from every roof into practice with our own roof here in San Jose." GAF Energy announced the buildout of its San Jose facility in 2021 and began assembling Timberline Solar there last year. Timberline Solar is the most-awarded solar shingle in the world. Since its launch in January 2022, it has received dozens of awards, including from CES, TIME, Fast Company, Popular Science, Green Builder, Good Housekeeping and the National Association of Home Builders. To meet growing demand, GAF Energy is significantly increasing its Timberline Solar manufacturing capacity with the construction of a second manufacturing facility located in Georgetown, Texas. About GAF Energy GAF Energy is transforming the solar and roofing industries to generate energy from every roof. A Standard Industries company, GAF Energy works with North America's largest roofing and waterproofing manufacturer, GAF, to offer homeowners elegant, roof-integrated solar options through a national network of roofer partners. The company's leading product, the Timberline Solar roof system, incorporates the world's first nailable solar shingle to create an attractive, durable, and reliable solar roof. GAF Energy develops and assembles its products at its R&D and manufacturing facility in San Jose, California. About Standard Industries Standard Industries is a privately-held global industrial company operating in over 80 countries with over 20,000 employees. The Standard ecosystem spans a broad array of holdings, technologies and investmentsincluding both public and private companies from early to late-stageas well as world-class building solutions, performance materials, logistics, real estate and next-generation solar technology. Throughout its history, Standard has leveraged its deep industry expertise and vision to create outsize value across its businesses, which today include operating companies GAF, BMI, Grace, GAF Energy, Siplast, SGI, Schiedel, and Standard Logistics, as well as Standard Investments and Winter Properties. For more information, visit www.standardindustries.com. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/gaf-energys-san-jose-timberline-solar-manufacturing-facility-goes-solar-301737784.html SOURCE GAF Energy From humble beginnings over a hundred years ago, Great Plains State Bank has grown in the Columbus area. That growth was recently recognized by Forbes and Fortune magazines, who named Great Plains State Bank "Best in Banking in Nebraska," an honor CEO/President Rick Chochon is happy to accept. "It is an honor to be recognized for our growth as well as the success of the trust and partnerships we have established within the communities we serve," Chochon said in a press release sent out Jan. 30. The bank's story begins in 1921 as Petersburg State Bank in Petersburg, Nebraska. Weathering the Depression in 1933 and another 80 years of business, the bank was acquired and changed to Great Plains State (GPS) Bank in September of 2015. In 2016, they opened the Columbus and O' Neill branches. While the business name changed, Chochon said its values have remained the same throughout: Great Personal Service (also GPS). "Handshakes and Midwestern values of family and community still matter," Chochon said in the release. GPS Bank Board Chair Brian Schmidt said the personal aspect starts when you walk into the building, as Chochon's office is right by the entrance. "Other local banks its difficult to find the President! Not at GPS, Rick is in the first office you see at the front door and ready to work with you," Schmidt said. Schmidt added that this title verifies that Great Personal Service is worth the effort they put into it. When he heard about the recognition, he was pleased but not totally surprised, he said. Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce President Dawson Brunswick said the bank's community involvement speaks to that effort for Great Personal Service. "Our banks in Columbus are all great community partners, and Great Plains State Bank receiving Best in Banking in Nebraska shows that those outside our community also recognize their work and importance to our community," Brunswick said. Brunswick went on to say that without community banks like GPS Bank, the past few years could have played out very differently. "When COVID-19 brought our economy to a halt, it was bankers across Nebraska that led the nation in securing Payroll Protection Program (PPP) loans for Nebraska businesses. The PPP loans secured by banks in Columbus helped our community in a time of uncertainty, solidifying their role as community partners," Brunswick said. Community involvement, Chochon said in the press release, is important to GPS Bank. "We give back to places and organizations that build community, Chochon said. We want to leave our communities better than they were when we arrived." Chochon said they're able to do what they do based on a mutual trust between the bank and its patrons and that that trust loops back to their "Great Personal Service" motto. "We need customers to trust the bank and the bank needs to trust our customers. If we give a rate one day, its not going to change a week later," Chochon said in the release. Benchmark WES re-analysis study with OmniTier's AI-based variant interpretation platform achieves around a 42% diagnostics rate, a 7% improvement in the average rate for diagnosing rare diseases SAN JOSE, Calif., Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Center for Child Health and Development (NCCHD), Japan, and OmniTier Inc., USA, working collaboratively have demonstrated notably improved diagnostics rates for rare disease diagnostics. In a benchmark re-analysis study using its proprietary methodology and database implemented on OmniTier's CompStor Insight variant interpretation and custom database creation platform, NCCHD achieved a diagnostics rate of approximately 42% compared to its previous rate of 35%. This marked improvement is enabled by OmniTier's CompStor platform, which features a proprietary AI classifier that more accurately identifies the causal variants. It achieves this by searching over an expanded set of annotated variants derived from a larger number of standard and custom annotation databases, before applying ACMG guidelines and other ranking factors, to prepare the clinical draft report. "Achieving highly accurate diagnostics for rare genetic diseases is vital for us in pediatric healthcare. We are very pleased to achieve the significant increase in the diagnostics rate for our methodology using OmniTier's powerful variant interpretation platform," said Dr. Tadashi Kaname, Director of Genome Medicine at NCCHD. "We have been seeking for some time a customizable platform for our diagnostics methodologies and clinical report preparation. OmniTier's CompStor appliance provides us a high level of automation and sophisticated filtering, along with dramatically reduced runtime and cost." The re-analysis study by the Department of Genome Medicine at NCCHD used a cohort of 1,293 proband WES datasets generated by Illumina short-read NGS sequencing. The proband set comprised 47 individuals, 67 duos, and 1179 trios. All datasets were analyzed using OmniTier's CompStor Novos for secondary analysis and CompStor Insight for tertiary analysis. Of the 1,293 datasets, causal variants for 543 probands were successfully identified. The causal variants were identified by SNVs in 523 cases, and CNVs in the remaining 20 cases. Relative to its previous analysis, NCCHD achieved 42%, a 7% higher diagnostic rate, with the CompStor platform, representing successful diagnosis of 90 more probands in the cohort. CompStor platform is a customizable and scalable end-to-end genomic analysis appliance, designed for on-premise, edge, or hybrid cloud deployments, ideal for locations with limited or no internet connectivity. The CompStor Novos secondary analysis appliance supports variant calling for both long- and short-read sequencing technologies. The CompStor Insight tertiary analysis appliance features an easy-to-use, manual, Web browser interface as well as automated workflows for annotation, filtering, visualization, querying variant data, and clinical report preparation. Utilizing OmniTier's proprietary tiered memory acceleration technology, CompStor Insight can perform annotation across a large number of standard and custom databases to improve the probability of identifying true causal variants. The end-to-end Compstor platform (secondary analysis and variant interpretation) can analyze a typical 30x WGS datasetfrom FASTQ-to-draft report-- in about 3 hours, and WES datasets in about 30 minutes. Besides supporting accelerated variant and GWAS analysis, CompStor Insight is designed to efficiently create custom databases derived from local population and ethnic groups. This feature is one of the drivers for the improvement in NCCHD's diagnostic rate. "We have enjoyed our collaboration with NCCHD, a leader in developing genomics diagnosis methodologies for pediatric rare diseases," said Hemant Thapar, CEO and founder of OmniTier. "For the highest possible diagnosis rate, local population and specific ethnic variant data will be critical. Our platform is architected for maximal flexibility, to enable our customers to use their own methodologies and custom databases along with local best practices for delivering affordable genomic healthcare." CompStor genomics analysis appliances are shipping now. For more information or to request pricing please visit www.omnitier.com. About Department of Genome Medicine, NCCHD Established in April 2015, the department aims to identify disease-causing or disease-associated genes and reveal pathological mechanisms for rare diseases of unknown cause using advanced technologies and systems in genomics, and to apply those research outcomes to clinical use through translational research. The overarching goal of the department is to achieve predictive, preventive and personalized medicine in pediatric diseases through basic and translational research using various genetic and genomic approaches. About OmniTier Inc. OmniTier develops proprietary genomics analysis algorithms and workflows based upon advanced, proprietary AI and data acceleration technologies. These are incorporated into the company's high-capacity genomics analysis appliances and solutions for clinical and academic research, population studies, pharmaceutical, and consumer genomics applications. Founded in February 2015, the company is headquartered in the Bay Area, CA USA. For more information, visit OmniTier.com CompStor, CompStor Insight and CompStor Novos are registered trademarks of OmniTier, Inc. Media Contacts: Justin CowlingVice President of Sales and Marketing+1 669 240 9514[email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ncchd-in-japan-demonstrates-improved-diagnostics-rate-for-rare-disease-diagnostics-using-omnitiers-compstor-genomic-analysis-platform-301737025.html SOURCE OmniTier, Inc Johnson brings experience with VC and startup leadership to support the firm's portfolio companies ATLANTA, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Panoramic Ventures, a venture capital firm based in Atlanta that partners with extraordinary founders to build category-leading companies, is pleased to welcome Christy Johnson as General Partner and Chief Performance Officer (CPO). Christy will lead the Performance Engineering practice. A differentiated offering among VC firms, Performance Engineering deepens what it means to be invested in founders. Working well beyond the traditional value creation playbook, Christy and the team work shoulder-to-shoulder with each company, leveraging earned knowledge and understanding earned from decades of experience as founders and operators. By acknowledging what has brought a startup to its current success as well as their goals, gaps, and problems, Performance Engineering customizes support for key areas like product development, marketing and sales, and talent acquisition. This work increases the company's ability to lean into their own strengths, drive revenue and optimize exit value. "We are investing heavily in our ability to help Panoramic portfolio companies accelerate revenue, attract elite talent, improve operations, and to benefit from our capital markets capabilities," said Mark Buffington, Managing Partner of Panoramic. "Christy is the perfect person to lead those efforts. She has been an integral part of our history and she has deep experience in multiple functional leadership roles. As the CEO of AchieveIt, she not only transformed the startup into a hyper-growth category leader, she also became one of the most sought-after resources by other CEOs in our portfolio." Christy joined the firm in 2008 as an early member of the BIP Wealth leadership team. In the role of Chief Operations Officer (COO), she led the building of the operational infrastructure for the new Investment Advisory firm and helped lay the foundation for AUM growth from $35M to $440M in under six years. She then served on the leadership team as COO for BIP Capital where, in addition to building internal operations, she also assisted portfolio companies with growth strategies, infrastructure building, and overall support. Between 2016-2022, Christy served as CEO of AchieveIt Online, a Panoramic Ventures portfolio company. Under her leadership, the company more than tripled in revenue, and was named to the Inc. 5000 Fastest-growing Companies list (2017-2021) and Inc. Best Workplaces in 2021. She now serves as Chairperson of the Board. "We are taking what has been a standard Private Equity go-to strategy for years and creating a distinctly tailored offering for the needs of companies earlier in their growth journey. The approach is focused on speed to impact by engaging disciplined processes and leveraging data," said Christy. "I'm honored to have the opportunity to work in partnership with this group of talented entrepreneurs both within our portfolio and within Panoramic." About Panoramic Ventures Panoramic Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Atlanta that partners with extraordinary founders to build category-leading companies. Panoramic invests in B2B software and tech-enabled service businesses at all stages of maturity, from pre-seed and seed to growth and scale, giving more entrepreneurs access to capital to build leading tech companies. For more information, visit www.panoramic.vc or follow Panoramic Ventures on LinkedIn, Instagram, or Twitter @panoramicvc. Media Contact:Rachelle Kuramoto[email protected]404-452-0912 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/panoramic-ventures-welcomes-christy-johnson-as-general-partner-and-chief-performance-officer-301737717.html SOURCE Panoramic Ventures Company also announces acquisition of a nationally licensed insurance company DENVER, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Pie Insurance ("Pie"), a leading tech-enabled provider of workers' compensation insurance to small businesses, today announced that Pie Insurance Group has secured a Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and a Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of "a-" (Excellent) from AM Best, a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specializing in the insurance industry. "Receiving A- Excellent credit ratings from AM Best sets us up for success as we fulfill our long-term strategy of becoming a technology driven, full-stack specialty carrier that has complete control over the insurance experience," said John Swigart, co-founder and CEO of Pie. "AM Best is the premiere authority on the financial stability of insurance companies and their validation promotes the utmost confidence in our ability to serve our independent agency partners and small business customers across the country." In addition, effective January 1, 2023, the company acquired a nationally licensed insurance company that has been renamed The Pie Insurance Company. With this acquisition and AM Best rating, in addition to Pie's 2021 acquisition of Pie Casualty Insurance Company, and capital infusion from Pie's recent $315M Series D funding round, Pie has now completed its transition to a rated, full-stack carrier. Pie will begin issuing its own insurance policies later this year. Since its founding in 2017, Pie has served as a managing general agent (MGA) for SiriusPoint America Insurance Company. Pie also recently announced its expansion into commercial auto insurance and will begin serving as an MGA for Ford Motor Credit Company later this year with the launch of Ford Pro Insure. About Pie Insurance Pie Insurance is leveraging technology to transform how small businesses buy and experience commercial insurance, with the goal of making it affordable and as easy as pie. Pie's intense focus on granular, sophisticated pricing, and data-driven customer segmentation enables Pie to match price with risk accurately across a broad spectrum of small business types, which allows Pie to offer more affordable insurance to small business owners. Since 2017, Pie has received over $615M in funding and partnered with over 2,800 agencies nationwide. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pie-insurance-secures-a--excellent-credit-ratings-from-am-best-and-completes-transition-to-a-rated-full-stack-carrier-301736881.html SOURCE Pie Insurance SAN DIEGO, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Board of Trustees has welcomed two new members to its ranks. Bryan Min and Jane Finley have joined the international organization's board, sharing their expertise and professional knowledge while offering leadership insights, guidance, and support to the nonprofit's vital wildlife conservation mission. "We are honored to have Bryan Min and Jane Finley join our board of mission-led thought leaders," said Paul A. Baribault, president and chief executive officer of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. "Both Bryan and Jane bring decades worth of business leadership experience in their fields; as well as having strong ties to the San Diego community. I look forward to their contributions supporting the Alliance and our continued work safeguarding wildlife and advocating for an interconnected world where all life thrives." Bryan Min is the Founder and CEO of Epsilon Systems, founded in 1998 to provide innovative engineering solutions to government, commercial and non-profit businesses. The high-tech company offers basic research, system architecture, software development, training, maintenance and logistics, and more to highprofile clients, such as the Department of Defense, Department of Energy, Department of Homeland Security, and other non-profit and commercial entities. Under Min's unique vision and steadfast guidance, Epsilon has grown into a premier governmental contracting firm with more than 20 locations nationally. In keeping with his service to our nation as a naval nuclear submarine officer and a commitment to empowering others, Min created the ESSential Foundation which funds numerous projects, including military support, caregivers to wounded warriors, international micro-finance, religious and educational organizations, and other civic and cultural programs. Min has also given back through service on various boards; notably the San Diego Convention Center, San Diego Chamber of Commerce, San Diego County Taxpayer's Association, Asian Business Association, and Santa Fe Christian Schools. Currently, he serves on the board of the University of Southern California's Viterbi School of Engineering and Endeavor Bank . Jane Finley is the Senior Vice President and Area Manager for Kaiser Permanente Heath Plan and Hospitals in San Diego, and oversees all health care delivery, financial operations, business strategies, and health plan and hospital support functions for one of Kaiser Permanente's largest markets, caring for more than 630,00 San Diegans, and including two (soon to be three) hospitals, 26 medical offices, and more than 10,000 staff and physicians . Finley's 30-years of experience includes serving as senior vice president and executive director of the Kaiser Permanente Downey Medical Center; director of planning, business strategy, finance leader for the tri- central area; director of hospital operations Panorama City, and service area manager of the Valleys Service Area. Finley also shares her knowledge with the community. She is Past Chair and current board member of the Hospital Association of San Diego and Imperial Counties, and serves on the Board of Directors for the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation and Board of Directors for 2-1-1 San Diego. About San Diego Zoo Wildlife AllianceSan Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a nonprofit international conservation leader, committed to inspiring a passion for nature and working toward a world where all life thrives. The Alliance empowers people from around the globe to support their mission to conserve wildlife through innovation and partnerships. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance supports cutting-edge conservation and brings the stories of their work back to the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Parkgiving millions of guests, in person and virtually, the opportunity to experience conservation in action. The work of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance extends from San Diego to eco-regional conservation "hubs" across the globe, where their expertise and assetsincluding the renowned Wildlife Biodiversity Bankare able to effectively align with hundreds of regional partners to improve outcomes for wildlife in more coordinated efforts. By leveraging these skills in wildlife care and conservation science, and through collaboration with hundreds of partners, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has reintroduced more than 44 endangered species to native habitats. Each year, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's work reaches over 1 billion people in 150 countries via news media, social media, their websites, educational resources and San Diego Zoo Wildlife Explorers television programming, which is in children's hospitals in 13 countries. Success is made possible by the support of members, donors and guests to the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park, who are Wildlife Allies committed to ensuring all life thrives. Press Room Link Includes: Photo of: Bryan Min, founder and CEO of Epsilon Systems, and founder of ESSential Foundation Photo of: Jane Finley , senior vice president and area manager for Kaiser Permanente Heath Plan and Hospitals in San Diego, CA. CONTACT: San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Public Relations 619-685-3291 WEBSITE: sdzwa.orgPRESS ROOM: sdzwa.org/pr/SDZWAwelcomes2023trustees View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/san-diego-zoo-wildlife-alliance-board-of-trustees-welcomes-two-new-members-with-vast-technology-and-healthcare-leadership-experience-301737998.html SOURCE San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Carrier is proud to celebrate more than a decade of inclusion on Fortune's list DALLAS, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) was named to FORTUNE's 2023 list of World's Most Admired Companies. The carrier ranked No. 23 overall and No. 3 on the airline industry list, improving its ranking from FORTUNE's 2022 list. Southwest has been featured consistently on the World's Most Admired Companies list since 2009. "It's truly an honor for Southwest Airlines to be among FORTUNE's World's Most Admired Companies this year," said Southwest Airlines President & CEO Bob Jordan. "We consider this a recognition of our strong brand, our terrific Employees, and the extraordinary ways they serve each other and our Customers." To create the list, FORTUNE collaborated with partner Korn Ferry to survey 15,000 senior executives, outside directors, and industry analysts, to identify companies that enjoy the strongest reputations within their industries and across industries. The World's Most Admired Companies receive ratings on nine attributes. This year, they surveyed 645 companies in 27 countries. ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO. Southwest Airlines Co. operates one of the world's most admired and awarded airlines, offering its one-of-a-kind value and Hospitality at 121 airports across 11 countries. Southwest took flight in 1971 to democratize the sky through friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel and now carries more air travelers flying nonstop within the United States than any other airline1. Based in Dallas and famous for an Employee-first corporate Culture, Southwest maintains an unprecedented record of no involuntary furloughs or layoffs in its history. By empowering its more than 66,0002 People to deliver unparalleled Hospitality, the maverick airline cherishes a passionate loyalty among as many as 130 million Customers carried a year. That formula for success brought industry-leading prosperity and 47 consecutive years3 of profitability for Southwest Shareholders (NYSE: LUV). Southwest leverages a unique legacy and mission to serve communities around the world including harnessing the power of its People and Purpose to put communities at the Heart of its success. Learn more by visiting Southwest.com/citizenship. Southwest is also continuing to develop tangible steps toward achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, including offering Customers an opportunity to help the airline offset its carbon emissions. To be part of the solution, visit Southwest.com/wannaoffsetcarbon. 1) U.S. Dept. of Transportation most recent reporting of domestic originating passengers boarded 2) Fulltime-equivalent active Employees 3) 1973-2019 annual profitability View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/southwest-airlines-recognized-on-fortunes-2023-list-of-worlds-most-admired-companies-301737560.html SOURCE Southwest Airlines Co. Upwardli's inclusive credit builder product accelerates millions of credit invisible consumers into the financial mainstream MILWAUKEE, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Upwardli, a financial technology company offering credit building products for consumers new to credit, announced a $2 million Series Seed funding round led by Dundee Venture Capital, with participation from Techstars, J4 Ventures, Cascade Seed Fund, Avesta Fund, Temerity Capital Partners, Service Provider Capital, and notable angel investors. "Upwardli is an onramp into the financial mainstream for millions of traditionally overlooked consumers." Nearly 50 million Americans lack a credit score, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, a problem that disproportionately impacts those newly arrived to the country and the emerging Gen Z. Without established credit, these consumers are often unable to access basic financial services, from credit cards to car loans. Upwardli's founding team of Aaron Gregory and Danielle Hill saw this problem firsthand as early employees at Remitly, the Seattle-based international money transfer company that serves a primarily immigrant customer base. "The lack of established credit created barriers to accessing needed financial services," said Aaron Gregory, Upwardli's co-founder and CEO. "For credit-based products, it's a total mess. Our credit system creates a chicken-and-egg problem that exacerbates these barriers and penalizes those just starting their financial life." According to the company, consumers frequently experience a cycle of painful credit rejections that leaves without a clear path to reach their financial goals. Upwardli aims to change this. "We're an onramp into the credit mainstream for millions of consumers that are traditionally overlooked and undervalued," said Gregory. The company's next-generation credit building solution enables customers without a social security number or a U.S. credit file to quickly establish and build their U.S. credit score, progressively unlocking access to a range of financial products. Offered in partnership with Cross River Bank and incorporating a suite of banking services, Upwardli's Credit Builder Plus product launched in November 2022 and is now available at www.upwardli.com. The company partners with financial institutions to offer its credit building solutions as an alternative to a harsh credit rejection when an applicant fails to qualify due to a lack of credit history. Upwardli helps consumers build their credit into an acceptable range and then passes the customer back to the lending institution, ready for approval. With this funding, Upwardli will hire additional staff, add features to boost credit scores faster, and expand its partnerships with financial institutions to embed its credit builder solutions into their own product experiences. Catherine Williams of Dundee Venture Capital and Danielle Hill, the company's co-founder and COO, joined the Upwardli Board of Directors, a rare example of a majority female Board in the financial services industry, highlighting the company's commitment to a diverse and inclusive company culture. "Upwardli is an excellent example of an innovative fintech company leveraging data and technology to deliver much-needed financial services for underserved populations," said Catherine Williams, Principal at Dundee Venture Capital. "Their inclusive credit builder product is already unlocking access to credit for creditworthy individuals across the country. Paired with their unique data and product capabilities, Upwardli is poised to deliver innovative credit products to customer segments where existing solutions are unavailable or prohibitively expensive." About Upwardli Upwardli is a financial services company making credit fair and accessible to the 50 million Americans, particularly new immigrants and Gen Z, who are shut out of the U.S. credit system. Founded in 2021, Upwardli is backed by industry-leading investors, including Dundee Venture Capital, Techstars, J4 Ventures, Cascade Seed Fund, Temerity Capital Partners and Avesta Fund. The company has locations in Milwaukee and Seattle. For more information visit www.upwardli.com. About Dundee Venture Capital Dundee Venture Capital was formed in 2010 to lead seed rounds in regions and entrepreneurs historically underserved by venture capital. Dundee has more than $90M under management across three funds and has invested in more than 50 world-class founding teams in 20 different cities. For more information visit dundeevc.com. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/upwardli-raises-2-million-in-series-seed-funding-to-help-the-new-to-country-unlock-access-to-credit-301737687.html SOURCE Upwardli STAMFORD, Conn., Feb. 1, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Webster Financial Corporation (NYSE: WBS), the holding company for Webster Bank, N.A. and its HSA Bank division, announced today that it has raised its prime lending rate to 7.75 percent from 7.50 percent, effective Feb. 02, 2023. About WebsterWebster Financial Corporation (NYSE: WBS) is the holding company for Webster Bank, National Association and its HSA Bank Division. Webster is a leading commercial bank in the Northeast that provides a wide range of digital and traditional financial solutions across three differentiated lines of business: Commercial Banking, Consumer Banking and its HSA Bank division, one of the country's largest providers of employee benefits solutions. Headquartered in Stamford, CT, Webster is a values-driven organization with over $71 billion in assets. Its core footprint spans the northeastern U.S. from New York to Massachusetts, with certain businesses operating in extended geographies. Webster Bank is a member of the FDIC and an equal housing lender. For more information about Webster, including past press releases and the latest annual report, visit the Webster website at www.websterbank.com. Media Contact:Alice Ferreira, 203-578-2610 [email protected] Investor Contact:Emlen Harmon, 212-309-7646[email protected] View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/webster-raises-prime-lending-rate-to-7-75-percent-301736734.html SOURCE Webster Financial Corporation FILE PHOTO: The logo of the Adani Group is seen on the facade of its Corporate House on the outskirts of Ahmedabad, India, January 27, 2023. REUTERS/Amit Dave/File Photo By Aditya Kalra and Davide Barbuscia NEW DELHI/NEW YORK (Reuters) - Adani Group entities made scheduled coupon payments on outstanding U.S. dollar-denominated bonds on Thursday, a bondholder and a source with direct knowledge of the Indian conglomerate's strategy told Reuters. The payments were made as Adani Group, led by Indian billionaire Gautam Adani, battles with a rout in its stocks in India and its U.S. bonds after last week's critical report on its business practices by U.S. short-seller Hindenburg Research. Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited paid coupons, the two sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, said. The source with knowledge of the firm's strategy said Adani Transmission also processed bond payments on Thursday. Adani Group plans to issue a credit report by Friday which will address concerns raised by the Hindenburg report about its liquidity, the same source said. The Adani Group did not respond to a request for comment. Reuters calculations show that interest payments of a total of around $24 million were due on Feb. 2 on three bonds issued by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone due to mature in 2031, 2032 and 2041. Brokerage CLSA estimated in a Jan, 26 report that consolidated debt of the top five Adani Group companies -- Adani Enterprises, Adani Ports, Adani Power, Adani Green and Adani Transmission, with some element of double counting stood at 2.1 trillion Indian rupees ($25.60 billion). Bank debt forms just 38% of the total debt, while "bonds/CP (commercial paper) constitute 37%" the CLSA note said. Adani's fortune rose rapidly in recent years, but has plunged in just a week after U.S.-based Hindenburg published its critical research report on Jan. 24. Although Adani has said it always complied with all disclosures, the repercussions have knocked $100 billion off the market capitalization of the group's seven Indian-listed stocks. The conglomerate's dollar bonds slipped further into losses on Thursday, a day after its flagship Adani Enterprises Ltd called off a $2.5 billion share sale in a shock move. Adani Green's bonds maturing in September 2024 led the losses, falling 11.69 cents, to 60.56 cents, their lowest since issuance. The U.S. dollar-denominated bonds of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone, Adani Transmission and Adani Electricity Mumbai were also trading lower. Adani "will issue a detailed credit report by tomorrow evening close of business which will address the issues that from (a) credit point of view there is no liquidity (issue), no cash (issue), no other issue," the source with direct knowledge of the Adani group's thinking said. Coupon payments for bonds will "continue as normal," the source added, saying these had nothing to do with share price falls or the group's current challenges. (Reporting by Aditya Kalra and Davide Barbuscia; Additional reporting by Shankar Ramakrishnan; Editing by Alexander Smith) SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 SCHEDULE 13G Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )* Spree Acquisition Corp. 1 Limited (Name of Issuer) Class A Ordinary Shares, $0.0001 par value per share (Title of Class of Securities) G83745102 (CUSIP Number) December 31, 2022 (Date of event which requires filing of this statement) Check the appropriate box to designate the rule pursuant to which this Schedule 13G is filed: x Rule 13d-1(b) Rule 13d-1(c) Rule 13d-1(d) (Page 1 of 6 Pages) ______________________________ *The remainder of this cover page shall be filled out for a reporting persons 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). CUSIP No. G83745102 13G Page 2 of 6 Pages 1 NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS Highbridge Capital Management, LLC 2 CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP (a) (b) 3 SEC USE ONLY 4 CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION State of Delaware NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH 5 SOLE VOTING POWER 0 6 SHARED VOTING POWER 1,717,530 Class A Ordinary Shares 7 SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER 0 8 SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER 1,717,530 Class A Ordinary Shares 9 AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON 1,717,530 Class A Ordinary Shares 10 CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (9) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES 11 PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (9) 8.20% 12 TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON IA, OO CUSIP No. G83745102 13G Page 3 of 6 Pages Item 1(a). NAME OF ISSUER: The name of the issuer is Spree Acquisition Corp. 1 Limited (the Company ). Item 1 (b). ADDRESS OF ISSUERS PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES: The Companys principal executive offices are located at 1922 Wildwood Place NE, Atlanta, GA 30324. Item 2(a). NAME OF PERSON FILING: This statement is filed by Highbridge Capital Management, LLC ( Highbridge or the Reporting Person ), a Delaware limited liability company and the investment adviser to certain funds and accounts (the Highbridge Funds ), with respect to the Class A Ordinary Shares (as defined in Item 2(d) below) directly held by the Highbridge Funds. The filing of this statement should not be construed as an admission that any of the foregoing persons or the Reporting Person is, for the purposes of Section 13 of the Act, the beneficial owner of the Class A Ordinary Shares reported herein. Item 2 (b). ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL BUSINESS OFFICE OR, IF NONE, RESIDENCE: The address of the business office of Reporting Person is 277 Park Avenue, 23rd Floor, New York, New York 10172. Item 2 (c). CITIZENSHIP: Highbridge is a Delaware limited liability company. Item 2 (d). TITLE OF CLASS OF SECURITIES: Class A ordinary shares, $0.0001 par value per share (the Class A Ordinary Shares ). Item 2 (e). CUSIP NUMBER: G83745102 Item 3. IF THIS STATEMENT IS FILED PURSUANT TO RULES 13d-1(b) OR 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) x An investment adviser in accordance with Rule 13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(E), CUSIP No. G83745102 13G Page 4 of 6 Pages (f) Employee Benefit Plan or Endowment Fund in accordance with Rule 13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(F), (g) Parent Holding Company or control person in accordance with Rule 13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(G), (h) Savings Association as defined in Section 3(b) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, (i) A church plan that is excluded from the definition of an investment company under Section 3(c)(14) of the Investment Company Act, (j) A non-U.S. institution in accordance with Rule 13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(J), (k) Group, in accordance with Rule 13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(K). If filing as a non-U.S. institution in accordance with Rule 13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(J), please specify the type of institution:__________________________________ Item 4. OWNERSHIP: The information required by Items 4(a) - (c) is set forth in Rows 5 - 11 of the cover page of the Reporting Person and is incorporated herein by reference. The percentage set forth herein is calculated based upon 20,945,715 Class A Ordinary Shares outstanding as of November 10, 2022, as reported in the Companys Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2022 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 14, 2022. Item 5. OWNERSHIP OF FIVE PERCENT OR LESS OF A CLASS: Not applicable. Item 6. OWNERSHIP OF MORE THAN FIVE PERCENT ON BEHALF OF ANOTHER PERSON: See Item 2. The Highbridge Funds have the right to receive or the power to direct the receipt of dividends from, or the proceeds from the sale of, the Class A Ordinary Shares reported herein. Item 7. IDENTIFICATION AND CLASSIFICATION OF THE SUBSIDIARY WHICH ACQUIRED THE SECURITY BEING REPORTED ON BY THE PARENT HOLDING COMPANY: Not applicable. Item 8. IDENTIFICATION AND CLASSIFICATION OF MEMBERS OF THE GROUP. Not applicable. CUSIP No. G83745102 13G Page 5 of 6 Pages Item 9. NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF GROUP: Not applicable. Item 10. CERTIFICATION: The Reporting Person hereby makes the following certification: By signing below the Reporting Person certifies that, to the best of its knowledge and belief, the securities referred to above were acquired and are held in the ordinary course of business and were not acquired 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. CUSIP No. G83745102 13G Page 6 of 6 Pages SIGNATURES After reasonable inquiry and to the best of our knowledge and belief, the undersigned certifies that the information set forth in this statement is true, complete and correct. DATED: February 2, 2023 Page 1 of 6 UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 SCHEDULE 13G/A Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. 26)* Steelcase Inc. (Name of Issuer) Class A Common Stock (Title of Class of Securities) 858155 20 3 (CUSIP Number) December 31, 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) [ ] Rule 13d-1(c) [X] 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). CUSIP No. 858155 20 3 13G/A (1) Names of Reporting Persons P. Craig Welch, Jr. (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 of America Number of Shares Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person With (5) Sole Voting Power 3,114,205 (6) Shared Voting Power 2,106,311 (7) Sole Dispositive Power 400 (8) Shared Dispositive Power 5,220,116 (9) Aggregate Amount Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person 5,220,516 (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) 5.64% (12) Type of Reporting Person (see instructions) IN Page 2 of 6 Item 1(a). Name of Issuer: Steelcase Inc. Item 1(b). Address of Issuer's Principal Executive Offices: 901 44th Street, SE Grand Rapids, Michigan 49508 Item 2(a). Name of Person Filing: P. Craig Welch, Jr. Item 2(b). Address of Principal Business Office or, if none, Residence: 901 44th Street, SE Grand Rapids, Michigan 49508 Item 2(c). Citizenship: United States of America Item 2(d). Title of Class of Securities: Class A Common Stock Item 2(e). CUSIP Number: 858155 20 3 Page 3 of 6 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 (15 U.S.C. 78o). (b) [ ] Bank as defined in section 3(a)(6) of the Act (15 U.S.C. 78c). (c) [ ] Insurance company as defined in section 3(a)(19) of the Act (15 U.S.C. 78c). (d) [ ] Investment company registered under section 8 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (15 U.S.C. 80a-8). (e) [ ] An investment advisor in accordance with 240.13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(E); (f) [ ] An employee benefit plan or endowment fund in accordance with 240.13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(F); (g) [ ] A parent holding company or control person in accordance with 240.13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(G); (h) [ ] A savings association 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 (15 U.S.C. 80a-3); (j) [ ] A non-U.S. institution in accordance with 240.13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(J); (k) [ ] Group, in accordance with 240.13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(K). Item 4. Ownership. (a) Amount Beneficially Owned: 5,220,516 shares (b) Percent of Class: 5.64% (c) Number of shares as to which such person has: (i) Sole power to vote or to direct the vote 3,114,205 shares (ii) Shared power to vote or to direct the vote 2,106,311 shares (iii) Sole power to dispose or to direct the disposition of 400 shares (iv) Shared power to dispose or to direct the disposition of 5,220,116 shares The number of shares reported above includes 100,287 shares of Class B Common Stock of the Issuer which are immediately convertible into an equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock at the option of the holder. If shares of Class B Common Stock are transferred to any person other than a Permitted Transferee (as defined in the Issuers Second Restated Articles of Incorporation), such shares are automatically converted on a share-for-share basis into shares of Class A Common Stock. Shares of Class B Common Stock of the Issuer have the same attributes as shares of Class A Common Stock of the Issuer except that each share of Class B Common Stock entitles the holder thereof to ten votes on all matters upon which Shareholders have a right to vote and each share of Class A Common Stock entitles the holder thereof to one vote on such matters. Page 4 of 6 If all the outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock of the Issuer were converted into shares of Class A Common Stock, Mr. Welch would be deemed to be the beneficial owner of 4.62% of the Class A Common Stock. Item 5. Ownership of Five Percent or Less of a Class. If this statement is being filed to report the fact that as of the date hereof the reporting person has ceased to be the beneficial owner of more than five percent of the class of securities, check the following [ ]. Item 6. Ownership of More than Five Percent on Behalf of Another Person. Of the shares reported in Item 4 above, (i) 4,238,805 shares are held by trusts for the benefit of Mr. Welch, of which trusts Mr. Welch serves as co-trustee with Fifth Third Bank, (ii) 100,287 shares are held by various trusts for the benefit of members of Mr. Welch's family, of which trusts Mr. Welch's wife serves as co-trustee, (iii) 266,624 shares are held by various trusts for the benefit of members of Mr. Welch's family, of which trusts Mr. Welch's wife serves as trustee, and (iv) 614,400 shares are held by a foundation of which Mr. Welch is president. Item 7. Identification and Classification of the Subsidiary Which Acquired the Security Being Reported on by the Parent Holding Company. 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. Certification. N/A Page 5 of 6 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: February 1, 2023 /s/ P. Craig Welch, Jr. P. Craig Welch, Jr. Page 6 of 6 (Tribune News Service) Brandy Bisson of Concord has two sets of grandparents who served in the military, and her great-grandfather, Charles Willey, was awarded the Medal of Honor for his service during World War II. But nothing prepared her for the emotions that welled up as she waited for her son, Pvt. Ryan Bisson, 24, of the New Hampshire Army National Guard, to walk through the Manchester Armory door after nine months overseas. Youre going to make me cry, said Bisson, standing with her husband, Tom, their two younger sons, Tommy and Tanner, Ryans wife Laura, and Ryan and Lauras son Rowan who last saw his dad when he was 9 months old. Hes my first born. Im so proud of him. Ive been scared, too. Even it its considered a safe zone, you never know, said Bisson, glancing down at Rowan, now nearly 19 months old. Hes just been able to see Rowan on FaceTime. When he left, Rowan wasnt walking or talking. It was a tears-of-joy moment, filled with pride and relief, for several hundred friends and family members of the 105 New Hampshire National Guard soldiers who returned Wednesday from a nine-month deployment in the Middle East. About 15 others had already arrived or will be arriving the next several days. For the Bruneau family of Rochester, the pending return was a combination family reunion and rite of passage. Matthew Bruneau, a teacher in Bedford who has served seven years in the National Guard, and his older brother, Tim, who has served for 13 years and works full time for the Guard, waited for their brother, 1st Lt. Christopher Bruneau, to arrive by bus with the brigade from Manchester-Boston Regional Airport. Its going to be very exciting, Tim Bruneau said. We miss him a lot. Its uncomfortable having him that far away. Both Tim and Matt have served stateside, most recently during the pandemic in New Hampshire. But so far Chris is the first to serve overseas. We have a family tradition of wanting to serve, Tim Bruneau said. Emotions combination of happiness and bated breath filled the cavernous space inside the armory Wednesday afternoon. Its been hard. He and I are very close, said Scott Adler of Merrimack, waiting for his son, Sgt. Christian Adler, 23, to return from his first deployment. He wanted steak, potato and asparagus for dinner. Im sure hell crash for a couple of days. Headquarters and Headquarters Battery (HHB), 197th Field Artillery Brigade, deployed last spring , served as the field artillery headquarters for U.S. Army Central Command, which includes Jordan, Syria, Qatar, Kuwait and Iraq. Since then, the197th worked with partner nations, conducting joint exercises and cultural exchanges. The New Hampshire Army Guard maintained and operated radar systems to protect coalition forces and support joint and multinational field artillery missions. It was the brigades fourth deployment to the Middle East since 2004. A formal welcome home ceremony is scheduled for spring. The New Hampshire National Guard has always had a state and federal mission. We answer to both the governor and president in a time of need, said Lt. Col. Gregory Heilshorn, public affairs director for NHNG, which currently numbers roughly 1,600 Army National Guard soldiers, and about 1,000 National Guard airmen. Guard units are typically deployed every five years, and most hold civilian jobs between deployments. At present, about 180 New Hampshire Guardsmen are working in support of missions in North America and overseas. Since 9/11, weve gone from a reserve force to being on the front lines, Heilshorn said. The Army National Guard goes through the same training as regular-army soldiers. Carrie Carter of Franklin had missed her son, Sgt. 1st Class Jonathan Carter, who served in a signal company in Jordan after departing 10 months ago. Carter is Active Guard Reserve, or AGR, which means he works full time for the Guard, based in Concord. FaceTimes a blessing, she said. I cant wait to see him walk through that door. The Mailhot family arrived early for Staff Sgt. Andre Mailhots appearance after the brigade had attempted four times to leave the airport in Kuwait, thwarted by insufficient crew and other last minute snafus. This was Mailhots third deployment. With their increased skills, you have more confidence, Manchester resident Valerie Mailhot said of her son, now 33, who joined the Guard at age 19. It gets easier but the worrys still there. We pray for their safety, all of them. It was definitely hard, said Mailhots wife Nicky, who met her husband while she too, was serving in the Guard. I knew it was coming but it was difficult. Mailhots 4-year-old niece, Savannah, dressed in blue camouflage tights and a patriotic ballerina dress, held a homemade sign. Her younger brother held one, too. I cant wait, said Savannah, before twirling. As long as hes safe and enjoying what he wants to do, were all for it, said Steve Castellano of Hills borough, waiting for his son, Tyler Loukides, 24, a guardsman from Manchester. His mother was in touch with him every single week. (c)2023 The New Hampshire Union Leader (Manchester, N.H.) Visit at www.unionleader.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. (Tribune News Service) A Waikiki man who was arrested and found with ghost guns and ammunition was charged by federal prosecutors with drug and gun crimes after he allegedly sold a fatal batch of cocaine to an active-duty Marine who overdosed and died on Jan. 23. A Waikiki man who was arrested and found with ghost guns and ammunition was charged by federal prosecutors with drug and gun crimes after he allegedly sold a fatal batch of cocaine to an active-duty Marine who overdosed and died on Jan. 23. The criminal complaint filed Monday against Rayshaun Nova Ducos, 25, included one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and another of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. He made his initial appearance in federal court Tuesday and is scheduled for a detention hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Rom A. Trader at 10 a.m. Friday. A preliminary hearing is set for 10 a.m. on Feb. 14. On Jan. 23, Naval Criminal Investigative Service agents went to a home on Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe in response to a call about a man who may have overdosed. The victim, an active-duty Marine, was taken to the Adventist Health Castle hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 3 : 09 a.m., according to the federal complaint. Lt. Col. Kurt Stahl of Communication Strategy and Operations for the 3rd Marine Division told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser that the Marine who tragically passed away during the morning hours of Jan. 23 was Cpl. Adell Anderson, a Hawaii-based Marine within the division. Our deepest condolences are with the friends and family of the Marine as we grieve this terrible loss, said Stahl, in a statement. The number of fatal drug poisonings among Hawaii residents rose every year from 149 in 2012 to 269 in 2020, before falling to 234 in 2021, according to the state Department of Health. Marine Corps Base Hawaii has a Substance Abuse Counseling Center for active duty service members, adult family members, reservists and civilian employees, according to Stahl. Following screening and assessment, diagnoses and treatment or program recommendations from SACC are confirmed by a Navy medical officer. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service are investigating Ducos and other identified and unidentified subjects, regarding the distribution and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and other controlled substances, and conspiracy, according to the complaint. Ducos attorney, Assistant Federal Public Defender Melinda K. Yamaga, did not immediately reply to a Star-Advertiser request for comment. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara D. Ayabe declined comment. On the day of the fatal overdose, a witness told investigators that Anderson bought cocaine from a person in Waikiki with the nickname Nova in the hours before his death. On the night he died, Anderson snorted two to three lines, the witness said. The witness said that he knew the name Nova because Anderson had bought cocaine from him near an Ala Wai Boulevard address on previous occasions. The witness unlocked the victims phone with Novas contact information for investigators, who found calls, messages and Cash App transactions on Jan. 22. NCIS and DEA agents also found messages from an active NCIS confidential source, discussing alleged drug transactions with the victim on the night he bought the cocaine that killed him. The confidential source identified Nova as a cocaine source of supply for themselves and the victim. The confidential source faces no federal charges, and any future charges stemming from NCIS investigation will be conducted through the Uniform Code of Military Justice, according to a footnote of the criminal complaint. Any Marine who uses, possesses, manufactures, distributes, imports or introduces illegal drugs to a military installation or property is subject to a court martial and could be involuntarily separated from service, according to the UCMJ. On Jan. 21, the confidential source told investigators that he took a ride-share to an address on Launiu Street, where Nova allegedly arrived in an orange Mitsubishi. The source said he got into the car and bought cocaine. On Jan. 30 at about 7 :35 a.m. DEA agents wearing police insignia and ballistic vests, went to Ducos Ala Wai Boulevard apartment with a search warrant. After knocking with no answer, the agents entered the apartment and allegedly found Ducos laying on the floor, his feet inside the bathroom and the rest of him in the hall, according to the complaint. After he was arrested, agents allegedly found a plastic container of cocaine in the bathtub. According to an affidavit from a DEA agent, once agents knocked and announced their presence, Ducos tried to flush the cocaine down the toilet. Investigators said a woman in the unit told them she didnt live with Ducos and that she knew he sold cocaine. A search of Ducos apartment allegedly turned up a large, undetermined amount of cash in a nightstand beside the bed. A scale with white powder residue and plastic bags were found in a dresser near the bed, according to the complaint. Federal agents confiscated a short-barreled rifle, separated into two separate pieces, with a drum magazine, according to the complaint. This rifle did not have a serial number. Agents also found multiple types of ammunition, including rifle rounds. Agents said they also seized a ghost-gun pistol with a loaded magazine from the bedroom closet and a small plastic bag of white powder from the living room. All the white powder in Ducos apartment tested positive for cocaine, according to the complaint. On July 15, 2020, Ducos filed a lawsuit against the apartment association of owners of his Waikiki condo complex and one individual owner alleging that the owner tried to detain him in an elevator. He also claimed the owner accused him of being a drug dealer, according to the civil complaint filed in state court. The deliberately false statements were defamatory on their face, were intended to expose and did expose Plaintiff to hatred, contempt, ridicule, and obloquy, read part of the suit. A judge granted Ducos a restraining order against the owner but the lawsuit was dismissed, according to state court records. (c)2023 The Honolulu Star-Advertiser Visit at www.staradvertiser.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. NORFOLK, Va. (Tribune News Service) Capt. Janet Days will become the 51st commanding officer of Naval Station Norfolk, making her the first Black female to hold the position in the installations 106-year history. A change of command ceremony will be held Friday morning. Days will relieve Capt. David Dees, who will assume duties as the Chief of Staff for Commander of Navy Region Mid-Atlantic. A 1999 Old Dominion University graduate, Days holds a Bachelor of Science in business. She went on to earn a masters degree in business administration from the Naval Postgraduate School and the Naval War College command and staff diploma. She is also a graduate of Joint and Combined Warfighting School at Joint Forces Staff College and is a qualified joint specialty officer. Days has been awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (seven awards), Army Commendation Medal (two awards), Army Achievement Medal, and the Afghanistan Campaign Medal. Her sea assignments include tours aboard the USS Simon Lake; USS Mahan and USS Forrest Sherman as engineer officer. Additionally, Days completed two deployments, one to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility to conduct theater security cooperation and a subsequent deployment to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility to conduct counter-narcotics operations. Days went on to serve as the Destroyer Squadron 28 material officer and staff director embarked aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, where she completed two deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Days also served as the executive officer and commanding officer of USS McFaul. A deployment took Days to Kabul, Afghanistan as the Joint Staff, J7 liaison officer to the International Security Assistance Force headquarters. Following a tour as the executive officer of Surface Warfare Schools Command in Newport, Rhode Island, Days was appointed Naval Station Norfolks executive officer in 2021. She is also the first Black female to hold that position. 2023 The Virginian-Pilot. Visit pilotonline.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Seventy-five years ago Thursday, President Harry S. Truman announced his intention to desegregate the military. It would become his most important civil rights legacy. But Truman actually wanted to go much further. In the same letter to Congress on Feb. 2, 1948, he issued a host of bold civil rights proposals, including a federal anti-lynching law and a major increase in political autonomy for the District of Columbia, which less than a decade later would become the country's first majority-Black city. Truman's address marked a remarkable transformation for the grandson of enslavers who earlier in life had referred to Black people with racist slurs and said they belonged in Africa. Coming just a few months after he became the first president to address the NAACP, his civil rights proposals infuriated Southern Democrats and helped fracture the party in the 1948 election, leading to a third-party Dixiecrat candidacy. "Willingly or not, Truman had found himself assuming an unfamiliar role: as a champion of African Americans," Jeffrey Frank wrote in the 2022 book "The Trials of Harry S. Truman: The Extraordinary Presidency of an Ordinary Man, 1945-1953." "While he could not put aside his ancestral biases, he knew that he could not ever ally himself with the Confederate wing of his party." The president's proposals included both a legislative wish list and an announcement that he would be flexing his executive power. Truman needed Congress to pass laws to implement some of his civil rights agenda, such as the anti-lynching law. But when it came to desegregating the military, he was able to do that on his own. "I have instructed the secretary of defense to take steps to have the remaining instances of discrimination in the armed services eliminated as rapidly as possible," Truman said. He issued an executive order in July that banned racial discrimination in the military, along with an order desegregating the federal workforce. Truman's championing of African Americans followed an unlikely journey. He was born less than two decades after the end of the Civil War and grew up in a segregated town in the former slave state of Missouri. His mother despised Abraham Lincoln, harrumphing during a visit to the White House when Truman was president, "You tell Harry if he tries to put me in Lincoln's bed, I'll sleep on the floor," according to a 1991 story in American Heritage magazine by historian William E. Leuchtenburg. "Truman literally learned at his mother's knee to share the South's view of the War Between the States," Leuchtenburg wrote. "He grew up detesting the meddlesome abolitionists [and] decried the racial experimentation of Reconstruction." In 1911, when Truman was 27, he wrote a letter to his future wife, Bess Wallace, that was full of racist epithets for Black, Chinese and Japanese people and concluded, "I am strongly of the opinion that negroes ought to be in Africa, yellow men in Asia, and white men in Europe and America." After Southerners helped Truman become President Franklin D. Roosevelt's running mate at the Democratic National Convention in 1944, Leuchtenburg recounted, Alabama Gov. Chauncey Sparks crowed, "The South has won a substantial victory. In the matter of race relations Senator Truman told me he is the son of an unreconstructed rebel mother." But early in Truman's presidency, which began after Roosevelt died in 1945, he sympathized with Black soldiers who were mistreated upon their return from World War II. "My stomach turned over when I learned that Negro soldiers, just back from overseas, were being dumped out of Army trucks in Mississippi and beaten," he said. "Whatever my inclinations as a native of Missouri might have been, as president I know this is bad. I shall fight to end evils like this." In December 1946, he created the President's Committee on Civil Rights, which issued a report the following October that became the basis of his civil rights proposals. Meanwhile, he took important symbolic steps, like his June 29, 1947, speech to the NAACP at the Lincoln Memorial, where he told the crowd, "It is my deep conviction that we have reached a turning point in the long history of our country's efforts to guarantee a freedom and equality to all our citizens," adding, "when I say all Americans I mean all Americans." On Feb. 2, 1948, he sent a 10-point civil rights proposal to Congress. In addition to the lynching ban, the plan called for giving D.C. home rule, allowing District residents to vote in presidential elections, banning discrimination in interstate transportation facilities, establishing a Fair Employment Practice Commission and taking steps to protect voting rights. Truman called lynching a crime "against which I cannot speak too strongly. So long as one person walks in fear of lynching, we shall not have achieved equal justice under law." He hoped D.C. would become "a true symbol of American freedom and democracy for our own people, and for the people of the world." Truman was ahead of his time in both these areas. Washingtonians didn't get to vote in presidential elections until 1964, and home rule took another nine years. Meanwhile, the federal government didn't pass an anti-lynching law until 2022, after more than a century of failed efforts. About 4,700 lynchings took place in the United States between 1882 and 1968, according to the NAACP. Truman's civil rights plan never stood a chance on Capitol Hill. A group of Southern Democrats, led by Georgia Sen. Richard Russell, threatened to "stand guard" and filibuster any Truman civil rights measure that came to the floor. Sen. James O. Eastland (D-Miss.) suggested that the Solid South withhold its electoral votes and elect "a distinguished Southerner." Many Southern Democrats responded by backing Dixiecrat nominee Strom Thurmond, the segregationist South Carolina governor, for president; he would win four Southern states. Truman also faced a challenge from the left, in Progressive Party candidate Henry Wallace, whom Truman had replaced as Roosevelt's vice president. Wallace, who had also served as Truman's commerce secretary, urged the president to act faster on civil rights. He wasn't the only one bringing the pressure. On March 22 of that election year, civil rights leader A. Phillip Randolph told Truman, "I can tell you the mood among Negroes of this country is that they will never bear arms again until all forms of bias and discrimination are abolished." On July 26, 1948, Truman issued the executive orders to desegregate the military and the federal workforce. "The two orders were expected to have a thunderbolt effect on the already highly charged political situation in the Deep South," the New York Times wrote in a front-page story. The next day, Gen. Omar Bradley, the Army chief of staff, stated, "The Army is not out to make any social reforms. The Army will put men of different races in different companies. It will change that policy when the nation as a whole changes it." Truman's effort didn't take full effect for several years, and its implementation was uneven across the services. Meanwhile, Truman sought to make up for his lost Southern support with gains among African American voters. In a campaign appearance in Harlem, he highlighted his executive actions in the face of congressional resistance and promised to work for the civil rights agenda "with every ounce of strength and determination I have." Nine years later, in accepting a human rights award, Truman said, "Let's make sure we preserve the greatest inspiration we can give the world, the liberties and the rights we profess through one of the most wonderful documents in the world the Constitution of the United States." Berlin, Germany, September 1961: Staff Sgt. Dallas A. Pinckney, center, of Tallahassee, Fla., stands at the front of the 2nd Battle Group Honor Guard that he was assigned to organize after arriving in Berlin in 1959. The troops job was to carry the national colors, escort VIPs, demonstrate weapons and uniforms, and put on close-order drill exhibitions unrivaled in precision all in their spare time from regular duties as riflemen in Company D during the crisis surrounding construction of the Berlin Wall. Pinckney, a Korean War veteran, had created a similar unit at Fort Lewis in the 1950s, and it was good enough to earn a spot on The Ed Sullivan Show. Looking for Stars and Stripes historic coverage? Subscribe to Stars and Stripes historic newspaper archive! We have digitized our 1948-1999 European and Pacific editions, as well as several of our WWII editions and made them available online through https://starsandstripes.newspaperarchive.com/ When I arrived in Japan, I was surprised to learn that a Ukrainian restaurant had recently opened near Yokota Air Base in western Tokyo, and I knew I had to give it a try. Cafe Gloria is about a 20-minute walk from Yokotas main gate or a five-minute drive. The cafe itself has room to seat about 16 people, and takeout is an option. A small menu is available in Japanese and English; its four sets range in price from 1,700 yen, or about $13.06 to 2,000 yen. Each set comes with borscht, garlic bread, salad and a drink. The cafe also serves baked goods. Finding Cafe Gloria open proved problematic. My friend and I made three trips before we could eat there. The first time, its holiday hours were not updated on the cafe website, so we ventured there only to find it closed. About a week later we tried again. An online search told us the cafe was open, according to confirmed hours posted on the website. Again, we found it closed. Finally, I called the following week to confirm the cafe business hours and a friend drove past the site several hours prior to our arrival to confirm the place was open. Unfortunately, the food wasnt worth the effort. I ordered the beef stroganoff set and I cant say I was satisfied. The food was a little bland and my friends said similar things about the chicken Kiev and pelmeni sets. Cafe Gloria opened about a month ago, so Id be willing to go again later once the staff gets into the swing of things to see if feedback prompts the kitchen to prepare its recipes more flavorfully. After dinner, we all ordered slices of honey cake and chocolate cake for dessert. Cafe Gloria really shines with its desserts and baked goods. I thoroughly enjoyed my slice of rich chocolate cake despite not being much of a cake eater. Overall, Cafe Gloria is worth a try, but dont expect to be blown away. I recommend calling ahead to make sure the cafe is open. Bring some friends and order dessert because the entree may not be the highlight of the day. Cafe Gloria Location: 2-3-1 Kamidaira, Fussa, Tokyo, 197-0012 Directions: From the Yokota Air Bases main gate, cross Route 16 on Route 165 and follow it to Yanagi Dori; turn right and after just short of a half-mile Cafe Gloria will be on the left next to Mikes Tex-Mex Restaurant. Hours: Call ahead. Prices: Set meals start at 1,700 yen. Dress: Casual Website: Online: cafe-gloria-restaurant.business.site Phone: 080-3179-0821 U.S. troops will have access to four more military sites in the Philippines under plans announced by the two countries on Thursday. The agreement marks a turn in the allies relationship under a new Philippine president after slow progress during the administration of former leader Rodrigo Duterte, who had sought closer relations with China. The U.S. and the Philippines agreed Thursday to accelerate the full implementation of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement by completing projects at five locations named in the agreement and adding the four new sites, according to a statement from the U.S. Department of Defense. Work has been underway, since the defense agreement was announced in 2014, to build facilities for U.S. forces at several previously announced sites in the Philippines. Those five locations are Antonio Bautista Air Base in Palawan; Basa Air Base in Pampanga; Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija; Mactan-Benito Ebuen Air Base in Cebu and Lumbia Air Base in Cagayan de Oro City. A few dozen leftist activists held a noisy protest Thursday and set fire to a mock U.S. flag outside the main military camp where Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin held talks with his Philippine counterpart. While the two countries are allies, leftist groups and nationalists have protested boisterously for decades against any U.S. military presence in this former American colony. The four new sites will not be revealed before a consultation process is completed, Philippines Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. told reporters during a press conference alongside Austin. We are not seeking permanent basing in the Philippines, Austin said. The agreement is about rotational activities, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, he added. Forces using the sites could assist in other crises, not just for the Philippines but for the region, according to Austin. The defense secretaries reaffirmed their alliance, Austin said, noting that it applies to attacks on either nation in the South China or the West Philippine seas. These efforts are especially important as [China] continues to advance its illegitimate claims in the West Philippine Sea, he said. The EDCA agreement is a key pillar of the U.S.-Philippine alliance, which supports combined training and exercises and helps forces from the two countries work together, according to the DOD statement. Expansion of the EDCA will make our alliance stronger and more resilient, and will accelerate modernization of our combined military capabilities, the statement said. Adding bases to the agreement will allow more rapid support for humanitarian and climate-related disasters in the Philippines, and allow forces to respond to other shared challenges, according to the statement. Under the defense cooperation agreement, the U.S. has allocated over $82 million toward infrastructure at the existing five sites, according to the DOD. The U.S. and the Philippines have committed to move quickly in agreeing to the necessary plans and investments for the new and existing locations, the statement said. The U.S. in 2015 requested access to eight bases in the Philippines, including Subic Bay and Clark Air Base, Carlyle Thayer, an emeritus professor at the University of New South Wales and lecturer at the Australian Defence Force Academy, told Stars and Stripes for a Sept. 9 report. Subic and Clark formed Americas largest overseas military community before both were damaged in the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo and soon after returned to the Philippines. Duterte, whose six-year term ended in June, had excluded Clark and Subic from the EDCA and threatened to withdraw from it, Thayer said. U.S. military planners focus on the Philippines as they consider dispersing their forces among small islands in the Western Pacific and size up the prospect of a conflict over Taiwan. For example, members of the Marine Corps newly formed 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment practiced the tactics of expeditionary advanced base operations during the annual Balikatan drills in the Philippines in April. The Philippines new president, Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr., son of the countrys late dictator who ruled from 1965 to 1986, doesnt have the anti-American chip on his shoulder that Duterte had, Thayer said. It is difficult to imagine the Philippines refusing a request from the U.S. for access if a major conflict broke out between China and the US over Taiwan. Having more points to preposition equipment and to operate from gives the US more flexibility and options in the event of a contingency in East Asia around Taiwan, the South China Sea, East China Sea, or the Yellow Sea and Korean Peninsula, Ian Chong, an associate professor of political science at the National University of Singapore, said in an email Thursday. The new sites can provide support to the Philippines if it faces a crisis in the South China Sea or internal unrest, which it experiences from time to time, he said. Some of this thinking on the part of Manila may be informed by ongoing [Chinese] pressure on disputed areas of the South China Sea and [Chinese] military activity targeting Taiwan, but near the Philippines, he said. Manila has been trying to navigate these concerns along with the attractiveness of economic cooperation with Beijing. This move seems be the latest in the effort to calibrate. However, the arrangement involves risks, Chong said. Bases or positions in the Philippines could become targets in the event of a confrontation, he said. WEDNESDAY, Feb. 1, 2023 (HealthDay News) -- When it comes to reducing stroke risk among women, new research suggests that the more estrogen a woman is exposed to over the course of her life, the better. The finding follows nearly a decade spent tracking stroke risk among roughly 123,000 Chinese postmenopausal women. In the end, investigators concluded that those who had a relatively long reproductive period before menopause appeared to face a lower risk for both an ischemic stroke and a hemorrhagic stroke. An ischemic stroke is the most common form of stroke, brought on by blood flow blockage to the brain. A hemorrhagic stroke is brought on by bleeding in the brain. These results were unexpected and provide new insights into the associations between reproductive factors and the risk of stroke, said study author Peige Song, a researcher with Zhejiang Universitys School of Public Health in Hangzhou, China. To explore a possible protective link between estrogen and stroke risk, Song and her team focused on a pool of women between the ages of 40 and 79. None had a history of stroke when they had first enrolled in a prior Chinese study between 2004 and 2008. The team first analyzed study enrollment information regarding the specific length of each womans overall reproductive life span leading up to menopause. Song and her colleagues also took into account how often participants had a child and/or whether or not (and for how long) they took birth control pills, as both typically drive up estrogen levels. Breastfeeding patterns -- which tend to drive down estrogen exposure -- were also noted. Additional information was gathered on alcohol and smoking habits, overall medical background, and each womans pregnancy, miscarriage and oral contraceptive history. In turn, the team went on to track study participants for roughly nine years, during which time a little more than 15,000 strokes occurred. The vast majority (12,000) were ischemic. Participants were then divided into four groups ranging from the shortest amount of time between first menstruation and menopause (31 years) and the longest amount of time (36 years). After stacking each group up against stroke incidence, the team found that women in the longest estrogen exposure group had a 5% lower risk for ischemic stroke and a 13% lower risk for a hemorrhage stroke, compared with women in the shortest exposure group. The findings took into account a wide range of other factors that can heighten stroke risk, including high blood pressure, older age, a sedentary lifestyle and smoking history. The team also concluded that higher overall estrogen exposure -- beyond simply the number of years between menstruation and menopause -- also contributed to a lower overall stroke risk. The finding suggests that women who experience more stillbirths, miscarriages or pregnancy terminations might face a higher risk for stroke, while those who take oral contraceptives might see their risk fall. Still, Song cautioned that on the latter point, the study had only limited information on oral contraceptive use. Similarly, the study collected little information on the degree to which women embarked on hormone replacement therapy (HRT), she added, so it is unclear whether estrogen replacement therapy would be as protective as a naturally long reproductive cycle, given that estrogen from HRT is not naturally produced and cannot be equated to the natural hormone in the body. In fact, the Cleveland Clinic highlights mixed findings on this question, citing multiple investigations that have found that HRT may actually drive up a womans risk for both stroke and heart attacks. Song also underscored the fact that her teams study largely relied on each participants ability to recall their prior experiences and lifestyle choices, and such recall may not always be accurate. The upshot, she stressed, is that further research is necessary to fully understand the relationship between estrogen and stroke risk. In the meantime, however, Song touched on some ideas as to why greater estrogen exposure might offer women protection against stroke. For one, she said, estrogen has been shown to have neuroprotective properties, which help limit the risk for cellular malfunction while preserving nervous system health. And at the same time, Song said, estrogen has been shown to have both short-term and long-term impacts on blood vessel walls, helping to relax and widen blood vessels, improve blood flow and thereby lower the risk for ischemic stroke in particular. The study findings were published Feb. 1 in the journal Neurology. More information There's more on women and stroke at U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. SOURCES: Peige Song, PhD, researcher, Zhejiang University's School of Public Health, Hangzhou, China; Neurology, Feb. 1, 2023 Fear of China and a change in administration in Manila have led to the agreement to expand the U.S. military presence in the Philippines unthinkable decades ago but with major strategic implications. The agreement, announced Thursday during a visit to Manila by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, allows the United States to store military equipment at nine locations in the former American colony, paving the way for the largest U.S. military presence in decades. The Philippine Constitution bans permanent foreign military bases in the Philippines, and Austin made clear the new sites were not permanent. Philippine officials granted the U.S. limited access to five bases in 2016 and in the latest agreement have agreed to add four more, although they have not identified them publicly. It is assumed the U.S. would like access to installations on Palawan Island, which faces the South China Sea, and in northern Luzon, the largest of the 7,100 Philippine Islands located south of Taiwan, which China considers a renegade province and has vowed to reclaim, if necessary, by force. The Associated Press reported that Chinas Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning accused the U.S. of pursuing its selfish agenda with the new arrangement with the Philippines. The U.S. has adhered to a Cold War zero-sum mentality and strengthened military deployment in the region, the AP quoted Mao as telling reporters at a daily briefing. This is an act that escalates tensions in the region and endangers regional peace and stability. The deal represents a strategic setback for China, which blew an opportunity to wean Manila away from Washington amid the storm over an alleged Chinese spy balloon violating American airspace. Thirty years ago, such an agreement between Washington and Manila would have been unthinkable. For generations millions of Filipinos opposed the U.S. military presence in their country as a vestige of American colonialism that began in 1898 when the U.S. seized the islands from Spain in the Spanish-American War. After ending more than 300 years of Spanish rule, the U.S. crushed a Filipino independence movement in a brutal, three-year war that claimed up to 1 million lives and put down a separate uprising by Muslims in the south that dragged on until 1913. Although the Philippines gained full independence in 1946 after World War II, Filipino nationalists and leftists demanded the Americans leave Clark Air Base and the Subic Bay naval station, two of the largest U.S. military bases overseas that formed a linchpin of American military power in East Asia. That sentiment reached a high point during the opposition movement that ousted the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos in the 1986 People Power revolution that propelled Corazon Aquino into the presidency. In 1992 the Philippine Senate rejected an agreement to extend the lease on the Subic Bay base, the last American installation in the country. The U.S. already had agreed to give up Clark Air Base after it was heavily damaged in the 1991 eruption of the Mount Pinatubo volcano. Seven years after Subic closed, the U.S. and Philippines negotiated a Visiting Forces Agreement, allowing for joint training exercises and a limited, rotational American presence. The U.S. also sent about 250 special operators to the southern Philippines to assist Philippine troops fighting Islamic extremists in the Sulu islands and Mindanao, the second-largest Philippine island. Chinas military moves in the South China Sea brought renewed attention to the strategic value of the Philippines. Both the U.S. and the Philippines strongly opposed Chinas placing military equipment on a chain of artificial islands it had built in the South China Sea, including waters claimed by Manila and other Southeast Asian countries. Diplomatic moves suffered a setback when populist Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte took office in 2016. Duterte began to distance himself from Washington to try to cultivate closer ties with China and to punish Washington for its criticism of his human rights record, including sanctioning police killing of suspected drug dealers. Duterte announced he was canceling the military agreements with Washington and on his first trip to Beijing declared it was time to say goodbye to Washington. However, all that cozying up to Beijing produced few results. Duterte failed to nail down deals for China to fund Philippine infrastructure projects. Nor did they dissuade China from pursuing the militarization of the South China Sea. In 2019 Chinese militia boats encircled an island claimed by the Philippines to prevent authorities from upgrading the islands runway. A few months later China moored 200 fishing boats at a reef claimed by the Philippines. With his policy in shambles, Duterte reversed his decision to cancel the agreement with Washington under pressure from his own Cabinet. His successor, Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr., son of the ousted dictator, has accelerated moves toward the U.S. after taking office in June. CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea The U.S. and South Korean air forces carried out their first air drill of the year, a day after defense chiefs from both countries agreed to increase joint training due to continued threats from North Korea. South Korean F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters drilled Wednesday with U.S. F-35Bs, F-22 Raptors and B-1B Lancer bombers over the Yellow Sea, according to a Ministry of National Defense news release Thursday. The combined air drills held at this time show the U.S.s will and ability to provide strong and reliable extended deterrence in preparation for North Koreas nuclear and missile threat, the release said. The exercise was held one day after U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup met in Seoul. Austin, during a news briefing Wednesday, described his talks with Lee as highly productive and said the two agreed to continue military drills amid North Koreas unprecedented number of provocations. American bombers last flew with the South Korean fighters on Dec. 20, two days after North Korea fired a ballistic missile toward the East Sea, or Sea of Japan. U.S. B-52 Stratofortess bombers and F-22s flew with South Korean F-35s and F-15K Slam Eagles around South Koreas airspace to bolster capabilities to respond to North Koreas nuclear and missile threats, the defense ministry said in a news release at the time. U.S. B-1B bombers also took part in a drill over South Korean airspace on Nov. 19, one day after North Korea fired a ballistic missile that dropped into Japans exclusive economic zone. U.S. and South Korean officials said last year that North Korea had prepared to conduct its seventh nuclear test, its first since 2017. The communist regime fired about 75 missiles the same year, an annual record. Large-scale military exercises that had been suspended or downscaled were restarted by Washington and Seoul last year in light of Pyongyangs unprecedented activity. The aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan sailed to Busan in September, its first such port call in five years. One month later, roughly 240 U.S. and South Korean aircraft flew 1,600 sorties, the largest number ever, as part of the Vigilant Storm exercise in October. The political situation in the Korean Peninsula and the region has reached a red line, North Koreas Foreign Ministry said in a statement published Thursday by the state-run Korean Central News Agency. The U.S. is going to ignite an all-out showdown with [North Korea] through continued combined drills whose scale and scope are largely extended, the ministry said. It added that North Korea is not interested in any contact or dialogue with the U.S. as long as the latter persists in its hostile policy and confrontational line. A new surge of increasingly elaborate weapons from Western countries could change the balance on the battlefield in Ukraine as Kyivs major backers agree to successive requests that once made them balk. Control of terrain and fighting conditions have shifted in recent months, with Ukraines allies recalibrating their concerns of broader escalation with Russia. Ukraine has ramped up its calls for aid, building on the trust it gained in fighting with the Western weapons that dominated its requests earlier in the war, including Javelin antitank missiles, drones and High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers. From tanks to air defense systems, the U.S.- and European-made weapons are expected to complement or replace largely Soviet-era technology in use by Ukrainian forces and allow them to use ammunition manufactured in the West. The deliveries could provide a significant advantage to Kyiv, though experts warn that technical and logistical hurdles still must be overcome. Heres a guide to some of the key weapons and vehicles that Ukraines allies have recently agreed to send. 1. United States Amid a push to arm Ukraine with more modern tanks, the United States announced plans in January to send 31 M1A2 Abrams tanks. The U.S. main battle tank, the original version of which entered service in 1980, is considered among the worlds most powerful. Updates include layers of depleted uranium armor that provide increased protection to the crew inside. The Biden administration previously warned that the U.S.-made tanks could present maintenance and training difficulties for Ukraine, noting that the multi-fuel engine usually runs on jet fuel, which could be difficult to supply. The United States also promised in January to supply two types of armored vehicles to Ukraine: 90 Stryker armored personnel carriers and 109 Bradley Fighting Vehicles. The Washington Post in 1991 described the Bradley as half tank, half taxi. A tracked vehicle, it is designed to move and support foot soldiers and can be equipped with an antitank missile launcher. Strykers, which are wheeled vehicles, are designed to move soldiers more quickly, with the most common variant able to carry a squad of nine along with a driver and vehicle commander. They have lighter armor and weaponry than the Bradley and the Abrams and can get stuck in muddy conditions. In December, Washington also agreed to give Ukraine one Patriot air defense battery. At an estimated cost of roughly $1 billion, the surface-to-air guided missile system can track and target enemy weapons such as ballistic missiles. 2. Germany On the same day the United States declared it would send the Abrams tanks, Germany said it would deliver 14 Leopard 2A6 main battle tanks from its own stocks to Ukraine. The decision followed debate among allies over the German-made tanks, which are widely exported in Europe. Berlin has the final say over reexport authorization, and German officials had been reluctant to dispatch Leopards unless the United States also pledged to send Abrams tanks. More than 2,000 Leopard tanks are owned by armies across Europe, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies. Germany has said it will allow other countries, such as Poland, Norway and Spain, to send their own Leopard tanks, with the goal of assembling two battalions in Ukraine. The Leopard 2 has since been upgraded since its introduction in 1979, gaining a reputation as one of the worlds best main battle tanks. It has a diesel engine, and its newer models are not as heavy as the latest U.S. Abrams tanks. 3. Poland One of the countries that urged Germany to release the Leopard tanks, Poland has pledged to send 14 of its own. Poland has already supplied older, Soviet-era tanks. Its prime minister said in January that his country, which borders Ukraine to the west, sent nearly 250 tanks earlier in the war. Warsaw has also announced it will deliver 30 PT-91 Twardy tanks, a modernized version of the Soviet-era T-72 that uses almost entirely domestically produced components. 4. France French President Emmanuel Macron announced in January that the country would send its AMX-10 RC armored vehicles. Though it is sometimes called a light tank, the AMX-10 RC runs on wheels rather than tracks and lacks the same protection as tanks. It can move fast, however, and its large cannon has given it a reputation as a tank killer. It was mostly designed for reconnaissance missions during the Cold War, and France is planning to phase it out. France is also expected to supply another type of armored vehicle: Bastion armored personnel carriers. These modern four-wheel-drive vehicles are meant primarily to move troops around and can accommodate up to eight infantrymen. Late last year, France agreed to supply Ukraine with two Crotale air defense batteries: all-weather, short-range surface-to-air missile systems that may be particularly useful for intercepting Russian cruise missiles. 5. Britain In early January, Britain became the first country to pledge Western heavy battle tanks, offering 14 Challenger 2 tanks. While among the most modern tanks that will be available to Ukraine, this British-made tank is considered particularly heavy. Britain also announced it would send AS90 self-propelled artillery systems to Ukraine. These howitzers, produced in the 1990s for the British army and used in the Iraq War, are close to being replaced within Britain but could provide significant support to tanks and infantry with relatively long-range fire. Two sets of recommendations on the future of the Eastern Partnership and media freedom won preliminary support from members of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) on 1 February. Both opinions secured strong backing at a meeting of the Commission for Citizenship, Governance, Institutional and External Affairs (CIVEX) and are now poised for adoption at the CoR's plenary on 15-16 March. The meeting also featured an exchange of views on the European Commission's assessment of the enlargement process, and a debate on how to involve local and regional authorities more deeply into the European democratic process. Future of the Eastern Partnership The opinion on the future of the Eastern Partnership (EaP) created by the EU in 2009 to strengthen and structure relations with Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia is being drafted by the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) on its own initiative and focuses on local and regional aspects of cooperation. It reflects, however, a broader discussion about how to adjust the EU's cooperation within the Partnership's structure in the wake of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine last February and the role of the Partnership now that two members Ukraine and Moldova are candidates for membership of the EU. Rapporteur Alin-Adrian Nica (RO/EPP), president of Timis County Council, said: "The most powerful European response to the Russian invasion will be the support for free, democratic states in eastern Europe, the South Caucasus and beyond, with strong regional and local authorities, economically and culturally vibrant cities and societies committed to European values. The Eastern Partnership needs to change and respond proactively to the new realities by supporting all partner countries in their aspirations. In the draft text we favour more flexibility and differentiation in both the EaP's bilateral and multilateral approaches in order to match the different priorities of each partner; as well as promote stronger involvement of regional and local authorities when designing cooperation priorities with territorial impact." Speakers at the meeting included Christina Johannesson, Sweden's ambassador for the Eastern Partnership, and Lawrence Meredith, a director in the European Commission's Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations. Sweden currently holds the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union and was one of the prime movers behind the creation of the Eastern Partnership. European Media Freedom Act The European Commission presented proposals for a European Media Freedom Act in September 2022, aiming to protect media pluralism and independence with proposals that include increased transparency of ownership and advertising, more stable funding for public-service media, and measures to protect media content. The rapporteur is Mark Speich (DE/EPP), North Rhine-Westphalia's Secretary of State for Federal, European and International Affairs and a former chair of the CIVEX committee. He said: "Democratic societies are built on media freedom and pluralism. The CoR is united to protect these principles and to bring together diverging perspectives on how to secure them in an appropriate way. I am convinced that the European Media Freedom Act on EU level should not replace but support the Member States responsibility to safeguard the freedom and plurality of the media. The common goal must be consistently anchored in the internal market, while the need to ensure diversity at the regional and local level has to be taken into account. During the drafting process I have also considered the concerns of the relevant media players and the concerns of local and regional authorities. As rapporteur I am keen to achieve the objective of freedom and plurality of the media within the internal market in the best possible way, while respecting the Union's order of competences also in the interests of its cultural diversity." The chair of the Committee on Culture and Education (CULT) of the European Parliament, MEP Sabine Verheyen (DE/EPP), emphasised that when the CULT committee starts work on the Act it will be mindful to ensure that the EU does not "over-extend its competences" and that "with these rules we are addressing the real problems." Problems she highlighted included media pluralism, "fair and transparent funding", and independent oversight. Thematic debate on "Active subsidiarity and greater involvement of local and regional authorities to strengthen European Democracy" CoR members held an exchange of views with Gabriele Bischoff (DE/S&D), Vice-Chair of the Committee on Constitutional Affairs (AFCO) of the European Parliament, on how to collaborate on the follow-up of the Conference on the Future of Europe. As the European Parliament is working on possible provisions for Treaty changes in order to implement the citizens' recommendations, local and regional politicians could contribute with the experiences from the group, notably through deliberative democracy actions. On behalf of the CoR, Karl-Heinz Lambertz (BE/PES), Chair of the CoR's Better Regulation and Active Subsidiarity Steering Group, member of the Parliament of the German-speaking Community, and former president of the CoR, expressed the wish that local and regional authorities work with the European Parliament in order to come up with concrete proposals on how to involve the local and regional level more deeply in the EU legislative process. Enlargement Package 2022 The next meeting of CIVEX will be held on 18 April, at which commission members will discuss and vote on an opinion on enlargement currently being drafted by Anna Magyar (HU/ECR), member of the County Council of Csongrad Megye. To provide an early steer for the rapporteur, Ms Magyar and commission members exchanged views on the topic at their meeting on 1 February. The opinion will look specifically at the 2022 Enlargement Package, in which the European Commission provided a detailed assessment of the progress made by countries in the Western Balkans and by Turkiye in reforms to pave the way for EU membership. The package did not consider Ukraine or Moldova, which both gained candidate status in June 2022. Matters raised by regions and cities CoR meetings frequently set aside time for councillors from regions and cities to bring a local concern with an EU dimension to the attention of their counterparts. Vincenzo Bianco (IT/PES), member of Catania Municipal Council and chair of the CIVEX committee, said there was a need for the CoR to turn its attention once again to migration and emphasised the need for legal pathways for migration. "We need to facilitate legal migration flows and make migrants an active part of the social fabric, empowering them to be economically active and autonomous. At the same time, there is an urgent need for greater public awareness initiatives about the values of solidarity, tolerance, and the richness offered by cultural diversity, to help our communities be more cohesive," he said. WASHINGTON (Tribune News Service) Concerned about the potential for a change in U.S. leadership after the next presidential election, a visiting delegation of Eastern European lawmakers this week called on the Biden administration and Congress to move this year to bring Ukraine into NATO. Ahead of the NATO summit in the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius this summer, a faction of member states, led by the Baltic countries and Poland, is campaigning for the gathering to be used to begin the official process of admitting Ukraine to the Western military alliance. "This is it. This is the year when all stars are aligning," said Zygimantas Pavilionis, chairman of the Lithuanian parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee, at a Wednesday roundtable with journalists in Washington. "We have bipartisan unity on freedom, democracy, and victory of Ukrainians, on our values. We have huge strategic unity of Europeans, who recognized American leadership. So let's do it like we did it in times of (Ronald) Reagan." Pavilionis was traveling as part of a joint delegation that included his foreign affairs counterparts in the Polish and Ukrainian parliaments. They were making the rounds this week of Washington think tanks and Capitol Hill to make their case for why the Biden administration and lawmakers should continue to generously fund security assistance to Ukraine. They also are arguing for the imposition of secondary sanctions on foreign countries like China and India that are buying up large quantities of heavily discounted Russian oil and gas exports. And perhaps most politically sensitive of all? The Ukrainian, Lithuanian and Polish parliamentarians are pressing for Washington to discount the strong fears of the American public about engaging in a head-to-head armed conflict with Russia and move to admit Ukraine into NATO this year. "We want to implement, to start to give our American partners the idea that Ukraine as a member of NATO is something that is inevitable in the future," said Radoslaw Fogiel, chairman of the Polish Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee. "In Europe, we understand that it's only a question of how and when. We know that this idea needs to sink in within the U.S. establishment, within the U.S. public, but that's part of our job." While the European lawmakers did not state what specifically they want Congress and the Biden administration to do, the U.S. president's endorsement of Ukraine membership would give their quest important heft. And the Senate would need to sign off on Ukraine joining the military alliance. January survey findings released from the Pew Research Center on Tuesday found a growing partisan gap in the way Americans view aid to Ukraine. Some 40% of Republican voters now believe the United States is providing too much assistance to Ukraine, an increase from the 32% in September. Meanwhile, Democratic support for maintaining current aid levels to Ukraine fell five points to 40%, while those thinking support is too high increased from 11% to 15% since the fall. However, 23% of Democrats want to see even more support given to Ukraine, an increase from 20% holding that view in September. There also has been a widening divide in the last year in how the two parties view the seriousness of the national security threat to the United States that Russia's invasion of Ukraine represents. The parties were essentially tied last March, with approximately 50% of both Republicans and Democrats viewing the largest land war in Europe since World War II as a major threat to U.S. interests. Now only 43% of Democrats and just 29% of Republicans feel that way. Aware of that softening of American political support, the Eastern European lawmakers said they view 2023 as the year to lock in a NATO membership invitation for Ukraine. That's because 2024 will likely be consumed in the states by the next presidential contest. And there is a real chance that if a Republican is elected to succeed President Joe Biden, he or she will move to end or significantly curtail defense assistance to Ukraine. For instance, former President Donald Trump, who is seeking the GOP presidential nomination, has advocated for lessening American support. "Our goal is simple: to liberate our whole territory, including Crimea, from Russian occupation and to join NATO as soon as possible because NATO is the only and the best guarantee of security in the contemporary world," said Oleksandr Merezhko, chairman of the Ukrainian Committee on Foreign Policy and Interparliamentary Cooperation. Merezhko argued that Russian President Vladimir Putin is essentially a bully who will pick fights with those he sees as weaker but would withdraw from Ukraine if threatened with war by the full might of the 30-member NATO alliance. That Putin hasn't moved against either Finland or Sweden since the two Nordic countries announced their plans to join NATO last summer is evidence he is not "suicidal," the Ukrainian lawmaker said. "If Ukraine becomes, right now, a member of NATO, it will stop Putin's war," Merezhko said. But if the current trajectory of U.S. and European support is maintained, enabling Ukraine to continue fighting, but not to decisively push Russia out of all captured Ukrainian territory including the Crimean Peninsula then the United States could be looking at a proxy military quagmire, Pavilionis said. "Are we ready for victory or are we turning Ukraine into Afghanistan again, where we have no strategy and know how it ended," he asked. "It might turn into it because (the Ukrainians) will never surrender and we (Lithuania) will never surrender because we will be next. Vilnius will be Bucha in six to seven years if we do nothing, if we just continue with this current policy." Bucha is a suburb of Kyiv, where ample evidence has been gathered that Russian troops carried out massacres and other atrocities of Ukrainian civilians when they occupied it last year. "We don't know what kind of leader will be elected here (in 2024) so this is a very narrow window of opportunity to make a very right decision," the senior Lithuanian parliamentarian continued. In addition to supporting NATO membership for Ukraine, Congress should also push for the imposition of secondary sanctions on Beijing, said Merezhko. "China is not afraid of Ukraine, China is afraid only of American sanctions, which means the United States can and should deter China from helping Russia and preferably introduce secondary sanctions to stop China from financing the Russian economy and Russian military machine by buying Russian oil and gas," the Ukrainian lawmaker said. At a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on Russia last week, Chairman Bob Menendez, D-N.J., called for the Biden administration to slap "robust sanctions" against Chinese companies that are selling dual-use technology to Russia that is allowing its military to maintain "missile capabilities that we should not let them have." Sen. Jim Risch of Idaho, the ranking Republican on the panel, added: "China seems to be acting with impunity and we really need to ratchet up our sanctions in that regard." Menendez and House Foreign Affairs Chairman Michael McCaul, R-Texas, are both slated to meet with the Eastern European delegation this week. 2023 CQ-Roll Call, Inc., All Rights Reserved. Visit cqrollcall.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. WASHINGTON The governments watchdog for Afghanistan reconstruction said Thursday that the Taliban is growing ever more oppressive, and lawmakers need to consider whether too many U.S. aid dollars are ending up in their hands. The report to Congress by the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction, or SIGAR, is an update for lawmakers on rebuilding and aid efforts following the U.S. withdrawal in 2021. The report also measures what impact the U.S. money is having and what humanitarian problems are proliferating. The SIGAR report urges Congress to contemplate one main question: Can the United States keep sending billions to the country without inadvertently funding the Taliban? However, the report also concludes there are millions of suffering Afghans who are hungry and frightened and still in need of international support especially as the Taliban continues to roll back rights for women and girls and subject them to restrictive fundamentalist laws. As the largest donor to the Afghan people, the United States remains deeply engaged in Afghanistan, the report states, noting the United States has made more than $8 billion in assistance available to Afghan citizens and refugees since American armed forces withdrew 18 months ago. It is SIGARs judgment that the Taliban regimes institutionalized abuse of women raises the important question for policymakers of whether the United States can continue providing aid to Afghanistan without benefiting or propping up the Taliban. SIGAR is required to report to Congress each quarter on the situation in Afghanistan. The watchdog said in its report Thursday that it also expects to issue its High Risk List in the coming weeks that will identify important risks in continuing to send funds to Afghanistan. SIGAR said it will also issue its final report soon on why the Afghan government collapsed so quickly when U.S. forces departed. President Joe Biden announced a few months after taking office that the U.S. would leave Afghanistan after 20 years of war sparked by the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. He said he was unwilling to keep sacrificing Americans lives in pursuit of a victory that cannot be achieved militarily. Keeping thousands of troops grounded and concentrated in just one country at a cost of billions each year makes little sense to me, Biden said when he announced the withdrawal in April 2021. Im now the fourth United States president to preside over American troop presence in Afghanistan. I will not pass this responsibility on to a fifth. Though the U.S. military is no longer in Afghanistan, Biden and Congress have continued to authorize humanitarian aid to the country. Thursdays report underscored concerns that some of the money is ending up with the Taliban. Several realities have to be taken into consideration. First, the Taliban regime derives revenue from this aid in the form of licenses, taxes, and administrative fees imposed on [non-governmental organizations] and their employees as a condition for operating in Afghanistan, the 157-page report states. Second, U.S. aid to Afghanistan may inadvertently confer legitimacy onto the Taliban, both internationally and domestically. Third, the Talibans erasure of women from public life has substantially hindered or prevented the provision of humanitarian aid. Fourth, a record 28.3 million Afghans are depending on international food assistance this winter, according to the U.N. There is no certainty how much of this aid will reach its intended recipients. There is also no guarantee that either providing or stopping that aid will succeed in changing the Talibans behavior. SIGAR also reported the situation in Afghanistan has worsened because of the Talibans recent ban on women working for humanitarian agencies. In December, the regime ordered such agencies to fire their female employees. In the days following the Talibans announcement, many major humanitarian aid organizations suspended their operations in Afghanistan as they are unable to perform work without female staff, according to the SIGAR report. The majority of U.N. activities in the country are carried out through partner [non-governmental organizations] that are subject to the Talibans policy. The U.N. stated that the ban would have immediate life-threatening consequences for all Afghans. Since taking over, the Taliban has rolled back many other female liberties. For example, women and girls are not allowed to drive, seek secondary or higher education, work for the Afghan government, leave their homes without a male escort or show their faces in public. One senior Taliban official said last year that when it comes to making such decisions, Afghan women are best represented by Afghan men. Another problem with the Taliban recently, the report said, is its increasing interference with humanitarian activities. In December, the U.N. reported 275 incidents of Taliban interference between Aug. 21 and Nov. 15, compared with 146 during the same period last year, the report states. The U.N. also reported three attacks on health care personnel and 302 incidents of violence and threats against humanitarian personnel, assets and facilities in 2022. Further, they recorded 84 bureaucratic impediments in 2022 regarding Taliban pressure on aid implementers to sign memorandums of understanding. Despite the difficulties and problems in dealing with the Taliban, the report states most Afghans are suffering and in desperate need of help. In December, a Gallup survey found life for people in Afghanistan is worse than anywhere in the world. On a scale of one to 10, 98% of Afghan women and 97% of Afghan men rated the quality of their lives as four or lower, which Gallup classifies as suffering. In the same survey, 86% of respondents said they couldnt afford to buy food. However, the report noted the billions of international aid dollars have done some good. SIGAR reported aid helped to avert widespread famine in the country in 2022 and Afghanistans rates of food insecurity appear to be leveling off. Also, the Afghan economy hasnt entirely stabilized yet, but the report found its deteriorating at a slower pace. The U.S. militarys eyes in the sky helped French special operations forces seize thousands of rifles and anti-tank missiles on a vessel in the waters of the Middle East, defense officials said Thursday. The interdiction took place Jan. 15 in the Gulf of Oman and included more than 3,000 assault rifles, 578,000 rounds of ammunition and 23 anti-tank guided missiles apparently bound for rebels in Yemen, an earlier U.S. Central Command statement said Wednesday. French troops seized the weapons with the assistance of U.S. aerial surveillance, said an official with knowledge of the operation who was unauthorized to speak publicly. The seizure is one of four announced interdictions over the past two months totaling more than 5,000 weapons and 1.6 million rounds of ammunition, the statement said. The weapons were seized along routes in the Gulf of Oman often used to traffic weapons from Iran to Yemen, according to CENTCOM. Yemen is the site of a war between the Iran-backed Houthis, a Shiite rebel movement, and the Sunni-majority government. The conflict began in 2014, when Houthis seized Sanaa, Yemens capital, leading to a counteroperation by Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries. U.S. officials have repeatedly accused Iran of providing weapons, training and financial support to the Houthis. The U.S. Navys top officer in the Middle East, Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, said Iran showed a continued pattern of destabilizing activity after the announced seizure of 2,116 AK-47 rifles on Jan. 6. Some human rights groups such as Oxfam, meanwhile, accused the U.S. and Britain in January of providing weapons to the Saudi-led coalition that were used in airstrikes against civilians in Yemen. In a response to an earlier report, officials at the U.S. State Department and Central Command said they do not know how to track whether U.S.-made weapons were used in Yemen by Saudi Arabia or the UAE against civilians, a Government Accountability Office report last June said. A foreign nation killing civilians while using U.S. weapons would not necessarily count as misuse, as the term is not defined in official policy, U.S. military and State Department officials told GAO investigators. Indiscriminate attacks by the Saudi-led coalitions combat jets led to nearly 9,000 civilian deaths and almost 24,000 overall deaths since the war started, said a 2022 report by the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project, which which monitors war zones around the world. Despite a six-month cease-fire that ended in October, almost 7,000 people died from political violence in the country in 2022, a January report from the same group said. Reports of civilian casualties led Congress to pass three joint resolutions of disapproval against the sale of air-to-ground munitions to Saudi Arabia and the UAE in 2019, measures which were vetoed by former President Donald Trump. The conflict in Yemen has seen widespread use of aerial drones, which experts say gave Iran expertise that would later inform the countrys assistance to Russia in the Kremlins war against Ukraine. On Wednesday, the U.S. said the Yemeni military had seized 100 unmanned aerial vehicle engines apparently bound for Houthi militants. BEIRUT Iran on Thursday accused Israel of conducting a drone attack over the weekend on a Defense Ministry complex in the city of Isfahan. The facility took slight damage, by Iran's account. "Early investigations suggest that the Israeli regime was responsible for this attempted act of aggression," reads a letter published by Iran's mission to the United Nations. Iran has accused Israel of such attacks in the past. During a CNN interview Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refused to confirm or deny whether Israel had targeted the complex. "I never talk about specific operations," he said, "and every time some explosion takes place in the Middle East, Israel is blamed or given responsibility sometimes we are, sometimes we're not." Iran's letter, signed by Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani, did not provide details about the investigation or its findings, but said that a Defense Ministry workshop complex was targeted by three "micro aerial vehicles," two of which were intercepted. The site probably held sensitive information related to Iran's nuclear technologies and weapons program, said Farzin Nadimi, an Iran analyst at the Washington Institute, a think thank. These attacks aim to send "a message to the regime in Tehran" that Israel has "access to their sensitive sites and that their air defenses are not impenetrable," Nadimi said earlier this week. A research center affiliated with Iran's civilian space program sits across the road from the complex, which Nadimi said is "very active in supporting the military and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps." The Israel Defense Forces declined to provide comment on the attack. Since the collapse of the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers, Israel has conducted attacks on Iranian nuclear program facilities and other sites as part of an ongoing shadow war. The campaign has intensified after Washington withdrew from the nuclear deal in 2018. Iran's letter demanded the U.N. Security Council bear responsibility to condemn "Israel's warmongering statements and acts of terrorism" and its use of force against "critical infrastructure and peaceful nuclear facilities." It also emphasized its right to defend its national security and respond "wherever and whenever deemed necessary." The Washington Post's Shira Rubin and Miriam Berger in Jerusalem contributed to this report. (Tribune News Service) You wont hear any more fibs from Rep. George Santos he gave his word. The GOP lawmaker told a far-right-wing news outlet that he will be strictly telling the truth from now on. Ive learned my lesson, Santos said in an interview with One America News late Tuesday. I can guarantee you that from now on anything, everything is always going to be aboveboard. After months of damaging disclosures that he lied about almost every aspect of his life, he asserted that he has been largely aboveboard all along. Its largely always been aboveboard, he said. Im just gonna go the extra step now to double-check, cross-reference everything. The new remarks came as federal prosecutors started investigating Santos for allegedly scamming a New Jersey veteran out of donations earmarked to save the life of his service dog. Navy vet Richard Osthoff handed over text messages with Santos to FBI agents, who are probing the lawmakers involvement in an unregistered animal charity, Politico reported. Im glad to get the ball rolling with the bigwigs, Osthoff said. I was worried that what happened to me was too long ago to be prosecuted. Santos also filed an amended campaign finance disclosure form that only raised new questions about his money matters. The new form that was filed late Tuesday night says Santos personally lent his campaign $500,000, and an additional $125,000 was lent by an unnamed entity. An original version of the form had claimed both loans came from himself and a second version claimed both came from some other entity. Santos issued a statement that sought to distance himself from his report. The report is based on the limited information provided to the campaign from the previous treasurer Nancy Marks, Santos said. Marks has said she resigned at the request of the Federal Election Commission, a disclosure that raises questions about whether she is cooperating with state or federal investigations into Santos. A previous disclosure form listed a replacement for Marks, but that person said he turned down the job. The latest supposed treasurer has not yet spoken publicly and appears to have no previous federal campaign finance experience. Santos, whose district covers parts of Long Island and Queens, has become a headache for House Republicans and a late-night laughingstock after he was exposed for falsely claiming that he worked for big investment banks, went to Baruch College and NYU, and even had Jewish relatives who fled the Holocaust. He is also facing potentially weightier questions about his finances, which are far more likely to lead to criminal exposure. The self-styled conservative gay son of Brazilian immigrants claims to be a millionaire, but as recently as 2020 filed paperwork saying he was earning $55,000 a year as a call center worker. 2023 New York Daily News. Visit nydailynews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Like many modern observances, Groundhog Day can trace its origin from a few different directions. Feb. 2 is Candlemas. In the Catholic Church, it is also known as the Feast of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple, and many sources suggest that candles were introduced in the celebration of the feast during the fifth century. Even before that, Feb. 2 marked Imbolc, a Gaelic festival recognizing the midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. Through the centuries, songs and poems developed around the event, similar to this English verse of legend: If Candlemas be fair and bright, Come, Winter, have another flight; If Candlemas brings clouds and rain, Go Winter, and come not again. Through time, celebrations and folklore evolved and spread across Europe, ultimately becoming tied to the animal world. In Germany, if a badger or hedgehog saw its shadow on Candlemas, winter was expected to continue. German settlers brought their folklore to the New World, and a similar animal was found to continue the tradition, a groundhog. Several groundhogs, from Sir Walter Wally in North Carolina to Chattanooga Chuck in Tennessee, have gained popularity. But in Virginia, the groundhog stories are not quite as neat and tidy. On Feb. 2, 1914, a practical joke led a couple thousand people to gather on Capitol Square in Richmond to watch for a groundhog that never appeared. And in 1954, right before making his prognostication, Virginias official groundhog killed himself trying to get out of his cage at the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. The most famous groundhog resides in Punxsutawney, where they have been celebrating this tradition since 1887. Phil is such an icon in Pennsylvania that the state uses a groundhog in its lottery ads (Keep on scratchin). Although to keep the two creatures distinct from one another, the advertisers named their groundhog Gus. Whether Phil has been correct over the years is a matter of perspective, and how one subjectively defines winter. According to NOAA and the record keepers in Punxsutawney, Phil has forecast six more weeks of winter 105 times since 1887. The debates and discussions are all good fun. After all, how do you define an early spring, or a continuation of winter? One straightforward method uses average temperatures for the months of February and March. If the average temperatures are above normal for those months, it would qualify as an early spring. And vice versa. Using that method, Phil is only right about 40% of the time. Perhaps thats not the best track record. But in the end, it doesnt matter. Some folks love our folklore and how it ties us to the natural world. And people love a reason to celebrate. The parties will continue every February on those cold Pennsylvania mornings, with people coming together to celebrate winters annual turning point, just like their ancestors did centuries ago. The Richmond Times-Dispatch is owned by Lee Enterprises, the parent company of The Sentinel. Photos: Punxsutawney Phill predicts six more weeks of winter in 2022 WASHINGTON People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals claimed a small victory Wednesday after learning the Navy ended years of what the group called crude medical testing on sheep at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. PETA said the Navy paid for two testing programs at the campus, which involved subjecting sheep to high-pressure environments to learn more about decompression sickness in humans, commonly known as the bends. That sheep will no longer have the life literally squeezed out of them in crude and archaic decompression tests at UW-Madison is cause for celebration, PETA Vice President Shalin Gala said. PETA called the end of the testing on sheep a victory and encouraged the Navy to go further and bar all similar animal testing at all Navy-funded research locations. We urge the Navy to fully ban the conducting and funding of all decompression sickness and oxygen toxicity experiments using any animal at any institutions, given the extreme cruelty of these tests and their irrelevance to human physiology, Maggie Wisniewska, science policy adviser at PETA, wrote in a letter Wednesday to Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro. Decompression sickness is caused by nitrogen gas bubbles that form in the bloodstream and organs as the human body rapidly goes from a high-pressure environment, such as underwater, to a normal-pressure environment. The bends is often seen in divers who rise to the surface too quickly and can be deadly if not treated quickly. PETA only recently discovered the testing programs ended after receiving records from UW-Madison through a Freedom of Information Act request. The Navy confirmed Wednesday that the decompression sickness testing with sheep at UW-Madison ended in July. The contract for the project came to its natural conclusion at the end of the performance period, a Navy spokesperson said, adding the testing was done to determine whether emergency procedures would safely and successfully allow submariners trapped in a disabled submarine on the sea floor to escape or be rescued. The safety and health of our sailors and Marines is the Navy's highest priority, the service spokesperson said. However, a PETA spokesperson said the testing programs were authorized to continue until August 2023 and June 2024. PETA sent letters to Del Toro and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin last year asking for the tests to be halted. In its campaign, the group specified several instances in which sheep were subjected to unpleasant experiments. Having undergone repeated stressful tests, the sheep were often left with a variety of maladies, including crippling joint pain, seizures, paralysis and deep chest pain, and in at least one case, a sheep had to be euthanized during the test when the compressing chamber malfunctioned, PETA said. The group argued the tests are harmful and painful for the sheep and offer little value because the results dont translate well to humans. Further, the group said there are better non-animal test methods that provide better results. This is not the first time that PETA campaigned against sheep being used in research testing at UW-Madison. In 2010, the group successfully helped to stop similar experiments. At the time, PETA called for a criminal investigation because it said the tests violated Wisconsin law. However, state lawmakers later changed that animal cruelty law to exempt research scientists and the Navy authorized testing to resume a few years later. Animal testing in the military has long been a concern for advocates such as PETA. Last September, the group sent a letter to Army Secretary Christine Wormuth asking that the service revive a ban on wounding experiments involving animals. In those tests, researchers use weapons to wound dogs, cats, marine animals and some primates to see how their bodies react and heal. Wounding experiments were banned at the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command in the 1980s, but PETA said the service reversed the ban in 2020 and has not been forthcoming about whether its actively conducting those types of experiments again. Taxpayers deserve to know what the U.S. Army is hiding by refusing to release details on its shocking weapon wounding experiments on animals, Wisniewska wrote in her letter to Wormuth, referring to the Army declining a Freedom of Information Act request for records on the tests. The service said the records are classified in the interest of national defense or foreign policy. The Army did not respond Wednesday for a request for comment about experiments on animals. WASHINGTON (Tribune News Service) Two weeks after Sen. Jerry Moran won his third term representing Kansas in the U.S. Senate, his campaign treasurer Timothy Gottschalk called the Republic County Sheriffs Office and asked an officer to come to his office. In the final six weeks leading up to the election, Morans campaign spent more than $2 million to have his face featured on television screens across the state. To get its ads on TV, the campaign used a Virginia-based company called SRCP Media. The media buyer reserved time slots for the ads in Kansas media markets and invoiced the campaign. The campaign then sent the money to SRCP Media, sometimes as much as $788,959 at a time. So much money was moving from the campaign that it didnt notice on Oct. 25, when an invoice for $345,000 for payment to SRCP Media came from an email address the company hadnt been using. The campaign didnt notice when it happened a second time, either, for the same amount, a day after the election. It wasnt until Morans team got a notification from Astra Bank, a small bank with seven branches in Kansas and one in Nebraska, that the campaign looked into its invoices. Someone had created an invoice that looked like one from SRCP Media, but had changed the account and routing numbers. The email it came from did not match the email used by SRCP Media. More than two months later, it remains unclear who stole the money from the campaign. The Republic County Sheriffs office handed it off to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, which handed it off to the FBI, according to a police report obtained through the Kansas Open Records Act. While the FBIs Kansas City office would not say whether it was investigating the case, both the Moran campaign and SRCP Media say they are cooperating with investigators. Both SRCP Media and the Moran campaign declined to comment on the record. Even without a culprit, the theft exposes a constellation of vulnerabilities in modern day political campaigns, where millions often move through small, shoe-string operations with little to no security measures in place to protect themselves against online fraud. Its not surprising that, given the the propensity of major donors to give in large amounts to incumbents, that a long-term member of Congress could lose hundreds of thousands of dollars in criminal activity and not have that be a significant event, said Adav Noti, the senior vice president of the Campaign Legal Center, a nonpartisan government watchdog that focuses on campaign finance and elections. A spokesman for the Federal Elections Commission would not say whether other campaigns have reported similar thefts from their campaign accounts this year. The Star contacted the office of every senator who ran a campaign in a safe state in 2022, meaning they were heavily favored to win reelection. Because candidates running in safe states were expected to win their campaigns, they may be less focused on their campaign funds than candidates in tight races where every dollar counts. Few responded. Those that did indicated that they did not see any attempts to steal from their campaign. While it may be the only reported theft so far this cycle, this is not the first time someone has stolen from a campaign. Usually its an inside job, Noti said, explaining that most past cases have been traced back to campaign staff. The FEC provided six examples of people who have reached conciliation agreements with the commission since 2010 after using campaign funds for their personal expenses. In all of the cases, the money was taken by someone close to the campaign. In all but one, the person who took the money was found guilty by the criminal justice system. It appears Morans campaign does not believe it was an inside job. In Gottschalks letter to the FEC, he said the campaign was targeted by a third-party cyber-criminal. Gottschalk did not return a phone call requesting comment. The campaigns description of the theft matches a scam that has been commonly used on Realtors and mortgage brokers called a business email compromise, or BEC, according to Thomas Holt, a criminal justice professor at Michigan State University who specializes in cybercrimes. In this type of scam, someone is able to get access to the email account of a business that is moving large amounts of money in a short period of time (which is why Realtors and mortgage brokers are often targeted). Anybody can be a target, Holt said. Its usually any kind of entity that makes large payments that would make it worth the effort of the actor. A thief may get access to the account through something like a phishing attack, where they get someone to click on a link and gain access to their email address and passwords. Instead of doing anything right away, the thief will monitor the email account. Theyll learn how the person makes transactions. Theyll figure out what kind of language the business is using, how much money is normally spent and when the charges usually go through. Then they change a minor detail, like a bank account and routing number, and hope that the person approving the payments doesnt notice. In Morans case, the campaign didnt notice until the second transaction had already been approved. Wells Fargo was only able to return about $168,184 of the $345,000 the person was trying to steal, according to Gottschalks letter to the FEC. Morans campaign said earlier this month it is pursuing all avenues available to recover the money, but getting it back may be difficult. While investigators have an email address, bank account and routing number, thieves typically hide their identity before filing the false invoice. Then they use proxy bank accounts to quickly funnel the money into their hands, in accounts out of reach of the U.S. government. Even if you can get a pretty good handle on who the actor is, there are always issues with extradition or with prosecution, Holt said. The campaign could still face penalties with the FEC, for filing inaccurate reports if it didnt fulfill a list of internal controls campaigns must have in order to escape penalties if someone steals money from their account. Cybersecurity measures are not included in the list of internal controls required by campaigns. Campaigns are particularly vulnerable because of the way theyre structured. They scale up quickly, have relatively few paid employees, have high turnover between elections and often spend money as quickly as they get it. Over the course of the campaign, Moran had five paid staffers, most of whom received money for fundraising reasons. Candidate campaigns are cyclical unlike, say, party committees that exist in perpetuity, Noti said. Candidate campaigns have cyclical workers and go through long periods where nobodys paying any attention. And then when they are paying attention, its mostly to raise money and spend it on advertising. So things like internal financial controls are rarely well built up a candidate campaigns. After the 2016 presidential election, when email accounts associated with the Democratic National Committee were hacked and released to the public, there were some discussions about boosting security for campaign accounts. But Noti said many politicians are reluctant to add cybersecurity requirements into law to protect campaigns, particularly those who dont have millions and need the money they raise to buy advertisements and other election expenses. Holt said there are relatively simple ways of making emails more secure, like changing passwords often or two-factor authentication. In 2020, Google announced that it would partner with a nonprofit called Defending Digital Campaigns in order to give campaigns a free two-factor authentication program to help prevent them from being hacked. Google ended up giving the program to 140 federal campaigns, according to a press release on Defending Digital Campaigns page. But this type of gift can run afoul of campaign finance laws that say companies cannot give gifts to politicians. Corporations generally cant give free stuff to members of Congress, Noti said. But there have been efforts to to create more wiggle room in those rules to allow for cybersecurity in particular. A political campaign is a high-profile and potentially risky target for the type of crime Holt described, given the fact that the victim has the ability to shape laws. Holt said academics have pushed Congress to strengthen its laws surrounding economic cybercrimes, particularly when it comes to working with other countries. He said if Congress strengthened its jurisdictional agreements with other countries, particularly those that are allies, it could help them track down people who perpetrate this type of crime. Its a very interesting one, Holt said. I imagine if there were others coming down the pike, absolutely, then there would be legislative action. But if this is a one off, maybe nothing will happen. The Kansas City Stars Jonathan Shorman contributed reporting to this article. 2023 McClatchy Washington Bureau. Visit mcclatchydc.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. (Tribune News Service) A U.S. Department of Defense education official said to have made comments reflecting racial bias has drawn the attention of Alabama Congressman Mike Rogers, the newly appointed chair of the House Armed Services Committee. Rogers pointed to multiple comments made by Kelisa Wing, who made alarming comments exhibiting overt racial bias, according to a letter written by Rogers and Indiana Congressman Jim Banks, chair of the subcommittee on Military Personnel, to U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. The letter identifies Wing as the chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer in the Department of Defense Education Activity, citing a September story in the New York Post which reported on comments allegedly made by Wing. There were multiple national reports in September and October about comments attributed to Wing. Among the comments attributed to Wing raised by Rogers and Banks in the letter and cited from various media reports were that she self-identified as a woke administrator decrying white nonsense. It was reported she referred to CAUdacity, a pejorative used to demean white people, combining the terms Caucasian and audacity. Wing also expressed her displeasure with white people, saying, I am exhausted by 99% of the white men in education and 95% of the white women, posting again, Where can I get a break from white nonsense for a while? The letter also alluded to a passage written in a book that said, White privilege hurts a lot of people. If you are White, you might not feel bad about hurting others or you might feel afraid to lose this privilege. Privileges like extra money in your pocket that you didnt earn. The letters source of the passage was a Fox News report and did not identify the book in which the comments were made. Wing has written several childrens books with titles such as What is Anti-Racism? What is White Privilege? and What is the Black Lives Matter Movement? Some of the comments Wing is said to have made were on Twitter. Her Twitter account is private, which means only approved followers can see what she posts. In December, Wing was named a fellow at The Equity Lab and her bio states her job title as the professional development specialist for the Department of Defense Education Activity. It was not immediately clear if that is a different role from being DEI officer. This kind of divisive rhetoric has no place anywhere, particularly for someone employed in a job whose purpose should be to encourage equal treatment of everyone, the letter said. As Ms. Wings behavior wildly betrayed her employment mission, it begs the question whether her views are more widely held throughout portions of DOD leadership or if they are merely a product of her own intolerance. The letter asks for an array of education materials from the Defense department to better understand what the DOD is doing to address Ms. Wings blatantly offensive comments. And the letter notes that a group of 22 Republicans wrote a letter to Austin in September 2022 addressing concerns about Wing. To date, no meaningful answers have been forthcoming, the Rogers-Banks letter said. This is unacceptable. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Visit al.com. (Tribune News Service) Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are part of a multimillion-dollar, federally funded program looking to solve a problem that has long-plagued scientists and surgeons: how to manufacture whole synthetic blood to treat blood loss in human patients. The Defense Advanced Research Project Agency, which is part of the Department of Defense, announced Tuesday that it will grant a total of $46.4 million to a number of organizations, including Pitt, to validate synthetic blood for human blood transfusions. The project is led by the University of Maryland, Baltimore, and consists of 12 universities and labs in total. Severe blood loss results in 30,000 preventable deaths each year, said Dr. Philip Spinella, one of three lead Pitt faculty members on the DARPA project. Research by Dr. Spinella, professor of surgery and critical care medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, co-director of the Trauma and Transfusion Medicine Center and associate medical director of the Center for Military Medicine Research at Pitt, has shown that blood loss due to trauma is the leading cause of death in both military personnel and civilians ages 1 to 46. Nine 9/11 events a year is whats occurring, Dr. Spinella said in regard to deaths from blood loss. Scientists have tried for years without real success to make synthetic blood, and the technology has never been tested in humans. But Pitt researchers think that creating the individual components of blood and then combining them will get researchers closer to their goal. The funding will last four years, after which time researchers expect to have a proposal they hope will lead to FDA approval to test the synthetic blood in humans. They anticipate testing the synthetic blood in human patients in six to eight years. When blood donations decline as we have seen during the COVID pandemic that threatens availability everywhere, even in high resource settings, Cmdr. Jean-Paul Chretien, DARPA program manager and Navy medical officer, said in a news release about the project. Blood availability also could be at risk in military engagements with large numbers of casualties, with a sudden and significant increase in need. Theres a shortage of viable blood for people who need blood transfusions, not just for trauma patients. Last year, the American Red Cross announced a blood shortage amid the Omicron surge that led to delayed critical care for patients. In a Wednesday news release, the Red Cross said the winter season often drives blood donations down and urged civilians to donate, particularly O-blood-type donors. There are hospitals I can see from my window in Oakland that have blood shortages, said Dr. Matthew Neal, associate professor of surgery at Pitts School of Medicine and a UPMC trauma surgeon. For patients who are bleeding, access to this resource is severely limited. The Post-Gazette recently reported on a pilot program that would allow ambulances around the city to carry whole blood. KaloCyte Inc., co-founded by Pitts Dr. Philip Spinella, has developed an artificial red blood cell.( Kalocyte Inc.) Two main barriers to stocking blood banks are typing and storage, issues synthetic blood would eliminate. To make synthetic whole blood, researchers are working on formulating the individual components red blood cells, plasma and platelets and then combining them back into a dried powder form. This will allow for longer-term storage over years (versus days for human blood). Synthetic blood would not require typing and therefore allows for treatment of more patients. Each component of the dried blood could be combined in different proportions to treat various bleeding conditions, from postpartum hemorrhage to blood loss from a gunshot wound. And when scientists make synthetic blood, they intend to remove the proteins that cause the bodys immune system to reject it: The product will be immune silent, said Dr. Spinella. Synthetic blood first needs to be validated in an animal model and examined under a microscope in a lab setting. Dr. Susan Shea, assistant professor of surgery and bioengineering at Pitt, will be in charge of this task in her microfluidics lab examining blood flow, which part of the funding will cover. A big role is to make sure the clotting function works, she said. UPMC and Pitt have a unique and strong collaboration between the clinical side and the bioengineering department, which is a particular strength. Drs. Neal and Spinella run the Trauma and Transfusion Medicine Center at Pitt, a decades-long leader in transfusion care in the U.S. This is literally what we live and breathe, said Dr. Neal. For its role in the project, Pitt will act as a centralized blood bank supporting other lab centers involved with their supply of the components, as well as continue conducting its own research on creating the synthetic blood product. Dr. Spinella is the co-founder of biotech startup KaloCyte Inc., which also received DARPA funding. He said KaloCyte has developed an artificial red blood cell that can be dried for synthetic blood. Dried plasma, which helps to stop bleeding and maintain the health of blood, was used on World War II battlefields, and dried platelets are in the process of being validated, something Dr. Neal has been working on for the past seven years. How you put them together is kind of the trick, said Dr. Spinella. Thats what this project will help us with. Biotech company Haima Therapeutics, in Cleveland, Ohio, is also receiving funding; Dr. Neal is on its scientific advisory board. Dr. Matt Kutcher, an associate professor of surgery and emergency medicine at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, a trauma surgeon and an ICU doctor, said dried synthetic blood that is shelf stable will make a big difference to people living in rural areas. The University of Mississippi Medical Center is the only level 1 trauma center and childrens hospital in the state. If someone gets in a car accident or gets shot and is one-and-a-half hours away from the nearest medical centers, all our knowledge about what works doesnt matter, he said. Its not that we dont know what to do, its that we dont have the logistics to get to everyone who needs help as quickly as possible. A dried synthetic blood product, he said, could be carried by a medic in a backpack or stored on ambulances. The availability of an artificial substance that you can keep on a shelf really, really matters especially in rural America, said Dr. Kutcher. He also said that Drs. Shea, Neal and Spinella, as well as Dr. Anirban Sen Gupta of Case Western Reserve University, who developed a synthetic platelet product, were super geniuses and known thought-leaders in the field. Dr. Kutcher also runs a National Institutes of Health-funded lab studying clotting abnormalities of blood. These experts are highly sought after, he said. Anything they have to say, we listen. While clinical trials can take many years, Dr. Kutcher said that because work has already begun on making the individual components of the product, the technology could make its way into human trials quicker. Thats why its so important to have a big government agency coordinating and optimizing trials, he said. Im really excited that theyre putting their heads together. Dr. Neal called the project a challenge of implementation. It really has to be seamless, he said. This funding prioritizes high-risk, high-reward science. Only through a program of this size with the backing of DARPA can a product like this come to fruition. We are laser-focused on the science of resuscitating bleeding patients and making sure no one dies from bleeding, said Dr. Neal. (c)2023 the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Visit at www.post-gazette.com WASHINGTON, D.C. (Tribune News Service) House leadership has chosen Congressman Seth Moulton to be a part of the new House Select Committee on China. Earlier this year, the House voted to create the committee on a bipartisan basis and will focus on the Chinese Communist Partys (CCP) economic, technological, and security priorities and ongoing competition with the United States, according to a press release announcing Moultons selection. Moulton previously led a Bipartisan Congressional Delegation to Taiwan, Guam, and the Philippines in October, and Co-Chaired the Bipartisan Future of Defense Task Force in 2020. In a statement, he talked about diminishing the security threat posed by the CCP. President Xi and the Chinese Communist Party have made clear, in their words and their actions, that they want to replace the United States as the lone superpower and reshape the global order in favor of authoritarianism. And they have no qualms about over-running human rights, liberal valuesor entire nations, like Taiwanthat lie in their path, said Congressman Moulton. This makes the challenge posed by the CCP the greatest security threat of our time. We need to meet this unprecedented challenge with a unified diplomatic, economic, and military strategy that preserves American leadership and avoids war with China. As we celebrate the allied success in Ukraine, we must admit that, in Europe, deterrence failed. As a veteran who knows the horrors of war firsthand, I am committed to ensuring that deterrence doesnt fail in the Pacific. Former Secretary of Defense and CIA Director Leon Panetta endorsed Moulton for a seat on the committee and pointed to Moultons experience as a Veteran who served in Iraq. As a Marine Corps veteran with four tours of combat experience in Iraq, Moulton is exactly what the national security community needs: a Democrat with the credibility to make hard decisions and speak with authority on the nations most critical security challenge, Panetta wrote. There are also few other members with the level of political acumen, relevant oversight experience, and academic background embodied by Moulton. After returning from Taiwan, Guam, and the Philippines in October, Moulton expressed that the U.S needed to act quickly in order to provide a strategy to prevent war with China. He expressed his gratitude for being selected to the committee. This is one of my utmost policy priorities in the coming Congress, and I am honored to have been selected to serve on the Committee. I look forward to working with Chairman Gallagher and colleagues on both sides of the aisle, added Moulton. National security must be a bipartisan issue. (c)2023 Daily Item, Lynn, Mass. Visit Daily Item, Lynn, Mass. at www.itemlive.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. (Tribune News Service) Steven Weitzman is going to bring a civil rights icon to life in the U.S. Capitol. Weitzman, 70, has been a full-time artist since he was 19 and its the only job hes ever known. The Montgomery County, Maryland, resident has produced sculptures at his Prince Georges County studio of other deceased, well-known Black leaders, such as four-time D.C. Mayor Marion Barry and abolitionist Frederick Douglass. It was preordained with me, Weitzman said. Going to school, [it was] me just waiting, waiting, waiting, going through the motions to grow up enough to get out of school so I can be an artist. The bronze Douglass statue stands in the U.S. Capitol Visitor Centers Emancipation Hall, where it was installed in 2013. A decade later, Weitzman has been tapped to produce a statue of Barbara Rose Johns, who as a 16-year-old girl played a pivotal role in the downfall of segregated schooling, for the Commission For Historical Statues in the United States Capitol. Johns died in 1991. Johns image will replace Robert E. Lee, who stood in Statuary Hall until 2020 as the representative of Virginia; the state is also represented by George Washington. Three years prior, in Baltimore, former Mayor Catherine Pugh had four Confederate-linked monuments removed in the middle of the night on the heels of the fatal white supremacist march in Charlottesville, Virginia. One of the statues featured Lee and his fellow Confederate Gen. Thomas Stonewall Jackson. Johns attended the segregated Robert Russa Moton High School in Farmville, Virginia, which later became a museum. According to the Robert Russa Moton Museum, Johns led her classmates on a strike on April 23, 1951, to protest the schools poor facilities, shabby equipment and no science laboratories or separate gymnasium. She was ahead of her time. A lot of the pivotal moments in the civil rights movement had yet to take place, said Cameron Patterson, the museums executive director. Barbara Johns and her classmates played an incredible role in such a pivotal moment in American history. The students worked with lawyers Spottswood William Robinson III and Oliver Hill, who filed a lawsuit in federal court: Davis v. County School Board of Prince Edward County. That case was one of the five the U.S. Supreme Court reviewed in delivering the Brown v. Board of Education decision that ruled segregation unconstitutional. It was the only case spurred by a student movement, Patterson said. Weitzman said his statue aims to capture the moment the mild-mannered Johns called upon 450 of her classmates to walk out. One of her hands will be balled in a fist, the other holding a book above her head, as she prepares to become one of the catalysts for desegregation in America. While Weitzman came up with the sculptures design, Johns was chosen by the Commission For Historical Statues in the United States Capitol. Julie Langan is the director of the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, which supports the commission. She said the commission received hundreds of nominations that produced 83 different subject suggestions from which Johns was chosen. The commission unanimously chose Weitzman to produce Johns statue from among 10 detailed proposals, Langan said. From the beginning, we heard people voice the desire that we hire a Virginia artist and that we hire an African American artist, but that was never going to override our commitment to finding the most highly skilled sculptor for this commission. So we werent bound by those qualifications, Langan said. His presentation just really resonated with the commission. Weitzman, who said producing the sculpture is an unbelievable honor, said being white does not keep him from being sensitive to the history of the treatment of Black people and other minorities in America. Weitzman has produced art of Black wood carver Elijah Pierce, Chief Niwot of the Southern Arapaho tribe and civil rights icon Rosa Parks. I see the world in full color, Weitzman said. I get the cultural differences of everybody. But I dont see those cultural differences as a detriment. I see those cultural differences as a benefit for all of us because were one diverse group of people together. Weitzman has few photographs of Johns as a teenager to use as a reference. He invited Johns siblings to come to his Brentwood studio and guide his clay molding of Johns face. Well just sit and talk. Well have pictures, videos, whatever we have around us. Ill have the little clay portrait of her and Ill just start to sculpt, Weitzman said. And in the end, hopefully itll all resolve into the Barbara Johns that they know. Johns family could not be reached for comment. The Virginia General Assembly has allocated $500,000 for the Johns project, including the costs of removing Lee and unveiling the new statue, Langan said. The sculpture will be completed between the end of 2023 and mid-2024, Weitzman said. There are many school-aged children that tour the Capitol on a daily basis and to be able to look up at a statue of a young person who did what she did at such a young age, 16 years of age, I hope that that speaks to those that walk through the Capitol doors, Patterson said. Its a great example that big or small, your contributions towards improving your community can be really impactful and really important. 2023 The Baltimore Sun. Visit at baltimoresun.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The U.S. keeps saying it wants to set a "floor" under the relationship with China. Its recent moves against Beijing and new pressure from Congress make achieving that look increasingly unlikely. Two months after President Joe Biden met Xi Jinping in Bali with a promise to arrest a slide in ties, the world's two biggest economies and preeminent superpowers have been unable or unwilling to halt a cycle of suspicion and provocation. That's renewing doubts ahead of talks next week in Beijing about the possibility that the relationship will ever return to normalcy. The U.S. is pressing ahead with a campaign to limit China's access to sensitive semiconductor technology, by both limiting exports U.S. companies can send to China and marshaling Japan and the Netherlands to restrict the sale of advanced chip-making equipment. China has largely held off punching back but has shown a willingness to violate Western sanctions against the purchase of Iranian oil and, according to U.S. officials, deepening its economic ties with Russia despite the invasion of Ukraine. "Neither capital has indicated that they are prepared to compromise," said Drew Thompson, a former U.S. Defense Department official responsible for China and currently a senior fellow at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy in Singapore. All of this makes for a tense environment for Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to China next week, the first high-level U.S. encounter there since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. It's another step in China's reopening since it shed its Zero COVID strategy, and it may help pave the way for another Biden-Xi meeting at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in the U.S. later this year. "This is the most consequential bilateral relationship in the world," U.S. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said this week. He said the two sides would look for modest gains such as expanded contacts over climate change and between their militaries. Josef Gregory Mahoney, a politics professor at Shanghai's East China Normal University, had a different take: "Perhaps it's more like a court-mandated meeting with an ex-spouse." The last time a secretary of state visited Beijing was in October 2018, when former President Donald Trump's top diplomat, Michael Pompeo, had a testy exchange with Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Wang accused the U.S. of having "damaged our mutual trust" and Pompeo was snubbed by Xi, who broke with precedent and declined to meet with him. By contrast, Blinken is expected to be greeted by Xi. U.S. officials have played down expectations for Blinken's Beijing visit, emphasizing that it's mostly symbolic. They've described it as solely an effort to show the Biden administration is committed to keeping channels of communication open. The U.S. hopes to see deeper cooperation with China on controlling the global shipment of precursor chemicals used in fentanyl, which has fueled the U.S. synthetic opioid crisis, a senior State Department official said on Thursday. Engagement with Beijing on the issue dropped off almost entirely as relations between the countries worsened in recent years, this person said, declining to be named to speak candidly. The U.S. and China may agree to allow visa holders to stay longer and add to the number of flights between the countries, veteran U.S. diplomat and trade negotiator Wendy Cutler told Bloomberg Television's "Balance of Power With David Westin" on Monday. "This is a journey," said Cutler, a vice president at the Asia Society. "We should not expect any breakthroughs." The Biden administration has privately confronted the Chinese government over evidence that the U.S. says shows some of the country's state-owned enterprises have been aiding Russia's war efforts in Ukraine. Blinken will push his Chinese counterparts on the matter and make clear that the U.S. is watching, officials said. The meeting may be more important for China than it is for the U.S. China looking to spur flagging economic growth and emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic for good has a strong interest in making it at least look like relations are getting back on track. Xi's abrupt shift toward a more growth-first strategy since securing a third term as Communist Party leader has helped propel a dramatic turnaround in markets. The MSCI China Index, which had slumped to an 11-year low in October, has gained more than 50% in subsequent weeks, becoming one of the world's best-performing gauges. Beijing is urging common ground for the sake of the global economic recovery, the Communist Party's flagship newspaper said. The U.S. hasn't "let go of its obsession with treating China as a so-called strategic competitor," the People's Daily said in a commentary Wednesday, adding that "blind anti-China approaches will not work." Blinken simply setting foot in China may be enough to calm rising tensions, said Wang Huiyao, the founder of the Center for China and Globalization, a policy research group in Beijing. In past interactions, U.S. and Chinese diplomats talked past each other, Wang said. "This is very important the image, the hand-shaking, the meeting taking place in China," he added. The muted expectations highlight the challenges of Biden's "three C's" strategy to compete, contest and cooperate. While the U.S. wants to pressure China over national security issues, it's far from certain that it can do so and also get China's help on pressing global issues such as climate change. Any tangible improvement will be hampered by the widely shared view in Washington now incorporated in Pentagon doctrine that Beijing poses the main threat to the U.S. A four-star Air Force General, Mike Minihan, fanned the tensions with a note to his staff last month, predicting war with China. "I hope I am wrong," Minihan wrote to his staff. "My gut tells me we will fight in 2025." U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has promised to visit Taiwan, in a replay of a visit last year by his predecessor as speaker, Nancy Pelosi. Her trip sent relations into a spiral, sparking retaliatory Chinese military exercises and leading Beijing to cancel a range of working-level discussions. One of the first acts after Republicans won control of the House was to create a committee whose sole role will be to address what's described as the rising threat posed by China. It will be chaired by Representative Mike Gallagher, who's among lawmakers who want to ban the China-owned TikTok social media app from U.S. phones. He's also interested in the type of symbolic moves that infuriate China, and may even arrange a committee hearing in Taiwan. Even if Blinken's visit calms the rhetoric between Washington and Beijing, neither side is expected to change positions on any of the fundamental disagreements fueling U.S.-China tensions and Beijing may play nice simply to focus on challenges at home. "To the extent that there's sort of the appearance of a lowering of tensions, I think it is tactical and near-term and is mostly a reflection of the fact that the Chinese have a ton of their own problems to deal with," said Ryan Hass, a former U.S. diplomat who was a White House adviser on Asia during the Obama administration and is now a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. Colum Murphy, Xiao Zibang and John Cheng contributed to this report. Sign Up for Daily Headlines Sign up to receive a daily email of today's top military news stories from Stars and Stripes and top news outlets from around the world. Sign Up Now A man faces felony charges after police served a search warrant on his camper in Washington County and allegedly discovered multiple meth-making materials along with suspected fentanyl and meth. Richard Charles Ide, 49, of House Springs, was charged with the manufacture of a controlled substance, possession of methamphetamine precursors, and possession of a controlled substance. According to a probable cause statement from the Washington County Sheriffs Office, on Jan. 26, detectives with Jefferson County Municipal Enforcement Group (JCMEG) served a residential search warrant at a property in the Woodland Lakes subdivision. Authorities believed Ide was inside a camper on the lot, according to the report. During the execution of the search warrant, the report states, Ide was located inside the camper. Police reportedly found Ides identification and wallet inside the camper, as well as photographs of the man. The report states police searched the camper and found a white powder substance that field tested positive for fentanyl. Investigators also discovered two clear plastic baggies of a white crystal substance that field tested positive for methamphetamine. Further search of the camper revealed performance starting fluid, Coleman camp fuel, one-hundred percent lye, heavy-duty drain opener (sulfuric acid), cold packs, and several packs of lithium batteries, according to police. The report states a JCMEG detective, who is trained and certified in identifying the items, was on the scene and confirmed all the items found were consistent with manufacturing methamphetamine. Authorities also found a clear trash bag inside the camper containing several damaged lithium AA batteries and an open cold pack containing chemical-soaked paper towels. The detective said the items were consistent with the process of manufacturing methamphetamine within a few days. It was noted in the report that the trash containing the damaged lithium batteries gave off a distinct odor that is associated with the manufacturing of methamphetamine. Ide was booked at the Washington County Jail and a $100,000 bond was set in the case. The bond request in the charging documents identified Ide as a flight risk since he does not live in the area. The man appeared in court on Monday, where he pleaded not guilty to the charges and applied for a public defender to represent him in the case. He is due again in court on Feb. 7 for a bond reduction hearing. A search of Ides criminal history showed previous arrests and convictions for drug-related offenses, including two recent arrests for alleged meth possession. In 2013, the man was indicted in federal court for the sale or distribution of methamphetamine. Filings indicate he was sentenced to serve four years in prison, followed by three years of supervised probation. Court records show Ide pleaded guilty in 2010 to the distribution/delivery/manufacturing of a controlled substance in Jefferson County. He was ordered to serve 15 years in prison but was released after a year when he completed a treatment program. The man was then placed on five years of supervised probation which he later violated in 2014, receiving the remainder of his initial 15-year term. Ide has other previous convictions in St. Francois, Jefferson, and St. Louis counties for crimes including possession of a controlled substance, unlawful use of drug paraphernalia, and resisting arrest for a felony, according to records. Kim Murrin (30) deceived the SNAs when her life spiralled out of control Kim Murrin, 30yrs, of Ballymcgowan, Letterkenny, Donegal, pictured at the Criminal Courts of Justice (CCJ) on Parkgate Street in Dublin after a court appearance. Pic: Paddy Cummins/PCPhoto.ie Paddy Cummins - PCPhoto.ie Kim Murrin of Ballymcgowan, Letterkenny, Donegal, pictured at the Criminal Courts of Justice (CCJ) on Parkgate Street in Dublin after a court appearance. Pic: Paddy Cummins/PCPhoto.ie Paddy Cummins - PCPhoto.ie A GAMBLING-addicted teacher who defrauded three special needs assistants in her school out of 2,000 has been spared jail or a criminal record. Kim Murrin (30) deceived the SNAs when her life spiralled out of control and she built up a 40,000 gambling debt. Judge Bryan Smyth applied the Probation Act, leaving her without convictions, after hearing Murrin had paid full compensation and wanted to return to teaching. However, he refused to go further and dismiss the charges, remarking that the crimes had been a breach of her colleagues trust. Murrin, from Ballymcgowan, Letterkenny, Co Donegal had admitted charges of deception and theft. Three of the charges related to deceiving SNAs, who transferred money electronically via Revolut for goods that were never received. The offences last September and October took place at a north Dublin national school where the accused was working. Separately, Murrin admitted the theft of fuel worth 15 from a service station. Kim Murrin, 30yrs, of Ballymcgowan, Letterkenny, Donegal, pictured at the Criminal Courts of Justice (CCJ) on Parkgate Street in Dublin after a court appearance. Pic: Paddy Cummins/PCPhoto.ie Paddy Cummins - PCPhoto.ie She had pleaded guilty to the charges earlier and the case came back before Dublin District Court for a probation report. The court had heard in mitigation that Murrin suffered a lot of tragedies and had lost family members, her lawyer said. There was also a "very frightening" incident in 2019 when two convicted killers on day release broke into her home. Murrin developed significant gambling debts but had since sought help to mend her ways, the lawyer said. Read more Teacher with gambling problem admits deceiving three colleagues out of over 2,000 Brave victim tells of her horror at the hands of two murderers on day release There had been adverse press attention following her sentence hearing and Murrin had left her job but hoped to get back into schoolteaching. If convicted she would never work as a teacher again. The accused had been arrested at school, was in custody for a time and it was a traumatic experience for her, the court heard. When Judge Smyth indicated he would apply the Probation Act, the lawyer asked him to instead consider finding the facts proven and dismiss the charges. She said Section 1.1 of the Act resulted in cases remaining on the garda Pulse records and could stop people travelling. Murrin was prepared to make a charitable donation in addition to the compensation she had already paid in full. She wanted to have no stain on her record so she could teach again, the lawyer said, adding that she accepted "what I'm asking is a big ask." "I'm afraid that is the best I'm going to do," the judge said of the Probation Act. "I appreciate the circumstances in which these matters arose, there was certainly a breach of trust in relation to her colleagues," Judge Smyth said. He set recognisances in the event of an appeal. Dowdalls legal team applied to have the appeal against his sentence adjourned to await the outcome of the trial of Gerry Hutch. Ex-Sinn Fein councillor Jonathan Dowdall, who took to the stand for eight days as State's evidence in the trial of Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch, has had his appeal against his jail term for facilitating the murder of Kinahan Cartel member David Byrne put back until after judgement in Mr Hutch's trial. In December of last year, Dowdall launched his appeal against his four-year jail-term for facilitating the Hutch gang in the notorious murder of Byrne and had a hearing date for the appeal fixed for February 20. Dowdall pleaded guilty at the Special Criminal Court to making a room available to the Hutch gang at the Regency Hotel, Swords Road, north Dublin, where the murder of Byrne (34) occurred in February 2016. He had been originally charged with the murder of Byrne but the State dropped that charge after Dowdall admitted to the lesser facilitation role. Last October, Dowdall (44) of Navan Road, Cabra, Dublin 7, was sentenced before the three-judge court to four years' imprisonment after he pleaded guilty on September 9 last to the facilitation offence. At the brief hearing at the Court of Appeal this morning, Gemma McLoughlin-Burke BL, for Dowdall, who did not attend, applied to have the appeal against his sentence adjourned to await the outcome of the trial of Mr Hutch. The court of Appeal then sent the matter to the next list to fix dates on March 27. Dowdall was being assessed for the Witness Protection Programme when he gave evidence for the State against his former friend and one-time co-accused, Mr Hutch, who denies the murder of Mr Byrne. The State concluded its case against Mr Hutch on January 24 after 13 weeks of evidence. When sentencing Dowdall at the Special Criminal Court last October, presiding judge Mr Justice Tony Hunt noted that the former electrician knew that he was assisting "a serious criminal organisation" and that he had received and followed instructions to obtain the hotel room at the Regency Hotel. "He gave a key card to another member of the criminal organisation and made a room available to a leading gang member. "The consequences of the assistance were particularly grave," he added. Mr Justice Hunt said Dowdall was "complicit in the crime" despite maintaining that he was not aware of the purpose or the significance for which the room in the Regency was to be used. Referring to a submission by counsel for Dowdall that no "injustice" would be done by giving his client a suspended sentence due to exceptional circumstances of the case, Mr Justice Hunt said that "regrettably" the court could not accept this. A courtroom sketch of Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch during his trial PA The offer of assistance to the prosecution, he emphasised, did not justify a wholly suspended sentence. Mr Justice Hunt said Dowdall had previously committed "serious crimes of violence" and that he was not a person of previous good character. Both Jonathan and his father, Patrick Dowdall (65), of the same address, have previous convictions for false imprisonment, threatening to kill and causing serious harm from January 2015. Patrick Dowdall was jailed for two years for his facilitation role in the Regency murder by the Special Criminal Court in October. The non-jury court also accepted that Jonathan Dowdall's service of the custodial sentence will "undoubtedly create difficulties" for his partner and family but Mr Justice Hunt said that this was part of the consequences of the crime. David Byrne was killed in the Regency Hotel attack The judge said that the "extraordinary additional factor" was Jonathan Dowdall's decision to make a formal statement to gardai and give evidence against others. The three-judge court accepted that "the immediate and lasting effect of assistance to the authorities" had placed Jonathan Dowdall and his family "in significant peril, something which will continue after his release from prison". The sentence hearing was told that Room 2104 in the Regency Hotel was booked in the name of Patrick Dowdall on February 4, 2016, one day before Mr Byrne's murder. Patrick Dowdall's mobile phone number was also on the hotel's system, while a credit card connected to a family member of the Dowdalls had been used to secure the booking over the phone. At that hearing, Michael O'Higgins SC, for Dowdall, said the decision for Jonathan Dowdall to give a statement to gardai had placed a "very, very heavy burden" on Dowdall and his family, that his client was facing a "pretty grim" future and that he would never again live in Ireland. "In effect, it's like taking your life and standing it on its head," he added. The lawyer also said his clients agreement to testify had "very dark consequences" for the Dowdalls and that his life was "effectively over". Mr O'Higgins added that his client would be living in "permanent exile" and have to spend his life looking over his shoulder. Dowdall was convicted under Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act, that he did "on February 4, 2016, within the State and with knowledge of the existence of a criminal organisation, participated in, or contributed to, activity intending to, or being reckless as to whether such participation or contribution could facilitate the commission of a serious offence by that criminal organisation or any of its members, to wit: the murder of David Byrne by making a room available at the Regency Hotel, Drumcondra, Dublin 9, for that criminal organisation or its members". Wicklow man Dan Horan told the court he hadnt set out to do anything sinister or evil on the night A marketing manager and panto performer who sexually assaulted a man who fell asleep at a house party has been jailed for three years. Dan Horan (31), with an address at Slievecorragh, Hollywood, Co. Wicklow took to the stand in January to say he hadnt set out to do anything sinister or evil on the night he sexually assaulted a man who had fallen asleep at a house party in Naas, Co. Kildare, in 2020. He appeared again before Judge Mary OMalley Costello at Naas Circuit Court on Wednesday where she sentenced him to four years and six months with 18 month suspended. Horan, who worked as marketing manager for Mondello Park and has starred in a number of pantos, had initially denied carrying out the attack but admitted his guilt on the day his trial was due to get underway last year. The victim, who was 26 when Horan sexually assaulted him, told the court that he was left living in a nightmare and lost the joy for life after the attack and criticised Horan for waiting two years to admit his guilt. In his victim impact statement, the victim said it was impossible to summarise in words the devastating impact the sexual assault had on him. He told how he was angry and bitter over what happened and explained how difficult it was having to tell family. He described his feelings of hopelessness, shame and embarrassment of being a victim of sexual assault. He also told how he had enjoyed life before Horan sexually assaulted him. I dont know if Ill ever be the same. He detailed how he struggled to sleep, his studies were affected and he gained weight after turning to comfort eating and binge eating following the attack. Dan Horan on a panto poster He also told how the attack also had a bad effect on his family, partner and friends. He said the fact that Horan initially denied carrying out the attack caused him great anger. it proves you have little remorse. Why did you not have the common decency to admit what you did sooner? He said is now trying to move on with his life. I will not let what you did define me. At another hearing last month, prosecuting barrister Seoirse O Dunlaing BL told Naas Circuit Court that the incident took place at a house party in Naas in July 2020. Around a dozen people had been at the party including the victim and his girlfriend and Horan who had not known his victim before that night. A number of people went to sleep and Horan and his victim were among the last still awake before the victim passed out on a bed in the house. Around 6am, the victims girlfriend went looking for him and when she went into a room, she saw her boyfriend asleep with his jeans and underwear pulled down and Horan who was fully clothed was rubbing the victims penis. She screamed and Horan jumped up and ran out of the room. The victims girlfriend, who was upset and crying, shook him to wake him up and gave him his clothes. The victim was still in a daze when he woke up but became extremely upset when he came through and realised what had happened. Other people who had been at the party and woke up after hearing the commotion tried to calm him down in the kitchen of the house. At one stage Horan had gone back up to a room in the house and locked the door before falling asleep. He subsequently left the house. The victim went to gardai and reported what had happened. The court heard his clothes were forensically examined and Horans DNA was found in saliva in his underwear. The morning after the incident the victims girlfriend sent Horan a Whatsapp accusing him of sexually assaulting her boyfriend. Horan messaged back saying: I dont know what happened. I was very drunk and stoned. Can you send me his number? Ill apologise. Horan was later arrested and denied carrying out the sexual assault for two years but he eventually admitted his guilt on the day the trial got underway last year. Horans barrister Maurice Coffey told a previous court hearing that his client didnt realise the effect that delaying his guilty plea had on his victim until hearing the victim impact statement. He was extraordinarily afraid of the process, genuinely afraid of the process and still is. He said Horan was frightened in the aftermath of what happened but subsequently realised what he did was wrong. He is ashamed of what he done and deeply regrets what he done. He said his client didnt set out that night to carry out a sexual assault and added that while it was not an excuse, he had drank a lot of alcohol. He said it was very clear the victim played no role in what happened and couldnt have consented to what happened to him. Horan took the stand at his sentencing hearing to directly apologise to his victim after hearing his victim impact statement. He said he had not realised how much distress he caused by delaying his guilty plea until the day of the trial last July. "I wholeheartedly apologise for that and am completely empathetic. He said that in the aftermath of the sex attack he wrongly believed what he did was consensual but after going to counselling and getting an insight into what happened he now realised that was not the case. He said he hadnt set out to do anything sinister or evil that night but he takes full responsibility for what he did. I wholeheartedly apologise for the pain I caused to you and your family. He said alcohol played a part in his actions and he has since stopped drinking. It was an alcohol fuelled party that went on for hours. Since then I made changes. He said he wanted to apologise to everyone he caused distress including the victim, his partner and family. Mr Coffey said his client has an honours degree in marketing and works as a marking manager. He said he was of erstwhile good character and had no other convictions. He added that lives in his family home and is effectively a carer for his mother, who has ill health, as his father travels for work during the week. He said Horan has not drank alcohol or taken drugs for the past year. Horan also offered 15,000 as a token of his remorse. Mr K Kawshigan filed a lawsuit against Ms Nora Tan Shu Mei for allegedly traumatising him when he found out that she only saw him as a friend A Singapore man has sued a woman for $3 million (2,089,442) after she friendzoned him. Mr K Kawshigan filed a lawsuit against Ms Nora Tan Shu Mei in the High Court for allegedly traumatising him when he found out that she only saw him as a friend. He had also previously sued Ms Tan before the Magistrate's Court for $22,000 (15,335) in damages for breaching an agreement to improve their relationship although this was later struck out, Channel News Asia reports. According to court documents, Mr Kawshigan claimed that Ms Tans rejection had caused him trauma, depression and impacts to his life over a two-year period, as well as damaging his stellar reputation. The $3 million figure also covered indefinite loss of potential investments amounting to $1.2 million. Mr Kawshigan first met Ms Tan in a social setting in 2016 and the pair became friends. However, they became misaligned about how they saw their relationship in September 2020 as Ms Tan saw Mr Kawshigan as a friend but Mr Kawshigan considered them to be much closer, said deputy registrar Lewis Tan. Ms Tan then suggested that they reduce their interactions and establish boundaries, offending Mr Kawshigan, who felt this would mean taking a step back in their relationship. In exchanges laid out in the judgment, Ms Tan told Mr Kawshigan that her discomfort is genuine, to which Mr Kawshigan replied: "Your discomfort is as fake as the cause." Mr Kawshigan said that Ms Tan truly hurt him and claimed she was the cause of my trauma. He then threatened legal action against Tan, but this was postponed as he then arranged for Ms Tan to attend counselling sessions. Ms Tan kept up with the meaningless and futile sessions with Mr Kawshigans counsellor for a year and a half but stopped after she became frustrated with Mr Kawshigan's "unreasonable requests". According to Channel News Asia, Ms Tan initiated harassment proceedings against Mr Kawshigan sometime before April 2022. In response, Mr Kawshigan messaged Ms Tan alluding to a potential claim with strong legal basis against her and asked her to send him an improvement summary listing ways that he could change his behaviour. Ms Tan reported back the following day with a list of improvements including not trivialising your pain and hurt and meeting up based on mutual availability, beyond coffee settings. When Ms Tan later attempted to maintain a distance, Mr Kawshigan sent her a letter in June 2022 informing her that he was making an offer of amicable resolution before filing a civil action suit against her. Ms Tan did not reply to the offer to settle, and Mr Kawshigan initiated the High Court action against her on July 7 of last year. Meanwhile, Ms Tan obtained an expedited protection order against Mr Kawshigan and filed a defence and counterclaim against his action. She said Mr Kawshigan had harassed her by sending threatening messages saying she had to maintain communications with him or face court. Deputy registrar Lewis Tan said Mr Kawshigan filed the suit because he refused to accept the fact that Ms Tan no longer wants to have contact with him. According to Ms Tan's lawyers, the High Court ordered Mr Kawshigan on Tuesday to pay costs of $14,000 (9,803) to Ms Tan. Ms Tan also has a long-term personal protection order application against Mr Kawshigan and has separately lodged a magistrates complaint against him. The High Court suit is due to be heard in February. John Spud Murphy (63) was taken from his cell to face questioning by officers with the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation Shamed ex-garda and convicted drug dealer John Spud Murphy has been interviewed by gardai over his suspected links to Gerry The Monk Hutch, it has emerged. Murphy (63) who is now housed in the Midlands Prison in Portlaoise, is serving a six-and-a-half year sentence after pleading guilty to possession of 260,000 worth of cannabis at his Dublin home in 2021. Last Tuesday, the shamed former detective was taken from his cell to a Dublin garda station to face questioning by officers with the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation. It is reported that gardai are probing Murphys links to Gerry The Monk Hutch and if confidential information was passed onto the gang. NCBI detectives are understood to be gathering evidence of the former gardas links with Hutch and are investigating if the Monk could be charged with directing a crime gang. Gardai said they arrested a man aged in his 60s yesterday. "He was subsequently detained at a Dublin Garda Station. A file will now be prepared for the DPP," they added. Murphy as a serving Garda Gerry Hutch is currently on remand in prison awaiting a verdict in the Regency Hotel murder trial. Hutch has denied a charge of murdering drug dealer David Byrne when a five-man hit team, three of whom were dressed as gardai and armed with AK-47s, attacked a weigh-in at the Regency Hotel on February 5, 2016. Last month, the non-jury court adjourned on the 52nd day of the trial, after hearing closing speeches from defence counsel representing Mr Hutchs co-accused Jason Bonney (52) and Paul Murphy (61). Mr Bonney and Mr Murphy have pleaded not guilty to participating or contributing to the murder of David Byrne by providing getaway vehicles for the killer gang. The three judges will deliver their verdicts in just over 12 weeks time on April 17, which is five days after Mr Hutchs 60th birthday. It has since emerged that the DPP is contemplating bringing charges against a number of other people suspected to have been involved in the Regency Hotel attack. However, the State prosecutor is unlikely to make any further moves until the Special Criminal delivers its verdict in the prosecution of Gerry Hutch and two other men in April. The verdicts will be anxiously awaited by investigating gardai and the DPP, before decisions are made on whether to proceed with charges against other individuals suspected of being involved in the attack. In particular they will be watching the courts assessment of state witness, former Sinn Fein councillor Jonathan Dowdall, who testified against Mr Hutch before Christmas. Security sources revealed that the verdict will be closely scrutinised, especially with regard to Dowdalls credibility. A decision will then be made if he is to testify in future trials of alleged gang members. Ms Justice Tara Burns said it had been a long and difficult trial before remanding Mr Hutch in custody and his two co-accused on continuing bail. Murphy is suspected of working with the Hutch gang and providing them with confidential Garda information through his contacts in the force. The investigation into leaking of information to the Hutch gang is ongoing and sources say there are expected to be further charges in the case. Murphy Murphys links to the Hutch gang are believed to stretch back to when he was still a serving officer. Murphy was jailed last October after being caught holding cannabis resin worth nearly 260k. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that John Murphy (62) had built up financial debts of 855,000 due to poor business decisions made in the 10 years after he retired from the force. Michael O'Higgins SC, defending, said that Murphy had whatever the opposite of the Midas touch is and that any investments he made went down the drain. Counsel said that Murphy was consuming large amounts of alcohol every day for as long as anyone could remember and was a functioning alcoholic. He said his drinking had clouded his judgement and brought him to this sorry pass. Judge Martin Nolan said that Murphy was holding the drugs for some type of financial reward in order to alleviate his debts but that he should have known better. Murphy came forward to the circuit court on signed guilty pleas entered at Dublin District Court to an offence of possession for sale or supply of cannabis at his home in Clontarf, north Dublin on September 29, 2021. Garda Inspector Brian Hanley from the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation told Maddie Grant BL, prosecuting, that in September 2021, gardai acting on foot of confidential information obtained a warrant to search Murphy's home. During the search they found eight bags of cannabis herb in a bag in the walk-in wardrobe of an upstairs bedroom. Seven vacuum packed bags of cannabis were found hidden in a coal bunker at the back of the house and another five bags of cannabis were found in Murphy's car. The court heard that CCTV footage was harvested from an industrial estate in Co Meath showing Murphy collecting the bags of cannabis and putting them into his car. Bradley warned those attending a planned protest in his native Finglas not to bring weapons as it will ruin what we started". Gangland criminal Wayne Bradley called for weapons to be left at home as he joined an anti-migrant protest that took place in Finglas last night. Bradley, who was a close associate of slain gang boss Eamon The Don Dunne, posted a series of messages on his Facebook account ahead of last nights demonstration. He warned those attending a planned protest in his native Finglas not to bring weapons as it will ruin what we started". Today's protest as to be peaceful a show in numbers is all we need, he wrote. The media have knowledge of it and that's what we set out to do. We can't have weapons of any kind it will ruin what we started. There will be women and children at this so everyone stay calm. I have a solicitor on trying to get Grame released. Thanks. Wayne Bradley The reference to Grame relates to far right activist Graham Carey who was arrested yesterday morning at his home by armed members of the Special Detective Unit (SDU). He was held at a south Dublin Garda station where he is was questioned under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act. It is understood that his arrest follows a lengthy investigation by SDU officers. Carey had earlier claimed protestors were going to go through Finglas Garda Station at an anti-immigrant protest in the Northside suburb. Carey, who previously protested outside Taoiseach Leo Varadkars home, has become a leading voice in the anti-asylum seeker protests which have sprung up across the city. In the wake of rising tensions over the housing of refugees in the area, Carey had taken to social media to tell gardai that they will need every f****** copper in the country ahead of the protests. Wayne Bradley was released from prison in 2016 after serving a sentence for conspiring to steal nearly 1m from a cash-in-transit van in a heist organised by Dunne. Alongside his brother Alan Fatpuss Bradley, Wayne and other gang members pleaded guilty to conspiring to steal cash from Chubb Ireland in November 2007 at Tesco, Celbridge, Co. Kildare. The Bradleys were previously targeted by the Criminal Assets Bureau and were served with demands for 362,000 in unpaid taxes and penalties between them. Alan and Wayne Bradley On his social media account this week, Wayne Bradley also claimed that he, and others in the community. had come together to protect local women from foreign men. Tensions had been rising in the area when false claims started circulating on social media that a local woman had been brutally gang raped by five asylum seekers early on Saturday morning. Bradley tweeted that: Papers doing there best to discourage me Im standing up for my country calling names I welcome refugees running from war but no women or children are coming its all men unvetted and dumped into our community Im not racist we cant houses for are own we have no room. Meanwhile, associates of Hutch gang members were spotted at a separate gathering near Sherriff Street in the north inner city last night. They joined one of a number of an anti-immigration protests across Dublin yesterday evening. One demonstration took place outside Store Street Garda Station in Mountjoy, Dublin 1. While hundreds of protestors congregated outside the station with signs and caused delays to the Luas Red Line service at Store Street and Busaras. Garda public order vehicles and uniformed officers maintained a presence throughout the night. The demonstration took place outside Store Street Garda Station in Mountjoy, Dublin 1. Hundreds of protestors congregated outside the station with signs and caused delays to the Luas Red Line service at Store Street and Busaras. Garda public order vehicles and uniformed officers maintained a presence throughout the night. Gardai are also investigating a suspected arson attack on a vacant building in nearby Sherrard Street, after it was widely circulated on social media that it was targeted as refugees were to be housed there. However, local TD Gary Gannon said the Department of Children and Integration had no plans to accommodate refugees or asylum seekers in the building. Gardai were alerted to the blaze at Rawlton House, a former boys school on Sherrard Street, in Dublins inner city, around 5.40pm. No injuries were reported although investigations into what gardai described as suspected criminal damage by fire are ongoing. Rumours had been going around that it was to be allocated to refugees, but the department itself knew nothing about it, Deputy Gannon said. I had previously made representations regarding the building, saying it was unsuitable to house people there. According RTE, permission was granted by Dublin City Council to CDK Properties Limited to develop apartments at the site in 2021. A spokesperson for the Department of Children and Integration told RTE that the building is not contracted by the department and has not been examined for use to accommodate refugees or international protection applicants. Gardai have appealed to witnesses or anyone who has information relevant to the incident to contact them. Gardai are investigating a suspected criminal damage by fire incident that occurred at approximately 5:40pm on Monday, January 30, 2023 at a vacant dwelling in the Sherrard Street area of Dublin 1, gardai said. Local fire services quickly extinguished the fire. No injuries were reported. Investigations into this incident are ongoing. Anyone with information that can assist gardai with this investigation are asked to contact Fitzgibbon Street Garda Station on 01 6668400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station. Gardai at Pearse Street arrested the teenager after the incident on South Great Georges Street. The incident happened at a yard beside The George pub on South Great George's Street A man in his late teens has been arrested after an alleged assault and attempt to take a vehicle outside The George Pub in Dublin. Gardai at Pearse Street arrested the teenager after the incident on South Great Georges Street. Shortly after 1am on Wednesday, February 1, 2023, there was an alleged assault and an attempt to take a vehicle parked in a service yard at the premises. Gardai attended the scene, which is located near the outdoor smoking area of the popular bar. There were no reports of any serious injuries. A spokesperson for An Garda Siochana said: A man in his late teens was arrested at the scene and detained for questioning at Pearse Street Garda Station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984. The man later appeared before Dublin District Court at the CCJ. Enquiries are ongoing. He would lose his temper, go off his face, he would strangle her, put a lighter to her face and threaten to set her on fire A monkey dust drug dealer has been jailed for ten years after he stalked, strangled and threatened to kill his girlfriend. Scott Gallon (26), who subjected his partner to a campaign of terror and boasted he was "making 1,000 a day" in messages to his customers. was convicted of a string of drug-related offences between 2019 and 2021. Prosecutor Antony Longworth told Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court that Gallon had become jealous and possessive after starting a relationship with the woman in 2021. His controlling and coercive behaviour involved him checking calls and messages on her phone, making degrading comments about her and being abusive to her, hitting her over the head with a computer tablet and strangling her and threatening to kill her. "She said she was not allowed to leave the property without him. He would say: 'You are my property. You are not allowed to go to the pub. There are boys in the pub and you are not allowed', Mr Longworth said, according to StokeonTrentLive. "He would lose his temper, go off his face, he would strangle her, put a lighter to her face and threaten to set her on fire. He burnt her hair. He made her change her job. She described being terrified." Gallen threw a package over a wall which contained 30-worth of heroin and 10-worth of monkey dust, when he was stopped and searched by police on March 10, 2020, the court heard. His phone was seized and contained messages linking him to the supply of drugs. He was then caught in possession of a small amount of cannabis and another mobile which again contained messages relating to the supply of drugs when he seen to engage with a known drug user in Cobridge nine days later. Officers also seized 195. His home was searched and officers recovered 31 wraps of monkey dust worth 620. Gallon was detained on March 14, 2021, after police searched an address in Fenton. Officers found 30 wraps of cocaine worth 1,500; 46 wraps of crack cocaine worth 1,400; 17 wraps of cocaine worth 350; two bags of white rocks of crack cocaine worth 460 and 190. There was also a box containing 4,120. On September 2, 2021 Gallon was a passenger in a car stopped by police and fond to be in possession of 233.25 cash. His phone was analysed and contained flare messages to customers. He also boasted to someone that he was "running Cobridge" and "doing a grand a day". He claimed his cocaine was "ten out of ten" and "the best about". He also drove while disqualified on two occasions. Gallon, formerly of Westbourne Drive, Tunstall, admitted possession with intent to supply heroin. He also admitted to possession with intent to supply monkey dust; three charges of possession of criminal property; possession of cannabis; being concerned in the supply of cannabis; two charges of possession with intent to supply a class A drug. He further admitted to being concerned in the supply of class A drug crack cocaine; controlling or coercive behaviour; stalking; common assault; assault occasioning actual bodily harm; two charges of making a threat to kill; and two charges of driving while disqualified. Paul Cliff, defending, said he began to use cannabis and cocaine during lockdown. He became addicted to cocaine, Mr Cliff said. He is very sorry for his behaviour." Judge Paul Glenn ordered the forfeiture of the cash seized from Gallon during the various arrests, 155, 195, 4,120 and 233.25. Gallon was banned from driving for a year, extended by five years to account for the time he will serve in prison. According to the Alcohol and Drug Foundation, the media has described monkey dust as a deadly new drug on the rise in Australia. Also known as bath salts or MDPV, it showed up on the drug market in the mid-2000s. Monkey dust is a synthetic cathinone a New Psychoactive Substance (NPS) that is chemically similar to a naturally occurring mild stimulant called cathinone. There are a few synthetic cathinones which are all similar but different to natural cathinone. They also produce much stronger effects. Their effects include feeling happy, energetic, talkative and having an intense connection to music, which is similar to the effects of MDMA or cocaine. Similar side effects can also include muscle tension, reduced appetite, restless sleep and enlarged pupils. The Dublin attraction is welcoming anyone named Brigid, or with a derivative of the name, through its doors for free between February 1 and 6. The Guinness Storehouse is offering free entry for patrons to mark the new St Brigids Day bank holiday weekend. The Dublin attraction is welcoming anyone named Brigid, or with a derivative of the name, through its doors for free between February 1 and 6. Examples of eligible patrons include people called Brid, Briege, Bridget, Breda, or Bridie, while those with the surnames McBride and Gilbridge are included in the promotion. Visitors just have to make their way to the Guinness Storehouse admissions desk and produce a valid ID confirming they are over 18 and have a name that qualifies. Those hoping to visit the tourist hotspot can enter from 10 am, with last admission at 5pm. Its one admission per Brigid, subject to availability. It's just one possible way to celebrate St Brigids Day, while Conor McGregor has shared his tradition to mark the occasion online. The UFC star advised his hundreds of thousands of Instagram followers to hang a scarf or cloth outside their door as protection against headaches and sore throats, as part of a St Brigid's Eve ritual. The Crumlin man posted a picture of himself at a church service alongside his son Conor Jnr with the religious message celebrating the eve of the Irish saint. Saint Brigid's Eve tradition, he wrote. Tonight is Saint Brigid's Eve. An old Irish tradition. Before you go to bed tonight hang a scarf or a cloth outside your door. Known as Bratog. They say the saint will pass and bless them, he adds. And in the morning this special garment will protect the wearer from ill health and also has been known to cure headaches and sore throats. Happy Saint Brigid's Day tomorrow. The statue of St Brigid in Kildare beside the well named after her He added a praying emoji alongside a shamrock and love heart. However, many believe he had confused the ritual with one for St Blaise celebrated on February 3. According to the National Museum of Ireland, people believed St Brigid crossed through the land on the eve of her feast day and gave blessings and protection to homes and farms where crosses were hung in her honour. There were many regional styles and variations throughout Ireland with different materials used, it notes. Families would recite prayers, bless the rushes or straw with holy water and then each make the crosses. They would hang them over the door and around the home to welcome St Brigid. Many households kept the cross each year in the under-thatch of the house and you could tell how old a house was or how long the family had lived there by the number of crosses in the roof! Students from Deansrath Community College and St. Kevins Community College in Clondalkin as well as Griffeen Community College in Lucan were involved in the Career Ready programme. Students graduated from the Career Ready programme, managed by Junior Achievement Ireland and partnered with Microsoft, last week. Photo: Marc O'Sullivan West Dublin students from three partner schools, Deansrath Community College, Griffeen Community College, and St. Kevins Community College, graduated from the Career Ready programme. Photo: Marc OSullivan Students from three West Dublin schools have graduated from a unique work readiness programme for senior cycle students at a special event hosted by Microsoft at its campus in Leopardstown on Wednesday. Photo: Marc OSullivan Students from three secondary schools in West Dublin have graduated from an initiative that helps get them career ready. Transition Year and 5th Year students engage in activities that help improve their confidence and employability skills across a two-year period. Career Ready is managed by Junior Achievement Ireland (JAI) in partnership with Microsoft. Students from Deansrath Community College, St. Kevins Community College, and Griffeen Community College in Lucan were paired with a business mentor for 18 months. The 23 students graduated at a special event hosted by Microsoft a partner of the programme at the campus in Leopardstown last Wednesday. After a rigorous selection process to win a place on the programme, students take on the challenge of meeting with mentors, visiting workplaces, attending classes and completing work placements. Students graduated from the Career Ready programme, managed by Junior Achievement Ireland and partnered with Microsoft, last week. Photo: Marc O'Sullivan Career Ready comprises an incredible set of opportunities for students to gain insights into the working world, said Ciara Devery, the Transition Year Co-ordinator at Deansrath Community College in Clondalkin. "Engaging with professionals from a wide range of backgrounds and enjoying masterclasses/workshops in the workplace has a significant impact - opening students eyes to the range of possibilities that are available while helping them to see the relevance of their studies to their post-school choices. Helen Rafferty, the CEO of Junior Achievement Ireland, added: The importance of role models in helping us learn and develop is fundamental. "When caring adults are involved in education, students do better in school and life, adults become empowered, and schools and communities grow stronger. West Dublin students from three partner schools, Deansrath Community College, Griffeen Community College, and St. Kevins Community College, graduated from the Career Ready programme. Photo: Marc OSullivan "We are very grateful to Microsoft and all our partner schools for their support of the Career Ready initiative in West Dublin. "By challenging themselves to apply for and participate in the Career Ready programme, the graduating students are taking responsibility for shaping their own futures, said James OConnor, the VP of International Operations at Microsoft and the Chair of the JAI board. "I would like to congratulate the students on their achievements and thank all involved for making this unique learning experience available to the next generation of leaders in the West Dublin community, Junior Achievement Ireland manages the programme while Microsoft supports the initiative in helping students develop their employability skills. The demonstration is taking place outside Store Street Garda Station in Mountjoy, Dublin 1 An anti-immigration protest in Dublin city centre blocked off part of the Luas line on Wednesday evening. The demonstration took place outside Store Street Garda Station in Mountjoy, Dublin 1. Hundreds of protestors congregated outside the station with signs and caused delays to the Luas Red Line service at Store Street and Busaras. Garda public order vehicles and uniformed officers maintained a presence throughout the night. Hundreds gather to protest outside Finglas Garda Station It comes as hundreds of people were expected at an anti-asylum seeker protest due to be held in Finglas tonight. Gardai say they are aware of a number of ongoing demonstrations held across Dublin. Local policing arrangements have been put in place to ensure the safety of those present and minimal disruption to other members of the public. Enoch Burke is entitled to his beliefs, absolutely, but we have to remember there are people hurting at the centre of this A Dublin councillor is attempting to raise the same amount of money that Enoch Burke is fined and donate it to LGBTQ+ causes. Independent councillor Alan Edge has set up a fundraiser called Enough Enoch in solidarity with LGBTQ+ and trans youth in particular, in the wake of the Enoch Burke saga. The High Court has imposed fines of 700-a-day on Mr Burke due to his defiance of court orders requiring him to stay away from Wilsons Hospital School. The schoolteacher has claimed he is being penalised for his opposition on religious grounds to transgenderism. Cllr Edge hopes to raise 700 to support two charities for each day Enoch Burke attends the school. Councillor Alan Edge is fundraising for three Irish-based support and advocacy charities Coming out as trans has to be such a difficult time in a persons life. The spectacle of having Enoch at the school gate makes a private thing very public. My thoughts are with the students. There have been a lot of memes going on and people are responding to it in lots of different ways. Enoch Burke is entitled to his beliefs, absolutely, but we have to remember there are people hurting at the centre of this and the students in Wilsons Hospital are among them. Cllr Edge is hoping to use the money to do something positive and constructive on behalf of trans youth. The two organisations are TENI and LGBT Ireland. Both are helping in different ways. TENI, in terms of fighting for better health care, the provision of trans healthcare in Ireland is disgraceful. Were an outlier in Europe on that, he said. This is an issue that not a lot of people understand and that needs to be understood more. They do amazing work. LGBT Ireland do amazing work too, they look after a range of groups, migrants, travellers. They run a helpline too which is vital for people of all ages. As of February 2, Burke has racked up 3,500 in fines after arriving at the Westmeath school he was dismissed from for a sixth day in a row Dublin schools cater for the most Ukrainian children across the country with 1,212 enrolled in primary schools and 673 in post primary The Department of Education has confirmed that over 14,000 Ukrainian pupils have been enrolled in schools across Ireland. As of January 31, 14,482 Ukrainian children have taken up places in hundreds of schools across the country. Out of that figure, 9,334 of these pupils have been accommodated in primary schools while 5,148 pupils have enrolled in post-primary schools. Dublin schools cater for the most Ukrainian children across the country with 1,212 enrolled in primary schools and 673 in post primary schools. Over 54,000 Ukrainian refugees have arrived in Ireland since the start of the war last year. A spokesperson for the Department said current data indicates an enrolment rate of 92pc among Ukrainian children aged between five and 18. To assist with the transition of Ukrainian students and their families into Irish schools, Regional Education and Language Teams (REALT) continue to operate, hosted by the 16 regional education and training boards around Ireland, and staffed by regionally based education support personnel, the spokesperson said. These teams are ensuring that clear, accessible information flows are in place between schools, local education support services and national support structures in relation to people arriving from Ukraine. Information for parents in Ukrainian and Russian on accessing school places is available online. The Department will continue to publish figures on the enrolment of Ukrainian children each month. To say that people are living in disgracefully damp and mouldy conditions is probably an understatement Families are living with 'dangerous' mould and damp in the Emmet buildings Living conditions in council-owned flats in Dublins inner city are disgracefully damp and mouldy, with rat infestations and sewage problems, the Dail has heard. People Before Profit TD Brid Smith said after a recent visit to the Emmet building and the Oliver Bond flats in Dublin 8, hundreds of families are living in dangerous conditions which are causing health issues in children. To say that people are living in disgracefully damp and mouldy conditions is probably an understatement, said Ms Smith. The TD said there has been a high level of absenteeism in schools in the area due to respiratory conditions caused by mould and dampness. They need ventilation, new windows, most of these flats still have single glazed windows and they need a retrofitting programme, she said. Brid Smith said the mould and damp are leading to health problems for children Ms Smith added that although the housing complexes are beautiful buildings, there are lots of other issues to do with living in these complexes. The Dublin South-Central TD said a huge amount of negligence has resulted in rat infestations, sewage problems and dangerous playgrounds. When you go into these estates the problems run greater, she said. You have rat infestation, you have playgrounds that arent updated, soft playground stuff that is slippery and dangerous for children. In the case of Emmet buildings there is no emergency access for ambulances or the fire brigade, there is a huge amount of negligence. Its not right to treat communities like this, they are the heart of the city and there are hundreds of families living in these conditions. Although regeneration is promised, it takes way too long to deal with fundamental basic health problems these people face on a daily basis. In response, Minister of State Kieran ODonnell said 81pc of council-owned buildings in the inner city were built before housing regulations were introduced in 1991 and are not very good at retaining heat. All landlords, including local authorities, have a legal obligation to ensure their rented properties comply with the standards set, he said. Local authorities take cases of mould very seriously, but 81pc of Dublin City Council social housing units were built before the introduction of the building regulations in 1991. Mould on windows in the Emmet building complex Dwellings constructed prior have solid walls that are not very good at retaining heat, he said. The minister noted that in recent years, the council has carried out various works to eliminate condensation and introduced an energy efficiency programme in social homes. He said 8,057 council units have been upgraded with cavity walls and attics insulated, while 110 units have had facades upgraded. In reference to the Emmet buildings and Oliver Bond flats, Mr ODonnell said, its a matter we can take up with Dublin City Council to ensure they go out and visit those particular places. A Ryanair employee said, Weve never seen anything like this. We couldnt believe what we were seeing Couple leaves baby at airport check-in to avoid paying more to board Ryanair flight Airline staff at an Israeli airport were shocked when a couple decided to leave their baby at a check-in desk, after a disagreement arose over having to buy a separate ticket for their child. The incident happened at the Ryanair desk of Tel Avivs Ben-Gurion Airport on Tuesday, the airline confirmed. A local news outlet said the couple were travelling to Brussels on Belgian passports, when they discovered they had to pay extra for a seat for their baby. Airline staff told local press that they had simply left their child in the baby buggy by the desk, and walked on to passport control. A Ryanair employee told local news source K12: Weve never seen anything like this. We couldnt believe what we were seeing. The couple left the baby at a Ryanair check-in desk. Stock Image According to the Israel Airports Authority, the couple had arrived late for their flight to Brussels, and seemed anxious to get through airport security with or without their infant. A Ryanair spokesperson said: These passengers travelling from Tel Aviv to Brussels presented at check-in without a booking for their infant. They then proceeded to security leaving the infant behind at check-in. The check-in agent contacted airport security, who retrieved these passengers, and this is now a matter for local police. In October, a 62-year-old grandfather was arrested in Florida after it was discovered he had left a nearly two-year-old child in the back of locked rental car at Daytona Airport. In 2019, a Saudia Arabian flight had to turn back after a mother left her baby at the airport. The Kuala Lumpur-bound Saudia flight set off from Jeddah but the pilot requested to turn back after a passenger told crew she had forgotten her baby in the boarding area of the terminal. "When Mario says action, the reality star captioned the post, tagging her celebrity makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic who she shares with Kim Kardashian. Maura Higgins has sent Instagram into a frenzy as she shares new sultry snaps from a glamorous photoshoot. The Longford bombshell looked incredible according to Love Island pals as she posed in a black mesh jumpsuit and knee-high leather boots. "When Mario says action, the reality star captioned the post, tagging her celebrity makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic who she shares with Kim Kardashian. Mauras famous friends took to the comments section as they reacted to the striking shots. "I gasped, said new mum and best pal Molly-Mae Hague, while other former Love Islanders gushed over the Irish star. "Omg incredible, said Tasha Ghouri, while Faye Winter left the sweet comment: Angel. Danica Taylor said oh wow and influencer Maeve Madden commented: Oh she slayssss. TOWIE star Lauren Goodger praised the unreal images of Maura posed against a grey background. The hundreds of comments from fellow celebs and the Longford icons almost 4 million followers come as she returns from a sun-soaked Mexican getaway. Sharing bikini snaps and her beachy waves, Maura spent time with pals in the stunning spot. Maura shared the journey to her sunny Central American break on Instagram, giving fans an insight into first-class on a long-haul flight. Along the way, she bumped into A-list actor Jamie Dornan sharing her hilarious reaction with followers. Maura posed for a selfie with the Down native, later saying: "Were going to get onto Jamie Dornan, she said in a video filmed on her flight to Mexico. Can you believe the morning I had? To people out there, yes I know hes just a normal person like everyone else. Im obsessed, like you do not know how many times I have watched Fifty Shades of Grey. Ive got no words. "Lets just talk about Jamie Dornan, she told her 3.5 million followers on Instagram. "My God guys, my jaw hit the f***king floor when I seen him. The voice notes Ive sent to my friends? "Filthy, absolutely filthy. "I mean, Im still not well after it fifty shades of fanny flutters, thats literally what I was dealing with, she continued. "Can you believe as well Im literally wearing different shades of grey? Now, If thats not manifestation I dont know what is. "And now I have to sit on a long-haul flight like an absolute horny devil. I literally got on and thought, Oh my god, surely theyll have Fifty Shades of Grey and I can just do disgusting things to myself while watching every single movie back to back, she joked. Sorry to the people that are underage, you shouldnt be listening to me right now. "When I was staring at him I was just thinking of every single dirty scene, every single naked scene Anyway, the man is happily married with kids. "If he was my new boyfriend Id be so busy with him 24/7 that I would probably delete my Instagram and every aspect of my life because I would just be doing things with him Oh what a man, she gushed. Editors Note: Exhibits shares information about exhibitions presented on display or online in Charlottesville and Albemarle, Buckingham, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, Madison, Nelson and Orange counties. Items must be received by noon Friday for the next weeks issue. Include the opening and closing dates of your exhibit and a telephone number the public may call with questions. Send your information to jsathe@dailyprogress.com. The Arts Center in Orange: An opening reception for The Burden of Invisibility, a multidisciplinary, autobiographical exhibition by Veronica Jackson, is from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday. The exhibition runs through March 25. artscenter inorange.com. (540) 672-7311. The Barn Swallow: 796 Gillums Ridge Road in Charlottesville. thebarn swallow.com. Botanical Fare Restaurant: Works by watercolorist Juliette Swenson can be seen through March 6. botanicalfare.com. Cville Arts Cooperative Gallery: A Farewell Exhibit Retrospective for Milenko Katic during February. Instead of a First Fridays reception, Cville Arts will make a guest book available to sign for the painter, who is retiring to Serbia. 118 E. Main St. (434) 972-9500. The Center at Belvedere: Exhibition of works by Donna Koutrakos, Brent Ruffner, Diane Wilkin, Jane Goodman and Tom Tartaglino will remain on view through February. Hours: 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday and Friday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday; closed Saturday and Sunday. https://thecentercville.org/. Chroma Projects: Jane Skafte: A lifetime isnt long enough for the beauty of this world can be seen through Feb. 24. Gallery is open for viewing from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays at Vault Virginia on Third Street Southeast, just off the Downtown Mall. artlab@chroma projects.com. chromaprojects.com. Crozet Artisan Depot: Painter Craig Peterson of Staunton and jewelry artist Suzanna Garrett of Lexington are guest artists for February. Their shows will run through Feb. 28. A Meet the Artist Event is planned for 1 to 3 p.m. Feb. 11 with Craig Peterson. crozetartisan depot.com. Cuppa Joe Coffee: Paintings and etchings by Tom Tartaglino on display at 90 Joshua Lane in Palmyra. Hours: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. (434) 906-4172. Firnew Farm Artists Circle: firnew farmartistscircle@gmail.com. The Fralin Museum of Art at the University of Virginia: Joseph Cornell: Enclosing Infinity on view through Feb. 12. Earthly Exemplars: The Art of Buddhist Disciples and Teachers in Asia on view through March 19. uvafralinart museum.virginia.edu. The Gallery at Studio IX: The Golden String Art Show, a group show curated by Sophie Gibson celebrating a song by Devon Sproule, opens with a reception from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday and runs through Feb. 28. Artist Talk & Happy Hour is set for 5 p.m. Feb. 24. Face coverings must be worn when entering the Studio IX building and at all times in the gallery. Gallery hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. studioix.co. (434) 242-0905. The Guild Gallery: 300 E. Main St. (434) 227-1333. Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection will display the second part of the two-part exhibition Irrititja Kuwarri Tjungu (Past & Present Together): 50 Years of Papunya Tula Artists, celebrating the role of women artists and featuring paintings created during and since the 1990s, through Feb. 26. Tour with anthropologist and professor Fred Myers will be at 1:30 p.m. Sunday. James Tylor: From an Untouched Landscape can be seen through June 23. Kluge-Ruhes in-person artist residency program will resume with Tylors residency in March. Learn more at kluge-ruhe.org. Tours have resumed and will be led for free by volunteer guides at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. each day the museum is open. Longer tour experiences for groups will be available for purchase. Masks are required. Make reservations at kluge-ruhe.org. 400 Worrell Drive. (434) 244-0234. The Looking Glass: Arts from Underground classes will begin with artmaking from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursdays and karaoke from 8 to 10 p.m. for $25 per person. IX Art Park Foundation has opened a major expansion of its immersive art museum featuring works by new and returning artists. Admission is $15, $12 ages 4 to 13 and free for ages 3 and younger. ixartpark.org. Louisa Arts Center: Ghosts and Whimsy, featuring watercolors by new gallery chair Barbara Powderly and wearable art by gallery show manager Heather Mechler-Fickes, is on view through March 24. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays at 212 Fredericksburg Ave. in Louisa. louisaarts.org. (540) 967-2200. McGuffey Art Center: A First Fridays reception is planned for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday for the following new exhibitions: Works by Sam Fisher and Anna Fox Ryan in the Sarah B. Smith Gallery; Jing Shui and Robert Bricker in the First-Floor North galleries; Mike Powers and Charles Peale in the First-Floor South galleries; Hearts: A UVa Student Exhibition in the Second-Floor North and South galleries; and Red in the Associate Gallery. mcguffeyartcenter.com. Northside Library: Charlottesville Camera Club will present an exhibition of members work through Feb. 28. Look for more than 30 landscapes, nature shots and travel, micro, floral and conceptual images by George Bell, Craig Cooper, Vicky Eicher, Harriette Browning Fishburne, Jay Hirsch, James Marshall, Aron Mills, Deborah Murren, Glenn Nash, Gary Powell, Nancy Marie Rodriguez, Conrad Ruble, Ann Bell Secott, Rick Seaman, Bill Shaw, Seth Silverstein, Jeffery Sitler, Patricia Temples, Jim Wolfe and Toni Zappone. jmrl.org. (434) 973-7893. Piedmont Virginia Community College: Black Joy Is: Ferocious, Fearless, Forever, Female, For Me will run through March 25 in the PVCC Gallery. Artists include painters Tori Cherry, Bolanle Adeboye and Some Lewis; photographers Kori Price and Benita Mayo; mixed-media artists IBe Crawley and Tobiah Mundt; and Zoe Charlton and Veronica Jackson. pvcc.edu/performingarts. (434) 961-5362. Quirk Gallery Charlottesville: Elizabeth Graeber + Susan Graeber: Daily Observations can be seen online and in person through Feb. 12. 499 W. Main St. quirkgallery.com. Random Row Brewery: Local Landscapes and Travel Photography, photographs by Andy Stafford, will be on display through Feb. 28. www.TrinityArts.com. randomrow.com. Revalation Vineyards: Paintings by Kim Gardner can be seen through the end of February at 710 Hebron Valley Road in Madison. revalationvineyards.com. (540) 407-1236. Rockfish Valley Community Center: Bigger and Bonier features pieces by art class and Art Club students at Nelson County High School. 190 Rockfish School Lane in Afton. rockfishcc.org. (434) 361-0100. Second Street Gallery: secondstreetgallery.org. Torosiete Museum of Contemporary Art: Hearts Lonely Hunters (1995) by Daniel Kuttner and Beatrix Ost is streaming at the virtual contemporary art gallery. Streaming instructions: http://heartsmovie.torosiete.museum/. Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Charlottesville: Pastels, oils and watercolors by BozART members Joan Dreicer, Brita Lineburger and Christine Rich can be seen through Feb. 28. Hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays. 717 Rugby Road. (434) 293-8179. UVa Health: Exploring the Nature of Nature by father-and-son artists Jerome and Jeromyah Jones can be seen in the Main Hospital Lobby through March 1. As a result of COVID restrictions, there will not be an artist reception. Visible Records: Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 1 to 5 p.m. Saturdays. 1740 Broadway St. visible-records.com. WTJU Micromuseum: In the renovated vintage camper behind WTJUs studios at 2244 Ivy Road. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. wtju.net. (434) 924-0885. The Water Appreciation Experience: Experiential art installation by Martha Hester Stafford combines art, science, meditation and aromatherapy to tell the story of water at 1326 E. High St. Open by appointment from 2 to 5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday; to request an appointment, email thewaterappreciationexperience@gmail.com. thewaterappreciationexperience.com. Woodberry Forest School: Kelly Coffin: Studies in Nature can be seen throughout February in the Baker Gallery in Walker Fine Arts Center. An opening reception is set for 7 to 9 p.m. Feb. 9; food and drink will be served. Public viewing hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. woodberry.org/arts/baker-gallery. Les Yeux du Monde: Locus Amoenus, a new body of work by Janet Bruce, can be seen through Feb. 26. Masks will be required for entry, and a capacity limit will be placed on the number of attendees allowed in the gallery at one time. Gallery hours are 1 to 5 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays and by appointment. To make an appointment, call (434) 882-2622 or email LYDMGallery@gmail.com. Visit LYDM.co for more information. (434) 882-2622. Current Print Subscribers will be prompted to either login to their current site user account or to create a new one. A confirmation email will be sent when a new user account is created, which must be confirmed within three days in order to provide uninterrupted online access through your Print Subscription. Once the email address is confirmed please provide your Account Number to activate your Print Subscription Service. The Republican who represents Charlottesville in the U.S. House of Representatives has been appointed to the chambers budget committee and named chairman of the subcommittee that has jurisdiction over employer-employee relations, labor statistics as well as pension, health and other employee benefits. The 5th Districts Bob Good was one 21 House Republicans who initially blocked Rep. Kevin McCarthy of California from the speakers seat last month. After a five-day, 15-ballot fight, Good joined a group of fellow Republicans who voted present, a move that let McCarthy take the speakership on Jan. 7. Now many in that bloc have won plum committee assignments from McCarthy. On Tuesday, Good was named chairman of the Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions Subcommittee. He was also appointed to serve on the House Budget Committee. I am honored, Good told The Daily Progress via email on Wednesday. I will work to hold the Biden Administration accountable for federal regulatory overreach that is hurting our economy, and for their efforts to elevate union bosses over workers and small businesses. Ultimately, I want to help facilitate a business climate that encourages job and wage growth. On Twitter, Good said he planned to rid our school systems of the woke agenda of the left. I will work to diminish the harmful actions of union bosses, facilitate a business climate that encourages job and wage growth, and reduce the federal regulatory overreach that is hurting our economy, he tweeted on Tuesday. He also promised to bring down the $31.5 trillion national debt. I will continue the fight for transformational change to the way Washington operates and put the brakes on the Democrats out-of-control borrowing and spending, he tweeted. The top-ranking Democrat on Goods subcommittee, Mark DeSaulnier of California, said he is willing to work with Good and all of his colleagues across the aisle. That being said, my priorities lie in evidence-based solutions to the problems facing our nation and investing in educators, students, and workers, DeSaulnier told The Daily Progress on Wednesday. Good was not the only House Republican who challenged McCarthys speakership that wound up with a new leadership position. Reps. Chip Roy of Texas, Ralph Norman of South Carolina and Thomas Massie of Kentucky won seats on the powerful Rules Committee, which dictates how bills come to the House floor. Rep. Lauren Boebert of Colorado was awarded a seat on the Oversight and Accountability Committee, which already plans to launch investigations into the Biden administration. And Rep. Paul Gosar of Arizona was returned to the Oversight and Natural Resources committees after Democrats removed him two years ago for posting threats to other lawmakers online. 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. John Miller/Taos News In response to concerns regarding public safety in the wake of the murder of a 40-year-old man in Smith's parking lot, Taos Police is increasing its ranks from 16 to 22. Pictured: Taos County Sheriff's deputies arrest Lucas Chavez in the Walmart parking lot late morning Jan. 26. According to court records, Chavez was wanted on pending charges for unlawful taking of a motor vehicle and aggravated fleeing from law enforcement. He picked up two additional charges for fleeing from law enforcement after he was accused of running from the deputies as they were attempting to arrest him. One of Virginias most popular hikes is planning to soon resume its ticket requirement. After March 1, anyone hiking on Old Rag Mountain needs a $1 ticket in addition to paying a fee to enter Shenandoah National Park. We have huge issues with overcrowding on that hike, National Parks interpretive specialist Claire Comer told the Daily Progress. Were hoping to spread out the visitation. Old Rag stands 3,291 feet above sea level and first in the hearts of many hardcore hikers. But Comer said that its popularity has led to crowding on some fall weekends, traffic so extreme that famous chokepoints such as the photogenic fissure near the top called the chute have seen waiting lines of two hours. Thats the not the kind of visitor experience we want people to have, said Comer. Secondly, because of the fragile resources, we want to limit the possibility of people getting off the trail and trampling fragile vegetation. The proposed solution first enacted last year from March to November requires each visitor to go to recreation.gov and buy a $1 ticket indicating which day they want to visit. The park issued 800 tickets for each day last year: 400 of which could be reserved 30 days prior to the hike and the remaining 400 of which were released five days in advance. Hi all, wrote one dejected ticket-buyer on an Old Rag Facebook page. We have a group of 5 but were only able to get 4 tickets before it sold out on 10/22. Does anyone have an extra one? Thanks! She didnt get an answer. Comer said that although officials plan to resume the ticket system, they will still consider it a pilot program because a pair of devastating December ice storms consumed so much staff time and limited park officials ability to crunch the numbers and gauge visitor opinions. So we decided to do another year of the pilot program and get some additional feedback, said Comer. That means that, starting March 1, anyone wanting to hike Old Rag needs not just to get to the community of Nethers in Madison County. They will also need to visit recreation.gov and see if they can get a ticket. A ticket, Comer noted, is just a crowd-control device; it neither pays for entrance to the park nor ensures available parking. Avid Greene County-based hiker and hike-blogger Lauralee Bliss said she supports the ticket program. She has not only seen crowded ridges but also people taking chances, getting lost and getting hurt. Even though its only a dollar, for some reason paying adds a little responsibility, Bliss told The Daily Progress. And while Bliss called the 800-person daily limit generous, Comer seemed aware that there may be disappointment. Will we have to turn people away on an October Saturday? she asked. Yes. But not if we can spread that visitation out. supermax BHPian Join Date: May 2022 Location: Linkoping Posts: 152 Thanked: 599 Times Financing a car purchase with the residual value option When I was looking up the cost of purchasing a brand new Skoda, with financing, I realized that Skoda Sverige (Skoda Sweden) doesn't do straight amortization with their loans, but offers the ability to finance with residual value. I'm sure there are plenty of members on TBHP with a very good grasp about financial matters and they'd know everything about it already, but I thought that it might still be an interesting post for those who might not know about it. Conventional hypothecation vs financing with residual value When one finances the purchase of a car under more conventional terms (also known as straight amortization), one puts down a certain percentage as the down-payment, and enters into a contract to pay off the full remaining value of the car in a series of installments, with additional clauses describing penalties if any, if the buyer wants to finish off the payments before the originally contracted end-date. A key point about this kind of financing is that even though the car is still under hypothecation, it's possible to sell the car to a new owner, as long as the new owner takes on the hypothecation, so it makes flipping a car easier; keep this in mind for now. When one finances the purchase of a car with the residual value option (restvarde, in Swedish), one pays a down-payment exactly as in the case of a conventional hypothecation, but the remaining payments are not made to the full remaining value of the car, but a smaller sum, leaving behind a certain sum, known as restvarde or residual value. For instance, here's what it looks like, if I'd like to buy a brand new Skoda Octavia combi, with a one liter turbo petrol engine and a manual transmission, with tow-hook, petrol-driven coupe-heater, velvet red metallic finish paint, and parking sensors front and back. The full value of the car comes up to 358700 SEK (~28L INR), and when I agree to pay 20% as the down-payment (71740 SEK/5.6L INR), I'd only need to make 36 monthly payments of 3976 SEK (~31K INR), leaving a residual value of 50%. What it means to have residual value Apart from the down-payment of 5.6L, I would have paid 36 installments of 36K INR, for a total sum paid of around 16.7 L INR. What are my options now? There are three. Return the car to the dealership; a valuation of the car is made, and that value is compared with that of the remaining 50% value at time of contract start. If the current value is higher, i.e. your car was in a good condition, you can actually get the difference paid to you, or use it for part or full down-payment of your next car from Skoda; this latter option is the one Skoda would like, and the very reason behind them extending this option to you. If the car valuation came out poorly, you would have to make up the difference to the 50% sum. Pay the remaining sum, and own the car outright. Switch to a regular loan with straight amortization, to pay off the remaining (residual) value of the car. Advantages of financing with residual value First and probably the biggest advantage is that the monthly outflow is much lower than it would be, if you'd been paying for the full value of the car. The scheme works much like a lease, but is in principle closer to owning a car under hypothecation, as there are no strong clauses about mileage a car can do or the state it should be in, when the lease period expires. Works well if you'd like to be able to change cars within shorter intervals. Disadvantages of financing with residual value Cars financed with straight amortization can be sold directly to a dealer or private person, where you take care of transfer of hypothecation. This isn't possible with residual value, where you have to first close the contract and own the car outright, if you'd like to subsequently sell it. In other words, you cannot use the car itself to raise the money needed to pay off the loan. The remaining value which is calculated at the time of signing the contract may or may not correspond to the actual value of the car when the contract time ends; in a condition like now, where there's a huge demand for used cars, you might even fetch a premium, but if not, you'll have to make up for the difference yourself. This is basically to discourage the practice of flipping cars quickly for a profit in the used car market. In conclusion Financing with residual value option provides greater flexibility than a lease, with respect to the condition of the car and the mileage it can do without attracting stiff penalties, but the onus is on the buyer to find the money for the down-payment, which is not needed for a lease. When compared with a regular hypothecation, this results in a much lower EMI, so people with limited spare cash at the end of each month would have it a lot easier, and still get to enjoy the use of a brand new car. Car financing works differently in different countries, and sometimes, one comes across less common terms while looking for deals. The concept of residual value is not uncommon in the world of car leasing, but I got to know that this is also applicable in some cases, with new car purchases.When I was looking up the cost of purchasing a brand new Skoda, with financing, I realized that Skoda Sverige (Skoda Sweden) doesn't do straight amortization with their loans, but offers the ability to finance with residual value. I'm sure there are plenty of members on TBHP with a very good grasp about financial matters and they'd know everything about it already, but I thought that it might still be an interesting post for those who might not know about it.When one finances the purchase of a car under more conventional terms (also known as straight amortization), one puts down a certain percentage as the down-payment, and enters into a contract to pay off the full remaining value of the car in a series of installments, with additional clauses describing penalties if any, if the buyer wants to finish off the payments before the originally contracted end-date. A key point about this kind of financing is that even though the car is still under hypothecation, it's possible to sell the car to a new owner, as long as the new owner takes on the hypothecation, so it makes flipping a car easier; keep this in mind for now.When one finances the purchase of a car with the residual value option (restvarde, in Swedish), one pays a down-payment exactly as in the case of a conventional hypothecation, but the remaining payments are not made to the full remaining value of the car, but a smaller sum, leaving behind a certain sum, known as restvarde or residual value.For instance, here's what it looks like, if I'd like to buy a brand new Skoda Octavia combi, with a one liter turbo petrol engine and a manual transmission, with tow-hook, petrol-driven coupe-heater, velvet red metallic finish paint, and parking sensors front and back.The full value of the car comes up to 358700 SEK (~28L INR), and when I agree to pay 20% as the down-payment (71740 SEK/5.6L INR), I'd only need to make 36 monthly payments of 3976 SEK (~31K INR), leaving a residual value of 50%.Apart from the down-payment of 5.6L, I would have paid 36 installments of 36K INR, for a total sum paid of around 16.7 L INR. What are my options now?There are three.Financing with residual value option provides greater flexibility than a lease, with respect to the condition of the car and the mileage it can do without attracting stiff penalties, but the onus is on the buyer to find the money for the down-payment, which is not needed for a lease. When compared with a regular hypothecation, this results in a much lower EMI, so people with limited spare cash at the end of each month would have it a lot easier, and still get to enjoy the use of a brand new car. Last edited by supermax : 1st February 2023 at 03:26 . A hot potato: Evidence found by a US government body suggests that Apple's employee policies go against labor laws. The decision was made in response to complaints made by former workers who claimed Apple had infringed their rights. Prosecutors at the US National Labor Relations Board have determined that Apple violated labor laws based on statements made by corporate representatives and employee-imposed rules. The NLRB announced Monday that its regional offices "found merit" in four complaints alleging that Apple's workplace policies "reasonably tend to interfere with, restrain, or coerce employees," who might try to confront their employer about issues at work or talk about them to the media or government organizations. The controversy centers on complaints made in 2021 by former Apple employees, Cher Scarlett and Ashley Gjovik, who claimed that the company's labor policies prohibit employees from discussing pay and employment conditions. Both employees cited an email from CEO Tim Cook, in which he pledged strict action against anyone found to have leaked confidential company information. Scarlett alleged that the tech giant forbade employees from discussing pay, hours, and working conditions. Scarlett quit her job at Apple the same year, claiming that she had been mistreated after starting a wage survey. Later, she lodged a complaint to the labor board, accusing Apple of limiting employee dialogue over pay. Another employee, Gjovik claimed that after raising concerns about potential health risks at work, she was harassed, warned not to discuss them with anyone, and was ultimately fired as a reprisal. Cook said in the email that Apple didn't tolerate disclosures of secret information, whether it's product IP or the specifics of a confidential meeting, and that "those who leak confidential information do not belong here." "I'm writing today because I've heard from so many of you were incredibly frustrated to see the contents of the meeting leak to reporters. This comes after a product launch in which most of the details of our announcements were also leaked to the press. I want you to know that I share your frustration. These opportunities to connect as a team are really important. But they only work if we can trust that the content will stay within Apple. I want to reassure you that we are doing everything in our power to identify those who leaked. As you know, we do not tolerate disclosures of confidential information, whether it's product IP or the details of a confidential meeting. We know that the leakers constitute a small number of people. We also know that people who leak confidential information do not belong here," Cook's email read. US labor law safeguards employees' rights to communicate with one another and act jointly on working issues. Apple will be subject to legal action if it doesn't first negotiate an agreement with the former employees who submitted the complaints. If the NLRB does file a complaint, it will be in addition to one that the federal agency already brought against Apple in October of last year over claims that the company had repressed unionization efforts. The company allegedly told workers that unionized stores would not receive the same improvements to working conditions, which served to dissuade them from joining unions, according to a lawsuit filed in October. Highly anticipated: At its Unpacked 2023 event, Samsung unveiled its new lineup of non-foldable flagship phones. The Galaxy S23, S23+, and S23 Ultra look almost identical to their predecessors but come with new chipsets and incremental improvements to the cameras and battery life. Samsung finally decided to stop shipping their flagship lineup with (often inferior) Exynos SoCs in some regions, such as Europe. All Galaxy S23-series phones will come with an exclusive version of Qualcomm's flagship chipset, dubbed the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy. This will have slightly higher maximum clock speeds for the Prime CPU core and the GPU, making it similar to past years' Plus variant. Also read: Samsung looking to impact the PC market with sleek third-gen Galaxy Book laptops Screen sizes are identical to last year, meaning the vanilla Galaxy S23 will again be one of the few compact phones on the market with flagship-tier specs. It features a 6.1-inch 1,080p AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and an improved 1,750 nits peak brightness. The battery also gets a slight bump up to 3,900mAh, while wired charging is still limited to 25W. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S23+ has a larger 6.6-inch AMOLED screen with the same refresh rate and brightness. It also comes with a slightly bigger 4,700mAh battery, which can charge at up to 45W. Both of these phones share the same camera system with a 50-megapixel primary sensor that can record video at 8K@30fps, joined by a 12-megapixel ultrawide and a 10-megapixel 3x telephoto. On the front, there's a new 12-megapixel selfie camera with autofocus and support for HDR video at 60fps. Moving on to Samsung's non-foldable flagship for the year, the S23 Ultra features a massive 6.8-inch 1,440p AMOLED display with S-Pen support and a variable refresh rate between 1-120Hz. Powering it all is a 5,000mAh battery with 45W charging support. The main upgrade compared to its predecessor is the primary rear camera. It comes with a new 200-megapixel Isocell HP2 sensor that can merge up to 16 pixels into one, improving light-gathering capabilities and giving you a more-manageable 12.5-megapixel final image. The rest of the camera setup consists of a 12-megapixel-ultrawide and two 10-megapixel telephotos one with 3x optical zoom and another with 10x. On the front, there's the same 12-megapixel sensor found on the smaller models. All three phones will ship with Android 13 and One UI 5.1 out of the box. Samsung claims that the devices will get four years of Android updates and five years of security enhancements. It's worth noting that this is even better than Google's Pixel update policy, although the South Korean brand's software updates likely won't be as punctual. Samsung's Galaxy S23 lineup will start shipping on February 17, but you can already preorder them today. The Galaxy S23 starts at $799 for 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Opting for the base-model Galaxy S23+ will get you 8 GB RAM and 256GB of storage for $999. Finally, the top-tier Galaxy S23 Ultra starts at $1,199 for the same configuration. The company also announced a new lineup of Galaxy notebooks at today's event. WTF?! In what sounds worryingly like the plot of a certain movie franchise, scientists are trying to bring an extinct species back to life. It's not a dinosaur, thankfully, but the dodo, a flightless bird native to Mauritius that was wiped out in the 17th century. Colossal Biosciences previously announced that it planned to bring back the woolly mammoth and the thylacine, also known as the Tasmanian tiger. The Dallas, Texas-based company has now set its sights on resurrecting the dodo, or at least a semblance of it. The technique involves using gene-editing technology, which has never been used in this way for birds before. Beth Shapiro, a professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of California, Santa Cruz, said she has already fully sequenced the dodo's genome from ancient DNA based on genetic material extracted from dodo remains in Denmark. As Scientific America explains, bringing back an extinct animal, or a proxy of one, involves editing the genome of a closely related living species---in this case, the Nicobar pigeon---to replicate the target species' genome. With mammalian species, the gene-editing material is implanted into the reproductive system of the relative species. For the dodo, the edited genome will be implanted into an egg cell, which has never been done before. The problem is that cloning a bird requires access to an egg cell that is ready for fertilization but has yet to be fertilized. "There is no access to a bird egg cell at the same developmental time as there is for a mammal," said Shapiro. A solution could lie in an existing technique that involves removing primordial germ cells---the embryonic precursors of sperm and eggs---from an egg, editing the cells with the desired genetic traits, then injecting them back into the egg during the developmental stage. Sharipo emphasized that they won't be creating an exact replica of a dodo. "What we are trying to do is to isolate the genes that distinguish the dodo," she said. "It would be crazy to think the solution [to the world's biodiversity crisis] was to bring back a proxy." Colossal has raised an additional $150 million for its research into the dodo, though the plans are still in a very early stage. CEO Ben Lamm said the recreations of the birds would be "rewilded" in Mauritius, where they died out in the 1600s due to sailors who hunted them and brought invasive species across the Indian Ocean on their ships. He added that the work could assist conservation efforts for threatened species by allowing scientists to discern and preserve their key traits. Images: Wikimedia Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked event centered on the S23 and Galaxy Book3, but towards the end of the presentation, the company unveiled a teaser of its current project, an extended reality (XR) headset. The South Korean tech giant announced its partnership with Google and Qualcomm to create the new wearable device in its showcase. It is a different take to Samsung's wearable tech, particularly as it had the Gear VR series released before, but this time, it will take on mixed reality which may be the same as Apple. Samsung Galaxy Unpacked: XR Headset in Development (Photo : Samsung via YouTube Screenshot) Samsung's TM Roh went on stage towards the final moments of the Galaxy Unpacked event to announce a new development regarding the company's future, one that centers on an XR headset. The executive claimed that Samsung will focus on "building the next XR experience" for the public, centering on the latest technology there is. This took the Unpacked attendees by surprise, especially as this would be the first time that Samsung would venture toward the XR experience. It is known that it previously created a VR device called the Gear VR back in 2016, and it is powered by Oculus technology, which is now known as Meta. Read Also: Apple 'Reality Pro': New Details Revealed on Mixed-Reality Headset, Release Window, and MORE Samsung Partners with Google, Qualcomm In this announcement, Samsung's TM Roh said that it is already working on this XR headset with Google and Qualcomm, partnering together to deliver a new extended reality platform in the world. Roh welcomed Cristiano Amon, President & CEO of Qualcomm, and Hiroshi Lockheimer, SVP of Platforms & Ecosystems at Google. (Photo : Samsung via YouTube Screenshot) The three talked about the applications of the latest XR focus of Samsung but did not announce any release date or specific features of the device. XR Headset Development Two big tech companies are in the court for XR headset development. One is the rumored Apple mixed-reality headset that still has no confirmations regarding the project, and the other one is the Microsoft HoloLens. Apple is long-rumored for its XR headset from different sources and analysts that claim it is coming this 2023 for the world. However, its main focus is on professionals and developers that will come at a premium price tag and limited units once it releases. Microsoft also has its HoloLens which delivers a mixed-reality experience to the world, but the company already stopped with its development of the third generation. The company said that it will center on improving the software and system that people would use the headsets with, focusing on its HoloLens 2. Many more companies are developing mixed-reality headsets, but as far as Big Tech goes, the next to express their interest in this device is Samsung. It is unknown what their take would be on this XR device, but it taps into Google's Android to help with the system, and Qualcomm to power its features for this Samsung wearable. Related Article: Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2023: When Is it Coming? Times, What Devices, and MORE 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Samsung Galaxy S23 is skipping satellite connectivity, one of the most notable features that Apple introduced when it debuted its new iPhone 14 series. The South Korean phone maker is sitting on this feature even if Qualcomm previously announced that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, which powers the S23 series, supports satellite features. (Photo : FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images) A man rides an escalator next to a booth of Galaxy mobile phones by Samsung, a main sponsor of the International Olympic Committee, at the Main Press Centre of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing on January 28, 2022. So the move was quite surprising for some spectators and fans. After all, previous reports and predictions suggest that Samsung is gearing up to introduce such a feature for its latest flagship lineup. Samsung Galaxy S23 Skips Satellite Connectivity The Korean tech giant debuts its all-new Galaxy S23 series, including the S23, S23 Plus, and S23 Ultra. Although these new sets of Android mobile devices feature battery and camera upgrades, they lack satellite connectivity. As per a report by CNET, Apple introduced a satellite communication feature for the iPhone 14 lineup last year, allowing users to reach out to authorities even without any cell signal. After the iPhone maker debuted the new revolutionary connectivity support, the chipmaker that powers all sorts of Android phones, Qualcomm, promised to bring a similar feature to smartphones released in 2023. But despite that, the connectivity feature is nowhere to be seen in the new Samsung flagship lineup, The Verge reports. Why is Samsung Missing Out on Satellite Connectivity? No less than the president of Samsung, TM Roh, who also sits as the head of the mobile experience business, explained their decision to skip the emerging smartphone trend. The Samsung president admits there is growing interest in satellite connectivity since Apple introduced it to the market. (Photo : Drew Angerer/Getty Images) DJ Koh, president and CEO of Samsung Electronics, presents the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 smartphone during a launch event at Barclays Center on August 7, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Samsung announced the Galaxy Note 10 and Galaxy Note 10 Plus smartphones. Given that, why did the Korean phone maker decide to release the S23 series without it? Roh believes it is too early to dip their toes in the new feature. He further noted that the connection itself is still quite limited. The Samsung president told CNET they will consider adopting the feature "when there is the right timing, infrastructure, and the technology [is] ready." He notes that "we would also actively consider adopting this feature as well." Read Also: Samsung Galaxy S23 Series: How The LPDDR5X RAM Affects Its Performance Samsung's Efforts for Emergency Communication The big boss of Samsung adds that he does not "believe that is the end-all or be-all of the solutions to ensure peace of mind among users." The tech exec went on to highlight the other efforts of the renowned phone maker, including the expansion of 5G support and the upgrades on the sensors of its mobile devices. Roh notes that these efforts also help its users to reach out for help during emergencies. Here's how to pre-order the new Samsung Galaxy S23 series. Related Article: Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2023: Galaxy S23 Ultra's Camera Features are Game Changer! Nightography, Astro Hyperlapse, and MORE 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Sony is gearing up to launch their second-generation PlayStation VR headset later this month. The new headset, PSVR2, is scheduled to be released on February 22nd and will also herald the restocking of the popular PlayStation 5. Preparing for the PSVR2: What to Expect From Sony's Next-Generation Virtual Reality Headset According to the story by Giz China, with Sony's second-generation virtual reality headset launch, the PSVR2, just around the corner, PlayStation fans worldwide are preparing for an upgrade. Now it's been two years since the launch of the PS5, and we are still feeling the effects of the low stock. Fortunately, Sony is looking to ease this problem by restocking the console in some regions this month. However, even as PlayStation fans prepare to purchase the console, some may be looking to purchase the next-generation VR headset, the PSVR2. Implications of the Low Demand for the VR Headset Not only is the headset more expensive than the standard PS5, but the demand is still low, with Sony reducing the production target for the first quarter to 1 million units, according to a report from Bloomberg. This low demand could be attributed to a few factors; the lack of sufficient VR games and the expensive price tag. The PSVR2 headset will cost its customers $550 / 600 / 530 / 75,000 and will come with two controllers. To entice customers to purchase the headset, Sony has added 13 more VR-supported games to the total of 30 currently available. Pre-Order the PlayStation VR2 Headset and Accessories Now Sony has been doing its best to increase its VR game library with 13 more supported games. Moreover, if buyers plan to pre-order the headset for themselves, they can do so via the PlayStation website or selected retail shops. The headset will also come with two controllers and the Horizon Call of the Mountain bundle. Overall, with the pre-order for the PSVR2 having started back in November and the headset's launch date of February 22, Sony could increase its VR demand further by offering potential customer discounts or, better yet, bundling the VR headset with the PlayStation 5. Read Also: Best Nintendo Switch Docks to Use For Big-Screen Gaming [2023] Raising Demand for Sony's PSVR2 Headset Through Promotion and Restocking of PS5 According to a report from Bloomberg, Sony has already reduced its production target for the first quarter of the headset to one million units, which is a far cry from the numbers they had been expecting. The high cost of the headset and the lack of available games may be to blame for the lack of demand. However, Sony is hoping that the restocking of the PS5 and the promise of more games to come in the future will entice more customers to purchase the PSVR2 headset. With Sony's "Live From PS5" ad campaign depicting well-known gaming characters coming to life, fans may soon be as excited about the VR headset as they are about the console. Related Article: Microsoft, Sony, Nintendo Are Skipping E3 2023, Report Says 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Gas cylinder explodes on ship in Quang Ninh, injuring eight A sudden gas cylinder explosion occurred on a ship which was being repaired in the northern province of Quang Ninh, injuring eight workers. The incident occurred at around 8:45 am this morning when the vessel Oriental Glory was being repaired at Nosco Shipyard. The ship belongs to the Hanoi-based Phuong Dong Shipping and Trading JS Company. The ship where the incident happened The gas cylinder explosion affected eight workers from Nosco ShipYard aged between 34 and 47. Right after the incident Cao Tuong Huy, the Managing Chairman of the Quang Ninh Peoples Committee instructed local concerned agencies to investigate the cause of the explosion. The eight victims are being treated at Vietnam-Thuy Dien Hospital. Two University of Virginia School of Law graduates and health care advocates will receive awards at the law schools seventh annual Shaping Justice conference. Anne Swerlick will receive the Shaping Justice Award for Extraordinary Achievement. Laurel Sakai will receive the Shaping Justice Rising Star Award. Swerlick, who got her undergraduate degree at UVa and graduated from the law school in 1977, is a former senior policy analyst and attorney at the Florida Policy Institute who focused on health, economic and social justice issues, according to a statement from UVa Law. She is retired now after more than 30 years of public service. Sakai, who graduated in 2011, is currently the national director of public policy and government affairs at the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, according to the statement. Before that, she served as the deputy health policy director for the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. The Shaping Justice conference is scheduled to run from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Friday. The awards ceremony is planned for 4:30 p.m. at the law schools Caplin Pavilion. This years conference is titled Safeguarding Bodily Autonomy: Examining the Intersections of Health and Justice. During the event, panels will discuss topics such as reproductive justice, health care in correctional facilities, climate change and indigenous health, according to the law school. INTERVIEW - Four years ago, on April 15, 2019, the spire of the famous cathedral collapsed under the onslaught of flames. Since then, the renovation of Notre-Dame has been underway, and in 2023, a team of researchers present on the site was able to find and date iron staples, which make it possible to consolidate the stone structure of the building. The opportunity to return to the history of the reconstruction of Notre-Dame, with Mathieu Lours, architectural historian and specialist in religious buildings, guest of Virginie Girod in Au Coeur de l'Histoire. The construction of Notre Dame began in 1160 and was almost completed nearly a century later. In the nineteenth century, when the architect Viollet-le-Duc discovered Notre-Dame, the building was in very poor condition. He then decided to renovate it and add the famous spire of Notre-Dame. For Mathieu Lours, despite the age of this monument, "Notre-Dame remains one of the least well-known cathedrals. They hadn't been put in there since 1864 for structural restorations. Beyond belief, beyond the imaginary, beyond our relationship to history, every man sees in Our Lady a cathedral of the imagination." "Au Cur de l'Histoire" is a Europe 1 Studio production. Verizon Wireless customers across the Charlottesville area were without service for much of Thursday afternoon after a fiber cable was accidentally cut. Verizon did not say where, how or why the fiber was cut, but said that after it had been alerted it had sent crews to fix the fiber and restore service. The outage affected more than 1,500 customers, according to real-time outage monitoring website Downdetector. The real number of those affected is likely much higher, as Downdetector is powered by user reports. Verizon did not answer any questions regarding the scope of the outage on Thursday. During the outage, the joint emergency communications center for the city, Albemarle County and the University of Virginia urged residents attempting to contact 911 to keep calling or texting. We may be unable to call you back, the center tweeted from its official account. Verizon spokesman Steve Van Dinter told The Daily Progress that customers who are experiencing service outages should enable Wi-Fi calling to ensure they are able to make and receive calls until service is restored. More information on Wi-Fi calling is available at https://www.verizon.com/support/wifi-calling-faqs/. With a 31% market share, Verizon is the second-largest telecommunications company and provider of mobile phone services in the U.S. after AT&T, based on subscriber data from the companies quarterly earnings reports. A Greene County man has been named as a suspect in last weeks church fire in Madison County. David Gordon Netting, 45, of Stanardsville, has been charged with a trio of felonies: breaking and entering with intent to commit arson, injuring any property/monument and burning or destroying a dwelling house, according to a release from Madison County Sheriff Erik Weaver. The sheriff said in a phone call Wednesday that Netting was injured in the Jan. 25 fire at Rose Park Methodist Church in Wolftown and was transported to VCU Medical Center in Richmond for treatment. Netting was released Jan. 28 to the custody of the Richmond City Jail on the local warrants. Weaver said they were in the process of picking him up for placement in Central Virginia Regional Jail in Orange. The church sanctuary was significantly damaged in the fire, according to a Facebook post from church leaders, stating Rose Park has been a Madison County cornerstone for nearly 140 years. The investigation is ongoing. If you have any information related to the investigation, call (540) 948-5161. Lebanon Fire District personnel responded to a mechanic shop fire Wednesday night, Feb. 1 on Airway Road. Initial reports indicated there were three occupants inside the building when it caught fire, according to a district news release. The battalion chief arrived on scene and found a steel building with heavy black smoke billowing from the eaves. An incident commander contacted a woman in the driveway who said there was only one occupant in the building who was trying to extinguish the fire. The incident commander made contact with the occupant and had the person evacuate the building, according to LFD. Firefighters deployed hose lines and started looking for the source of the fire using a thermal imaging camera, according to the news release. Crews located multiple hot spots, removed insulation in the roof lines and walls and began extinguishing the fire. Firefighters were on scene for about an hour as they conducted overhaul on the building. No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire is still under investigation, LFD said. Lebanon firefighters would like to remind its citizens not to attempt extinguishing a out of control fire, but to call 911 quickly, the agency said in the news release. Corvallis Whiteside and Majestic Theatres are among Oregons arts and cultural organizations and performance venues seeking another round of $50 million to help them recover financially while they rebuild attendance and audiences lost during the coronavirus pandemic. They got help in July 2020, when lawmakers approved $50 million from federal funds to help them. House Bill 2459, heard Tuesday, Jan. 31 by the House Economic Development and Small Business Committee, proposes $22.6 million from state funds to be divided among seven large organizations and 77 smaller venues named in the legislation. The Majestic would get $103,000, and the Whiteside stands to get $40,000. The rest of the $50 million would go to the Oregon Business Development Department for distribution. House Bill 2911, which was heard last week, proposes $20 million for the business agency without naming organizations or venues. Chair Janelle Bynum, D-Happy Valley, said the ultimate fate of the bills is up to the Legislatures joint budget committee. They are not the only ones urging legislators to continue aid that originally came from federal dollars. Gov. Tina Kotek, in presenting her budget recommendations for the next two-year cycle starting July 1, said Tuesday: Future budget cycles may present difficult choices. Brian Ferriso, director of the Portland Art Museum, said attendance in 2022 was about half of pre-pandemic totals despite two major exhibitions and conservative projections. Our organizations, large and small, are struggling to regain footing in the wake of the pandemic. Oregon experienced some of the longest pandemic-related shutdowns in the nation, he said at a committee hearing. Ferriso acknowledged that downtown Portland, the scene of racial justice protests and the target of vandalism for weeks in 2020, posed a special challenge for the museum and other prominent institutions. We know that many workers and their families have yet to return to Portlands downtown, he said. Let me assure you that we are doing what we can to be part of the solution. Like the 2020 allocation, a small group of organizations would share $11.8 million: Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, $5.1 million; Oregon Symphony, $1.9 million; Portland Art Museum, $1.5 million; Portland Center Stage and Portland Opera, $949,375 each; High Desert Museum in Bend, $759,500, and Oregon Ballet Theatre, $683,550. (Excluded are 2020 recipients Metro, which had run the Portland Center for the Performing Arts, and the Pendleton Roundup.) 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. All except two are based in Portland. Portland Art Museum did not get money in the initial round in 2020, but lawmakers later added a few organizations and venues to their original list. Another $10.7 million would be split among 77 named performance venues. In the 2020 allocation, about 80 venues split $9.7 million; 41 of them in the Portland area got a total of $6.3 million. The overall bill specifies that $9.6 million must be distributed outside the Portland metro area. The 2020 allocation was approved by the legislative Emergency Board, which meets between sessions of the full Legislature, and left it to cultural coalitions in Oregons 36 counties to distribute the $26 million remaining. Ginger Savage, a board member of the Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon, said a recent announcement by the Oregon Shakespeare Festival of major staff cuts and production curtailments may foreshadow what is in store for smaller organizations without state aid. There is no doubt in my mind that when we support the arts, we are supporting Main Street and all the different businesses associated with the arts, said Rep. Greg Smith, a Republican from Heppner, an economic development consultant and a cosponsor. Ferriso mentioned a 2017 study by Americans for the Arts, which pegged the activity by cultural nonprofits in Portland generated $330 million annually in spinoff benefits, almost 10 times the national median of $35.8 million for a metro area. Rep. Rob Nosse, D-Portland, is a cosponsor and an organizer of the Arts and Culture Caucus in the Legislature. He said economic losses in Oregons creative sector from the pandemic amounted to $1.6 billion. This loss was made worse by the fact that audiences are still slow in returning to their pre-pandemic numbers. Even now with restrictions lifted, venues are still not seeing audiences return in the numbers we are used to, Nosse said. Attendance numbers are moving in the right direction. But unless we provide a lifeline of support, I think we are at risk of losing some of our most critical cultural venues across our state. CBD fondly remembers the days when political parties funded their own dirt units, but it looks these days like theyre outsourcing the work. Take Opposition Leader Peter Duttons effort on Sydneys radio 2GB owned by Nine, which also owns The Age on Thursday, when the Liberal leader waded into the workplace dispute, now before the Federal Court, between teal independent for Kooyong Monique Ryan and her chief of staff, Sally Rugg. Monique Ryan and Sally Rugg are in a legal stoush. Credit: Photos: Alex Ellinghausen/Nick Moir Teed up a treat by host Ray Hadley to go off about these teal people being frightened of a hard days work, etc, Dutton chose to go off on a frolic of his own, imploring any persons or organisations who might be inclined to go poking around in Ryans employment past, looking for evidence of her being a prickly character. Id be really interested, Ray, to have a further look at Monique Ryans employment history, and interactions with other people in workplaces where shes been before, Dutton said. Be it Heartbreak High, Neighbours or Kath & Kim, the stories we tell through local television production help to build our sense of national identity and strongly influence how we are seen by the rest of the world. Without some level of government regulation, though, many of our best-known series would never have been made in the first place, being too risky and too expensive compared with the flood of shows available internationally. Thats why free-to-air channels are required to screen a certain proportion of local content. The cast of Heartbreak High, screened on Netflix. Credit: Netflix This has never been the case with the streaming platforms, such as Netflix and Disney+, which are currently under no obligation to carry or invest in Australian productions. If they do so, its because they think a show will appeal to our domestic market or be commercially successful overseas; they have no intrinsic interest in telling our stories for their own sake. Among mourners at Cardinal George Pells Requiem Mass, grief was imbued with defiance. For some, the decision to turn up at all was rebellious, given many of the countrys most prominent Catholics the Labor prime minister and NSW Liberal premier included considered the funeral of such a reviled cleric to be electoral poison, and stayed away. At first, the mourners defiance was subtle, revealed only in their studious disregard for the chants of angry protesters George Pell, go to hell! that edged into St Marys Cathedral, through the stained glass from nearby Hyde Park, and reverberated around the sandstone walls. In the summer heat, their anger simmered. Despite stark findings from the royal commission about Pells failure to protect children from paedophile priests, many believed they were mourning a visionary targeted by non-believers for his faith. A gratuitous attack on Premier Dominic Perrottets Catholicism has spotlighted the problematic relationship between religion and politics in this country. Clubs NSW boss Josh Landis was roundly condemned and sacked for saying the premiers gambling reforms were driven by his Catholic gut, insinuating his religious faith was influencing policy. I was one of the many people profoundly concerned about Perrottets religious background when he ascended to NSWs top office. The school he attended had links to Opus Dei, and I considered him to be an extremist and out of touch with mainstream Australia. Dominic Perrottet at the 2023 Premiers Gala Concert and NSW Seniors Festival Expo in Sydney on Thursday. Credit: AAP But, like many, Ive been pleasantly surprised by his actions in the job. Whether its the influence of moderates such as Treasurer Matt Kean, or the realisation that successful Australian leaders govern from the centre, or both, Perrottet has shown himself to be much more progressive than expected, championing female representation in parliament, Indigenous recognition and climate change. He was not among fellow Catholics, such as former prime minister Tony Abbott, at the funeral of Cardinal George Pell on Thursday. Unlike the United States, where politicians parade their religious devotion, Australians generally prefer our representatives to keep their religious beliefs to themselves and not let them affect their job. Its an issue of particular relevance to women, as all established religions are profoundly patriarchal. Americas regression on abortion has demonstrated what happens when religion is allowed to influence law-making. He said Pell had risen through the ranks to become a giant of the Catholic Church in Australia. Fisher referred to persecuted Christians, noting John the Baptist, the apostles and Jesus himself all had their prison time. He said Pell described his own 404 days in jail as an extended spiritual retreat. Former prime minister Tony Abbott leaves Beppis restaurant in Darlinghurst after the funeral. Credit: Kate Geraghty [He was] imprisoned for crimes he did not commit, following a media, police and political campaign to punish him, whether guilty or not, Fisher said. Even after he was unanimously exonerated by the High Court of Australia, some continued to demonise him. But many appreciate the legacy of this most influential churchman in our nations history. The late cardinals brother, David Pell, said his family had to be stoic against the relentless campaign to smear Georges life. Loading He also said the family had not been immune to the evil of child sexual abuse, and sympathised with victims. As a Catholic family brought up in Ballarat, we along with many other Catholic families had no idea of the evil curse that was perpetrated on the innocent children of unaware parents by secretive, deviant and manipulative criminals. Abbott was joined by conservative politicians including former prime minister John Howard, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton and Federal Liberal MPs Matt Canavan and Dan Tehan at the cathedral. Neither NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet nor NSW Labor leader Chris Minns attended. Loading The shouts of protesters could be heard above the hymns inside the cathedral during the funeral service, as tensions spilled over between anti-Pell protesters and the Catholic faithful. The first conflict came just before 10am, when protesters placed signs bearing slogans, including Pell burn in hell and Infernal lasting peace, at Hyde Park, which is opposite the cathedral on College Street. Their actions prompted several Catholic mourners to yell Take it down! Police ordered the protesters to remove the signs before they confiscated one of them. But the protesters, who eventually walked further down to Taylor Square, did not deter the several thousand people gathered outside the church. Relying on two small screens that occasionally dropped out, the faithful and the curious stood quietly as they listened to eulogies. Joey Saab, a 26-year-old Catholic from Bankstown, said he was at the ceremony to unite the church after a period of division. Weve been praying for all the falsely accused and the children who have been abused, he said. The best thing you can do is pray. The cardinal was buried in a private ceremony in the St Marys Cathedral crypt, alongside other senior figures in the Catholic Church in Australia. Protesters were given permission to gather opposite the cathedral after NSW Police withdrew a court challenge against the march organised by campaign group Community Action for Rainbow Rights. NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said the route agreed by police and organisers meant protesters would be able to march, but because of a buffer zone they would not intersect with mourners at the cathedral. An anti-Pell protest car drives through the streets of Sydney. Credit: Anthony Segaert Theres certainly a right to freedom of speech, and we respect that, but they need to respect the law. Its highly charged and emotional for people on both sides, and all sides, but we just ask that they treat each other with respect today, follow the rules, and hopefully no one will get arrested, Webb told 2GBs Ben Fordham. Protest organiser Kim Stern said police attempts to block the groups from getting anywhere near the cathedral had been extremely frustrating. Before the protest, Stern said it would be loud, vibrant and very visible, and would denounce Pells strident and long-standing opposition to marriage equality, homosexuality and abortion rights. Pell had also faced allegations of covering up child sexual abuse. A man tries to remove ribbons from the St Marys Cathedral fence before the service. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer Its really great that were able to march up to the church to show that opposition, not just to the cardinal, but also to Peter Dutton, Tony Abbott, other people like that who are going to be in attendance, he told ABC TVs News Breakfast. Loading Episode 75: Host Richard Kyte and Scott Rada discuss a recent study about happiness and whether the philosophy of the stoics can help us in our everyday lives. Links to stories discussed during the podcast: What the longest human happiness study found is the key to a good life, by Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz, The Atlantic The happiest, least stressful, most meaningful jobs in America, by Andrew Van Dam, The Washington Post What is stoicism? A definition and nine stoic exercises to get you started, Daily Stoic A 2,300-year-old philosophy stoicism has enjoyed a revival of late, especially in Silicon Valley, by John Metcalfe, The Washington Post About the hosts: Scott Rada is social media manager with Lee Enterprises, and Richard Kyte is the director of the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wis. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. As the late Cardinal George Pell was laid to rest in Sydney, Chrissie Foster struggled to reconcile the eulogies with her memories of the man she once asked for help. Foster, who went to Pell with her husband Anthony when they discovered their two young daughters were being raped by parish priest Kevin ODonnell, said the divisive cardinal was hardly a martyr or a saint. Chrissie Foster and a group of other parents tied ribbons on the fence of Sacred Heart Church in Oakleigh. Credit: Joe Armao The problem I have is people from on high like [former prime minister Tony] Abbott saying hes like a saint, and someone else said he was martyred like Jesus was, she said. They obviously have not been to one royal commission session or read one of their reports on George Pell. Go to the funeral, yes, but dont say those things. Its just so not true. Spreading misinformation Its bad enough that the Liberal government produced stories about dole bludgers and welfare integrity to promote robo-debt. It is arguably worse that there are apparently sympathetic right-wing media outlets willing to publish this misinformation. Greg Walsh, Black Rock THE FORUM Border resources Nick McKenzies excellent report about the AFPs arrest of international crime figures was like something out of a Hollywood crime saga (AFP dismantles alleged $10 billion Chinese money laundering operation, 2/2). I particularly liked the bit about the arrested mans mother-in-law driving a Lamborghini 4WD up to the Burwood Branch of the NAB with $7 million to deposit. Oh, and the bit about the suspects wandering about with bags stuffed with millions of dollars in cash. But of course none of it is funny. The least funny part is that Australian government has for decades spent billions locking up pathetic refugees, and spreading dark hints about the dangers they present for our culture. And all the while theyve allowed international drug cartels, money laundering syndicates, migration racketeers and assorted crime gangs to flourish in this country because the relevant authorities have inadequate resources to deal with them. Bernard Slattery, Castlemaine Peters pall Peter Dutton hasnt got much going in terms of big ideas or charm but he is often lauded as a pragmatist. What can he be hoping to gain by his relentless negativity regarding the Voice? Will opposing the constitutional change win back any Teal seats? How many Liberal voters might he lose? And thats before considering how history will judge him. As Shaun Carney writes (Dutton is driving the liberals off a cliff, 1/2), the party Dutton has inherited is a dysfunctional wreckage, captive to a right-wing rump that is out of touch with the community. Electoral abyss awaits him. Sadly though, the double majority referendum voting requirement might mean that his fear mongering and naysaying could kill this opportunity of a new beginning in Indigenous relations. Patrice McCarthy, Bendigo The right remedy I have heard people disagree with implementing the Voice because it appears to give extra rights to only one section of the community, the Indigenous. In itself that is correct, but it does not acknowledge the bigger picture of how little their voice is heard by government. The non-Indigenous community is heard by government from many powerful sources the media unions, business groups and religions, not to mention lobbyists. The Voice could help redress this imbalance. John Groom, Bentleigh Status quo I cannot understand the call for including migrants in the Voice. Everyone living in Australia who is not of Aboriginal heritage is either a migrant or a descendant of migrants. If migrants were included we would be maintaining the status quo. The intention of the Voice is recognition of what has been taken from the Indigenous population and the second step (the apology being the first) in beginning to make reparation for this. Charlotte Brewer, Shepparton Captures the babble Julie Szego must surely have a secret life as a teacher in a Victorian government school (Youll pay, kids ... one way or another, 2/2). Szegos hilarious, sarcastic take-down of aspects of state education, replete with Edu-babble phrases such as flexible learning space experiential module pod, is so accurate one has to rage, or weep, or both. And no doubt many teachers do. Deborah Morrison, Malvern East Unfair outcomes Julie Szegos blunt description of our inequitable education system should appal any fair-minded Australian. If more people dont get angry about this, and demand changes, latent talent will continue to be wasted as students from inadequately resourced government schools will miss out on opportunities. Australia will be the poorer, and our much-vaunted self-image as the land of the fair go revealed as a facade. Norman Huon, Port Melbourne Pay subsidies to parents The private school funding model is flawed. Our Swiss cheese rules allow the wealthiest private schools to receive funding even though there is little evidence they keep fees affordable. If private school funding is meant to take the load off the public school system, the incentive should be paid directly only to parents who are demonstrably eligible for it. The government should offset private school fees by directing the funding to parents via an income and asset wealth test. Paul Miller, Box Hill South Private privilege I could not agree more with Jenna Price on defunding private schools (Comment, 1/2). But where to start? Check the bios of most politicians, Labour included, and youll see the bias is baked in from the top. Andrew Barnes, Ringwood School refusal Matthew Bach (Comment, 31/1) you are right when you say that school attendance allows students to take advantage of educational opportunities; full participation usually leads to enhanced outcomes. And as you say, there is no doubt parents have a key role to play in facilitating this. So, it is somewhat surprising that you have omitted a crucial aspect. What advice would you offer parents of an adult sized secondary school student who simply cannot get out of bed, such are the debilitating effects of anxiety? I am sure many of these parents would happily endure some bite marks in exchange for their child actually getting inside the school gates (until we cant). The missing element in your picture is the provision of professional help for parents an offer of practical guidance and emotional support, so they can navigate this difficult terrain. Trish Thompson, Northcote Read letter days The simple solution for a school refusing a child is to say, If you go to school you could get qualifications as a journalist with the opportunity to spend your working day reading letters to the editor prior to publishing. A letters to the editor position must surely be the best job of all. A job experiencing so much humour and wisdom to enlighten every day and never be short of anecdotes to recall at parties. David Hassett, Blackburn A little help Before the expected influx of students from China arrives, is it not time to reconsider Australias responsibility to international students? Its all very well to accept their fees, but many seem to live in poverty. The report Tanay slept on a couch for months (30/1) is merely the latest indication. Should we assist them to find jobs? Provide accommodation? Offer scholarships that cover costs? Should potential students not be accepted if they or their parents cannot pay for their food and accommodation? One thing is for certain international students couch-surfing and starving has to stop. Margaret Callinan, Hawthorn Cheating themselves Students who use AI to write essays and assignments are in the end cheating only themselves. All university subjects are designed around learning objectives not just a list of topics such as the ability to describe, understand, analyse, synthesise, communicate, work in a team, research, debate and so on. Assignments and essays and the like are designed to achieve these learning objectives and are assessed to ensure the students do the work. If students use AI and do not work through the processes themselves, they do not learn. They are missing out on the very reason they are enrolled. Louise Kloot, Doncaster Pells legacy I mentioned Cardinal Pell to a young adult today she retorted that theyre all terrible. Part of George Pells legacy is that the Churchs reputation is trashed, for a significant proportion of the population. This is despite generations of social and charitable work by the Catholic Church, to believers and the wider community parish by parish in Australia, and with aid worldwide through Caritas. One reason is that an organisation supposedly based on love your neighbour actually tended to support sinning priests rather than victims. John Hughes, Mentone Poetry every day While Im thrilled that we shall have a Poet Laureate, I would like more, some, poetry to appear in The Age, perhaps on a weekly or dare I say, even a poem for the day. Just as we all did, I read the poetry of the Anglosphere at school, but to reread them as an ageing adult is a different experience altogether. What a delight it would be to come across a poem, in The Age each day. Jan Hasnie, Doncaster Accent cringe One reason Australian TV fails to punch through internationally is the Aussie accent. Its cringeworthy. (Why is Australian TV failing to make global hits? 2/1). Once our actors head overseas nearly all learn to speak with a mid-Atlantic accent. Our sunny soaps and comedies are the exception, where the Aussie drawl is de rigueur. If we want to establish our version of Aus-noir, we should film in Australian cities that have a cold climate. The best dramas come out of the east coast of the US, Eastern Europe, Scandinavia and the UK. Paul Custance, Highett Musical tradition The best things to do in Melbourne this month (2/2) failed to mention the free concerts in the Sidney Myer Music Bowl (February 8, 15 and 18), given by our wonderful Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, attended by thousands of music-lovers every year since 1959. A generational tradition for many families, and a great way to introduce children to classical music in a relaxed atmosphere, with a picnic tea. Joy Hayman, Blackburn North National pride I dont see why flags are shown next to a players name at the Australian Open. It is not the Davis Cup so the country a player professes to belong to has no relevance. Besides, a number of players were not born in the country they represent. Margaret Collings, Anglesea And another thing Credit: Illustration: Matt Golding Voice to parliament Duttons conundrum: if he uses the voice the PM has given him to resolve his concerns about the Voice, he validates its usefulness. If not he will just look obstructionist. Joan Segrave, Healesville Youre wasting your time Mr Albanese; how can you explain the simple concept of inclusion and equality, as written in the Uluru Statement from the Heart, to someone without a heart nor will to do the right thing? Henry Herzog, St Kilda East It seems the only Voice acceptable to Peter Dutton would be one with laryngitis. Phil Alexander, Eltham Robo-debt inquiry If only a government would pursue corporate fraudsters with the same vigour they chase so-called dole bludgers. Jack Morris, Kennington Alan Tudge seems to have forgotten the first principle of leadership; You can delegate everything except responsibility. William Wallace, Ascot Park, SA Myki readers on buses, trams and at train stations across Melbourne suffered a system outage on Thursday afternoon, with commuters being waved through barriers and told not to tap on. Metro Trains apologised for the inconvenience and said a technical fault was to blame. Card readers, which Victorian commuters use to tap on when travelling, began displaying out of order messages about 4.30pm. PTV confirmed about 7pm that the system had been restored and thanked commuters for their patience, but some tram passengers were still reporting issues with card readers on Thursday evening. Indigenous Australians will be clearly recognised as Australias first people in the Constitution in an introductory sentence to be added to the proposed Voice to parliament amendment, as the governments constitutional experts advisory group affirmed the referendum would not affect any groups sovereignty. The updated advice from the group of hand-picked constitutional experts comes as the Liberals left a meeting with the governments Indigenous referendum advisory group unsatisfied with the consultation process and repeating demands for more detail about how the Voice will operate. Peter Dutton asked several questions of the working group during the meeting. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen The working group briefing paves the way for Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, who spent the first weeks of the year attacking the Voice proposal for lacking detail, to update his party room on the discussions when it meets ahead of the parliament resuming next week. Dutton is yet to confirm whether the party room will have a free vote on the bill to authorise the referendum, but many Liberals are inclined to vote No. What in the World, a free weekly newsletter from our foreign correspondents, is sent every Thursday. Below is an excerpt. Sign up to get the whole newsletter delivered to your inbox. Today I write to you from a place I cannot name. I can tell you that its beautiful and cold and consequential. Its in the south of England, deep in the countryside. Ive just been in tears and so has the woman Ive just finished interviewing. I dont know her name or what her face looks like, but I can see from her body shape underneath her military fatigues and from the way she stands that shes a woman and, from the creases around her eyes, that shes older than I am. London: It was one of the more intimate revelations in the Duke of Sussexs memoir and one that, for many, raised more questions than it answered. Who was the horse-mad woman who took his virginity in a field during what Prince Harry himself admitted was a rather inglorious episode? Britains Prince Harry. Credit: AP The mystery has now taken a surprising twist after Rupert Everett teased that he knew the identity of the woman in question. Not only that, for the actor also mischievously claimed that the episode did not take place behind a pub, or even in Britain. Everett was interviewed for the Telegraph Magazine on the day Harrys memoir, Spare, was published. Washington: Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley will kick off her campaign for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination this month, squaring off against her one-time boss, former President Donald Trump, two sources familiar with her plans said. The move would make her just the second declared Republican candidate and could set the stage for a more combative phase of the campaign, potentially putting her in the sights of the pugnacious former US president. Former UN ambassador and former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley. Credit: AP Haleys campaign sent an email to supporters on Wednesday, Washington time, inviting them to a February 15 event in Charleston. There she will declare her candidacy, the sources said. South Carolina is expected to host one of the first Republican nominating primaries in 2024 and will play an important role in picking the eventual candidate. Lawyers in the criminal case against Jordan Waddy, the man who was the catalyst in a downtown shooting by Denver police last summer that injured several people, waived his preliminary hearing Wednesday. Waddy's arraignment, where he could enter a plea, is scheduled for Feb. 27. During a preliminary hearing, prosecutors present evidence to a judge to determine if enough evidence exists to send a defendant to trial. A waiver usually means defense attorneys concede enough evidence exists. Waddy faces one count of third-degree assault, a misdemeanor, and three counts of possession of a weapon by a previous offender, felonies. A defendant enters a plea during arraignment, but these hearings commonly get rescheduled or a plea agreement is reached beforehand. If a defendant pleads not-guilty, a trial date is set. The shooting on July 17 happened in the early hours of the morning as people left bars in Denver's Lower Downtown (LoDo) neighborhood. According to an indictment of one police officer facing charges in the incident, the shooting unfolded after officers attempted to talk to Waddy, now 22, after he got into a fight with another person outside the Larimer Beer Hall. Police claim Waddy brandished a gun at officers, and three officers opened fire injuring Waddy and several bystanders. Body camera footage appeared to show Waddy throwing his gun as the shooting unfolded, and he has not been charged with threatening the officers with the firearm. Denver Police Officer Brandon Ramos has been criminally charged in connection with the shooting. The actions of two other Denver officers were found legally justified, according to a grand jury indictment. A panel of Colorado senators on Thursday agreed to put off its decision on a bill that would bar non-disclosure agreements with government employees. The senators want to haggle out additional details that might ensure its passage. The five-member Senate state, veterans, and military affairs committee opted to push to next week a vote on Senate Bill 23-053, which aims to prevent any level of government in Colorado from silencing employees through confidentiality agreements. The reason is so bill sponsor Sen. Barb Kirkmeyer, a Weld County Republican, can offer modifications to the bill that could improve the likelihood it moves to the full Senate. At least 16 states already ban the use of NDAs with state employees as well as the federal government. Nearly a dozen people some of them journalists testified in favor of the proposed law, frequently noting that NDAs, as they are commonly called, muzzle the free-speech rights of government employees, many of them whistleblowers to malfeasance or fraud. The agreements are often pressed on the employees during settlement negotiations and, according to attorneys who represent them, ensure the public can never know whats at the root of the reason for a taxpayer-funded payout that can easily top $100,000. A Denver Gazette investigation last November revealed how the state had paid more than $4 million to employees who signed more than 80 NDAs in just three years. The newspaper did not look into the number of confidentiality agreements that employees of county or local governments might also have been forced to sign. But Kirkmeyers bill directly looks to prohibit the practice, the second time shes tackled the subject. She was unsuccessful in 2021 with a similar bill. She has said the topic is too important and the Denver Gazette investigation too revealing to not make another effort. In testimony Thursday, the bill landed stern support from the American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado and, although they were officially neutral on the bill, the Colorado branch of the AFL-CIO. The practices by the government have advanced to the point to where the civil liberties of the people themselves are threatened, ACLU policy strategist Anaya Robinson testified. It is vital that the line between non-secret and secret information be clearly drawn. Unclassified material should not be restricted at all. Committee members queried Kirkmeyer about the breadth of the bill and some of its finer points, but did not seem resistant to its overall intent. Several journalists also testified, noting how their work to inform the public about government action has often been thwarted by government-required non-disclosure agreements that its employees signed. Casey Leier, an attorney who often represents state employees in whistleblower and discrimination matters, testified that Colorado government has become more aggressive in requiring NDAs for any employee grievance. More often than not its a complete gag to any information related to the case its about, Leier said. He added to the Denver Gazette later: This legislation would ensure that individuals are no longer held captive by these agreements, allowing them to speak out freely, and allowing the people to hold wrongdoers accountable. There was no testimony opposing the measure. The committee is likely to take up the bill at its meeting scheduled for Feb. 9. Cheyenne, WY (82001) Today Cloudy with snow showers this morning and steady snow likely this afternoon. Temps nearly steady in the mid 30s. Winds N at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 90%. 1 to 3 inches of snow expected.. Tonight Cloudy with snow showers mainly during the evening. Low 26F. Winds NNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 50%. Etisalat Egypt signed a financing agreement worth EGP4 billion (US$132 million) with the Commercial International Bank (CIB), a move to expand digital services and upgrade infrastructure. Etisalat Egypt CEO Hazem Metwally noted the deal aligns with the operators plan to create more services and enhanced solutions to meet the growing needs of the Egyptian market, reported Zawya. The deal also aligns with wider ambitions to contribute to the Digital Egypt project, a government scheme to push initiatives that promote digital transformation, which also supports Egypts Vision 2030 national agenda. Metwally said: Etisalat Egypt is keen on investing in infrastructure that provides the best-integrated technology services to our customers, and keeps pace with the huge increase in data usage rates across Egypt. CIB chief executive Amr El-Ganainy added: This partnership reflects the CIBs role in supporting businesses in the [information and communications technology] ICT sector. [It] will further contribute to achieving Etisalat Egypts strategy in a way that scales up the company's financial position in the market and thus achieves more future business success. By Azernews Qabil Ashirov The government of Azerbaijan has prioritized improving living conditions in rural areas and is determined to cooperate with the UN to this effect, Azernews reports, referring to the resident coordinator of the UN in Azerbaijan, Vladanka Andreyeva, who was speaking at the National Forum on Agrarian Advisory Services. She said that, in recent years, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Azerbaijan has shown great success in the agricultural sector. Vladanka Andreyeva also stressed that women play a major role in this field, adding that ensuring working conditions for women is a decisive issue in the inclusive development of the agricultural sector. "In 2021, we signed an agreement with Azerbaijan on cooperation in the agricultural sector until 2025. Within the framework of this agreement, cooperation is expected in the field of inclusive growth, environmental protection, and support of equal rights in business activities," Adreyeva added. A Russian government commission has reportedly cleared Veons sale of its Russian unit Vimpelcom to the operators senior managers. In November 2022, Veon announced that it would join the raft of western firms exiting Russia following its invasion of Ukraine in February that year. However, unlike many of these other companies, Veon would be remunerated for its exit, with Vimpelcoms leadership team led by CEO Aleksander Torbakhov acquiring the operator for 130 billion roubles ($2.2 billion). Newspaper Kommersant last week reported that the proposed deal had met with opposition from Russias Finance Ministry, Economy Ministry and Central Bank, based on objections from Veon Eurobond holders. Business outlet RBC now reports that following amendments ensuring all bondholders will receive equal treatment, the deal has been approved. The CEO of Telecommunication Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTTP) has announced a major investment in fibre rollout across the island country. Lisa Agard said her company recently approved an investment of more than TT$120 million (about US$17.7 million) for an accelerated deployment of fibre infrastructure over the next 18 months throughout Trinidad and Tobago. TSTT is the country's largest provider of communications solutions to the residential and commercial markets. Its products are designed around its IP-based core infrastructure and marketed under the bmobile brand. Agard assured her audience at an address given prior to the presentation of a Huawei IdeaHub at a school in northern Tobago that TSTT will be building further on its existing fibre infrastructure with fibre passing another 3,000 homes. Referring specifically to Tobago, she said that in the last year TSTT had passed more than 3,200 homes, taking the total to more than 15,000 homes passed in Tobago with fibre connectivity. The additional build out, she added, will take the companys overall investment in fibre in Tobago over the past few years to over $50 million (US$7.4 million). Quoted by the Trinidad and Tobago Newsday service she said: When this is completed, we will have fibre throughout the length and breadth of Tobago; 95 per cent of the island will have coverage. This, she added, would not be matched by any other service provider in Tobago. 100-Year-Old Holocaust Survivor Recalls Surviving 12 Concentration Camps Joseph Alexander shares his experiences of surviving the Holocaust, at the Chabad Center for Jewish Life, on Jan. 27, 2023. (Stephan Abraham/Chabad Center for Jewish Life) Joseph Alexander, who just turned 100, travels to schools and museums across the state recalling his experiences of surviving the Holocaust. Hes even been immortalized in Steven Spielbergs 1996 documentary, Survivors of The Holocaust. The Los Angeles resident recently spoke in front of a crowd of over 200, at Newport Beachs Chabad Center for Jewish Life, detailing the atrocities of his birthplacePolandbeing invaded in 1939 by the Nazis, his time in concentration camps, being sent to Auschwitz, and ultimately being saved by U.S. troops a day before his scheduled execution. I still dont know if anyone in my family survived. As far as I know, I am the only one, Alexander said. Alexanders talk was held Jan. 27 in honor of International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Joseph Alexander shares his experiences of surviving the Holocaust, at the Chabad Center for Jewish Life, on Jan. 27, 2023. (Stephan Abraham/Chabad Center for Jewish Life) During the nearly two-hour talk, Alexander said he, at 17, was separated from his family after their attempted escape when Hitler invaded, and was ultimately sent to 12 concentration camps before his liberation in 1945. He said he was also sent to multiple ghettos just outside Warsaw. Conditions at some were so bad, Alexander said, people were sometimes found dead on the sidewalk each morning from suicide, sickness, starvation, and even from being shot by Nazi officers. He said he contracted typhus during this time, opting to hide behind an outdoor trash can, instead of spreading the disease in work camps, for three days as he recovered from his fever. Life [in the ghetto] was more miserable than you can imagine, he said. Shortly after, he said he was relocated to a camp facing hard manual field labor with scarce fooda palm-sized piece of bread and a bowl of potato skin soup per day. He said he avoided starvation, by making deals with civilians for extra food and stayed hydratedwhile working in the marshes at one of the campsby ringing out water from the bottom of his muddy shirt to drink. Ultimately, he said, he was loaded on a train to Auschwitz. He told the audience prisoners had no water or facilities during the three-day trip, and approximately 40 percent died en route. Joseph Alexander shares his experiences of surviving the Holocaust, at the Chabad Center for Jewish Life, on Jan. 27, 2023. (Stephan Abraham/Chabad Center for Jewish Life) Arriving at Auschwitz, Alexander said he was faced with the infamous Dr. Josef Mengele, known now by historians as The Angel of Death for his role in choosing which prisoners lived and died, along with his horrific medical experiments on prisoners. According to Alexander, Mengele placed him in the line headed for the gas chamber due to his small size. As Mengele walked away, however, Alexander said he quickly switched to the labor line. If it wasnt midnight I would not have gotten away [with] sneaking into the other line, and I would not be speaking to you today, he told the crowd. There, his arm was tattooed with his prisoner number 142584, which he held up for all to see. Six years later, April of 1945, Alexander said he was sharing a wooden shelf bed with two other menthis time, at the Dachau death campwhen he and his fellow inmates were sentenced to a three-day death march, to a location where they were told they would be executed in the German mountains. On the second day of their trek, however, their Nazi captors suddenly vanished, Alexander said. By that point, he said he recalled hearing American planes nearby. Alexander said he and the others eventually made it to a nearby village outside of Munich, and were freed by American troops April 29, 1945, when Germany surrendered in the war. He said he spent the next five years scouring Germany for anyone in his family who may have survived. He found none, he said, but learned his younger brother was executed in a gas chamber at the age of 12. Joseph Alexander shares his experiences of surviving the Holocaust, at the Chabad Center for Jewish Life, on Jan. 27, 2023. (Stephan Abraham/Chabad Center for Jewish Life) As audience members took in Alexanders story, many were moved to tears. Many were descendants of parents and grandparents who had also survived the Holocaust. I just cant fathom how someone can go through all that and still be as happy as [Alexander] is, Jane Friedman told The Epoch Times. Hes seriously amazing. During the question and answer portion of the program, one audience member asked what Alexander would say to his family if he had the chance to speak with them. His answer evoked the largest applause of the night. I would be very happy if I could speak to one member of my family, he said. I would be very happy. But unfortunately, I cant. I have to speak for them. Not just for them. I need to speak for 6 million Jews because they cant talk. A marble statue carved in the 18th century has become world-renowned for an impossible feature: a delicately draping fishermans net with detailed knots, rendered by hand entirely from marble, that looks so authentic it could be the real thing. Il Disinganno, or The Release from Deception, is the magnum opus of the Genoese artist Francesco Queirolo, one of Italys leading 18th-century artists. The statue depicts an angel standing on a globe with a Bible at his feet, helping release a fisherman from a tangled fishing net. At first glance, the net seems to be made from real rope fibers. Upon closer inspection, the viewer can see that it is carved from a single block of marble and allegedly took Queirolo seven years to render. The commissioned statue was completed in 1753 for the Italian nobleman Raimondo di Sangro for display at the renovated Sansevero Chapel in Naples, which was his familys burial site. Il Disinganno, or The Release from Deception, by the Genoese artist Francesco Queirolo. (Courtesy of Ph. Marco Ghidelli/Archivio Museo Cappella Sansevero) (Courtesy of Ph. Marco Ghidelli/Archivio Museo Cappella Sansevero) Granite and marble are unpredictable materials and notoriously harder to carve than soapstone and alabaster, so a detailed marble statue exemplifies the artists skill. The 18th-century stonemasons had access to tooth chisels, point chisels, drills, and rasps for working with marble, but even so, every chip from the marble block further increased the risk of committing an unfixable error. Queirolo worked alone but not necessarily by preference; his project was considered too fragile. Even fellow expert sculptors refused to touch the delicate net in case it shattered in their hands, according to Sansevero Chapel Museum. (Courtesy of Ph. Marco Ghidelli/Archivio Museo Cappella Sansevero) (Courtesy of Ph. Marco Ghidelli/Archivio Museo Cappella Sansevero) (Courtesy of Ph. Marco Ghidelli/Archivio Museo Cappella Sansevero) The 18th-century Italian philosopher Giangiuseppe Origlia once described the statue as the last and most trying test to which sculpture in marble can aspire. Three centuries on, Queirolos laborious work still receives the attention it deserves. Yet Il Disinganno is much more than an exhibition of expertise. The statue has both Biblical and non-religious significance. The fishermans net is allegorical, symbolizing sin; as the angel frees the man from the net, so he liberates him from sin and shows him the way of the Lord. The Bible is open to a passage that reads, as translated from Latin, I will break thy chain, the chain of the darkness and long night of which thou art a slave, so that thou might not be condemned with this world. The marble sculptures at the Sansevero Chapel Museum in Naples. (Courtesy of Ph. Marco Ghidelli/Archivio Museo Cappella Sansevero) Sansevero Chapel Museum explains that the statue also has secular meaning: a flame at the peak of the angels crown represents intellect, and the globe represents earthly passions. The open Bible has also been speculated to represent one of the three great lights of Freemasonry. The light-refracting marble exudes a soft glow when polished, which accentuates the statues commentary on the battle between light and dark. Il Disinganno was commissioned by di Sangro as a tribute to his father, the Duke of Torremaggiore, who died a priest after an eventful life. Queirolos incredible handiwork stuns tourists to this day but it is not the only masterpiece at the Sansevero Chapel. The chapel houses an impressive 30 works of art in total, among them two similarly-detailed sculptures, The Veiled Christ by Giuseppe Sanmartino and The Veiled Truth by Antonio Corradini. Both were also completed in the early 1750s. Share your stories with us at emg.inspired@epochtimes.com, and continue to get your daily dose of inspiration by signing up for the Inspired newsletter at TheEpochTimes.com/newsletter 2nd Juvenile Arrested in Double-Fatal San Marcos Shooting SAN DIEGOA second teenage boy was arrested Feb. 1 in a shooting that fatally wounded two young men early last month in a neighborhood near Palomar College. The 15-year-old was taken into custody at his Oceanside home shortly after 7 a.m. for allegedly taking part in the slayings of Jesus Garcia, 19, and a friend of Garcias, 20-year-old Nicholas Tiefer, in the 1300 block of West Borden Road in San Marcos, according to the San Diego County Sheriffs Department. On Tuesday, authorities arrested a 17-year-old boy in Riverside on suspicion of participating in the deadly shooting, Lt. Chris Steffen said. The suspects names have been withheld because they are minors. Early on the afternoon of Jan. 4, deputies responding to a report of an assault found Garcia on the ground near a park entrance with gunshot trauma to his upper body, Steffen said. The patrol personnel discovered Tiefer in a nearby parked vehicle, suffering from a wound to his neck. Paramedics took the victims to a hospital, where Garcia, a San Marcos resident, was pronounced dead that evening. Tiefer, who lived in Vista, died three days later. Detectives are still working to determine what prompted the deadly gunfire, according to Steffen. At this stage of the investigation, it appears the suspects did not know the victims, the lieutenant said Wednesday afternoon. However, we believe the reason for [them] meeting [the victims] was for the illegal sale of vape products. The suspects have been booked into East Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility in Otay Mesa on suspicion of murder. 5 State Lawmakers Propose Ban on Latinx From Official Connecticut Government Use The Connecticut State Capitol is pictured during a rolling car rally against COVID-19 lockdowns in Hartford, Conn., on May 4, 2020. (John Moore/Getty Images) Five Hispanic lawmakers in Connecticut have proposed a bill to eliminate the term Latinx from official use in the state government. The proposed bill (pdf), introduced by Democratic state Rep. Geraldo Reyes Jr. of Waterbury, seeks to prohibit the use of the term Latinx by state agencies and state employees in official communications and forms of the state agency. Reyes said the term Latinx is not a Spanish word, but rather a woke term that can be considered offensive to Connecticuts substantial Puerto Rican community. Im of Puerto Rican descent and I find it offensive, Reyes said. The term Latinx has been used by some social commentators in recent years as a gender-neutral alternative to the Spanish words Latina and Latino. It originated in left-leaning social and academic circles under the umbrella of inclusivity. Maia GilAdi, an assistant professor of Latinx and Multiethnic Literature at Boston University, said the term Latinx originated from Latino and Latina youth and LGBT culture in the 1990s, with the x symbolizing a connection to many individuals indigenous heritage. The word Latino is incredibly exclusionary, both for women and for non-gender conforming people, she said. And the term Latinx is really useful because of the way it challenges those conceptions. The five members whose names are on the bill, including Reyes, are all Democrats and part of the Black and Puerto Rican Caucus in the legislature. They are Reps. Christopher Rosario from Bridgeport, Juan R. Candelaria from New Haven, Robert Sanchez from New Haven, and Minnie Gonzalez from Hartford. Term Considered Offensive The term has been officially rejected by Real Academia Espanola, a Madrid-based institution that governs the Spanish language, and by the League of United Latin American Citizens, the oldest Latino civil rights group in the United States. Reyes said that the centuries-old Spanish language already used Latino as a default gender-neutral term. Its all-inclusive. They didnt need to create a word, it already exists, he said. In January, Arkansass newly elected Republican governor, Sarah Sanders, banned the use of the term Latinx from official use as well. Reyes stated that he was inspired to do the same after Sanderss decision, but he believes that their motivations for the ban may differ. This has been offensive and derogatory to all Puerto Ricans, and its something that hasnt sat well with a lot of people here for a while, Reyes told CT Insider. When I found out that [Sanders] banned it on her first day in the office, I saw that as an opportunity for me to do the same thing. The proposed bill has been sent to the Government Administration and Elections Committee, which is controlled by Democrats, during the current legislative session. Adam Joseph, who is the spokesperson for Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont, said the governors office will be paying attention to the discussion surrounding the bill as it moves through the legislative process. Research Shows Term Not Popular Among Latinos Data from market research firm ThinkNow, based in Burbank, California, challenges the widespread use of the term Latinx. The companys 2019 research shows that 98 percent of Latinos dont identify with the term Latinx and prefer to be identified as Hispanic, followed by Latino/Latina, and then by their familys country of origin. The term Latinx was only preferred by 2 percent of Hispanics, with no one over 50 preferring Latinx. A study by Pew Research showed similar results regarding the percentage of Latinos and Hispanics who use the term. Following criticism of ThinkNows methodology, the company said it did a follow-up study, doubling the sample size to 1,000; but found that the term Hispanic was still preferred by the majority. Doubling the base size from 500 to 1,000 respondents had little to no impact on the results, the company stated. Additionally, the company found that the term Hispanic was also preferred when describing ethnicity by the LGBT population it sampled. Latinos not only prefer to identify as Hispanic, but almost 60 percent of respondents either dislike the term Latinx or find it offensive, the company stated. But the reality that the Hispanic population overwhelmingly dissociates from the term Latinx is just the tip of the iceberg. Arkansas Gov. Bans Term In signing her executive order on Jan. 12, Arkansas Gov. Sanders cited research by Pew Research in 2020 that found just 23 percent of U.S. adults who self-identify as Hispanic or Latino had ever heard of the term Latinx. The Pew Research survey was conducted among 3,030 U.S. Hispanic adults in December 2019 as part of the yearly National Survey of Latinos. Sanderss executive order (pdf) prohibiting the term Latinx from official use in the state government came just hours after she was sworn in as the new governor. The order states that ethnically insensitive and pejorative language has no place in official government documents or government employee titles, and that the government has a responsibility to respect its citizens and use ethnically appropriate language, particularly when referring to ethnic minorities. One can no more easily remove gender from Spanish and other romance languages than one can remove vowels and verbs from English, the executive order states. According to the executive order, unless they receive an exception from the governor, all state-run organizations, departments, and agencies must examine the use of the term Latinx in their official documents and submit a report to the governor with the results of their analysis. Katabella Roberts contributed to this report. 97% of Air Passenger Complaint Outcomes Go Untracked by Transport Regulator: Report Travellers wait on hold as they try and speak with their respective airlines at Toronto Pearson International Airport, as a major winter storm disrupts flights in and out of the airport on Dec. 24, 2022. (The Canadian Press/Cole Burston) The Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) doesnt keep track of 97 percent of passenger complaint outcomes filed against airline companies, but instead uses informal resolution techniques for nearly almost all complaints, according to a report. We have no way of compelling airlines or passengers to tell us if theyve settled a dispute between themselves without us, said CTAs director general of its analysis and outreach branch, according to the Globe and Mail. The CTA makes decisions on federally regulated modes of transportation and also mediates complaint claims filed by passengers against airlines. The agency can also order airlines to compensate passengers with up to $1,000 each for extended travel delays or outright flight cancellations. Before passengers can file claims against airlines with the CTA, they must first try to resolve their complaints directly with the airline and then wait at least 30 days for a reply. The federal agencys chair and CEO, France Pegeot, told a Parliamentary committee last month that the CTA resolves complaints through both informal and formal processes. Our experience has been that about 97 percent of our complaints are resolved informally through our facilitation process, which takes an average of 20 business days to close once an agency facilitator begins the process, Pegeot told the House of Commons Standing Committee on Transport on Jan. 12. Pegeot added later in her testimony that the CTA does not necessarily know the outcomes of complaints resolved informally. Sometimes they are resolved between the industry and the consumers. Sometimes, of course, we play a facilitator role, but we do not keep track of that, she said. Three Percent Tracked Pegeot noted that the agency does track the outcomes of the three percent of complaints that go through formal adjudication with the CTAs administrative tribunal, the details of which she said the CTA would provide to the Commons transport committee. Bloc Quebecois MP Julie Vignola said during the committee meeting that there were over 30,000 unresolved complaints pending with the CTA as of Dec. 20, 2022. What is causing this backlog and how can this be resolved? Vignola asked. Pegeot said the CTA has implemented a program to improve complaint-resolution efficiency and is on track to handle 2,500 more complaints this year than it did in 2022. It would be good to have a clearer understanding of what passengers are entitled to, she said. At the moment we have to navigate through different grey areas. Pegeot also said the agency expects a significant number of complaints to be filed with the CTA this month because of major air travel delays and cancellations over the 2022 holiday season. Andrew Chen contributed to this report. AK-47 Versus AR-15: Why the Comparison Is Important for Riflemen Military doctrine holds sway on comparisons of the AK-47s and AR-15 rifles, with each tactical rifle making a solid push into other shooting disciplines. Riflemen are soldiers trained to use a rifle and find both weapons competent. Both guns are highly accurate out to about 350 yards; 500 yards if you have good aim. The AK was designed to fire thousands of rounds by an untrained peasant army with questionable marksmanship skills. The poorly aimed firepower was meant to get in close and spray the enemy with bullets. The AR is an accurate rifle with few moving parts; it is designed to be used by a well-trained accurate ground force. AK-47 AK-47 or Avtomat Kalashnikov was presented to the Russian Military Council in 1947. Time has been kind to this iconic rifle. The AK-47 and its variants are the most widely used firearms in the world and are the standard military-issue rifle for 106 countries. The Zastava Arms AK-47 has a barrel length of 16.5 inches and walnut stock. Based on the operating principle of the M70 automatic, it is rugged and highly reliable. The AK-47 is designed to fire 600 rounds per minute in a fully automatic setting. The AK is a lethal killer with its original 7.62 x 39 mm ammo, capable of taking out whole areas of a body. In the first years of production for the AK, foot soldiers known as riflemen found the rifle too heavy and difficult to use. As more foot soldiers began to drop in battle; Russian engineers began their search for a better weapon of war. Original designs of the AK saw the weapon as an optimal submachine gun with the accuracy and range of a rifle. Several improvements have been made to the AK, such as scope rails, handguards, magazines, and pistol grips. The AK-47 was far from the weapon of choice for the Russian army. However, it was rugged and easy to build. The current iteration fits nicely for the modern rifleman and is a viable threat when built for long-range encounters. The moniker of the AK-47 has changed to AKM, pointing out its modern improvements. The Inter Ordnance AKM247C UF AK-47 is a modern version of the original rifle and is still a beast with its 7.62 x 39 cartridge and 30-round magazine. The semi-auto, 16-inch barrel rifle features a modern improvement of a parkerized military finish and open sights. Other improvements are bolt hold open, recoil buffer, nitride barrel, and extended magazine release. The muzzle features a threaded 14 x 1 mm LH for easy mounting of flash hiders and silencers. AR-15 Armalites AR-15 is an air-cooled, select-fire, and magazine-fed rifle designed for a high-velocity small cartridge. The round allowed riflemen to carry more ammo in the trenches. Nearly two decades after the AK-47 went into service for the Soviet Army, the AR-15 or M16 (both are AR-15s) was released to the U.S. military. After years of trial and error, the AR-15 was never fully adopted by any branch of the U.S. military. As the military pushed deeper into the jungles of Indochina, it was clear the AK-47 outgunned the United States. Even in the modern era, the AR-15 is infamous for its inability to take rugged terrain. AR-15 shooters report failure to extract as a significant and recurring problem. The rifle jams due to the cartridge consistently being stuck in the chamber. In 1989, civilian AR-15 production began. Production was halted due to the Federal Assault Weapons Ban, and the debate between gun enthusiasts and anti-gun activists began. The popularity of the AR-15 can not be denied. Millions of people worldwide love the AR-15 and do not care about the haters. Americans have a vast number of reasons why they purchase an AR-15. Some say it is simply a tool; others find it is a shiny new toy or collectors item. It is one of the best home defense firearms on the market. Daniel Defense DDM4V7 Pro This high-end AR-15 features an 18-inch barrel and is chambered for the 5.56 NATO round. The DDM4V7 features a free-float handguard and a softer shooting mid-length gas system. Technology is featured throughout the DDM4 with its M-LOK attachment, cold-hammer-forged barrel, and a Gen II muzzle climb mitigator. The handguard offers shooters incredible ergonomics, cooling, and modularity. Sig Sauer M400, AR-15 Tread Coil 223 Remington Another high-end AR-15, Sig Sauer, has legendary performance reviews with law enforcement and the military. This weapon features a 16-inch barrel, 30+1 magazine capacity, and hard anodized telescoping stock. The M400 includes ROMEO5 optic and Timney single-stage trigger. AR-15 Versus AK-47 Through the decades, both platforms have developed strengths and weaknesses for various shooting disciplines. Both have been produced in large numbers, with the AK being the most-produced firearm in history at over 150 million units. Original designs of the AR and AK were fully automatic; both weapons have been re-configured as semi-automatic to comply with the civilian markets. Riflemen worldwide consider the AK-47 one of the most valuable and consistently rugged weapons they have ever used. The AR-15s modularity has satisfied hunters, sport shooters, and riflemen. Ammo Ammo serves as the main comparator between the two platforms. The AR-15 is usually chambered in 5.56 and/or a 223 Remington round, while the AK-47 fires a 7.62 x 39 mm cartridge. A 7.62 round has a load of 123 grain with a projectile velocity of nearly 2,350 FPS. The AR-15 cartridge has a 55-grain load with a projectile velocity of 3,000 FPS. Due to muzzle velocity, the 5.56 round would be superior. Modern versions of both weapons have been configured to fire various calibers. Accuracy and Reliability Both weapons are fitted with a 16-inch barrel, and the AK is less accurate than a similarly equipped AR. Effective range is decent for both; however, an AKs effective range should not be a significant concern as the weapon is used primarily for self-defense. AK-47s are extremely useful out to 400 yards, and the AR-15s effective range is 600 yards. One last comparison that riflemen worldwide should know is the reliability of each weapon. The AK-47 is legendary for its ruggedness and staunch reliability. In these comparisons, the AK beats the AR-15 and every other weapon. For the AR-15 to work consistently, it needs regular maintenance. Final Word Both platforms are excellent examples of enduring human engineering. Both weapons have been in service for over a half-century, with the AK-47 seeing dozens of wars and conflicts. The AR-15 has not seen the killing time as other weapons; however, it has impressed millions of shooters with its modularity and fascinating versatility. These guns for sale can be found online at Hinterland Outfitters. Alabama Delays Mandatory Parole for Some Inmates Following Attorney Generals Lawsuit Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall speaks to members of the press after the oral argument of the Merrill v. Milligan case at the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington on Oct. 4, 2022. (Alex Wong/Getty Images) A lawsuit filed by the Alabama attorney general on Monday has reduced the number of inmates being immediately released on mandatory parole as required by a new state law. On Monday, the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles (ABPP) confirmed to The Epoch Times that 412 inmates were being process for discharge from the Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC). As a result of the attorney generals lawsuit, between 90 and 100 inmates were released on Tuesday, while the remaining inmate releases will be delayed so the victims and their families can be notified. The state law that requires mandatory parole stems from 2021 legislation signed into law by Gov. Kay Ivey in response to a December 2020 lawsuit filed by the Department of Justice (DOJ). The DOJ alleged that conditions in Alabamas prisons for men violated the U.S. Constitution by failing to protect inmates from violence and sexual abuse. In addition, the DOJ alleged that the ADOC failed to provide sanitary conditions. The United States Constitution requires Alabama to make sure that its prisons are safe and humane, Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the DOJs Civil Rights Division said a statement at the time the lawsuit was filed. After the DOJs allegations, Ivey called a special session of the Alabama Legislature to discuss prison reform, during which legislators passed a bill that retroactively applied certain 2015 prison reforms to the entire prison population incarcerated before January 2016. One of those reforms is a mandatory supervised release program for inmates who are within one year of the end of their sentences. That law took effect on Tuesday. State Law Enforcement Pushes Back Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, who opposed the 2021 legislation that requires the release, filed a lawsuit (pdf) against the ABPP and the ADOC commissioners to prevent the early release until the victims of the inmates crimes have been notified. This lawsuit led the ADOC to limit the number the number of inmates who would be immediately granted parole. The early releases are based on length of time remaining in the inmates sentences. If inmates sentences are ending within three to 12 months, the inmates are eligible to be released on early parole under electronic supervision, or an ankle bracelet, and they can finish out the sentence in the county of their conviction while being monitored by the ABPP. Marshall argued in his lawsuit that the victims and families of the victims must be notified as required by state law. Every violent crime leaves behind a victim or a victims family, the lawsuit states. That is why state and federal laws have long recognized the rights of crime victims or their families to be notified by the relevant government agency when their offender is up for parole or is soon to be released from prison. The lawsuit said this process had not been carried out ahead of the planned inmate releases. By the close of business on Friday, January 27th, the Attorney Generals Office received an updated list of 412 inmates set to be released on January 31st who committed violent offenses against personsat least 50 to-be-released inmates are serving time for committing murder or manslaughter, the lawsuit states. At the same time, the Attorney Generals Office received notice that the Department of Corrections had contact information for less than 20 victimsmeaning, that less than 20 victims total have been contacted about their offenders impending release from prison. Exodus of Inmates In a Facebook post, District Attorney CJ Robinson for Alabamas 19th Circuit lambasted the move to release inmates, calling it heartbreaking and infuriating. Enough is enough. I am tired of our state forsaking public safety and calling it prison reform,' he said, adding that he fears the problems resulting from the states reduced sentencing laws have only begun. Perhaps unknowingly at the time, in 2015, AL put a price tag on public safety, he wrote. Prison Reform is a failed experiment. Its time to admit that. Robinson called it his bitter duty to inform people in his circuit that the exodus of inmates comes from the ADOC and ABPP following legislation that was passed allowing for the early release and supervision of inmates, both violent and nonviolent. This isnt a new program, but as the District Attorney, I dont get notice of which inmates get released and when it will happen, he said. Robinson said there were 96 people already on mandatory release and supervision in the 19th Circuit, which includes Autuaga, Chilton, and Elmore counties. There are an additional 10 inmates on the new list, he said. That is over 100 inmates who have been released before their sentence was completed. These are not inmates getting paroled after a thorough review of their case and status. In many cases, these inmates have been denied parole multiple times for various reasons. The Epoch Times contacted the ABPP, the ADOC, and Attorney General Steve Marshalls office for comment. Alberta Lawyers Fight Mandatory Professional Development Training of a Political, Cultural Nature A group of 50 Alberta lawyers has forced a special meeting to take place in objection to a new rule that lets the Law Society of Alberta (LSA) dictate the professional development courses a lawyer must take, on the threat of suspension for non-compliance. The lawyers petitioned for a member vote on a new regulation, Rule 67.4, which allows the LSA to impose specific courses as part of mandatory professional development training. Lawyers will vote on the rule at the Feb. 6 meeting. However, even if the majority of lawyers vote in favour of repealing the rule, the vote is not binding on the LSAs benchers, but merely a recommendation, says Calgary lawyer Glenn Blackett. The first course that the LSA mandated, The Path, is a five-module online course on the history and contemporary realities of First Nations, Inuit and Metis in Canada. The lawyers who spoke to The Epoch Times said the key issue is professional autonomy. Blackett said lawyers must be allowed to choose which professional development course they would most benefit from, depending on their specific practice and specialties. While some lawyers may have robust political reasons for objecting to Rule 67.4, Blackett suggests that the Legal Profession Act may not give the LSA the power to mandate specific courses for continuing professional development, except in rare cases, such as when a lawyer is disciplined for misconduct or ethics violations. Blackett says it is only incidental that the first professional development mandated course for the provinces roughly 11,000 lawyers has been cultural training. While it began as voluntary, it became a mandatory requirement on Oct. 1, 2020. According to Elizabeth J. Osler, KC, chief executive officer and executive director of the LSA, the issue to be debated is the authority of the society to mandate specific professional development activities for Alberta lawyers in the public interest. We are committed to ensuring a fair and transparent Special Meeting format, said Osler. There were 9,769 active lawyers required to complete The Path by the initial deadline, she added. Of those, only 26 lawyers were administratively suspended for failing to complete the requirement and were included on the public notice to the profession. As of today, only 8 of these lawyers remain suspended. An information page on the LSA website said The Path was consistent with the 2020-2024 Strategic Plan which made equity, diversity and inclusion part of the societys strategic goals. The LSA said Indigenous cultural competency is one area where it is appropriate that the Law Society mandate education. Petition Some lawyers found The Path to be cultural and political in nature, according to an email thread between the 50 signatories to the petition shared with The Epoch Times. Finding a legal component to the course was difficult, said one lawyer. That individual said that giving the LSA power to force members to take cultural teachings could be abused. Cold Lake constitutional lawyer Leighton Grey provided a statement to The Epoch Times saying the LSAs implementation of Rule 67.4 is based on political ideology. Grey, whose great-grandfather was a chief of the Carry Kettle Band and who has represented thousands of indigenous people in his 30-year law practice, said he completed The Path. I found it rife with inaccuracy and skewed by a post-modernist history of indigenous peoples in Canada, he said. Blackett also said he found the first training course mandated by the LSA to be wildly objectionable and political indoctrination. He said the LSA is falling victim to a brand of wokeness called decolonization, which suggests that Canadas historical relationship with indigenous communities is largely one of racism and genocideevils which somehow remain lodged in Canadian law and legal structures. He provided examples of content he found troubling. One portion of The Path referenced the death of 22-year-old Cree man Colton Boushie, who was fatally shot on a rural Saskatchewan farm by its owner, Gerald Stanley. A jury found Stanley not guilty of second-degree murder or manslaughter in the case. The verdict sparked fury and unrest across Canada, The Path reads. These and other events have exposed the racism, the discrimination, the unfair treatment and the inequality built into Canadian law, policies, and structures. Innocent until proven guilty is a bedrock legal principle, said Blackett. He said a portion of the Path tells lawyers to treat indigenous clients with care, not focusing on their current circumstances, but rather their inter-generational trauma. One part of The Path appears to attack Canadas national anthem, he said. It states, And when you sing that Canada is our home and native land, are you really celebrating our indigenous past? Another example from The Path noted by Blackett states: Canadas colonial legacy is still alive. And nowhere is that clearer than in the treatment of Indigenous people within the Canadian Justice system. Its clear when you look at the overall numbers. While Indigenous people make up about 5% of Canadas population, they represent 27% of its prison population. The number of incarcerated Indigenous women in federal custody increased more than 75% in the past decade. Correlation is not causation. It also challenges, perhaps validly, the very legitimacy of the justice system, Blackett said. The Path is a third-party course produced by Nvision Insight Group, which describes itself as Canadas leading Indigenous consulting firm. It is majority indigenous-owned, according to its website. Compulsory Program Calgary lawyer Roger Song, who initiated the petition, told The Epoch Times he is opposed to the law society dictating which courses will be mandatory. The LSA has given themselves the power to impose mandatory education, in the manner, form, and time frame determined by the benchers, Song said. Your license to make a living can be automatically suspended with no hearing for non-compliance, he said. Song says the issue for him is the LSA mandating a program that affects professional autonomy. He also has a particular concern with the way the new rule was brought in. The LSA first carried a motion at its benchers meeting on Oct. 1, 2020, to mandate indigenous cultural competency training for all active members. Two months later, said Song, a motion was carried to adopt Rule 67.4, which gave the LSA the power to mandate the Indigenous education program and any other education programs as the Benchers shall decide, in its full discretion, on all lawyers under the penalty of automatic suspension, and then relied on R 67.4 to suspend Lawyers if they failed to take Indigenous cultural competency training, he said. This behaviour in law is unlawful, Song said. On Jan. 31, the benchers sent a letter to the provinces lawyers asking members to vote against the challenge to Rule 67.4. The letter stated that the LSA has no plans for other compulsory programs like The Path, which was mandated following the findings and recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The benchers stated the rule serves the public interest. In November 2023, the LSA will hold an election for benchers. Blackett suggests that lawyers who object to the legal system being changed by regulatory force to influence lawyers perceptions and conduct should run for election. Americans Fleeing Overtaxed States, Moving to Florida Florida attracted the most refugees from high tax states in 2022 Recent data shows that Americans are fleeing high-tax states, and a vast number of them are headed for Florida. A report released on Jan. 30 by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows that 26 states saw more people moving in than out. The rest saw people leaving for other states. The top five states, attracting the largest number of new residents, were Florida (318,855), Texas (230,961), North Carolina (99,796), South Carolina (84,030), and Tennessee (81,646). Conversely, the five states that lost the most residents were California (-343,230), New York (-299,557), Illinois (-141,656), New Jersey (-64,231), and Massachusetts (-57,292). A map (pdf) composed by Americans for Tax Reform shows that, of the five states that drew in the most residents, all had Republican-controlled legislatures, and all but North Carolina had Republican governors. Of the five states that lost the most residents, Democrats controlled all but Massachusetts, which had a Republican governor and a Democrat-controlled legislature. Data released by the Census Bureau confirmed that Florida was the fastest-growing state in the country in 2022, with an annual population increase of 1.9 percent. NAR report author Nadia Evangelou noted that 2022 was the first time since 1957 that Floridas population grew faster than anywhere else across the United States. The southern region of the Sunshine Statewhich over 9 million of Floridas residents call homealso continues to be the most populated and is seeing the fastest growth. The Taxes Data compiled by The Tax Foundation, an independent tax policy non-profit, shows that New Yorkers faced the highest burden in 2022, with 15.9 percent of the net product in the state going to state and local taxes. Californias tax rate was 13.5 percent. Illinois had a tax rate of 12.9 percent. New Jerseys tax rate was 13.2 percent and the tax rate for Massachusetts was 11.5 percent. While Floridas overall tax rate was 9.1 percent, the Sunshine State is one of nine states that have no individual income tax. Texas is another. So is Tennessee. There were some additional tax breaks enjoyed throughout Florida in 2022. Floridas legislature passed a bill, signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis on May 6, 2022, that provided residents with 10 sales tax holidays. From July 25, 2022, to Aug. 7, 2022, the states Back-To-School Tax Holiday (pdf) provided tax breaks on items like clothing, school supplies, learning aids, and computers. Tax-free items during the May 28, 2022, to June 10, 2022, Disaster Preparedness Tax Holiday period (pdf) included things like portable generators, portable self-powered light sources, non-electric food storage coolers, and supplies required for the evacuation of pets. During the Freedom Week Tax Holiday (pdf) that ran from July 1, 2022, to July 7, 2022, taxes were eliminated on retail items related to boating, water activities, camping, fishing, and general outdoor activities. Taxes were also eliminated for tickets to live music events, movies, and entry fees for museums, state parks, and the ballet. In 2022, Floridians also enjoyed a Tool Time sales tax exemption (pdf), and a Childrens Books sales tax exemption (pdf). They are also currently enjoying a year-long Baby and Toddler Clothing and Childrens Diapers sales tax exemption (pdf), a year-long Energy Star sales tax exemption (pdf), and a two-year Impact-resistant Windows and Doors sales tax exemption (pdf). In addition, the Florida Motor Fuel Tax Relief Act of 2022 (pdf) reduced the price of motor fuel in the Sunshine State by 25 cents per gallon during the entire month of October. Floridas homeowners also received tax breaks. The Save Our Homes Act (pdf) provides homestead exemptions to Floridas homeowners, decreasing the propertys taxable value by as much as $50,000. Floridas business owners have tax breaks as well. Floridas business-related tax breaks provide another incentive to move to the Sunshine State. The state does not impose corporate income tax on limited partnerships or subchapter S-corporations. There is no corporate franchise tax on capital stock and no property tax on business inventories or goods that are in transit for up to 180 days. Other business tax benefits include Floridas Capital Investment Tax Credit (pdf)a credit of up to 5 percent against the corporate income tax, available for up to 20 yearsavailable to attract high-impact, capital-intensive industries, such as silicon technology, transportation industries, or solar panel manufacturing facilities. The Research and Development Tax Credit Program provides corporate income tax credits to eligible businesses for certain research expenses in areas such as aviation and aerospace, nanotechnology, and cloud information technology. The Jobs According to the NAR report, the populous areas in the Sunbelt that saw high growth in 2022 shared a common characteristic: a robust job market recovery after the pandemic. Florida is no exception: the state is known for its robust jobs market. Unless they are independently wealthy or retired with benefits, people need an income to spend money and to subsequently enjoy the tax break incentives and tax holiday benefits. Data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows Florida had an unemployment rate of 2.5 percent at the end of December 2022, down from 2.7 percent recorded five months earlier in July. BLS data shows the national average in December of 2022 was 3.5 percent. By way of contrast, New York saw an unemployment rate of 4.3 percent, which has remained virtually unchanged since July 2022. Illinois had an unemployment rate of 4.7 percent, up from the July 2022 rate of 4.4 percent. Californias unemployment rate was 4.1 percent, an increase from the July rate of 3.9 percent. Housing Closely tied to taxes and jobs is the housing market. The NAR report noted that 46 percent of moves in 2021 were made for housing-related reasons, an increase of six percentage points from 2020. Although moves slowed in 2022, the report notes that affordability continues to be the primary reason that people continue to relocate from big city centers to less dense and more affordable areas. Based on NARs 2022 data, Evangelou concluded that many people are leaving states like California and New York because they are looking for a better neighborhood, cheaper housing and a newer/better/larger home. Post-pandemic, she concluded, migration trends only go one way and affect every areas demographics. 'The law is prostituted in Cuba,' complain students at the University of Havana They say that the Law School has become a 'den of police, opportunists and mediocrity'. La Habana La Habana Students at the Law School of the University of Havana expressed their disagreement with the educations they are receiving at an academic institution where the violations of rights committed by the Cuban regime are not addressed, nor the challenges that this entails for the justice system. In a collective letter published anonymously on Monday, the signatories explain that they enrolled "excited about pursuing a prestigious course of studies. We came with the idea of doing good for the people. That was before we discovered that there can be no justice where the law is prostituted. Now we are disillusioned, halfway between our academic lives and an uncertain professional future." They stress that they all come from "revolutionary' families, who believed in the process, although at this point our own parents are sad, scared and disenchanted. Today they just want the time to pass, for us to get our degrees and go somewhere else. To be able to live with dignity, without misery and in freedom." The authors of the document state that their professors are phonies "who do not believe in the ethical codes governing good professors and jurists" because "they have betrayed the most elementary human and intellectual imperative: a commitment to the truth." "In Cuba today, only opportunists and the privileged live well. In Cuba today there are hundreds of people, mostly young people like us, who are still imprisoned for demonstrating, for calling for a better country. The leaders, not the people, have adopted an outrageous Penal Code like something from Batista or Pinochet. Here you get fined for Facebook posts criticizing a corrupt and bourgeois party leader. Or for a comment on Twitter laughing at some blunder by those at the top." They emphasize that "none of this is what our professors talk about at the School. They do not lack knowledge. What they lack is dignity. They are all too cynical and opportunistic. They spend all their time jockeying for positions, trips abroad, and government commissions. In our classes, we don't talk about Human Rights, and when we do it is done poorly, in passing, as if it were something distant, abstract. We don't talk about how in a country like this there can be a democratic Constitution at the same time that the citizens' rights are being trampled on. Under these conditions, why study Law?" The letter mentions that some of the professors, including Yuri Perez, Martha Prieto and Yan Guzman, "have drawn on their knowledge to justify this disaster. (...) They (and a few others) travel to congresses outside the country, but don't use their knowledge or contacts to support those fighting for justice and democracy in the country where they were born and work." "The list of lies, corruption, and collaboration by professors with State Security, which surveils students, is known at the School. If any of us say something critical, the professors are the first to make us pay for it. Now these professors are even organizing congresses with prestigious foreign guests to talk about human rights and constitutions. Forums where, under the current conditions of control and censorship, only those who approve of those in power participate. They only serve to deceive, to mask and export this failed model." According to them, the Law School where generations of revolutionaries who faced other dictatorships studied no longer exists. "As young students today we learn more from worthy professors, true revolutionaries and socialists, such as Julio Antonio Fernandez Estrada, Eloy Viera and Rene Fidel Gonzalez, than from what we see in our classrooms, where mediocre classes, outdated curricula, hypocritical oaths, and tired and cynical teachers abound. The sad thing is that these professors - Julio, Eloy, Rene - and others have been expelled from their classrooms." "We write this to condemn what is happening, as we are powerless to change the situation from within. It pains us to have to do this, because, after all, this is where we are being educated. This is where our degree will come from. But we must pay our debt to the society that taught us, by telling the truth." They conclude with a piece of advice: "If those who read this are considering studying at the School, forget about it. Spend your time studying something else. Leave the country and make your dream come true elsewhere, where teachers teach about what Justice and Law really are. If you are foreign academics, dont compromise your names and prestige through agreements and events with this den of police, opportunists and mediocrity, which is what the University of Havana has become." Another Man Charged in Huntington Beach Fatal Shooting SANTA ANA, Calif.A second man has been charged with the killing of a man in Huntington Beach in December and was expected to make his first appearance in court Feb. 1. Jermaine Anthony Bell, 39, was charged with murder with a special circumstances allegation of lying in wait for the victim. Bell was arrested in Arizona, but waived extradition and was brought back to Orange County, where he was jailed Tuesday. Bell was scheduled to be arraigned on Wednesday. Co-defendant Tyrell Avion Lee, 33, of Temecula, was charged Dec. 20 with murder with a special circumstances allegation of lying in wait. Lee and Bell are accused of killing 31-year-old Jimmy Sengpaseauth of Los Angeles on Dec. 5, according to authorities. Lee was arrested Dec. 17 in Moreno Valley and pleaded not guilty Jan. 20. Police were called at about 8 p.m. the night of the killing to a report of shots fired in the 5200 block of Tasman Drive. When officers arrived they found the victim suffering from a gunshot wound, and he was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. Sen. Bennet Asks Apple and Google to Ban TikTok From App Stores The logo for social media app TikTok is displayed on the screen of an iPhone on an American flag background in Arlington, Va., on Aug. 3, 2020. (Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images) Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) has called on Apple and Google to remove TikTok from their respective app stores, arguing that no company subject to dictates by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) should be allowed such broad access to American audiences or harvest their data. Bennet made the appeal in a Feb. 1 letter to Google parent Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai and Apple CEO Tim Cook. TikTok poses a unique concern because Chinese law obligates ByteDance, its Beijing-based parent company, to support, assist, and cooperate with state intelligence work, Bennet wrote. Beijings requirement raises the obvious risk that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) could weaponize TikTok against the United States, specifically, by forcing ByteDance to surrender Americans sensitive data or manipulate the content Americans receive to advance Chinas interests, he continued. No company subject to CCP (Chinese Communist Party) dictates should have the power to accumulate such extensive data on the American people or curate content to nearly a third of our population, Bennet wrote. Given these risks, I urge you to remove TikTok from your respective app stores immediately, he added. The Epoch Times has reached out to Apple, Google, and TikTok for comment. TikTok has previously denied that it is controlled by the CCP. With the appeal, Bennett stands alongside numerous Republicans who have sought to curb TikToks growing reach in the United States. Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) arrives at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Feb. 3, 2020. (Alex Edelman/Getty Images) Backdoor Into Americans Lives Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) recently introduced legislation to ban TikTok from distribution in the United States, arguing that it gives Chinas communist regime a way to violate Americans privacy. TikTok is Chinas backdoor into Americans lives, Hawley said in a statement on social media. It threatens our childrens privacy as well as their mental health. Last month Congress banned it on all government devices. Now I will introduce legislation to ban it nationwide. TikTok pushed back on the move, saying that a ban on the app would not solve Hawleys concerns. Sen. Hawleys call for a total ban of TikTok takes a piecemeal approach to national security and a piecemeal approach to broad industry issues like data security, privacy, and online harms, said a TikTok spokesperson in an earlier email to The Epoch Times. During a hearing before the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs in September 2022, TikTok CEO Vanessa Pappas faced tough questions from lawmakers about the social media apps ties to the CCP. Hawley cited a report from Forbes indicating that around 300 current TikTok or ByteDance employees were members of Chinese state media. Are there members of the Chinese Communist Party employed by TikTok or ByteDance, or no? Hawley asked. Pappas replied that no person who makes a strategic decision at this platform is a member of the CCP, but added that the company doesnt vet its employees for their political affiliations. Your company has a lot to hide. Youre a walking security nightmare, and for every American who uses this app, Im concerned, Hawley said at the time. Pappas also testified that the China-based employees of TikTok parent ByteDance could access Americans user data. Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) speaks during a Senate Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Spending Oversight on Capitol Hill in Washington, on Aug. 3, 2022. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images) TikTok in the Crosshairs In December, the Senate voted unanimously to pass legislation that would ban TikTok on government phones and devices. The No TikTok on Government Devices Act was included as a provision in the omnibus spending bill. The legislation requires that the Office of Management and Budget enact a ban on TikTok from government devices and networks by Feb. 27. It would also prohibit all transactions with TikTok parent ByteDance and require the director of National Intelligence to report how the Chinese regime uses the app to monitor or manipulate U.S. audiences. In a Jan. 27 letter to Shalanda Young, director of the Office of Management and Budget (pdf), Hawley urged the Biden administration to implement the ban expeditiously. The U.S. armed forces have prohibited TikTok on military devices and in the GOP-controlled House, the Foreign Affairs Committee plans to hold a vote this month on a bill aimed at blocking TikToks use in the United States. TikTok rose in popularity in the United States in 2017 after ByteDance acquired Chinese-owned social media company Musical.ly and paired its Santa Monica office with TikTok. In 2020, then-President Donald Trump sought to block new users from downloading TikTok and ban other transactions that would have effectively prevented TikToks use in the United States. That move, however, was rebuffed by the courts. More than half of all states in the United States have barred TikTok from government devices in recent months, with Maine being the latest to join the ban. ByteDance has said that Chinas communist regime cannot access the personal data of U.S. citizens or manipulate the apps content. TikTok Chief Executive Shou Zi Chew is due to appear before the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee in March. Andrew Thornebrooke and Reuters contributed to this report. Archives Told to Suppress Statement on Penn Biden Document Search, Republicans Say The building that houses offices including the Penn Biden Center at 101 Constitution Avenue in Washington on Jan. 18, 2023. (Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times) The National Archives told Congress on Feb. 1 that it had been ordered to suppress a statement regarding the classified documents found at the Penn Biden Center in November, according to the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability. The revelation was made on the committees Twitter account, shortly after Ian Sams, senior adviser to the White House Counsels Office, was questioned about the matter by reporters. I dont know anything about that, Sams said in response to a question. The committee, chaired by Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.), then released this statement: Yesterday, @USNatArchives informed us that they prepared a press statement regarding the Penn-Biden Center classified docs. However, the Archives confirmed someone suppressed the statement from going public. Only two have that authority: 1. The White House 2. DOJ. Members of the committee met on Feb. 1 in what Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) described as a closed-door deposition regarding the National Archives. I think the questioning was very important in terms of getting some of the facts of the issue, Ocasio-Cortez said. We want to make sure that there isnt any mischaracterization by the Republican majority on the facts of this issue. It certainly seems as though the Republican side had their script pre-written before any witnesses even entered that room. Ocasio-Cortez contrasted the differences between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump in response to the discovery of classified documents in their possession, saying Biden was very proactive in providing information. Sams gave a similar message to reporters, mentioning that the president was fully cooperative or cooperated fully 11 times in a 10-minute interview. The classified documents found in Bidens former offices at the Penn Biden Center were discovered on Nov. 2, 2022, six days before the midterm election, but were not disclosed to the public until Jan. 9, 2023. Additional discoveries were made at Bidens home in Wilmington, Delaware, on Dec. 20, Jan. 14, and Jan. 20. Biden had criticized Trump for holding records with classified markings during a Sept. 18, 2022, interview on 60 Minutes. How that could possibly happen? How anyone could be that irresponsible totally irresponsible, Biden said. Regarding the possibility or timing of additional searches, Sams declined to comment on ongoing negotiations between the presidents lawyers and the Department of Justice. He confirmed that no classified documents were discovered or removed from Bidens residence in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, during a search conducted on Feb. 1. Astronomers Document a Not-so-Super Supernova in the Milky Way WASHINGTONSupernovas are not always so super. These explosions that mark the death of a star often are spectacularly energetic. But once in a while they are a complete dud. Scientists on Wednesday detailed one of the dudsa massive star that had so much of its material siphoned off by the gravitational tug of a companion star in a stellar marriage called a binary system that by the time it came to explode at the end of its life cycle it could barely manage a whimper. Its eventual explosion was so tame, in fact, that the collapsed starnow an incredibly dense object called a neutron starremains in a docile circular orbit with its companion. A more powerful explosion at the very least would have resulted in a more oval-shaped orbit and even could have sent the star and its companion hurtling in opposite directions. This binary system, studied using a telescope at the Chile-based Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory, is located about 11,000 light years from Earth in our Milky Way galaxy in the direction of the constellation Puppis. A light year is the distance light travels in a year, 5.9 trillion miles (9.5 trillion km). The neutron stars mass is about 1.4 times that of our sun, having previously been 12 times more massive than the sun. Its companion star boasts a mass 18 to 19 times greater than the sun after cannibalizing its mate. The two stars orbit around each other every 59.5 days, separated by about eight-tenths of the distance existing between Earth and the sun. The anemic stellar explosion that did occur was called an ultra-stripped supernova. These happen when a massive star collapses as it runs out of fuel in its core, but cannot manage a strong blast because a companion star has sucked off much of its outer layers and removed material that otherwise would be violently ejected into space. Since there is little material in the stellar envelope, there is almost no ejecta from the shock of the collapse, said Arizona-based astronomer Noel Richardson of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, lead author of the study published in the journal Nature. Study co-author Clarissa Pavao, an Embry-Riddle undergraduate student studying physics, described the explosion as: Faint, subtle and passive. If there was more of an explosion, the orbit would not be circular, Richardson said. A normal supernova wouldnt necessarily destroy the companion, but could disrupt the orbit a lot more. It could, for example, give a kick to the system that either makes the orbit much more elliptical or even sends the surviving star and the neutron star on fast trajectories in opposite directions with speeds that could even send them out of the galaxy. The type of binary system examined in this study is rare, with roughly 10 estimated to exist in a Milky Way populated by about 100400 billion stars. Unlike the lonely sun, perhaps half of our galaxys stars reside in binary systems. Scientists have pondered whether planets capable of harboring life exist in such systems, as depicted, for example, with Star Wars character Luke Skywalkers home planet Tatooine. We know of some systems that are binaries with planets, but these are harder to confirm, and all of these are for stars with masses like our sun, Richardson said. In the case of these massive stars, we have not yet detected planets around them. The stars weigh so much more and are more luminous than sun-like stars, making the planet detection more difficult than around the smaller stars. By Will Dunham Australian Defence Minister Not Concerned Over Potential Delays on Nuclear Subs Royal Australian Navy submarine HMAS Rankin is seen during AUSINDEX 21, a biennial maritime exercise between the Royal Australian Navy and the Indian Navy near Darwin, Australia, on Sept. 5, 2021. (Photo by POIS Yuri Ramsey/Australian Defence Force via Getty Images) Australias Defence Minister Richard Marles has pushed back on concerns that U.S. dry dock delays will hold up the delivery of the AUKUS nuclear submarines to Australia. Speaking to ABC Radios AM on Feb. 1, Marles said that the Albanese government was confident there was a clear pathway for the submarines to be delivered on time. Were confident that what we will be announcing in the coming weeks is a pathway that will be able to be delivered by all partners on time, and obviously, we are talking about a program which is not measured in weeks or months but is actually going to take place over years and decades, he said. Marles noted that Australia did not underestimate the challenge that was involved in arming itself with the capability but that the government was confident that the trilateral partners would be able to meet the challenges. AUKUS is central to that, he said. I think what youll see is when we ultimately do announce the optimal pathway that weve been working on with both the United States and the United Kingdom, that what it really is, is a genuinely trilateral effort to see both the UK and the U.S. provide Australia with a nuclear-powered submarine capability. The comments from Marles come after concerns were raised that the U.S. Navys decision to suspend four submarine dry dock facilities would cause massive delays to the AUKUS submarine timeline. The U.S. Navy announced the suspension on Jan. 27 after a seismic assessment identified potential issues associated with the remote possibility of a large-scale earthquake occurring simultaneously with a submarine maintenance availability. Our public shipyards are essential to our national defence, said Vice Adm. Bill Galinis, commander of Naval Sea Systems Command. We will begin implementing these mitigations immediately and safely return our dry docks to full capacity as soon as possible. AUKUS Deal Dividing Congress The AUKUS deal has become a contentious issue in Washington in the past month with nine Congressmen choosing to make public their strong support for the AUKUS pact and commitment to help Australia develop nuclear submarine capabilities. In a letter to President Joe Biden (pdf), they wrote that it could be a unique opportunity to expand the industrial base to support both U.S. and Australian submarine construction. Far from a zero-sum game, the potential for the United States to provide or build new submarines under AUKUS, should that be the recommendation of the trilateral consultation, could very well be a rising tide that lifts all boats, the congressmen said, referencing a letter to the Biden Administration from two Senators warning against selling nuclear-powered submarines to Australia. The letter came a week after reports emerged that Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.) and recently retired Senator James Inhofe (R-Okla.) expressed concerns that supplying Australia with Virginia-class nuclear submarines would stretch the U.S. industrial base to breaking point. We are concerned that what was initially touted as a do no harm opportunity may be turning into a zero-sum game for scarce, highly advanced U.S. SSNs (nuclear attack submarine), Reed and Inhofe said in a letter dated Dec. 21 and later leaked in January. But the nine members of the House said the goals of AUKUS were a multi-generational effort and worth embarking on for the security of the United States and its allies in the Indo-Pacific. The letter was signed by Reps. Joe Courtney (D-Conn), Mike Rogers (R-Ala.), Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.), Trent Kelly (R-Miss.), Donald Norcross (D-N.J.), Rob Wittman (R-Va.), Derek Kilmer (D-Wash.), and Blake Moore (R-Utah). They acknowledged that the U.S. submarine industrial base had been strained by COVID-19 restrictions. But said the situation will not remain static over the coming decades. While the present challenges in delivering new Virginia class submarines need to be fully considered in any discussion about the way ahead, so too must be the potential value and benefit of a fully integrated industrial base that could come as a result, they wrote. Marles Rules Out Acquisition of Conventionally Powered Stop-gap Submarine Meanwhile, the defence minister has also ruled out plans to purchase any interim stop-gap submarines while they wait for the nuclear submarines are delivered. Speaking at a press conference in France on Jan. 31, the defence minister said: There are no plans for any conventionally powered interim submarine capability, as we move towards gaining the nuclear-powered submarine capability, which we are working towards. Additionally, in a separate interview with Channel Nine on Feb. 1, Marles assured Australians that the AUKUS plan would deal with any capability gap. We are confident about our ability to develop quickly, in these terms, a capacity to build nuclear-powered submarines in Australia, Marles said. Marles noted that while gaining that capacity will take some time, he also feel confident that the pathway he will be announcing will deal with any question of a capability gap. Rebecca Zhu contributed to this article. Australian Foreign Minister Calls on Britain to Confront Its Colonial Past UK counterpart responds saying he is proof of Britain's success in dealing with the past The United Kingdom must deal with its colonial past so that it can strengthen ties with countries in the Indo-Pacific region, says Australias Foreign Minister Penny Wong. As part of her visit to the UK, the centre-left Wong delivered a speech to the Kings College in London where she spoke of how Australia eventually developed its own identity separate from the one it had as a British colony. Today, as a modern, multicultural countryhome to people of more than 300 ancestries and the oldest continuing culture on EarthAustralia sees itself as being in the Indo-Pacific, and being of the Indo-Pacific, she told attendees. Wong said on her mothers side, her forebears were some of the first British to settle in South Australia, but the story was different on her fathers side of the family, who had a different experience of British colonisation. My father is descended from Hakka and Cantonese Chinese. Many from these clans laboured for the British North Borneo Company in tin mines and plantations for tobacco and timber. Many worked as domestic servants for British colonists, as did my own grandmother. Such stories can sometimes feel uncomfortablefor those whose stories they are and for those who hear them. But understanding the past enables us to better share the present and the future. It gives us the opportunity to find more common ground than if we stayed sheltered in narrower versions of our countries histories. It helps open the world to us. It helps open the Indo-Pacific to us. Defence Minister Backs Speech Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles followed up Wongs speech to say her comments were important for building ties in the Pacific. Acknowledging the past allows us to do much more in terms of engaging in the future, and engagement going forward in the Indo-Pacific is going to be really important, Marles told ABC TV. We very much welcome the greater presence of Great Britain in the Indo-Pacific, and thats going to be really important in terms of the stability of our region in the future. The Old Empire Strikes Back Yet Britains Foreign Secretary James Cleverly was quick to point out that the top four cabinet positions of the UK government were held by individuals with non-Anglo heritage. Youre asking the black foreign secretary of the United Kingdom of Great Britain? Cleverly told The Sydney Morning Herald. Yeah, I think the answer is yesyoure looking at it, youre talking to it! I mean the bottom line is we have a prime minister of Asian heritage, you have a home secretary of Asian heritage, you have a foreign secretary of African heritage. Wongs speech comes as Western governments continue a pivot towards the Indo-Pacific region amid ongoing tensions with Beijing; part of the effort includes building stronger relations with Pacific Island nations, many of whom were former colonies of Western nations. Whilst colonialism did impact certain societies, the label has often been used by current leaders of these countriesmany with poorly run economiesto detract from the day-to-day governance and corruption issues. These countries find it convenient (or comforting) to excuse their failures by blaming colonialism or by accusing the developed world of being exploitative, patronising, or neo-colonial, wrote Eric Louw, former member of the African National Congress, in The Epoch Times. A recent variation of this chip on the shoulder politics has been to exploit the radical left, Green narrative that underdeveloped Pacific Island countries are victims of climate change caused by the developed world. This type of rhetoric has also been exploited by Beijing to win the influence battle over developing nations, he said. Australian Police Close Chinese Money-Laundering Operation, Seizing $150M Haul Police have smashed an organised Chinese-Australian crime syndicate and seized a record $150 million (US$107 million) of assets, including mansions, property, cash, cryptocurrency, designer handbags, and other luxury items. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) alleged the group, a global operation headquartered in Sydney, enabled multiple transnational organised crime groups to launder funds derived from criminal activities. It is alleged that the group facilitated the movement of illicit money through multiple jurisdictions. They used a range of means including exploiting dai gou shopping, a common way of shopping by overseas Chinese where goods (normally health products) are purchased and sent back to China. Another method is via casino junkets, and underground banking or remittance systems, to send over $150 million between 2018 to 2022. The alleged head of the gang, a 43-year-old man, was arrested from his home in Vaucluse, one of Sydneys most exclusive suburbs, on Feb. 1. AFP officers arrest a man in Vaucluse as part of the Operation Avarus-Midas investigation. (Supplied) Eight other people (six men and two women), aged 33 to 69 and from Epping, Drummoyne, Crows Nest, Mays Hill, Yagoona and Burwood, were also arrested and charged with multiple money laundering and proceeds of crime offences. Code named Operation Avarus-Midas, Australian federal police said it was one of the largest and most complex money laundering investigations in the AFPs history, with officers raiding 13 locations across the Harbour City on Feb. 1, and seizing over $29 million in cryptocurrency, 18 designer watches, 17 designer handbags, at least 46 items of luxury jewellery and four licenced firearms that were unlawfully stored. Operation Avarus-Midas was named after the ancient Greek king who, in mythology, could turn objects into gold, and began in early 2022 after information was discovered during money laundering Operation Todorka. The AFP also restrained 20 properties across Sydney, including multiple commercial buildings in the CBD and surrounds, two high-value houses in Sydneys eastern suburbs worth over $19 million combined, a 360-hectare tract of land near the western Sydney Airport worth $47 million, 66 bank accounts, cash, and over $1 million in luxury vehicles. AFP officers raided 13 properties across Sydney on Feb. 1. (Supplied) We will allege the money laundering organisation used their profit to live large, AFP Assistant Commissioner Eastern Command Kirsty Schofield said. They bought high-end jewellery, high-end watches, and some of these watches cost more than what an individual would earn in a lifetime. Schofield said money laundering organisations were the lifeblood of organised crime and a major enabler of criminal activity in Australia and internationally. This was a sophisticated, complex syndicate established to facilitate the movement of funds regardless of their origin, purpose or harm caused to the Australian community, she said. Police seized luxury jewellery and watches in the raids (supplied). Eight of the nine suspects are expected to face Downing Centre Local Court on Feb. 2, while the 43-year-old Burwood woman is scheduled to face court at a later date. Eight people are facing charges that, if convicted, could lead to 25 years in jail. The other one faces two offences that are punishable by five years in prison. How the Syndicate Works The group is alleged to circumvent laws preventing people in Australia from transferring large amounts of cash out of China by using an unlawful broker in Australia to obtain funds. The group allegedly asked customers to deposit the value of the money obtained into a Chinese bank account it controlled and charged the individual a 10 percent fee. The AFP worked with the financial transaction monitor Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC), National Australia Bank, the Royal Malaysia Police, and the Hong Kong Police Force for their support during its investigation. We have not ruled out further arrests in Australia or internationally. We are working closely with our international partners and sharing intelligence to ensure all members of this alleged money laundering organisation are held accountable for their actions, said Assistant Commissioner Schofield. We know todays details may be infuriating for many Australians, especially given the overwhelming majority of Australians who work very hard to earn their money. Today, Im sending a warning to organised crime groups involved in money laundering activities you are on our radar. Bad Home Builders Could Be Penalized Up to 50,000 Under New Regulations in Ontario Construction workers build new homes in a development in Ottawa in this file photo. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press) Consumers who purchase newly constructed homes in Ontario will be further protected with heavy fines up to $50,000 that can be levied against home builders who breach licensing or ethical rules, under provincial regulations that came into effect as of Wednesday. The Home Construction Regulatory Authority (HCRA), in its second year of operating, has been given the legislative authority as of Feb. 1 to impose hefty administrative penalties on home builders or vendors in the province of Ontario that breach their legal and ethical obligations. Tess Lin, spokesperson for the HCRA, told The Epoch Times that there are approximately 6,500 licenses issued to individuals and companies who build and sell new homes in Ontario. In a news release issued Feb. 1, the HCRA said that changes to the provinces New Home Construction Licensing Act, 2017 (NHCLA), have allowed financial penalties (similar to fines) to be added as one of the existing enforcement tools of the organization, which also include revoking or imposing conditions on a license. The penalties can be used to offer funds to negatively impacted consumers, depending on the circumstances. The HCRA may consider whether a licensee benefited financially from breaking the law and, if so, an additional penalty may be applied reflecting the amount of the benefit, which could be passed on to the impacted consumers, it said. The HCRA is serious about holding new home builders and vendors accountable for their behaviour, Wendy Moir, the HCRAs chief executive officer and registrar, said in the news release. Moir said the penalties are not just a cost of doing business. This is a clear message and reminder to the industry that unethical conduct and violations of the rules will not be tolerated. An individual or company operating illegally, without being licensed, could be penalized up to $50,000 per occurrence. Moir called this a first for the industry. She said it will help ensure people purchasing a brand new home do so in a fair and safe marketplace. The HCRA has issued multiple advisories to license holders in the province, reviewing conduct expectations and the consequences for not following the rules in place to protect new homeowners. Big Purchase Noting that buying a home was one of the biggest purchases in someones life, Kaleed Rasheed, Ontario minister of public and business service delivery, said Ontario was the first jurisdiction in Canada to compensate consumers harmed by unethical and illegal behavior on the part of any bad actors among new home builders and vendors. The HCRA said in November 2022 that it had been actively investigating consumer complaints regarding price escalations and terminations of purchase agreements. That month, the HCRA put license conditions on one company, ADI Morgan Developments (Lakeshore) Inc., after complaints from consumers about cancelled contracts and unreturned deposits. As a term of the resolution, the home builder was required to pay almost $2.6 million to 141 purchasers as a penalty, in addition to returning customer deposits that were not paid on time. The amount ADI Lakeshore was ordered to pay also included an additional $60,000 in penalties, to be paid once the new monetary penalty legislation came into effect. By requiring ADI Lakeshore to pay this money to the purchasers, we are ensuring that the builder did not benefit from breaching their licence requirements, said Moir. The home builder also had conditions put on its license, forbidding the company from cancelling any agreements, unless the purchaser requests the cancellation first or is in default. BCs Handling of Drug Crisis Has Been an Abject Failure, Says Poilievre Federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre speaks at an adult education centre as he starts his tour of Quebec, in Montreal on Jan. 16, 2023. (The Canadian Press/Ryan Remiorz) British Columbias ongoing attempts to handle its drug crisis have been an abject failure, says federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, who adds that the provinces decriminalization of small amounts of illicit drugs for personal use have made the problem worse. Decriminalization has been in place in B.C. now since about 2017 in reality, Poilievre told reporters in Ottawa on Feb. 1. The results are in. The debate is over. It has been a disaster, an absolute abject failure. You not only need to take a walk down the streets of East Vancouver where addicts lay face-first on the pavement, where people are living permanently in tents and encampments, but you just need to look at the data. Poilievre said there has been a 300 percent increase in drug overdose deaths in B.C. since the Liberal government first took power back in 2015. The Trudeau-NDP approach is on open display in Vancouver, he said. It is a complete disaster. It is hell on earth. Were going to reverse that policy. And were going to replace it with recovery and treatment. Thats what works. The B.C. government officially decriminalized possession of hard drugs on Jan. 31, under a temporary authorization by Health Canada. This means that adults, over 18, found in possession of less than 2.5 grams of any combination of cocaine, methamphetamine, MDMA, heroin, fentanyl, and/or morphine for personal use will not be arrested or charged, and will not have their drugs seized. Health Canada approved the three-year experimental program back in May 2022, which granted B.C. the first provincial exemption from the federal governments Controlled Drug and Substances Act. The exemption will remain in place until Jan. 31, 2026, unless reversed earlier. Decriminalization Federal Mental Health and Addictions Minister Carolyn Bennett spoke positively about B.C.s decriminalization plan during a news conference in Vancouver on Jan. 30, saying that it will reduce the stigma, the fear, and shame that keep people who use drugs silent about their use, or using alone. Supervised consumption sites, which prioritize the dignity and safety of people who use drugs, have saved lives and guided many Canadians towards treatment, she said. Bennett added that the decriminalization policy is not legalization, noting that all activities with illegal drugs, including production, trafficking, import, and export remain illegal, even if conducted with the drugs listed in the exemption in amounts under the 2.5 grams threshold. Last spring, both Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and federal Justice Minister David Lametti said the Liberal government has no plans for any national drug decriminalization policies. Trudeau said the federal government will not seek to decriminalize such illicit drug possessions in other jurisdictions without putting the system and supports in place. Marnie Cathcart contributed to this report. U.S. President Joe Biden attends a national prayer breakfast on Capitol Hill at 8:00 a.m. ET on Feb. 2. The Epoch Times will livestream the event. Biden Encourages Unity in America During National Prayer Breakfast Remarks President Joe Biden addresses the National Prayer Breakfast at the U.S. Capitol on Feb. 3, 2022, in Washington. (Greg Nash-Pool/Getty Images) President Joe Biden called for unity among Americansregardless of religion, race, and party affiliationduring his remarks at the National Prayer Breakfast on Capitol Hill on Feb. 2. Just before Christmas, I offered a message to the country. A universal message of hope, joy, and love, whether youre Christian, whether youre Jewish, Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, or any other faith or no faith at all, Biden said. It speaks to all of us as human beings who are here on this Earth primarily to care for one another. Looklook out for one another and to love one another. Its not always easy. Its hard. But thats our mission. The message is always important, but especially important during tough times. Like what weve been through the last three, four, or five years. He continued by noting the COVID-19 pandemic, record bouts of extreme weather claiming lives and destroying homes, wildfires, and mass shootings. When were present in our lives, we find theres so much more that unites us than divides us, Biden said. And while we have profound differences, the last two years have proven we can come together to do big things for the country. We can join hands and get things done. We can redeem the soul of America. He referenced earlier this year a Martin Luther King Jr. Day speech at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta. King once served as pastor of the church, which is now led by Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.). Joy comes when we apply the commandments of Scripture, Biden said. Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, all thy mind, and all thy soul, and love thy neighbor as thyself. Thats the hardest one. It didnt use to be as hard. Ive been here a long time. But it seems to be getting harder. He referenced the question Dr. King asked us all those years ago. Where do we go from here? My message to all of you to the nation is: we go forward. Go forward together, Biden said. Lets be the doers of the word. Lets keep the faith. Lets remember who we are. Were the United States of America. The United States of America. Were born out of an idea. He concluded his remarks by reminiscing about his early days in the Senate when lawmakers would argue like hell with each other but then still go to lunch together. Biden mentioned figures such as Strom Thurmond, Ted Kennedy, and others who argued on the floor and then would go to the Senate dining room and sit down and eat. Saying that legislators should start treating each other with respect, he said he had a good meeting yesterday with Republican Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.). I think we got to do it. Across the board, Biden said, expounding on his comment. It doesnt mean were going to agree. Fight like hell, and lets treat each other with respect. Unity had been missing at the breakfast where he delivered his Feb. 2 morning remarks. A high-profile event that incorporates politics and religion, the National Prayer Breakfast has been marked with controversy in recent years. The International Foundation, a Christian evangelical organization also known as the Fellowship Foundation or The Familyas popularized by a book with the same name and a 2019 Netflix documentary based on its storyspearheaded the breakfast for decades. Concerned that the gathering has become too divisive, lawmakers created the National Prayer Breakfast Foundation to lead this years two-day event. The foundation is headed by former Sen. Mark Pryor (D-Ark.). Dwight D. Eisenhower was the first president to attend the gathering in 1953. Every president since has spoken at the breakfast. Eisenhower was asked to attend by evangelist Billy Graham. Not known as an outwardly religious figure, Eisenhower at one point in his presidency remarked that the country needed a spiritual renewal. Over the years, the breakfast has generated controversy related to questionable fundraising, behind-the-scenes lobbying, and infiltration by a Russian spy. When Sen. [James] Lankford, [R-Okla.], and I were co-chairs of the National Prayer Breakfast a number of years ago, there were a lot of questions raised about the finances, about who was invited, about how it was structured, said Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.), chairman of the Senate Ethics Committee and frequent prayer breakfast participant. And we frankly had to admit, as co-chairs, we didnt know as much as we felt we should have. Coons is part of the group that helped establish the National Prayer Breakfast Foundation to coordinate the event. Pryor explained that this years breakfast and future gatherings will be smaller and more controlled. This years breakfast was moved from a Washington hotel to the U.S. Capitol complex. We expect there to be maybe 300 people in attendance as opposed to like 3,500 in years past, Pryor said. So its going to be just members and plus-ones. And hopefully, itll be a smaller, more intimate gathering. More than two dozen groups that range from the Freedom From Religion Foundation and American Atheists to The Clergy Project and the Transgender Law Center joined 10 community leaders in sending a Jan. 17 letter strongly encouraging Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and congressional members not to sponsor or attend the National Prayer Breakfast. Calling the breakfast a pay-to-play political event with a troubling history and citing serious issues associated with the event, the letters authors claimed that past breakfasts have featured anti-LGBT rhetoric. Mike Lindell credits his rise and relationship with former President Donald Trump to being picked out of 12 people to pray with Ben Carson in a room [at] the National Prayer Breakfast, the letter reads. The FBI caught Maria Butina, an unregistered foreign agent with ties to Putin, using the event to illegally back channel with American officials who attended. Butina pleaded guilty and was convicted in 2018. New records reveal that Franklin Graham is the primary financial backer of the event, which he admitted is meant to buy access. Former President Trump used the event in 2019 to promote discriminatory adoption practices. Members of Congress who sponsor or attend the event are inadvertently sending a message that their office endorses the events Christian nationalist message, which is incompatible with pluralistic religious freedom and our constitutional system of governance, according to the letter. Moreover, besides the issue of religious freedom, supporting the breakfast would be a blatant disregard for some of the most vulnerable communities in our country today given the events support for anti-LGBT campaigns, it reads. Bidens remarks about God, and the National Prayer Breakfast Foundation website, indicate that religion is still an integral part of the event. Our annual breakfast is an opportunity for members of Congress to pray collectively for our nation, the President of the United States and other national and international leaders in the spirit of love and reconciliation as Jesus of Nazareth taught 2,000 years ago, a description about the foundations purpose on its website reads. Every president, regardless of party or religious persuasion, has joined since. All faiths are welcome. Biden Praises Klain, Introduces Zients in Chief of Staff Transition Ceremony With the outgoing Ron Klain on one side and the incoming Jeff Zients on the other, President Joe Biden delivered remarks in the East Room of the White House on Feb. 1 commemorating the chief of staff transition. Klain, who served as Bidens chief of staff when he was vice president and then accepted the same role when Biden took office as president in January 2021, will step down on Feb. 8. He will be replaced by Zients, a former Obama administration official who spearheaded Bidens coronavirus response team. I knew this day would come, but it doesnt make it any easier. He came to work with me on the Senate Judiciary Committee a week after he got married, Biden said of Klain. I knew the moment he started, he was a once-in-a-generation talent. U.S. President Joe Biden speaks about the U.S. economy at Steamfitters Local 602 in Springfield, Va., on Jan. 26, 2023. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images) For the last 36 years. Ron has been on my side in one capacity or another, Biden added. When youre in the trenches with somebody, you figure out pretty quickly what theyre made of. You get to know the person pretty damn well. Hes willing to jump in front of the bus for you. After he was introduced by Biden, Klain opened his remarks by saying I will try to keep this brief, but I cant promise there will not be some tears. Displaying emotion at different points of his speech, Klain said, This is the best job Ive ever had. And even though its also the hardest job Ive ever had, I will miss it, but I take solace in knowing that Im leaving you in the best of hands. Beyond leading the White House coronavirus response, Zients is best known for his private sector roles, which include health care and private equity businesses as well as private consulting. Remembering Work Done Zients recently served on the board of directors at Facebook. During his stint with Bain Consulting, he helped fund Call Your Mother, a bagel shop that is frequented by Washington political figures. Two weeks ago, I marked our anniversary here by buying everyone on the team cake, Klain said. It was the second time in two years I bought everyone cake, and people were very happy. But Jeff has pledged to buy everyone in the White House a free bagel every single day. So I will soon be forgotten. But what will not be forgotten is the work we have done together these two years, Klain added. Together, we passed the largest economic planthe most significant one since FDRwhile managing the largest land war in Europe since Truman. We passed the biggest infrastructure bill since Ike and more judges than any first-year president than JFK, and passed the second largest health care bill since LBJ, Klain continued. We passed the most significant gun control bill since Bill Clinton was president and the largest climate bill passed by any country anytime anywhere on planet Earth, all while managing the worst public health crisis any president has faced since Woodrow Wilson with the narrowest majority in Congress of any new Democratic president in 100 years. Klain also noted student loan debt relief, record low black and brown unemployment, and figures that show the most Americans ever with health care coverage among other measures from the first two years of Bidens term. Leaving at Challenging Time Now thats not bad. And it is especially not bad for a president and a team that was written off for dead in the winter of 2019. And again in the winter of 2020, again in the winter of 2021, and again the first week of November 2022, Klain said, his voice cracking with emotion. The president likes to say it is never a good bet to bet against the American people and he is right. But what I want to say today is it is never a good bet to bet against Joe Biden. And this team. Never, ever a good bet, Klain said. Klain is leaving at a challenging time for Biden, who is under investigation by a special counsel for his handling of classified documents after his tenure as vice president. Also, he and some members of his family are facing scrutiny from the GOP-controlled U.S. House of Representatives. Klains decision was reportedly made before Attorney General Merrick Garland assigned a special counsel to investigate Biden about the classified materials found at Bidens private office at the Penn Biden Center in Washington and his residence in Wilmington, Delaware. During the 2000 presidential elections Florida vote recount, Klain helped guide Gores legal team. He also directed the Ebola crisis response when Obama was president. White House press secretary Jen Psaki, COVID-19 Response Coordinator Jeff Zients, and Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Dr. Anthony Fauci brief reporters at the White House in Washington on April 13, 2021. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Zients served as an adviser to Bidens 2020 presidential campaign, ran his transition team, oversaw the Biden administrations coronavirus response, and led the COVID-19 vaccination campaign. A former acting director and deputy director of the Office of Management and Budget, Zients was director of the National Economic Council under the Obama administration and also chaired Obamas Management Advisory Board. I first got to know him we worked together and implement the Recovery Act of 2009 and later he was director of the Office of Management and Budget, Biden said of Zients. He later led a daunting complicated task of fixing healthcare.gov to get millions of Americans signed up for quality affordable healthcare under the Affordable Care Act. When I ran for office, I promised to make the government work for the American people. Thats what Jeff does, Biden added. Its a big task to implement the laws we pass efficiently and effectively and fairly. Weve made a lot of progress. But we have to build on that progress. And if anyones going to be able to build on that job, its Jeff. Zients was concise with his remarks on Feb. 1 after he was introduced by Klain. He thanked Biden for the opportunity and praised Klain for his service. Governing is never easy. Thats an understatement. But when you have the right team, you can accomplish anything, Zients said. It all comes down to people. It all comes down to the team. And Mr. President, you have assembled a first-grade team. Klain did not mention Bidens potential run for a second term in 2024, but in his resignation letter submitted last week, he wrote, If you choose to run in 2024, I look forward to doing whatever I can to help your campaign, as I did for your 1988, 2008, and 2020 campaigns. I will always be a Biden supporter and advocate in whatever I do next. Bill Filed to Prevent Employers From Mandating Microchips in Alabama A pre-filed bill in the Alabama House would prevent an employer from requiring any employee to be implanted with a microchip. Microchips are defined by the proposed legislation as a device subcutaneously implanted in an individual that is passively or actively capable of transmitting personal information to another device using radio frequency [RFID] technology. The legislation would not include devices used in the diagnosis, monitoring, treatment, or prevention of a health condition that only transmits information necessary to carry out the diagnosis, monitoring, treatment or prevention of that health condition. Microchips were approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2004 for implantation in humans after being used for years in animals and pets. They can be used for things such as making purchases, opening doors, and unlocking computers, according to Three Square Market, a company that offered free implants to its employees in 2019. The bill is similar to other bills passed in states such as Nevada, which the bills sponsor, Democrat state Rep. Prince Chestnut, told the Alabama Political Reporter his is modeled after. Legislation as a Deterrent Chestnut told the outlet the bill is a preemptive strike to dissuade companies from considering use of the technology in the workplace. The bill will be up for discussion in March and would prevent employers from requiring any employee to take an implant as a condition of employment. I ended up running up on this article about a company called Three Market Square out of Wisconsin that was doing it, Chestnut told the outlet. I was like, Well that doesnt seem like a good thing to do. Next, folks are probably going to be requiring folks to get a chip just to work. A total of 11 states in the country have already banned or limited microchips as a condition for employment, according to the Society for Human Resources Management. An employee of internet security company Kaspersky Lab shows a syringe fitted with a microchip during a Kaspersky Lab press conference on biological, psychological and technological implications of microchip implants ahead of the opening of the 55th IFA (Internationale Funkausstellung) electronics trade fair in Berlin on Sept. 3, 2015. (John MacDougall/AFP/Getty Images) Its a preemptive strike, Susan Kline, a partner at law firm Faegre Drinker in Indianapolis, told SHRM. It sends a signal of dont even think about it. Why? First, because its invasive. Then there are the ramifications in terms of lack of control over what data is collected, and how it is used, and how device mandates put employees in the position of feeling pressured or at risk of retaliation. The Indiana law contains a prohibition against retaliation for refusing to voluntarily receive a device implant. Chestnut told the Alabama outlet he based his legislation on a similar law enacted in Nevada. We have to be careful as a society and take our time to consider the ethical and constitutional implications of technology, Chestnut said. Individual liberty and freedom of movement should always remain sacrosanct. Your right to work should not result in your employer being able to trace your steps and place you under a constant state of 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week surveillance. The Bill The bill as written focuses on employers and certain other individuals from requiring another individual to be implanted with a microchip, making a violation a Class D felony. Certain other individuals include: an officer or employee of the state, an individual licensed to sell or provide insurance, and an individual licensed to participate in a business related to bail. The bill would not prohibit an individual from voluntarily electing to be implanted with a microchip or other permanent identification marker. Potential Health Risks of Implants A study by the Journal of Hand Surgery said frequency identification (RFID) technology has been implanted in humans since 1998. This practice is little studied but appears to be increasing; rice-sized implants are implanted by hobbyists and even offered by some employers for uses ranging from access to emergency medical records to entry to secured workstations, the journal reported. The US Food and Drug Administration first approved this technology in 2004, with stated potential risks including adverse tissue reaction, migration of the implanted transponder, compromise of information security, electrical hazards, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) incompatibility. Bipartisan Bill Introduced to Protect US Strategic Petroleum Reserve America's petroleum reserve dwindles as rival China's grows Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) speaks to reporters in the Hart Senate Office building in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 1, 2022. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy & Natural Resources Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), in a bipartisan effort led with Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), on Wednesday introduced legislation to prohibit the Biden administration selling crude oil from the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to China or any company controlled by Chinas ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP). As described in a news release that the committee issued announcing its Protecting Americas Strategic Petroleum Reserve from China Act, the bipartisan legislation would prohibit the sale of American crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to any company under the control of the Chinese Communist Party and prohibit the export of any crude oil from the SPR to China. Manchin said in the release, The Strategic Petroleum Reserve is a vital piece of our nations infrastructure that bolsters our energy and national security. While the reserve has been a policy Band-Aid for rising gas prices and the global unrest caused by Russias invasion of Ukraine, the reserve is, above-all, meant to help the United States and our allies through difficult times, not to help the CCP power Chinas economy. This bill would ensure that we are not risking our energy security by selling our petroleum reserves to China, and the bipartisan support this legislation has received shows just how important it is for America to be energy secure and independent. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) speaks at a press conference at the U.S. Capitol to discuss immigration at the southern border in Washington, D.C., on June 22, 2022. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) Joining Cruz and Manchin in introducing the legislation are 18 senatorsthree Democrats, 13 Republicans, and two Independentswho signed on as co-sponsors: Angus King (I-Maine), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Dan Sullivan (R-Ark.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), John Hoeven (N.D.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Mike Lee (Utah), Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.), and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.). Americas Oil Reserves Dwindle as Chinas Grow According to U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) statistics, starting in January 2020 and running through November 2022, the Strategic Petroleum Reserve was reduced by approximately 240 million barrels, falling from around 635 million barrels to 388 million. A Feb. 27, 2022, Reuters reported that China, while boosting its own stockpile, was disregarding the call from the White House for a consortium of countries to, in an attempt to lower fuel prices, release oil from their reserves. Reuters, citing information provided by data analytics firm Kayrros, noted that China had grown its reserves by 30 million barrels since mid-November 2022. The firm put total crude oil inventories in China, derived from satellite monitoring of tanks, at a total of 950 million barrels. A bill similar in intent and scope easily passed the GOP-controlled House on a bipartisan vote in early January. The Bryan Mound Strategic Petroleum Reserve, an oil storage facility, is seen in this aerial photograph over Freeport, Texas, on April 27, 2020. (Adrees Latif/Reuters) On Jan. 12, the House voted 331-97 to approve the act to prohibit the secretary of energy from sending petroleum products from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to China, and for other purposes, with 113 Democrats siding with the unanimous GOP membership support of the bill. An Epoch Times story on House bill passing noted that in 2022, President Joe Biden announced the release of 180 million barrels from the reserve in an effort to bring down energy prices and stabilize the global market. The release drew down the emergency stockpile to its lowest level since the 1980s. Cruz has long been sounding the alarm about threats to American security posed by the strategic oil reserve being depleted while China grows its fuel holdings. Six months ago, Cruz introduced in the Senate the No Emergency Crude Oil for Foreign Adversaries Act, which would ensure that reserves sold from the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) are not exported to nations that are adversaries of the United States. The bill did not garner enough votes to pass. Bipartisan Efforts In the 118th Congressas economic, political, and defense tensions continue to rise between Beijing and U.S. alliesa sweet spot of Democratic-Republican cooperation has been forged with the intent of disrupting and blocking CCP activity in America and abroad that jeopardizes national security. On Jan. 10, the House passed, with a vote of 365-65, the bill Establishing the Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party. The 16-person bipartisan committee to investigate the CCPs malign influence in the United States and elsewhere received widespread support from both parties for its comprehensive scope and clarity in singling out the CCP as the nations greatest threat, The Epoch Times reported. US Allies and China, Military Rivals Not just politicians see a CCP-led China as a growing threat. A flashpoint for armed conflict between the superpowers is the self-ruled island of Taiwan, a liberal democracy that since 1949 has been governed independently as the Republic of China (ROC), even as the United States and most nations officially recognize the CCP and its Peoples Republic of China (PRC) on the mainland. Taiwan, Japan, and China are neighboring each other. (Screenshot/Google Map) The CCP maintains that Taiwan is a rogue state. It seeks to bring the island nation, located approximately 80 miles off the mainland, under its socialist jurisdiction. With the iron-fisted Xi Jinping as the head of the PRC, the country has increased military activity near Taiwan and in its airspace. The United States does not hold a mutual defense treaty with Taiwan as it does with Japan and South Korea, countries that would be imperiled if the CCP invaded Taiwan and expanded its jurisdiction in the Pacific. In a memo drafted by Air Force Gen. Mike Minihan, head of Air Mobility Command, (AMC), dated Feb. 1which was intended for his subordinates at AMC but leaked and distributed widely on social media on Jan. 27the four-star general said that the airmen he commands should prepare for a war with China that could start within the next two years. I hope I am wrong, wrote Gen. Minihan. My gut tells me we will fight. Xi secured his third term and set his war council in 2022. Taiwans presidential elections are in 2024 and will offer Xi a reason. Today, the Golden Gate Bridge has come to symbolize San Francisco, and it is the universally recognizable icon of that great port city. Although conceived as a way to move people from place to place, it has become a destination in its own right. Spanning the Golden Gate Strait, a place of stunning natural beauty, the bridge is itself an architectural masterwork. Her tall tapered towers and graceful cables evoke a sense of awe as they appear out of a fog-shrouded channel. The distinctive terra cotta color contrasts beautifully with the rugged cliffs on both shores of the strait. The original design first proposed for the famous bridge, however, was nothing like what we see today. Following San Franciscos rebuilding after the 1906 earthquake, the city continued to grow, which soon brought transportation problems. Getting to the surrounding communities was a challenge, since the San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Strait made ferries the only viable means of connecting the region. Lines for the ferry service lasted for hours. The only alternative was to travel completely around the baya long days journey at best. The city turned to Joseph Strauss, who had built smaller bridges in the area before. His challenge was to come up with a design for a project that had until now been considered impossible: bridging the Golden Gate Strait. Making the Impossible a Reality Statue of engineer Joseph B. Strauss with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background. (Blanscape/Shutterstock) Strausss undergraduate thesis had proposed bridging an even more inhospitable straitthe Bering Straitbetween Russia and Alaska. After graduating from the University of Cincinnati, he soon developed a specialty designing bascule bridges, those with a moveable structure, such as drawbridges. His first project was a rail bridge over the Cuyahoga River near Lake Erie in 1902. In 1915, he built a bascule bridge over the Neva River in Petrograd, Russia. In 1917, San Francisco city engineer Michael OShaughnessy invited Strauss to do a feasibility study for the Golden Gate crossing. In 1921, Strauss presented his initial concept: a hybrid cantilevered truss and suspension design. When it was revealed to the public, it was criticized for being awkward and ugly. Indeed, it fell short of being anything iconic or beautiful. But Strauss surrounded himself with good people. He hired Charles Alton Ellis to become his lead engineer on the project, along with consulting engineer Leon Moisseiff. Irving Morrow was brought in as architectural consultant. While the press was declaring the hybrid bridge ugly, Moisseiff raised concerns about its suitability, suggesting a suspension bridge instead. Charles Ellis created the design, with its two great towers, that would later actually be built. Morrow designed the distinctive tapering towers with their art deco cross-pieces. He is the one responsible for putting beauty in the beast of the gargantuan project. In 1930, the final plans were submitted to the San Francisco District Board. They were largely the work of Charles Ellis, who performed meticulous calculations to assure the integrity of what would be, when built, the longest suspension bridge in the world. Ellis, who had become vice-president of Strausss company, nonetheless irritated Strauss with his slow and careful process: the reason for their subsequent falling-out and Strauss firing Ellis in 1930. Clifford E. Paine succeeded Ellis, completing the design and supervising construction. Ellis, recognizing the scope of the project, completed calculations for the bridge, even after he was fired and returned to an academic career teaching engineering. He presented his work to Paines team, providing verification for the integrity of the design. The color the bridge should be painted was yet to be decided. The Navy wanted it to be painted with black and yellow stripeslike a giant safety barrier. They insisted the bridge be visible. Some wanted it to be gray or even black. Irving Morrow would find the answer to this dilemma right in front of him. The steel components for the bridge and towers were shipped from the factory in Pennsylvania coated with an orange primer that assumed a slightly burnt cast when exposed to the elements. Morrow saw that the weathered primer was indeed pleasing and satisfied the visibility requirement. He specified the color, which came to be known as International Orange based on the primer. Creative Funding During the Great depression The Golden Gate Bridge under construction, circa 1934. Photographed by Chas. M. Hiller. Library of Congress. (Public Domain) With plans finalized, there was one major hurdle. The 1929 Depression made the government reluctant to finance such a large project, estimated in the millions of dollars. The promoters of the bridge were undaunted, however, and took the issue to the voters. They asked if citizens would be willing to personally underwrite the loan using their homes, businesses, or farms as collateraland surprisingly, the citizens agreed. Bank of America founder Amandeo Giannini, realizing people needed work in the Great Depression, extended a credit line of 5 million dollars for the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge. Tolls would be used to maintain the bridge and pay off the debt, which was retired in 1971. Work commenced on the Golden Gate Bridge on Jan. 5, 1933. First, the foundations for the great towers and anchors for the cable ends (holding up the roadway) had to be constructed. The north tower rested on solid ground, but the south tower had to be built on a manmade island, with foundations extending to the underwater bedrock at the bottom of the strait. Concrete was brought to the site around the clock for these massive foundations. High winds and unpredictable weather would also prove to be a challenge, creating a dangerous environment. Setting a New Standard for Safety Workers on the catwalk during construction of the Golden Gate Bridge in October, 1935. (AFP/Getty Images) At the time, there was a morbid rule of thumb about large projects such as the Golden Gate Bridge. It stated that you would lose one workers life for every million dollars spent to construct it. The initial estimates put the price of the bridge at $35 million, meaning 35 fatalities would be expected during its construction. Joseph Strauss, however, did not see fatalities as inevitable. He invested considerable time and resources in creating a culture of construction safety. The hard hat, now considered a standard feature on jobsites, was first mandated for the Golden Gate project. Edward W. Bullard created the design based on soldiers helmets and the soft helmets then worn by miners. In a time when steel work involved throwing and catching hot rivets, the hats offered valuable protection to the workers. Strauss was also concerned with protecting the workers from falling from the structure, so he created a safety net suspended below. It was akin to the nets underneath circus aerialists. The net provided an added assurance of safety to the crews. Workers who lost their footing and were saved by the net called themselves the Halfway to Hell Club. Safety rules were strictly enforced, and daredevils were fired on the spot. Drunkenness was also cause for dismissal, but Strauss did have a special concoction prepared for workers who arrived with hangovers. He also provided special cream to protect workers exposed skin from the raw elements. Pay was four to 11 dollars per daygood money during the Great Depression. In the end, 11 people died building the bridge10 of whom died when the machine platform they were working on fell through the net. Continually emphasizing jobsite safety, Strauss had experienced only a third of the fatalities expected. The final golden rivet was driven on April 28, 1937 and the bridge opened to traffic a month later. The bridge was impressive: The main span of 4,200 feet remained the longest suspension span in the world until 1964, when the Verrazzano Narrows Bridge in New York City was built. The Golden Gates two towers rose 746 feet above the water. When asked how long the bridge would last, Strauss replied, Forever. The bridge has survived earthquakes, and a recent retrofitting has made it even safer from seismic activity. Painting crews work continuously all year round to maintain the coating of the 9,150-foot long steel structure, its towers, and cables. And with proper ongoing care, the Golden Gate Bridge will serve San Francisco and the surrounding communities long into the future. Our world of today revolves around things which at one time couldnt be done because they were supposedly beyond the limits of human endeavor dont be afraid to dream, Joseph Baermann Strauss said. British Gas Suspends Force-Fitting of Prepayment Meters Following Report of Debt Collector Breaking In British Gas is suspending the force-fitting of prepayment meters, the energy providers owner Centrica said on Wednesday after a report said its debt-collecting contractor broke into homes of vulnerable customers. The UKs energy regulator Ofgem also said on Thursday that its launching an urgent investigation. According to The Times of London, an undercover reporter witnessed agents from debt collecting company Arvato Financial Solutions breaking into the home of a single father of three young children with a locksmith to change the meter in sub-zero temperatures, meaning the family would have no heating unless they top up. Job notes involving British Gas customers in recent weeks also showed that a woman with severe mental health bipolar disorder, a woman who has mobility problems and is partially sighted, and a mother whose daughter is disabled and has a hoist and [an] electric wheelchair had their homes fitted with prepayment meters, the report said. Under Ofgem rules, energy companies can obtain court warrants which give them legal rights to enter the homes of indebted customers and fit prepayment meters as a last resort. But the use of the practice is banned on the most vulnerable customers, such as people for whom the experience would be severely traumatic, for example due to mental health issues. According to The Times, debt collectors were incentivised to ignore customers vulnerability because they get bonuses for installing the meters. Following the report, Centrica CEO Chris OShea said the allegations are unacceptable. Protecting vulnerable customers is an absolute priority and we have clear processes and policies to ensure we manage customer debt carefully and safely, OShea said in a statement. The allegations around our third-party contractor Arvato are unacceptable and we immediately suspended their warrant activity, he said. OShea said he is extremely disappointed that the alleged practice had occurred, adding that the company decided to suspend all prepayment warrant activity at least until the end of the winter. He said unfortunately he doesnt see the clearly significant challenges around affordability changing anytime soon, calling for the government and the regulator to devise a long-term plan. We need to strike a balance between managing spiralling bad debt and being aware that there are those who refuse to pay and those who cannot pay. We think government, industry, and the regulator need to come together to agree a long-term plan to address this and ultimately create an energy market that is sustainable, he said. Speaking to Sky News on Thursday, OShea said he was upset that families were not treated with respect. All I can say is Im really truly sorry, and well make it right, he said. Undated file photo of a British Gas boiler controller. (Philip Toscano/PA Media) Ofgem has also announced it will launch an investigation. These are extremely serious allegations from The Times which we will investigate urgently with British Gas and we wont hesitate to take firm enforcement action, a spokesperson said in a statement. It is unacceptable for any supplier to impose forced installations on vulnerable customers struggling to pay their bills before all other options have been exhausted and without carrying out thorough checks to ensure it is safe and practicable to do so, the statement reads. We recently announced a major market-wide review investigating the rapid growth in prepayment meter installations and potential breaches of licences driving it. We are clear that suppliers must work hard to look after their customers at this time, especially those who are vulnerable, and the energy crisis must not be an excuse for unacceptable behaviour towards any customerparticularly those in vulnerable circumstances. The Epoch Times has reached out to Arvato Financial Solutions for comment. Hundreds of thousands of customers have been switched over to more costly prepayment meters, often unwillingly and without the offer of support, after failing to keep up with rising energy payments. Some have found their smart meters switched to prepayment mode remotely while others have been confronted at their door by teams sent by energy companiesarmed with magistrates court warrantsto physically make the change. Just last week, Ofgem said it is to review the checks and balances that energy firms have around placing customers on pre-payment meters, warning it will take further legal action if it finds they are not taking due care. In a blog, the watchdogs chief executive, Jonathan Brearley, said he is concerned about the sharp growth in households struggling to pay their bills being switched over to pre-payment meters, sometimes without their even knowing about it, leaving them without heating. It followed Business Secretary Grant Shapps demand that energy suppliers stop forcing financially-stretched households to switch to pre-payment meters. He also vowed to name and shame the worst offenders. PA Media contributed to this report. British Government to Hold Omagh Bomb Inquiry Northern Ireland Secretary said he intends to establish independent statutory probe into 1998 atrocity Royal Ulster Constabulary Police officers stand on Market Street, the scene of a car bombing in the centre of Omagh, Co Tyrone, 72 miles west of Belfast, Northern Ireland, on Aug. 15, 1998. (Paul McErlane/AP Photo) The British government will hold a full independent inquiry into the 1998 Omagh bombing, the Northern Ireland Secretary has announced. Chris Heaton-Harris told MPs on Thursday that he intends to establish an independent statutory probe into the circumstances of the Real IRA atrocity that claimed the lives of 29 people, including unborn twins. Speaking in Parliament, Heaton-Harris said: I have listened to the representations of these families and taken their varying perspectives into account. I have considered important factors such as the independence of any future investigation, the costs to the public purse, and how best to allay wider public concern. I have weighed these up against the clear findings set out by the court, which we must meet for any investigation to be effective and compliant with our international obligations, and which are at the core of my decision. He added that he intends to establish an independent statutory inquiry into the Omagh bombing. Reacting to the news, Omagh campaigner Michael Gallagher, whose 21-year-old son Aiden was killed in the blast, told The Epoch Times, It is unbelievable. Its a huge, huge relief, he said, adding, Today my thoughts are with those families who are not getting the news that we are getting. This legacy bill that is going through parliament is denying justice to a whole range of victims both here in Northern Ireland and in England. In January, the government formally tabled amendments to legislation seeking to address the legacy of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Planned changes to the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill have already been rejected by victims groups and all of the political parties in Northern Ireland. Under the bill, expected to become law before summer, perpetrators will be able to seek immunity from prosecution. Bomb Attack Twenty-nine people were killed and 220 others injured in the Real IRA bomb that detonated in the centre of the Co Tyrone town on Aug. 15, 1998. No one has ever been convicted over the atrocity, which took place just four months after the signing of the Good Friday Agreement. It remains the deadliest bomb attack to have ever taken place in Northern Irelands history. For years, families of those who lost loved ones in the attack have asked the government whether there was prior security intelligence about the bombing. At the time, joint MI5 and FBI agent David Rupert had embedded himself inside the Real IRA gang behind the atrocity. The U.S.-born business owner and security service agent later went on to give State evidence against the then leader of the Real IRA. Ruperts 2003 testimony at Dublins Special Criminal Court would not only see Michael McKevitt jailed for terror offences but would form the biggest single piece of evidence in the Omagh bomb victims lawsuit against four men held legally responsible for the blast. In 2009, Belfast High Court found McKevitt, Liam Campbell, Colm Murphy, and Seamus Daly liable for the attack. Omagh bomb relatives were awarded more than 1.6 million in damages for the attack. Speaking to The Epoch Times from his U.S. home on Wednesday, former MI5/FBI agent David Rupert welcomed the Omagh inquiry announcement. I think the Omagh people should be given a complete accounting of the events leading to the bomb and why it was so deadly, he said. I know of nothing nefarious by any security organisations and was told directly by a dissident IRA leader involved that it wasnt an operation gone wrong by pure ineptness of the cell committing the horrible act. Seamus Daly leaves Maghaberry Prison, in Ballinderry, Northern Ireland, on Mar. 1, 2016. He was one of four men found liable for the Omagh bomb in 2008 following a civil lawsuit brought by families of the deceased. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison) Final Report Heaton-Harris said the inquiry will focus on the four grounds, which the court held, as giving rise to plausible arguments that the bombing could have been prevented. He added: The inquiry will involve the next of kin and will be open to public scrutiny where possible. This will of course, need to be balanced against national security considerations. And its important to note that there will be some material, which will not be able to be examined in public. A final report will be published which will respond to each of the issues identified by the High Court. The MP said it was not in his power to order a cross-border investigation into the atrocity. However, he would remain in close contact with the Irish government on the issue. Welcoming the announcement, Shadow Secretary of State Peter Kyle paid tribute to the families who have long campaigned for justice. However, he said the Secretary of States calling for the inquiry does clash with the governments overall approach to legacy issues. He told the Commons: The Secretary of State has put Omagh families at the heart of todays decision. Im worried that other victims of atrocities during the Troubles, will be watching and wondering why their loved ones are not being treated in a similar way. Kyle added: A seesaw approach to policy isnt healthy in any circumstances, but least of all when dealing with the sensitivities of Northern Irelands past. California Officials Push New Gun Laws After Mass Shootings California Gov. Gavin Newsom announces new gun legislation in Sacramento on Feb. 1, 2023. (Courtesy of Office of Governor Gavin Newsom) California Democrats will try again this year to strengthen concealed carry laws following a string of shootings in the state. Gov. Gavin Newsom joined other high-ranking Democrats Feb. 1 in a press conference to announce the reintroduction of legislation that would raise the legal age of firearm purchases to 21 and increase requirements for concealed weapons permits. It would also expand the number of places permit holders can carry firearms. California has some of the nations most restrictive gun control laws but recent mass shootings prompted officials to seek more protections. The killings we have seen over recent weeks bring to light the need for stronger protections for our communities, Attorney General Rob Bonta said during the press conference. Newsom said he was confident the legislation would pass, adding to Californias push to lead the nation in gun safety. Were saving lives but we have more work to do and this is part of this effort, he said. Data shows that more guns mean more lives will be lost and more officers killed in the line of duty, he said. Sen. Anthony Portantino (D-Burbank) first introduced Senate Bill 2 Dec. 5. The legislation is a remake of last years failed Senate Bill 918 that placed more than three-dozen new restrictions on concealed-carry permits. The California State Capital building in Sacramento, Calif., on April 18, 2022. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times) The new version mostly mirrors last years bill but raises the legal age of those who want to carry firearms in public to 21 and have 16 hours of training. It also includes an exemption for sheriffs department employees and would require licensed concealed weapons permit holders to lock firearms in their cars before entering a school site. Some other restrictions in the former bill remain including expanded application requirements but a clause has been removed asking why a permit is needed. The bill would prohibit loaded guns at government, courts, and other public buildings, schools, airports, public transportation hubs, churches, and other sensitive locations. Business owners and churches can post public signs approving guns on their property, however. It ensures those who carry firearms in public are responsible law-abiding citizens. Thats important, Portantino said. We owe it to the activists and the survivors to do everything we can. Both pieces of legislation are in response to last years U.S. Supreme Court Bruen decision. The ruling struck down provisions of a New York gun control law that required applicants to show proper cause before licensing to carry a concealed weapon in public places. Gun safety advocate Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action, said Californias proposed new regulations would make communities safer. While the gun industry celebrated the [Bruen] ruling that put their profits over our safety, our grassroots army is proud to stand with our [gun sense champions] in California to pass this critical bill and make our communities safer, Watts said. However, the National Rifle Association said the bill was off the mark. If Gov. Newsom and AG Bonta truly wanted to address the violent crime running rampant through their state, theyd put an end to the soft-on-crime policies and no cash bail programs that have turned California into a nightmare for its citizens, NRA Spokesman Lars Dalseide told The Epoch Times in an email. Instead, these politicians have chosen to further restrict the rights of those who follow the law with a political stunt that will not make Californians any safer, he said. The Star Dance Studio in Monterey Park, Calif., on Jan. 23, 2023. (Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images) Californias new push follows a string of shootings in the state in January. Two of the most deadly occurred in Monterey Park in Los Angeles County and Half Moon Bay near San Francisco. On Jan. 21, a gunman killed 11 people and injured nine others at the Star Ballroom Dance Studio in Monterey Park. The suspect, Hemet resident Huu Can Tran, 72, died of a self-inflicted gunshot the following day at a strip mall parking lot in Torrance. In the Half Moon Bay incident, a farmworker killed seven people Jan. 23. Chunli Zhao, 66, was arrested on suspicion of seven counts of murder and one count of attempted murder. The bill will likely be passed by the states Legislature and signed by Newsom, but will face challenges in court, Sam Paredes, executive director of Gun Owners of California, told The Epoch Times. Immediately, the entirety of the bill will be challenged on its constitutionality, Paredes said. Virtually everything in SB 2 is unconstitutional by the Supreme Court standards. None of the suspects accused of recent shootings in California were licensed to carry concealed weapons. There hasnt been a violent crime committed in California by a [concealed carry permit] holder in over a decade and maybe longer, Paredes said. They are by far the most law-abiding citizens in the state, so why wouldnt we want more of them? California also successfully implemented more gun restrictions last year, including allowing private citizens to sue anyone who imports, distributes, manufactures, or sells assault firearms, homemade weapons, ghost guns, or .50 BMP rifles. Gun rights groups have successfully sued to overturn several of the laws. In December, a U.S. district judge in San Diego blocked part of the states new law modeled after a Texas abortion law that would have allowed the state or local governments to collect attorneys fees from anyone who challenged gun laws in court. Another search for classified documents was conducted at President Joe Bidens beach home in Delaware. What was retrieved from his Rehoboth Beach House, and what was the White Houses reaction? Congresss first hearing on border security was held Wednesday in the House Judiciary Committee. Is the GOP laying the groundwork to impeach the secretary of Homeland Security? Hundreds of billions of dollars of COVID-19 relief funds are suspected of being misused. Now lawmakers are pressing for answers. A chaplain in the U.S. Coast Guard joins us to discuss religious freedom inside the military. He brings us an insider perspective into the mechanisms in place to promote freedom of religion inside the U.S. military. Antisemitism is an ongoing problem throughout the world. We speak to an influential rabbi who highlights the seriousness of this issue. Cardinal George Pells Funeral Marked by Heated Exchange Between Supporters and Protesters SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 02: A police officer cycles past members of the church forming a procession leading the hearse carrying Cardinal George Pell outside St. Marys Cathedral on February 02, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. Cardinal George Pell, a former senior Catholic Church official who was accused of sexual violence in Australia and then cleared, died on 10 January 2023 aged 81 years old. His body was returned to Sydney after his funeral at the Vatican and will lie in state at St. Mary's Cathedral on Feb. 1 and 2. (Photo by Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images) Tension rose outside St Marys Cathedral in Sydney as protesters clashed with the Catholic faithful during the solemn funeral of Catholic Cardinal George Pell. As the casket of the conservative former archbishop of Melbourne and Sydney was carried outside the cathedral for the public procession to his burial crypt, some protesters cried shame and played Highway to Hell from a portable speaker. Hundreds of mourners sang hymns outside the church, watched the funeral service streamed on the large screen, and stood quietly when listening to the eulogies. At the same time, about 200 demonstrators marched from Hyde Park, which is opposite the cathedral on College Street, towards Oxford Street, holding signs carrying disparaging messages such as Infernal Lasting Peace. The march was organised by the campaign group Community Action for Rainbow Rights. Worshippers gather in the forecourt outside St. Marys Cathedral during the pontifical requiem Mass for Cardinal George Pell on February 02, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images) Members of the church form a procession leading the hearse carrying Cardinal George Pell outside St. Marys Cathedral along College Street on February 02, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images) Police appeared in force, made at least two arrests, and separated two of Pells mourners and detractors with temporary fencing. Theresa Guzzo, who flew from New Zealand to attend the service, said she was opposed to the presence of protesters. She said Cardinal Pell had become a scapegoat as a result of the anti-church sentiment. For me, its just inappropriate to do your protesting at the funeral where were saying goodbye to him, no matter what your belief is, Guzzo said, AAP reported. She said she initially strongly believed allegations of child abuse against Cardinal Pell, but not after he was cleared by the High Court and she reviewed the evidence. Catholic worshippers complain about police and protesters outside St. Marys Cathedral ahead of the pontifical requiem Mass for Cardinal George Pell on February 02, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images) Kim Stern, the organiser for LGBTIQ+ group Community Action for Rainbow Rights, said they opposed everything George Pell stood for. Meanwhile, protester Terry Cutcliffe argued pedophilia at the Catholic school he attended was covered up by the church and was against the decision to hold a public funeral for Cardinal Pell. I think the protest has been appropriate. I thought there might even be more people because there are certainly a lot of victims of the Catholic Church, Cutcliffe told AAP. LGBTQ+ community and supporters of clergy abuse victims hold a protest outside St Marys Cathedral ahead of the pontifical requiem Mass for Cardinal George Pell on February 02, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Roni Bintang/Getty Images) Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott reaches out to supporters as he walks with the procession behind the hearse carrying Cardinal George Pell outside St. Marys Cathedral on February 02, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images) Cardinal Pell will be buried in a private ceremony in the St Marys Cathedral crypt, alongside other senior figures in the Catholic Church in Australia. Protesters were permitted to gather opposite the cathedral after New South Wales Police withdrew a court challenge against the march. Former Prime Ministers Attended The Funeral The funeral saw 1,000 mourners attending, including high-profile politicians such as Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, former prime minister John Howard and former Macquarie CEO Nicholas Moore. Former PM Tony Abbott praised Pell as a saint and described Pells child sexual abuse allegations and his defamation in the media as modern-day crucifixion. He added that the conservative archbishop should not have been investigated, charged and convicted. He should not have been charged in the absence of corroborating evidence and should never have been convicted in the absence of a plausible case, as the High Court so resoundingly made plain, Abbott said. As I heard the chant Cardinal Pell should go to hell, I thought, Aha. At least, they now believe in the afterlife. Perhaps this is Saint George Pells first miracle. The ultimately triumphant life of this soldier for truth to advance through smear and doubt to victory should drive a renewable of confidence throughout the Universal Church. Protesters hold a giant rainbow flag outside St Marys Cathedral ahead of the pontifical requiem Mass for Cardinal George Pell on February 02, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Roni Bintang/Getty Images) Pell, the former archbishop of Melbourne and Sydney, was being farewelled after he died from complications following hip surgery in Rome in January. He was 81. The Archbishop of Sydney, Anthony Fisher, said Pell described his own 404 days in jail as an extended spiritual retreat. [He was] imprisoned for crimes he did not commit, following a media, police and political campaign to punish him, whether guilty or not, Fisher said. Even after he was unanimously exonerated by the High Court of Australia, some continued to demonise him. But many appreciate the legacy of this most influential churchman in our nations history. Neither New South Wales (NSW) Premier Dominic Perrottet nor NSW Labor leader Chris Minns attended the funeral service. Communist China Seeks to Replace US as World Tech Leader: Rep. Rodgers U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.) speaks at a House Republican news conference on energy policy at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on March 8, 2022. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images) Communist China is seeking to replace the United States as the worlds economic and technological leader, according to one Congresswoman. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.) said the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) was aiming to undermine and eventually displace the United States as a world power, during a Feb. 1 hearing of the Innovation, Data, and Commerce subcommittee on U.S.-China competition. Its no secret the CCP wants to replace the U.S. as a global economic and technological power, Rodgers said. Whether its artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles, or smart devices, China wants to dominate these new and emerging technologies. Rodgers warned that the CCP, which rules China as a single-party state, had no interest in preserving the key values common to democratic societies, and would use its control over the economy and technology to promote its authoritarian vision for the future. Chinas vision of the future is not one that welcomes American values, values like freedom of speech, privacy, entrepreneurial enterprise, individual rights, or the rule of law, Rodgers said. The CCP, on the other hand, spies on its citizens and asserts strict government control over businesses and the economy. US Falling Behind Rodgers said that the United States would need to accelerate its deployment of more open, rights-focused technology standards to counter the CCPs authoritarian model. To that end, she warned, the United States was already falling behind much of the rest of the developed world in creating national data privacy standards to protect its citizens. Additionally, she said, the only way the United States could ultimately prevail in the battle with Chinas state-directed economy was to unleash the creative and industrial power of the American private sector and remove decades worth of regulatory measures that impede U.S. companies capacity for innovation. The best way to beat China is to spur innovation and remove unnecessary, burdensome regulatory barriers, Rodgers said. We cannot, and shouldnt even try, to beat China at their own game of massive government handouts and centralized industrial policy. Instead, we need to encourage innovation, ingenuity, and entrepreneurship, the backbones of our economy, and that can only be achieved with a government that encourages low barriers to entry for innovative technologies and startups and the adoption of emerging technologies that will improve peoples lives. Rodgers is just the latest to sound the alarm over the CCPs efforts to develop an insular, authoritarian model of technological development. The Center for Strategic and International Studies, a security-focused think tank, released a report (pdf) in March of 2022 warning that the global economy was being carved into different technospheres. That report warned that the decoupling of digital innovation, systems, and data flows between Western nations and China, the increased statism of the CCP, and the standardized corporate leadership of the United States were accelerating a break between eastern and western technological models. Such a break, the report said, would result in the development of distinct and mutually unintelligible technologies. Dallas-Based Ameriflight Signs $134 Million Deal to Buy 20 Autonomous Planes Texas-based cargo airline Ameriflight on Jan. 26, 2023, announced its deal with Natilus to purchase 20 autonomous Kona N3.8T airliners. (Courtesy of Natilus) Cargo carrier Ameriflight has announced its $134 million deal to buy 20 autonomous regional freight aircraft from San Diego-based Natilus. The conditional purchase agreement marks Natilus first sale of its Kona 3.8T blended-wing-body (BWB) remotely-piloted aircraft to a U.S.-based company, according to a news release. Through this strategic partnership, we are positioning Ameriflight to build the roadmap for the future in cargo operations and be the first regional operator for Natilus in the United States, said Ameriflight President and COO Alan Rusinowitz. Ameriflight, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is the largest Part 135 private commercial charter airline in the country. The cargo carrier moves high-priority freight to approximately 200 remote destinations across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America, for overnight express carriers such as UPS and FedEx. The company operates short-haul feeder flights using small aircraft such as the Beechcraft 1900C, Fairchild SA-227 Metroliner, and Embraer EMB-120. Ameriflight said that the Kona 3.8T aircraft would not replace its current fleet, adding that it has seen exponential growth for on-demand expedited supply chain solutions (ESCS) products. In looking forward, adding this state-of-the-art aircraft will complement our fleet and increase our aptness, allowing us to expand on what we do best and ensuring the success of additional business growth opportunities we have underway, Rusinowitz said. It also has no plans to lay off pilots. In fact, Ameriflight is currently hiring pilots, has new hire classes scheduled every month, and will continue to do so well into the future, Company Spokesperson Jamie Smith told The Epoch Times. The companys plan is to grow and build diversified aviation services, and this fits well with that vision. The carbon fiber BWB-designed aircraft provides better fuel efficiency and approximately 60 percent more cargo volume, as well as reducing carbon emissions by half, the Natilus website states. Natilus technology is at the forefront of autonomous innovation and provides a lower cost of operation while remaining well suited in capabilities for the customers in our corner of the industry, Rusinowitz said. Natilus 3.8T design will hold more cargo volume than traditional short-haul aircraft. (Courtesy of Natilus) The Kona 3.8T will have a range of 900 nautical miles, a cruising speed of 220, and a 4.3 metric ton payload. Its diamond configuration will allow it to carry more cargo with reduced drag. Innovation in design allows the Natilus fleet to carry more volume at lower costs, and the exploration of new sustainable fuels will lower carbon emissions, said Natilus CEO Aleksey Matyushev. The company believes that unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) will help strengthen the supply chain by enabling access to new and emerging markets that lack infrastructure or runway capacity for larger aircraft. Developing autonomous solutions that are purpose-built to address the needs of the air cargo market is one important step toward developing more robust long-term solutions, said Matyushev, who is also a company co-founder. UAV technology may also offer a solution to the labor shortage in the airline industry. Autonomous technologies seek to utilize labor more efficiently by allowing a single pilot to control multiple aircraft, helping address the dire pilot shortage, Matyushev added. It will be a few years before the aircraft is ready for service. Natilus expects to begin Kona flight tests in later 2024 and customer deliveries in 2026, Smith said. EcoHealth Alliance, the organization through which Dr. Anthony Fauci funded the Wuhan lab, continues to receive millions in taxpayer grants. The latest grant was awarded in January of this yearfor studying land use in Brazil. And the grant before that was awarded a month earlier in December. That grant was for $3 million to look at wildlife in the Philippines. Meanwhile, at the same time that this is happening, the inspector general has issued a report that severely chastises EcoHealth for a litany of failures and deceptions. So what is going on? We investigate. Deadly Ice Storm Wreaks Havoc Across Texas, Arkansas, and Tennessee U.S. and Texas state flags fly over a Nissan car dealership as light traffic moves through snow and ice on U.S. Route 183 in Irving, Texas, on Feb. 3, 2022. (John Moore/Getty Images) At least eight deaths are being blamed on the crippling ice storm that has wreaked havoc across the southern Plains and mid-South this week. On Thursday, hundreds of thousands were without power in parts of Texas, Arkansas, and Tennessee. Freezing conditions have caused more flight cancelations and delays, and road conditions remain treacherous for the fourth day in a row. Pedestrians walk across icy roads as a cold weather front moves through Dallas on Jan. 31, 2023. (Shelby Tauber/Reuters) Hazardous Road Conditions On Thursday, road conditions started to improve, but the Texas Department of Transportation warned drivers to remain cautious. Conditions are improving out there as temperatures are set to go above freezing all across Texas today. But roads are still wet with possible icy spots out there. So please slow down, increase following distance and check drivetexas.org for latest conditions, the agency wrote on Twitter. The icy roads have already caused hundreds of accidents that have led to eight known deaths in the region. In Arlington, Texas, one man was killed when he lost control of his vehicle on Monday while driving across an overpass. Witnesses said the vehicle hit a guardrail, went airborne, and slid down an embankment, KDFW News reported. The driver was thrown from the vehicle and was pronounced dead at a local hospital. An 18-year-old high school student was killed in an early morning rollover crash on Tuesday in Wolfforth, about 12 miles south of Lubbock, Texas, according to a local news outlet. The Texas Department of Public Safety said the driver lost control after hitting an icy patch on an overpass. Also on Tuesday, three people were killed in a crash in Brownwood, about 40 miles southwest of Lubbock. In Austin, dangerous road conditions led to a 10-car pile-up involving a pedestrian who died at the scene, KXAN News reported. Later the same day, a woman was killed in the town of West, Texas, as a result of a chain reaction collision when a semitrailer crashed into a pickup truck and then slid into a small sedan, according to KWTX News. The 21-year-old driver of the sedan was killed when her vehicle became wedged under the semitrailer. On Monday, a flatbed truck hauling equipment in Northwest Arkansas lost control and flipped, killing the driver, a local newspaper reported. An icy mix covers Highway 114 in Roanoke, Texas, on Jan. 30, 2023. (Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News via AP) 1,000s of Flight Cancellations, Delays More than 6,000 flight cancellations left travelers stranded across the country this week, according to FlightAware. Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, Dallas Love Field Airport, and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport are among the hardest-hit travel hubs. More than half of the cancellations this week were into and out of Dallas-Fort Worth, and American Airlines is headquartered near the airport. On Thursday, Dallas-Fort Worth experienced at least 517 flight cancellations and more than 150 delays. This was an improvement over Wednesday, which saw 1,342 cancellations and 179 delays. Another 34 flights were canceled and at least 57 were delayed at Dallas Love Field Airport, where Southwest Airlines is headquartered. Additionally, at least 74 flights were canceled and more than 70 others were delayed at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. An American Airlines aircraft undergoes de-icing procedures at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport in Texas on Jan. 30, 2023. (Lola Gomez/The Dallas Morning News via AP) Power Outages The Texas power grid is holding up, but weather-related issues have left more than 430,000 electricity customers in Texas without power on Thursday, according to PowerOutage.us. More than 175,000 electricity customers in Travis County, which encompasses Austin, are experiencing power outages caused by ice accumulation of up to a half inch on utility poles and tree limbs, Austin Energy said in a news release. The company said its crews are working to restore the damaged lines and it expects to have power fully restored to affected homes and businesses by Friday. Other states are also reporting widespread outages. At about 2 p.m. Central time, Arkansas reported more than 82,000 power outages, Mississippi reported more than 23,000 outages, and Tennessee reported about 17,000. Temperatures are expected to begin warming across the region this weekend. Democrats Reintroduce Equal Rights Amendment Resolution After 100 years of campaigning, the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) is getting another push to pass it through Congress. In a joint resolution on Tuesday, Senate and House Democrats announced their commitment to passing the Equal Rights Amendment. The amendment would give states and Congress power to ensure that, Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex. I am truly overjoyed to stand shoulder to shoulder with these women who know how to get things done and some good men as well as we introduce transformative legislation to move us closer to finally codifying gender equality in the United States Constitution, said Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.). Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.) is seen in the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Aug. 24, 2020. (Tom Williams/Pool/Getty Images) Pressley is a member of The Squad, a group of left-wing progressive Congress members. The ERA has a complex history. The most recent attempt started in 1972 when Congress offered the amendment to the states. But the amendment had a deadline in 1982. If the ERA missed this deadline, the states would have to try the whole amendment process again, according to the Congressional Research Service (CRS). The second proposed amendment to have failed of ratification is the Equal Rights Amendment, which formally died on June 30, 1982, a CRS paper reads. But after the deadline, states ratified the amendment. Now, Reps. Pressley, Madeleine Dean (D-Pa.), Cori Bush (D-Mo.), Sylvia Garcia (D-Texas), Abigail Spanberger (D-Va.), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Ca.), and Sens. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), and Ben Cardin (D-Md.) argue the deadline didnt mean anything because it was arbitrary. According to Sen. Ben Cardin (D.-Md.), the 27th Amendment passed about 200 years after its proposal. The Constitution imposes no time limit on the ratification of amendments. The 27th Amendment, the last to be approved, was debated for two centuries, he said. Durbins office told the Epoch Times he wanted Republicans to join in the push to pass the amendment. It is long past time to explicitly prohibit discrimination based on sex in our Constitution. It would send an important and overdue message to women and girls that they are equal under the law, Durbin said. Lets come together on a bipartisan basis, repeal this deadline, and finally make the Equal Rights Amendment the law of the land by passing this joint resolution. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) speaks in Washington on Aug. 5, 2020. (Carolyn Kaster/Pool/Getty Images) According to research by the Heritage Foundation, judicial interpretations of the 14th Amendment effectively offer women the same protections the ERA would offer: No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws. Legislatures and courts were fulfilling the ERAs promise without the ERA, a Heritage report reads. Politicians spangled the meeting for the resolution with buzzwords like equity, inclusion, minority, and queer. The representatives said the ERA would help with issues including women earning less than men, discrimination against women, sexism, pregnancy-related discrimination, access to abortion, sexual assault, and murder of minority women. Each week that goes by without the ERA is a week where we allowwe, Congresswe allow injustice and inequity to thrive and to continue to impact and harm women and communities across this country. Hawaiis Sen. Hirono said the ERA might have prevented the end of Roe v. Wade. I agree with the scholars who say that if the ERA had been in effect, perhaps the Supreme Court would have had to pause before doing away with protections under Roe because they would be discriminating against pretty much a gender-specific medical procedure that impacts one gender, she said. Pressley added that the amendment would somehow improve protection for LGBTQ folks. However, she didnt say precisely what form this improvement might take. Our resolution will address centuries of gender discrimination in America by removing the unnecessary barriers that have prevented us from enshrining the dignity, the humanity, and equality of women into our United States Constitution, Pressley stated. Democrats Unveil Family and Medical Leave Legislative Package House and Senate Democrats gathered on Feb. 1 to unveil a family and medical leave legislative package that would establish paid family and medical leave and modernize the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) led the bicameral group, saying during the press conference that family and medical leave has transformed our workplaces. In addition to DeLauro, Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), and Reps. Richie Neal (D-Mass.), Bobby Scott (D-Va.), Sean Casten (D-Ill.), and Lauren Underwood (D-Ill.) have lent their support to the initiative. They made the announcement of their modernization of the family and medical leave legislative package while celebrating the 30th anniversary of the original FMLA. According to DeLauro, nearly 15 million workers take FMLA leave each year but too many people are still left behind. Nearly 2.6 million people each year need leave but do not take it because of fear of losing their job. An estimated 8.4 million people under FMLAs family definition are only protected for certain family members but not all close loved ones, leaving their jobs unprotected. About ten and a half million workers each year need leave but do not take it, and two-thirds, nearly seven million, said it is because they could not afford unpaid leave. Other lawmakers spoke on the key issues in the FMLA that they consider to be most needful in an updated employment law. Gillibrand asserted that many have had to choose between caring for family members and providing their families with basic necessities. The New York Democrat also claimed the United States is the only industrialized country without this type of paid leave for workers. According to DeLauro, support for paid medical and family leave jumped before the 2022 midterm elections. She said that because we work for the American people, Congress should stand up for paid family leave. The state of California has already implemented a Paid Family Leave (PFL) program that provides benefit payments to those who have to take time off from work. Included in those who can receive the benefits are those caring for a seriously ill family member, individuals who have recently had a child, and those who participate in a qualifying event because of a family members military deployment. According to the California PFL webpage, those eligible receive benefit payments for up to eight weeks, and payments are around 60 percent to 70 percent of weekly wages earned 5 to 18 months before the start date of ones claim. Department of Energy Makes Major Push to Regulate Gas Stoves and Ovens Debate over gas stoves is sure to be reignited after the Department of Energy on Wednesday proposed new efficiency rules for natural gas stoves and other consumer cooking appliances. The Energy Departments proposal would set limits on energy consumption for the stoves and energy usage standards on both electric and gas stoves and ovens. Both gas and electric stoves would have to meet certain thresholds for energy efficiency, the proposed rule stated. As required by Congress, the Department of Energy is proposing efficiency standards for gas and electric cooktopswe are not proposing bans on either, an Energy Department spokesperson said in a statement to news outlets Wednesday. The proposed standards would not go into effect until 2027 and cumulatively save the nation up to $1.7 billion. Every major manufacturer has products that meet or exceed the requirements proposed today. Energy savings from the rule would improve the security and reliability of the nations energy system, the DOE said, estimating that the standards could enable energy savings of 3.4 percent relative to a scenario without the standards. It also estimated manufacturers would incur total conversion costs of $183.4 million to comply with the standards. The agency said it has tentatively concluded that the proposed standards represent the maximum improvement in energy efficiency that is technologically feasible and economically justified, adding that it estimates in order to bring products into compliance with new and amended standards, it is estimated that the industry would incur total conversion costs of $183.4 million. Products that can achieve the proposed standard thresholds are already on the market, the Energy Department stated. Furthermore, according to the proposal, the benefits of the proposed standard would outweigh the potential drawbacks. That conclusion remains true under any reasonable analytical assumptioni.e., the proposed standards are net beneficial under any discount rate (both for climate and non-climate benefits and costs), any cost scenario, and any other scenario DOE analyzed, the proposed regulation stated. Moreover, because consumer operating cost savings and health benefits alone greatly exceed costs under all such assumptions and scenarios, DOE noted that this conclusion does not depend on climate benefits (though DOEs estimates of climate benefits remain important and robust). Several weeks ago, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commissioner Richard Trumka Jr. drew controversy after speculating that gas-powered stoves could be banned when the agency meets later this year. When asked about a possible ban in a Bloomberg News interview, Trumka said that any option is on the table and noted that products that cant be made safe can be banned. Trumka, meanwhile, was apparently making reference to a controversial study that found a link between childhood asthma and gas stoves. That study has since drawn criticism from medical experts and researchers before a spokesperson for the group behind the study, a well-known environmental group called the Rocky Mountain Institute, later noted the paper does not assume or estimate a causal relationship between the stoves and asthma. After the controversy erupted in January, Dr. Ran Goldman, a pediatrics professor at the University of British Columbia, told local media outlets that the report was merely a calculation of what could be causing asthma in children. A sign indicating the location of a natural gas line. (Stan Honda/AFP via Getty Images) This is not a true representation of what is happening and there is a huge uncertainty around how many children with asthma are truly because of those emissions. Asthma is a multifactorial disease, Goldman told GlobalNews. Its a disease were still studying because its so complex. Another official with the Consumer Product Safety Commission clarified later on Twitter that the agency doesnt have plans to ban gas stoves. The White House also released a statement saying President Joe Biden doesnt support such a ban, either. Industry Responds After the proposed rule was issued Wednesday, officials with natural gas industry groups expressed alarm. We are concerned that this is another attempt by the federal government to use regulations to remove viable and efficient natural gas products from the market, Karen Harbert, president of the American Gas Association, told Bloomberg News A spokesperson for another trade group expressed alarm over the proposed rule. This approach by the DOE could effectively ban gas appliances, said Jill Notini, vice president, communications and marketing, at the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, according to the outlet. We are concerned this approach could eliminate fully featured gas products. Some states and localities, meanwhile, have already proposed bans on installing new gas appliances and furnaces in newly constructed homes, sparking more alarm. DeSantis Says Congress Must Investigate DirecTV for Dropping Newsmax Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said that Congress should investigate AT&T-owned DirecTV over its decision to drop conservative channel Newsmax. I think there should be no ideological litmus test when you have these big companies that have the decision to make or break a news network, or any type of network, DeSantis said on Jan. 31. They will give different rationales for why they dont want to do it, but the reality is they have so much other content that is very lightly viewed, and yet they keep that on, and it seems it is the One America News and the Newsmax who are being targeted, DeSantis added. So I think it does warrant an investigation. DirecTV removed Newsmax from its channel lineup overnight on Jan. 24, in a move that came less than a year after the canceling of another conservative network, One America News (OAN) network, on its platform. The cable provider said it had wanted to keep Newsmax but the channels demand for rate increases would have led to price hikes for its customers. Newsmax has dismissed DirecTVs claims that the decision to drop the channel was merely a fee dispute. This is a blatant act of political discrimination and censorship against Newsmax, Christopher Ruddy, CEO of Newsmax said in a statement. The most extreme liberal channels, even with tiny ratings, get fees from AT&Ts DirecTV, but Newsmax and OAN need to be deplatformed. Chris Ruddy, CEO of Newsmax, in 2018. (Newsmax via AP) DeSantis said that Congress or the House would probably be best equipped to carry out the investigation. I really think this is something that the Congress needs to look at. And I think that they need to ensure that theres not intellectual discrimination going on when it comes to what people are able to view, the governor added. Congress Many Republican lawmakers have since voiced support for Newsmax while criticizing DirecTV. On Jan. 30, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) told Newsmax that Congress would hold hearings about the deplatforming of the channel soon. House Committee on Oversight and Accountability Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) told Newsmax on Jan. 27 that there will be a committee thats going to hold hearings on DirecTVs decision to drop the channel. Were going to meet later today and try to discuss which committees going to do what, Comer said. Thats certainly on the agenda. Im very concerned by this. Were going to try to get to the bottom of this, Comer added. Ive had several people from AT&T reach out to me. Were going to have a meeting with them and, hopefully, we can get this resolved. Related Coverage House Republicans Urge DirecTV Not to Drop Newsmax A day earlier, House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) took to Twitter to announce that House GOP is examining this in detail now. As Ive said, deplatforming @NEWSMAX is unacceptable, Stefanik wrote. Families rely on this conservative program for news, including in #NY21. Its very clear bias! Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) called for Senate hearings in an interview with Newsmax on Jan. 25. Weve got to get to the bottom of this, Scott said. This censorship by companies like AT&T of conservative voices, what Google does, what Facebook does, what Elon Musk has put out about what Twitter did this has got to stop. We need to hold hearings here, we need to get to the bottom of this, Scott said. Im going to do everything that I can. Big Blow to Republican Party Former President Donald Trump weighed in on DirecTVs decision on Jan. 25, calling the decision a disgusting move in a post on his Truth Social account. The Radical Left seems to have taken over the mind and soul of AT&T. This is a big blow to the Republican Party, and to America itself, Trump wrote. I, for one, will be dropping all association with AT&T and DIRECTV, and I have plenty. This is just one of many reasons why we must WIN IN 2024!!! Trump hit the campaign trail on Jan. 28 with stops in New Hampshire and South Carolina. The visits marked his first campaign appearances since announcing his bid for the White House in November last year. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, in an interview with The Epoch Times last week, criticized DirecTVs decision as an arbitrary use of power. I think this is the kind of arbitrary use of power that people want to be really looking at. I dont understand how AT&T can just censor a network, Gingrich said. He added, Its helpful to have many news outlets, and I would be as opposed to dropping MSNBC or dropping CNN as to dropping Newsmax. Did DeSantis Sign a Law Allowing for Forced Vaccinations, as Post Shared by Trump Claims? President Donald Trump introduces Florida Governor Ron DeSantis during a homecoming campaign rally at the BB&T Center in Sunrise, Fla., on Nov. 26, 2019. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images) News Analysis Former President Donald Trump shared a post on his social media platform on Jan. 30 featuring an anonymous user claiming that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis had signed a law allowing for forced vaccinations. The post was one of several Trump shared on Truth Social targeting DeSantis. Trumps claim spread to Twitter, with several conservative influencers weighing in. But is it true? Thats just a flat-out lie, attorney and medical freedom advocate Jeff Childers told The Epoch Times. Childers publishes the daily blog Coffee and Covid and has successfully sued the City of Gainesville and Alachua County over mask and vaccine mandates. Its just wordplay. The Governor never added anything to Florida Law giving the State the ability to vaccinate, said Childers. He took away employers and the States right to force vaccines even on a Typhoid Mary. All that stuff was already Law since 2002. In the post Trump shared, a user named @kagdrogo wrote: DeSantis signed a bill that had a clause for forced vaccinations and involuntary quarantines hidden way down at the very bottom of the bill. The claim doesnt fit the image of a governor who has spent the last year and a half fighting what he calls the biomedical security state. Yet the rumor continues to flourish on social media. The portion of the post shared by Trump shows a screenshot of Floridas statute concerning public health emergencies. Under current Florida law, during a declared public health emergency, the state health official has the power to order an individual to be examined, tested, treated isolated or quarantined. Until 2021, the word vaccinated was also part of the laws language, but it was removed during the 2021 special legislative session. Childers won an injunction on appeal against Alachua Countys mask mandate in 2021 on the grounds that it violated Floridas privacy laws. He then used that case as a precedent to win a case against the City of Gainesvilles vaccine mandate. Childers says it is very unlikely the statute Trump shared would ever be used and, if it were, it would be struck down in court. I think the right-to-privacy argument would work against this just as well as with the case against the City of Gainesville, said Childers. Concern over this statute has always been overblown. It does not have a provision for mass vaccinations, only for one person who is proven to be a threat to public health. Medical Freedom Advocate Justin Harvey has a different perspective. Removing the word vaccine from the language is a great first step, but we need to push for quarantine, isolation and treatment to be removed now too, said Harvey, who helped lead the charge to advocate for the laws passed in the 2021 special session. No one person should have that type of authority. We just witnessed that slippery slope firsthand during the pandemic. The confusion over whether the legislature snuck a provision into SB 2006 allowing for forcible vaccinations may come down to simple confusion over how to read a bill. When a claim like this floats around the internet, it is important to understand there is a code that is key to reading bill action within bill text, said DeSantis Press Secretary Bryan Griffin. Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. Thus, words in a bill text that are not underlined are existing statute. Why is Trump sharing this claim if it is not true? Trump is playing on peoples ignorance, said Childers. I will bet $10,000 to any of the people claiming this that they are wrong. At a press conference in Bradenton on Jan. 31, DeSantis once again refused to hit back at Trump and touted his electoral victory instead. If you take a crisis situation like COVID, the good thing about it is when you are an elected executive you have to make all kinds of decisions. Youve got to steer that ship. And the good thing is that the people are able to render a judgment on that whether they re-elect you or not, said DeSantis. In my case, not only did we win reelection. We won with the highest percentage of the vote that any Republican governor candidate has in the history of the state of Florida. Trumps office did not respond to a request for comment. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Dutch, Japanese Curbs on Chip Equipment to China May Not Be Tough Enough: Industry Group A chip industry group is warning that if U.S. allies do not adopt curbs on semiconductor manufacturing equipment to China that are comparable to U.S. controls, they will not be effective. The warning came after news of an agreement by the Netherlands and Japan to curb chipmaking exports to China to align with rules the Biden Administration imposed in October. Details of the deal have not been made public. SEMI, which represents the semiconductor and electronics manufacturing supply chain, said it had a shared interest in strengthening U.S. national security and welcomed the agreement with Japan and the Netherlands. However, in a lengthy comment dated Jan. 31 on the October regulations, the group expressed concern that the allies curbs would not be nearly as restrictive as the U.S. controls. Even if Japan, the Netherlands, and other allies adopt restrictions on specific tools, SEMI said, they will be largely ineffective unless international partners agree to broader controls on Chinese fabrication facilities, or fabs, that produce advanced chips. SEMI also said allies need to restrict their engineers and others from supporting Chinas high-end fabs. If the allies controls are not as strong, the United States should grant licenses for more equipment to go to Chinese customers that are not tied to the military, SEMI said, after factoring in foreign availability. The U.S. rules restrict shipments of certain chipmaking tools to China. They also effectively bar Chinas advanced chipmaking factories from receiving any American technology, and keep Americans from supporting the fabs. The U.S. created the rules in an effort to slow Beijings technological and military advances. Without the additional restrictions, advanced semiconductor production in China will still be able to occur with existing equipment, Chinese-made equipment, and the other uncontrolled items with the benefit of know-how and services non-U.S. persons can provide, SEMI wrote. It noted that U.S. equipment companies share of the Chinese market has eroded for the past two years, as Chinese companies anticipated the new curbs. The erosion sped up since October, it said, with some firms reportedly experienced a 20 percent decline in market share in recent months. These lost sales are destined for firms from countries that are not bound by the new rules, SEMI said, adding that unilateral controls will divert billions of dollars in sales that would have gone to U.S. companies to competitors. The U.S. Department of Commerce, which issued the October rules and has been working with allies, had no immediate comment. SEMI has over 2,500 members worldwide, including leading U.S. equipment makers Lam Research and Applied Materials. By Karen Freifeld Exodus of Teaching Staff Spreads to Tertiary Education Sector in Hong Kong The wave of resignations in Hong Kongs education sector has now reached universities. Local authorities announced a loss of 4,050 teachers from public and direct-funded primary and secondary schools in the 2021-22 school year, a record high in recent years. About 399 faculty members resigned from the publicly funded universities in the same school year, with a turnover rate of 7.4 percent, which recorded a new high since the transfer of sovereignty in 1997. According to the University Grants Committee, in the 2021-22 academic year, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, a technology research-focused institution, suffered the most staff resignations, with 64 full-timers and 20 part-timers or short-term contracted for a total of 84 academic staff. Polytechnic University, a science-focused university, lost 71 teaching staff, including 61 full-time and ten part-time or on short-term contracts. Hong Kong No Longer Attractive Benson Wong Wai-kwok, an independent scholar of cultural studies and political science in Hong Kong, said in an interview with the Epoch Times on Jan. 30 that the implementation of the National Security Law, the confrontation between Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and Western countries, the deterioration of academic freedom in Hong Kong, and strict anti-pandemic policies, are keys factors driving the scholars to leave, Of all the Chinese societies, Hong Kongs academic environment is the closest to the West, and that at-home feeling attracted many overseas scholars to work here. The rise in resignations shows that Hong Kong is less attractive than before, added Wong. Wong mentioned other factors for the resignations, including eight local universities being required to show performance as one criterion for receiving research grants, some staff being terminated for not meeting performance criterias, and some scholars would have to leave if they were not promoted after six years of employment. Wong explained that academic research takes time. The foundation is a group of people who accumulate research results and experience If those people leave at an unprecedented pace, Hong Kong can only rely on money and wages to attract people, which will not help build Hong Kongs research pedigree. It is highly probable that Taiwan may soon replace Hong Kong and become the new base for studying China and Asian countries within East Asia. By then, Hong Kong cannot avoid the reality of seeing its decline in such academic prestige, said Wong. Scholars Leaving Justin Wong, a former assistant professor at the School of Visual Arts of Baptist University (HKBU) and political cartoonist, resigned after being reported to the police for an academic article on the anti-extradition movement in September 2021. Joseph Chan Cho-wai, a former professor in the Department of Politics and Public Administration at the University of Hong Kong (HKU), announced his resignation in 2021. He taught at HKU for 30 years. He expressed his disappointment before leaving: I can no longer speak freely. Although he hopes that HKU could run its faculties with leniency and be inclusive in the future, he believes that in todays difficult environment, such hopes are likely to bring unfathomed disappointment. Other political scholars Dixon Sing Ming, Brian Fong Chi-hang, cultural studies scholar Ip Iam-chung, and some scholars who are relatively active in Hong Kong civil society have all resigned or even left Hong Kong in recent years due to various reasons. Russia Holds Nuke Deal Hostage to Deter US Support for Ukraine, Expert Panel Says Even through the most fractious days of the Cold War, the United States and the Soviet Union, and its successor Russian Federation, maintained compliance with nuclear arms accords and sustained contact in negotiating new treaties. But Russias February 2022 invasion of Ukraine changed all that, with Moscow now refusing to decouple strategic arms control treaty compliance from U.S. support for the embattled nation. We are essentially in a situation of hostage-taking, said Hanna Notte, a senior research associate at the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation. Notte asserted that Russia has ceased to compartmentalize nuclear arms agreements as ransom to force the United States into backing away from its support of Ukraine. Thats not going to happen, according to Cara Abercrombie, deputy assistant to the president and coordinator for defense policy and arms control for the White House National Security Council. President Barack Obama makes a statement during a meeting on the New START treaty at the White House in November 2010. (Dennis Brack-Pool/Getty Images ) We must be equally clear that the United States will not make such concessions and demand that Russia abide by the legal obligations that it has undertaken for itself, Abercrombie said. There have often been challenges in bilateral relations between the United States and Russia over the decades, she said, but both nations steadfastly sustained treaty obligations as instruments of stability and predictability because compliance served them both and the world in general. Strained U.S.Russian relations over Ukraine have been further exacerbated by the U.S. State Departments claim that the Kremlin is refusing to allow on-site inspections of its nuclear weapons arsenals and isnt responding to the Biden administrations requests to discuss Russias noncompliance with the new Strategic Nuclear Arms Reduction Treaty (New START). Russia is not complying with its obligation under the New START Treaty to facilitate inspection activities on its territory, the State Department said in a Jan. 31 statement that accompanied its Russia New START Noncompliance Determination report to Congress. Russias refusal to facilitate inspection activities prevents the United States from exercising important rights under the treaty and threatens the viability of U.S.Russian nuclear arms control. Notte and Abercrombie were among the speakers during a 90-minute Feb. 1 webinar, Challenges and Prospects for Further U.S.-Russian Nuclear Arms Control, sponsored by the Washington-based Arms Control Association. A Russian Calculation Not to Comply The New START treaty, signed by the United States and the Russian Federation in April 2010 and took effect in February 2011, obligates both nations to maintain the same number of long-range nuclear weapons in their arsenals that they had in 2018 through the treatys February 2026 termination. The treaty is the latest iteration of five decades of strategic weapons accords between the worlds largest nuclear powers, beginning with 1972s Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT). Notte said Russian officials now insist that compliance with New START and talks about any future arms control treaties after it expires in 2026 are not immune from its war in Ukraine and that U.S. support for Kyiv has made business as usual no longer possible. With the Biden administrations recent agreement to supply battle tanks to Ukraine, the broader situation remains unconducive to setting a new date for talks with the Russians over compliance issues and a new treaty, she said. The invasion of Ukraine has become the over-arching principle of Russian foreign policy, Notte said. To Russia, other concerns are secondary. What will happen in 2026 is not a concern. The question, really, is how much longer the Kremlin believes it can blackmail the United States into ending its support for Ukraine. It wants to coerce the United States to reconsider its support for Ukraine. I dont see the United States folding. A maintenance team removes the upper section of an ICBM at a silo near Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana. (AP Photo/U.S. Air Force, John Parie) This may be the Russian calculation, at least for the time being, because ultimately Moscow is best served by resuming contact and cooperation with verification procedures because the United States is more capable of ramping up strategic capacities more quickly than they are, she said. Abercrombie said the United States will continue to tell Russia that it has a clear pathway to compliance by allowing inspections and convening a meeting of a bilateral commission to discuss any issues with the treaty. Nothing prevents them from resuming inspections [of the U.S. arsenal], she said. We have done everything in our power to ensure Russian inspectors can travel to sites inside the United States and globally. There are no barriers to facilitating Russian inspections. Mutual inspections were suspended in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. In August 2022, the United States wanted to resume inspections, but Russia refused, claiming that resumption would confer unilateral advantages to the United States. They did not explain what they meant, said Steve Pifer, a nonresident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and William J. Perry fellow at the Center for Stanford Universitys Center for International Security and Cooperation. In November 2022, the Russians declined to convene a meeting of the bilateral commission to discuss its issues with the treaty. Pifer said first it was a postponement, then it became a cancellation because, according to Moscow, of the hostile attitude to Russia by the United States and Western European nations. The longer we go without inspections, that is going to create greater concerns. The United States today has less confidence in the accuracy of Russias declaration of deployed warheads, he said. The longer this goes on without on-site inspectionsnow at the two-and-a-half years pointit will raise questions [about cheating], create greater pressure to move away from New START. Distrust Could Spur Nuclear Arms Race This unfolding disruption fosters concern about the capacity of the two nations, who possess 90 percent of the worlds nuclear weapons, to negotiate a new accord when the current treaty expires in 2026, according to Pifer. Time is growing short. We have three years until New START expires. It may seem like a long time but it is not enough time if you are trying to do something structured, he said, agreeing with Abercrombie that problems with compliance are readily fixable: Allow inspections and convene a bilateral commission meeting. We are now in 2023. My guess is there may not be a drop-dead date [to begin new treaty talks] but the ability to do something about it is going to be reduced, depending [on] how much time they have. The less time we have, the less ambitious we can get. Distrust is already surfacing, Pifer said, citing a comment from House Armed Services Committee Chair Rep. Mike Roberts (R-Ala.) that the Joint Chiefs of Staff must now assume that Russia is cheating by exceeding strategic arms limits. You are going to see that kind of pressure, he said. Were already seeing that play out, Matt Korda, a senior research associate of the Federation of American Scientists Nuclear Information Project, agreed, noting that Robertss reaction to the State Department report that Russia is exceeding limits is dangerously mistaken. That is not what the report accuses them of doing. They are not in compliance [with inspections] but not above limits in weapons, he said. It took just a few hours for politicians to accuse them of being above limits. So you can only imagine what the response would be if we no longer have a treaty in 2026. Nuclear arms treaties between the United States and Russia have kept a lid on other nations assembling or expanding their own arsenals, according to Jarmo Viinanen, Finlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs ambassador for strategic and arms control as well as chair-designate of the 2023 Nonproliferation Treaty Preparatory Committee. Without a treaty, a nuclear arms race will unfold, he said. The collapse of nuclear arms control would be a calamity for nations across the globe, not only in restraining major powers from expanding arsenals but in combating proliferation to those nations that have chosen not to build their own weapons of mass destruction, according to Viinanen. Support for non-proliferation cannot be taken for granted. One additional nation [builds a nuclear arsenal], many to follow, he said. The United States and Russia have a special responsibility. Their leadership on this issue will set an example for other nations to follow. Fate of Last Ex-Cop Charged in Floyd Murder Lies With Judge MINNEAPOLISThe attorney for a former Minneapolis police officer who held back bystanders while his colleagues restrained a dying George Floyd said in court filings Tuesday that his client is innocent of criminal wrongdoing and should be acquitted on state charges of aiding and abetting murder and manslaughter. But prosecutors argued in their filings that Tou Thao acted without courage and displayed no compassion despite his nearly nine years of experience and that he disregarded his training even though he could see Floyds life slowly ebbing away. Tuesday was the deadline for prosecutors and defense attorneys to file final written arguments in the case of Thao, the last of the four former officers facing judgement in Floyds killing. The state and federal cases against Derek Chauvin and the two other officers involved have largely been resolved, except for Chauvins appeal of his murder conviction. But Thao asked Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill to decide, based on stipulated evidence, whether he is guilty of aiding and abetting murder and manslaughter in Floyds killing, rather than going to trial. Floyd died on May 25, 2020, after Chauvin pinned him to the ground with his knee on Floyds neck for 9 1/2 minutes. A bystander video captured Floyds fading cries of I cant breathe. Floyds murder touched off protests around the world and forced a national reckoning with police brutality. Unlike the other three former officers, Thao has maintained that he did nothing wrong. When he rejected a plea deal last August, he said it would be lying to plead guilty. Former Minneapolis Police Officer Tou Thao appears at the scene where George Floyd died at the hands of former Police Officer Derek Chauvin, in Minneapolis, Minn., on May 25, 2020. (Court TV, via AP, Pool) Defense attorney Robert Paule argued in his written closing argument that the state has failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Thao knew that Chauvin was committing a crime, nor that Thao intended to aid in a crime. The death of George Floyd was a tragedy, Paule wrote. Yet the fact that a tragic death occurred does not transfer it into a criminal act. Thao is innocent of the charges against him because he did not intend that his specific actions were done to assist in the commission of a crime. Every one of Thaos actions was done based upon the training he received from the Minneapolis Police Department. Paule argued that Thao reasonably believed that Floyd was experiencing a controversial set of symptoms known as excited delirium and that the actions he took at the scene were with the intention of helping to get Floyd medical attention faster because he was trained to view excited delirium as life-threatening. He said Thao was not aware that Floyd was not breathing or had no pulse. Prosecutor Matthew Frank disputed that defense, writing that even witnesses who believe excited delirium exists testified previously that Floyd displayed none of the symptoms. Thao was aware that his three colleagues were on top of Floyd and were restraining Floyd in the prone position, Frank wrote. Thao knew that this prone restraint was extremely dangerous because it can cause asphyxiathe inability to breathethe exact condition from which Floyd repeatedly complained he was suffering. Yet Thao made the conscious decision to aid that dangerous restraint: He actively encouraged the other three officers and assisted their crime by holding back concerned bystanders. Cahill has 90 days to rule on Thaos guilt. If he finds Thao guilty, he would order a presentence investigation and schedule a sentencing hearing. Hell base his decision on evidence agreed to by both sidesexhibits and transcripts from Chauvins 2021 murder trial in state court and the federal civil rights trial of Thao, J. Alexander Kueng, and Thomas Lane last year. Thao was specifically convicted then of depriving Floyd of his right to medical care and of failing to intervene and stop Chauvin. Thao testified during his federal trial that he relied on the other officers to care for Floyds medical needs while he served as a human traffic cone to control the crowd and traffic outside a Minneapolis convenience store where Floyd tried to pass a counterfeit $20 bill. Thao told the court that when he and Chauvin arrived, the other officers were struggling with Floyd. He said it was clear to him, as the other officers tried to put Floyd into a squad car, that he was under the influence of some type of drugs. His body camera video shows that at one point, he told the onlookers, this is why you dont do drugs, kids. When an off-duty, out-of-uniform Minneapolis firefighter arrived and asked if officers had checked Floyds pulse, he ordered her, Back off! Thao acknowledged he heard onlookers becoming more anxious about Floyds condition and calling on officers to check his pulse. But he said his role was crowd control; there were about 15 bystanders. While he acknowledged hearing Floyd saying, I cant breathe, he said he didnt know there was anything seriously wrong with him even as an ambulance took him away. Cahill is already familiar with much of the evidence, having presided over Chauvins trial. But the evidence in this case will also include details from the federal trial about Thaos training and work history, as well as his interview with investigators from the state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. Thao, Kueng, and Lane got federal sentences ranging from 3 1/2 years for Thao to 2 1/2 years for Lane and are serving their time in prisons in other states, as is Chauvin, who pleaded guilty to a federal civil rights charge and is serving a 21-year sentence that will keep him in prison longer than the 22 1/2-year sentences Cahill gave him on the state second-degree murder charge because he would qualify for parole earlier in the state system. If Thao is convicted of aiding and abetting manslaughter, a more serious murder count with a presumptive sentence of 12 1/2 years will be dropped. Minnesota guidelines recommend four years on the manslaughter count. He would serve his state term concurrent with his federal sentence. Feminism Was Never About Equality Commentary We were once told feminism was about equality, creating a level playing field where women could take their rightful place in the world. I happily called myself a feminist after reading Germaine Greers The Female Eunuch, ironically whilst working a university vacation job as a Hertz Rent-a-car girl, dressed in my bright yellow mini skirt and flirting with American tourists. But then the current male-bashing culture took hold, with men as the punching bag and women shamelessly promoted, infantilized, and idealized. Feminism had gone off the rails, I concluded. Protesters attend the Womens March 4 Justice Rally in Canberra, Australia, on March 15, 2021. (Jamila Toderas/Getty Images) It turned out that was wrong. The truth about feminist history is now being revealed by the formidable Janice Fiamengo, using videos based on a powerful body of scholarship that shows feminism was never about equality. Fiamengos deep dive into feminist history leaves this normally calm, measured scholar seething with indignation. In a passionate serve, Fiamengos said in a recent video interview that: Feminism was never sane. It was never without deep rancour and bitterness against men, never free from the claim that women were absolute victims of male predation, never uninterested in destroying the family, never accurate in its claims about womens social situation . It was always a deeply misandrist, man-hating, man-blaming kind of movement. Strong words from this rather reserved former professor of English from the University of Ottawa, a solid academic with a slew of books and scholarly journal articles in her name. Fiamengos feminist education started when she found herself on university promotions committees, witnessing increasing discrimination against male scholars. She bravely started to go public about bias against men, attracting outrage from student audiences. Revealing the True Origins of Feminism Last year, she started a new video series, Fiamengo File 2.0, which traces the history of feminism from its origins in the late 18th century to the presentexposing how effectively feminists have whitewashed their early history to inflate their achievements and demonize men. The exciting news is that Jordan Peterson has asked Fiamengo to teach a course on the true history of feminism in Peterson Academy, his new online education platform, which aims to teach students how to think, not what to think. The Peterson initiative will offer renowned teachers from around the world teaching about topics that matter. Like the truth about feminism. It matters that our society has been indoctrinated to believe in a version of our social history that is totally wrong. For example, the notion that the womens movement rescued women from the tyranny of a patriarchal society where men denied women the vote, were free to rape their wives, seize their property and earnings, and assert their privilege to keep women firmly under their thumb. A couple and their daughter at their home in Youngstown, Ohio, in Oct. 1950. Since the 1960s, a variety of anti-traditional movements, including modern feminism, sexual liberation, and gay rights, have risen to prominence in the West. The institution of the family has been hit the hardest. (Doreen Spooner/Keystone Features/Getty Images) The reality was very different, as Fiamengo explained in recent correspondence with me: Men and women in earlier centuries lived interdependent lives in which the fragility of life and the presence of disease, the high infant mortality rate, the lack of a social safety net, and the complexities of housekeeping and childrearing meant that most women and men divided their prodigious labours into separate spheres of domestic and public. Yet we find, in the most famous and revealing document of the early 19th Century American womens movement (pdf), Declaration of Sentiments, the claim that the history of mankind is a history of repeated injuries and usurpation on the part of man towards woman, having in direct object the establishment of an absolute tyranny over her. This declaration, written mainly by feminist leader Elizabeth Cady Stanton, was full of fire-breathing allegations about the brutality of male treatment of women and blatant misrepresentation of womens situation. Mistruths such as men denied womens right to vote. This is simply not true, Fiamengo explains. Refuting Falsehoods in the Feminist Narrative The reality is, at that time, most men also could not vote in national electionsonly rich men with property. Poll taxes, literacy requirements, and property qualifications restricted male rights to vote, and enfranchised men acquired voting rights in return for the obligation of risking their lives to defend their country in war. The declaration also wrongly stated that men could seize a wifes property and wages, but a Married Womens Property Act had already been passed, a fact the feminists conveniently ignored. But what about Britains brave suffragettes? Fiamengo reveals Emmeline Pankhurst and her womans suffragette movement have a very dark history, having used militant tactics that included firebombing the homes of members of parliament. A statue of the suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst, entitled Our Emmeline, is unveiled in St Peters Square, Manchester, northern England, on Dec. 14, 2018. (Oli Scarff/AFP via Getty Images) As for their much-lauded achievements, Fiamengo points out that throughout the 19th century, subjects on which women agitated for reformlike womens higher education, changes to divorce law and child custody, womens property rights, age of consentsaw an all-male parliament quick to act. The vast majority of British men lacked the right to vote. In fact, it was World War I that decided the matter of suffrage, with womens service on the home fronttheir work in munitions factories and farmswhich changed public attitudes towards women. Then, in 1917, a vote sailed through British Parliament to extend the franchise to servicemen who had previously been voteless and to women aged 30 and above. Feminist activists like Emmeline Pankhurst and her daughters, now considered the great heroines of the noble suffrage struggle, contributed little or nothing to the victory, concludes Fiamengo. Could men rape their wives in the 19th century? Well, a man could not be criminally prosecuted for this act, but it certainly wasnt true that marital rape was accepted or that its harms were ignored, says Fiamengo. She details the legal history, whereby a wife at that time was understood to give consent to sexual relations just as men had contractual obligations, including being responsible for all his wifes debts, even if that landed him in prison. The moral harm of marital rape was, in fact, widely acknowledged. Its a real step forward that this impressive scholar will have the opportunity to enlighten a larger audience about what she has discovered. Janice Fiamengo, through her videos and Substack blogs, is doing her best to end the whitewashing of feminist history. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Fentanyl Deaths Among Young Children Rising at Alarming Rate: Advocacy Group Some of the approximately 1 million fake pills containing fentanyl that were seized when agents served a search warrant at a home in Inglewood, Calif., on July 5, 2022. (Drug Enforcement Administration via AP) A significant number of deaths among American adults are now being accounted for by fentanyl, with deaths among children increasing by more than 1,400 percent since 2015, according to a national advocacy group. Families Against Fentanyl (FAF), the organization that compiled the data, said in a Jan. 12 statement that fentanyl deaths in children are rising faster than any other age group. These disturbing new findings should serve as a wake-up call to our nations leaders, said FAF founder Jim Rauh. FAF also said that that deaths among Americans in the age group of 25 to 44 made up 53.2 percent of all fentanyl deaths in America in 2021, and fentanyl poisoning was found to be a more likely cause of death among Americans aged 35 to 44 than any other 10-year age group. Fentanyl deaths among children between the ages of 1 and 4 more than tripled in two years, with deaths among infants less than 1 year old rising fourfold. Since 2015, deaths among infants have ballooned by almost tenfold while deaths among those between the ages of 1 and 14 have risen fifteenfold, FAF said. Families Against Fentanyl is calling for the Biden Administration to declare fentanyl a weapon of mass destruction and immediately establish a White House task force dedicated to the fentanyl crisis, Rauh said. Americans deserve to know what is being done to save lives, and what is being done to uncover and stop the international manufacturers and traffickers of illicit fentanyl. Targeting Children In August, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) warned about an alarming emerging trend of drug cartels using rainbow fentanyl to expand their businesses among youngsters. Rainbow fentanylfentanyl pills and powder that come in a variety of bright colors, shapes, and sizesis a deliberate effort by drug traffickers to drive addiction amongst kids and young adults, DEA Administrator Anne Milgram said in an Aug. 30 statement. At the time of the statement, the DEA and other law enforcement agencies had seized rainbow fentanyl in 26 states, the agency said. Though there are claims that some colors of pills are more dangerous than others, lab testing by the DEA has found no evidence to back this up. Every color, size, and shape of fentanyl must be considered extremely dangerous, the agency advised. In the two years from 2019 to 2021, fentanyl deaths among infants rose twice as fast compared to overall fentanyl deaths across the United States, FAF said. This is the number one killer of our nations young adults, Rauh said. It is killing more and more children each year. Its time to treat this threat with the urgency it deserves. China Links, Deaths A big chunk of fentanyl and related substances that are trafficked into the United States come from China. In 2018, Beijing promised to crack down on fentanyl production in China, but nothing much has been done on the ground to prevent the trafficking, some experts say. Lawmakers like Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas) have raised doubts about Beijings sincerity on the matter. Its all propaganda. Its all based on deceit and lies, he said in an interview for Capitol Report, a program on The Epoch Times sister media outlet NTD. If they were serious, they would stop stealing our technology or intellectual property. In October, former President Donald Trump said on social media that it is imperative for the Biden administration to confront China on the issue of fentanyl. It is ripping our country apart, Trump said in an Oct. 6 Truth Social post. According to data from the CDC, there were 80,816 deaths from synthetic opioidsprimarily fentanylin 2021. This made up 75 percent of the estimated 107,622 drug overdose deaths that year. A February 2022 report by FAF showed that fentanyl fatalities doubled in 30 states, tripled in 15 states, and rose fivefold in six states over a period of just two years. Fentanyl fatally poisons one person in America every 8 minutes. Significant amounts are smuggled across the southern border each day. Thats why its so important to get the border crisis under control, Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) said Wednesday on Twitter. Final Arguments at Trial of Quebec Man Accused in Abduction of Elderly US Couple James and Sandra Helm of Moira, New York are seen being held captive in Quebec in 2020, in this court handout image received Jan. 17, 2023. (The Canadian Press/Exhibit, Quebec Superior Cour) Closing arguments are underway at the trial of a Quebec man charged in connection with the kidnapping of a couple from Upstate New York who were smuggled into the province and held captive. Gary Arnold has told the jury that he was threatened by a man known simply as Big to do various jobs in September 2020, but he says he never met the kidnapping victims and knew nothing of the plot. Arnolds lawyer, John T. Pepper, insisted today his client feared for the safety of his family and followed orders due to threats, suggesting to jurors the Crown did not prove his client knew anything about the abduction. Arnold faces seven charges, including kidnapping, unlawful confinement, extortion and conspiracy, stemming from the abduction of James and Sandra Helm on Sept. 27, 2020. The trial heard the couple were kidnapped and brought into Quebec by boat before being taken to a cottage in Magog, Que., about 125 kilometres southeast of Montreal. The Crown has said the couple, who were freed two days later, were kidnapped as leverage in a bid to recover 50 kilograms of cocaine or $3.5 million cash from their grandson. Fraud Watchdog Promises Prosecution of Feds Who Got Pandemic Unemployment, Loans While Working for Government Department of Justice Inspector General Michael Horowitz testifies before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs during a hearing at the Capitol on Dec. 18, 2019. (Samuel Corum/Getty Images) Federal employees who fraudulently applied for and received COVID-19 pandemic unemployment insurance benefits while also drawing government paychecks will be referred to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for prosecution, according to a waste, fraud, and abuse watchdog. How is it even possible that there is nothing in place to cross-check these employees, or do we just pay out these benefits to whomever applies? Rep. Eric Burlison (R-Mo.) asked. Michael Horowitz told the Feb. 1 hearing of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability that his office is aggressively pursuing investigations and will recommend prosecutions to the DOJ. Burlison was referring to a Jan. 30 statement by Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) calling for an investigation of the tens of thousands of federal workers who she claimed fraudulently sought and received pandemic relief benefits, including unemployment checks and loans intended to help small businesses survive during the nationwide economic slowdown of 2020 due to COVID-19. Staff from numerous government agencies, including the IRS, TSA [Transportation Security Administration], FEMA [Federal Emergency Management Agency], the U.S. Postal Service, Amtrak, and the Secret Service, have been detected receiving jobless benefits while also being on the federal governments payroll, Ernst said in the statement. Some were even paid overtime at the same time [that they were] claiming to have lost wages due to the pandemic. Others were so blatant, they actually applied for jobless benefits from their work computers. Horowitz said in response to Burlison, One of the challenges is in fact cross-checking information, and that has been a problem across programs. I am aware of Senator Ernsts letter and were following up on that. Horowitz is the DOJ inspector general and chairman of the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee (PRAC). We do have cases that are moving forward as a result of that, but it has taken a considerable amount of time to get from the larger number to the smaller number because of the absence of particularized data. The challenge has been agency data not being sufficient to immediately figure this out. When we find a case, we start investigating it. Were working with our law enforcement partners, and hopefully, those cases will end up being prosecuted, he said. Ernst told The Epoch Times: Its no surprise that hundreds of billions of dollars from pandemic programs were so easily looted when bureaucrats themselves were treating civil service as self-service. I am very encouraged by PRAC Chair Horowitzs pledge to pursue these cases to the fullest extent possible and prosecute all those who pilfered public funds. As the top Republican on the Senate Small Business Committee, I will do my part to ensure he has all the tools necessary to do so. The BurlisonHorowitz exchange regarding the Ernst call for an investigation came during the Feb. 1 hearing of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability titled Federal Pandemic Spending: A Prescription for Waste, Fraud, and Abuse. It was the first hearing by the panel since Republicans regained the House majority in the November 2022 midterm election. Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.) told the hearing that at least $500 billion in pandemic relief funds went to individuals and businesses that were ineligible. The lost funds constitute the greatest theft of American taxpayer dollars in history, Comer said. Asked by Burlison for a timetable for his investigation of the federal workers receiving the pandemic benefits at the same time they were receiving government paychecks, Horowitz said the process is slow-going, in great part because of the inability to cross-check the federal payroll and lists of benefit recipients. Even when partial data is available, it takes time to sort out cases that appear to involve fraud but dont, Horowitz said. We have done that, for example, at DOJ. Ive looked at some of these issues, and it takes a fair amount of time once you get hits to figure out actually whether there are fraud cases or not. This is because there are, for example, spouses who were potentially eligible. Weve also identified situations where the addresses turned out to be apartment buildings, so you have to figure out who else [is] in that building, whether its actually a hit or not. There are things we need to do to make sure weve got the right data, but its an important issue, and we are following up on it, he said. Were going to pursue those cases to the fullest extent possible, including seeking prosecutions; were working with our law enforcement partners on it. We have several on the [pandemic relief loan] side, including for example, a relatively high-level person at NASA who was sentenced to a considerable number of years in prison, who worked in their financial office. Were pursuing those cases. Horowitz didnt name the individual at NASA. The COVID-19 pandemic, which originated in China, began in March 2020 and has killed more than 1 million Americans and 6 million people worldwide since that year. The United States imposed unprecedented measures in response that all but brought the economy to a halt, costing millions of jobs, leaving legions of Americans struggling to buy food and gas and restricting normal outdoor life for months on end. The nation remains on official alert for a federally proclaimed Public Health Emergency (PHE). House Republicans on Jan. 31 passed legislation declaring the PHE ended as soon as the measure is signed into law. However, the measure still must be passed by the Senate and signed by President Joe Biden, who has said he will end the PHE on May 11, 2023. Freedom of Religion on the Chopping Block Commentary Intolerant secularism is on the march. In a blatant campaign of cultural imperialism, secularists and their leftist allies aim to shrivel the free exercise of religion to mere freedom of worship. Freedom of religion and freedom of worship arent the same concepts. Indeed, free exercise was ably described by the late Supreme Court Justice Frank Murphy as having a double aspectfreedom of thought and action. In other words, we arent merely free to believe, but (generally speaking) to also act in the public square according to our faith precepts. Freedom of worship is more limited. The Catholic Church can teach that the Eucharistic bread and wine transform into the literal body and blood of Christ, while Protestant denominations are equally at liberty to believe that Communion has a symbolic purpose. Mosques and Orthodox synagogues can require women to be segregated from men during services. Pentecostal Christians can speak in tongues. You get the idea. Both free exercise and freedom of worship are important to religious liberty. We might even say, theyre mutually dependent to freely living a life of faith. Unfortunately, outside of explicitly worshipping contexts, federal and state laws and legislation are increasingly bent on forcing religious believers to act consistently with the values of reigning secular morality when outside the home, church, synagogue, temple, or mosque. The message is clear: Those with traditional religious views of morality had better keep their beliefs behind closed doorsor suffer the consequences. Gutting the First Amendment What about the First Amendment, you ask? Alas, it isnt what it used to be. In 1990, the Supreme Court significantly weakened the Constitutions free exercise clause in Employment Division v. Smith. The case involved two Native Americans who were denied unemployment benefits after being fired for ingesting peyote during a religious ceremony. The men sued, claiming that they were being unconstitutionally punished for participating in a Native American religious ceremony. But a 63 court ruled that because the Oregon drug law was one of general applicabilitymeaning it didnt explicitly target the mens faithand that their right to free exercise wasnt violated. This ruling opened the door to oppressing faithful people by simply enacting laws of general applicability that are consistent with contemporary secular beliefs but also known to be offensive to certain religions. A perfect example of this suppression is ongoing in California. When the administrators of a Catholic hospital in the Dignity Health chain were informed that a patients planned hysterectomy was a gender transition, the surgery was canceled as a violation of Catholic moral teaching. Dignity Health was sued for violating California law requiring facilities to provide full and equal access to medical procedures without regard to gender. The trial court dismissed based on religious freedom issues. But the Court of Appeals reinstated the case, a ruling affirmed by the states Supreme Court and allowed to remain in effect by the U.S. Supreme Court. Thus a Catholic hospital may soon be forced to pay considerable damages for adhering to Catholic dogma because the law being enforced wasnt specifically aimed at suppressing Catholic institutions. The Religious Freedom Restoration Act Employment Division was unpopular on the left and right, leading to the passage of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), which was signed by President Bill Clinton in 1993. The RFRA protects religious freedom by stating that the government shall not substantially burden a persons exercise of religion unless it can demonstrate that the law is in furtherance of a compelling governmental interest. The RFRA only applies to federal laws and regulations. Thus, its of no help to Jack Phillipsthe Colorado Wedding Cake Bakerwho has been repeatedly attacked in Colorado courts for refusing to create cakes containing messages that violate his faith beliefs. Yes, Phillips previously won a narrow victory in the U.S. Supreme Court based on the First Amendmentbut only because Colorados Human Rights Commissioners investigating his refusal to design a cake for a same-sex marriage celebration made bigoted anti-Christian statements during its administrative proceedings. Phillips was soon sued again in state court for refusing to design a cake celebrating a gender transition and found liable for violating the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act, a verdict just upheld by the Court of Appeals. Since Colorado has no RFRAand the law in question applies generallyPhillipss legal goose may truly be cooked for remaining true to his religious beliefs in the conduct of his business. Private Sector Attacks Against Religious Freedom The private sector may pose an even more potent threat to religious liberty by blackballing religious organizations and institutions. Former Kansas Gov. Sam Brownbackthe U.S. ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom during the Trump administrationhas a passion for protecting religious liberty. So after leaving government service, he formed the National Committee for Religious Freedom (NCRF) to advocate for freedom of religion for all Americans. At one time, such a group wouldnt have been controversial. Today, social progressives, including some who manage many of the countrys most powerful corporations, scorn religious freedom because they see it as an excuse to discriminate against LGBT individualswhich may explain why Chase Bank closed all NCRF accounts last year. Notably, Chase never warned the NCRF that its relationship with the bank was imperiled, nor did it ask for information that might have clarified a legitimate business concern. Thus, its reasonable to suspect that Chase de-banked the NCRF because it defends religious freedom, including in LGBT controversies such as the Phillips cases. Private acts of discrimination such as de-banking open a new front in the religious freedom wars. Indeed, Brownback worries that Chases actions against the NCRF may reflect a growing trend. Some corporations are stealthily discriminating against people of faith and faith-oriented groups, he told me. This must stop. If hes rightand I think he issuch private-sector discrimination poses a potent threat to faith institutions that would be difficult to counter, since the Constitution only applies against the government. Think about it: If a religious organization cant bank or, say, buy insurance, it would be hard to remain in operation. The effectiveness of this threat was just highlighted in a successful lawsuit brought by an individual against a Maryland Catholic hospital for refusing to perform a transgender hysterectomy. The trial judge ruled that the hospitals refusal was illegal sex discrimination under both Maryland law and the Affordable Care Act (pdf). (The case was complicated by the unusual fact that the Catholic hospital is owned by a state-run network.) Pertinent to this discussion: The judge applied other cases finding that the federal RFRA doesnt protect against suits involving private parties. Thus, the government could readily circumvent the RFRA by authorizing private lawsuits against religious institutions that refuse services such as abortion, same-sex couple adoption, or gender transitions. A gauntlet has been thrown. Secularists are determined to impose their progressive beliefs on conservative faith communities. Those of us who believe that freedom of religion is the first liberty had better gird our loins. Because if the right to free exercise of religion is effectively suppressed, freedom of worship will be the next religious liberty on the chopping block. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Gender Beliefs Get Ontario Catholic Student Shut Out of School for the Year Josh Alexander, 16, is not allowed to attend school for the rest of the year after saying he would continue to express his belief that God created only two genders. The school told him his presence would be detrimental to the physical and mental well-being of transgender students, Alexander told The Epoch Times. He told St. Josephs Catholic High School in Renfrew, Ontario, he would not intentionally engage or start conflicts with transgender students, but he would continue to express his belief. He and his lawyer are bringing this matter to an Ontario human rights tribunal, calling it religious discrimination. Offence is obviously defined by the offended. I expressed my religious beliefs in class and it spiraled out of control, Alexander said. Not everybodys going to like that. That doesnt make me a bully. It doesnt mean Im harassing anybody. They express their beliefs and I express mine. Mine obviously dont fit the narrative. He hasnt attended school since November, when he was first suspended. He had organized a protest against transgender students using the girls washrooms. He had also said in class discussions that there are only two, immutable genders. When his suspension was lifted the beginning of January, he was instead excluded by the principal, which has the same effect as suspension but is considered non-disciplinary. He was told this week that he will be excluded for the rest of the school year, and hes not sure if that will end up extending into the next school year as well. The principal, Derek Lennox, told The Epoch Times he cannot comment on the situation. Alexanders lawyer, James Kitchen, told The Epoch Times the school has characterized Alexanders actions as bullying. Obviously, he doesnt actually bully them as that term would be defined by reasonable people. Hes not going to seek them out and call them names and make fun of them, Kitchen said. But he does express his views about what these people say and about what they believe and about what theyre doing. And he expresses them online, and he expresses them in the class. Sophie Smith-Dore, co-founder of Arnprior Pride and mother of one of the transgender students at the school, told The Epoch Times in a written message in January, Trans folks and their loved ones (like most marginalized folks) are constantly doing this emotional work and its exhausting. We bear the burden of trying to protect our gender-diverse kids. She declined to speak in detail about her or her childs experience. Mark Searson, director of education for the Renfrew County Catholic District School Board, told The Epoch Times in December that the board takes a pastoral approach with transgender students, engaging them in conversations and trying to bring people together without conflict. He said at the time, and also on Wednesday, that he cannot comment further. He is not able to discuss specific students with the press. In addition to taking this matter to a provincial human rights tribunalKitchen said they will file that complaint this monthAlexander has moved to appeal his original suspension. That would bring the suspension before a school board panel to decide if it was warranted. The appeal is being held up, however, over the issue of parental independence. Alexander has withdrawn from parental control for the purposes of the appeala legal designation allowed to students 16 and older under certain circumstances. The school contests this, saying Alexander still lives with his parents and does not meet the definition of this designation. Kitchen said: He does live with his parents and they have an excellent relationship. He seeks guidance from them and they gladly give it to him. But he runs his own life. And thats actually by design, because thats how his parents raised him to be. Kitchen and Alexander have requested a public hearing broadcast via videoconferencing. GOP Congressman Introduces Bill That Would Grant Victim Status to Those Who Died of Fentanyl Poisoning Rep. Buddy Carter (R-Ga.) asks questions during a House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health hearing in Washington on May 14, 2020. (Greg Nash-Pool/Getty Images) Rep. Buddy Carter (R-Ga.) has introduced a bill that would classify those who died from illicit fentanyl poisoning as victims of a crime. The legislation (pdf), dubbed the Recognizing Victims of Illicit Fentanyl Poisoning Act, would add Americans who have died from illicit fentanyl poisoning to a list of recognized victims, according to a Jan. 31 press release published on the congressmans website. The list is kept by the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), which is within the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). The agency administers federal funds, known as the Crime Victims Fund, and oversees support programs and services across the nation to assist victims in the immediate aftermath of crime. Victims of illicit fentanyl poisoning are exactly thatvictims, Carter said. Criminals are disguising this poison as other, less lethal drugs to make a quick buck. Its time to give surviving families the support they need and fully investigate and prosecute the perpetrators of these horrific crimes. Kristy Dyroff, a mother who lives in Georgias first congressional district and lost her son due to fentanyl poisoning, stressed the importance of the legislation as she shared her first-hand account of the horrors of fentanyl. Drug poisonings are not a victimless crime, Dyroff said, according to the release. My son was sold a drug online that was later discovered to be fentanyl. It killed him instantly. His death was ruled a homicide by the medical examiner. The dealer pleaded guilty to trafficking resulting in death and is now serving 20 years in federal prison. This drug is murdering almost 200 people each day in the U.S., she continued. The Office for Victims of Crime has a responsibility to stop stigmatizing our families and recognize us all as victims deserving of respect and advocacy services. Grim Figures a Wake-Up Call In 2021, fentanyl poisoning was the leading cause of death among Americans between the ages of 18 to 45, according to a Jan. 12 post by Families Against Fentanyl (FAF). Deaths among Americans aged 25 to 44 made up 53.2 percent of all fentanyl deaths in America in 2021. Fentanyl poisoning was found to be a more likely cause of death among Americans aged 35 to 44 than any other 10-year age group. Among children, fentanyl fatalities were found to be rising faster than any other age group. Fentanyl deaths among children aged 1 to 4 more than tripled in two years, with deaths among infants less than a year old rising four-fold. Since 2015, deaths among infants have ballooned almost 10-fold while deaths among those between the ages of 1 and 14 have risen 15-fold, FAF said. FAF founder Jim Rauh called the disturbing new findingshange a wake-up call to American leaders, according to a Jan. 12 press release. Families Against Fentanyl is calling for the Biden Administration to declare fentanyl a weapon of mass destruction and immediately establish a White House task force dedicated to the fentanyl crisis. Americans deserve to know what is being done to save lives, and what is being done to uncover and stop the international manufacturers and traffickers of illicit fentanyl, he said. 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 unwitting buyers in the United States. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid up to 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more powerful than morphine. It can be deadly even in very small doses. CDC data shows that there were 80,816 deaths from synthetic opioids, primarily fentanyl, in 2021, making up 75 percent of the estimated 107,622 drug overdose deaths that year. Epoch Times reporter Naveen Athrappully contributed to this report. From NTD News Gosar Resolution to End COVID-19 National Emergency Passes House 'Time's Up,' says Gosar Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.) (L) and Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.) arrives for a House Oversight and Reform Committee meeting in the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 31, 2023. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images) The House of Representatives has passed Rep. Paul Gosars (R-Ariz.) House Joint Resolution 7, which would end the coronavirus national emergency proclaimed almost three years ago at the start of the pandemic. Times up, Gosar said in a Feb. 1 interview with The Epoch Times. Most of America has moved on. Its that the government hasnt under Joe Biden, he said. The legislation passed 229 to 197; 218 Republicans voted for it, while 197 Democrats voted against it. In addition, 11 Democrats voted for it. At less than sixty words, the resolution is the latest short piece of legislation considered by the Republican-controlled House. The House kicked off the 118th Congress by passing a similarly brief bill restricting the sale of petroleum products from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to China or any entities controlled by the Chinese Communist Partya bill that secured votes from 113 Democrats. The Gosar resolution reached the House floor just one day after that chamber passed the Pandemic Is Over Act. The legislation derives its name from Bidens September 2022 statement on 60 Minutes that the pandemic is over. Unlike Gosars resolution, which targets Bidens March 2020 national emergency, the Pandemic is Over Act would end Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azars January 2020 declaration of a public health emergency because of the novel coronavirus. The HHS Secretary has had to renew that public health emergency every ninety days. Current HHS Secretary Javier Becerra renewed it again just weeks ago, on Jan. 11, 2023. Trump proclaimed a national emergency in March 2020. Biden renewed it in 2022. In a floor speech, Gosar blasted previous House Speaker Nancy Pelosi for blocking House actions to discuss whether to continue the coronavirus national emergency, as outlined by the National Emergencies Act (NEA). What type of a representative body cannot even discuss a national emergency? Gosar asked in his floor speech. This latest joint resolution marks Gosars third attempt to end the national emergency. He sees the coronavirus emergency as symptomatic of bigger problems with such proclamations under the NEA. Dozens of emergencies from as early as the 1970s still havent expired. He told The Epoch Times that times of national emergency empower the executive or president with more than 120 different powers that do not require congressional authorization. Thats in line with research from the Brennan Center for Justice, a liberal think tank. In Gosars view, ending the national emergency isnt a partisan issuebut it was made that way because of the money. He cited the management of roughly $6 trillion in COVID-19 emergency funding, including money for COVID-19 testing that was diverted to housing for illegal aliens. Technically, the $1.7 trillion omnibus bill was done during a declaration of COVID national emergency, he said, adding that he worries the administration and its Democratic allies will have too much leeway on that spending without Congressional oversight. The Biden administration formally opposed both the Gosar resolution and the Pandemic Is Over Act in a Jan. 30 statement from its Office of Management and Budget. That statement claimed that nursing homes and hospitals would be plunged into chaos by a sudden shift in policy to end emergency COVID-19 funds. It announced that the Biden administration currently intends to prolong the public health and national emergencies until May 11, allowing for a lengthy wind-down processa perspective echoed by Democrats on the House floor. This wind-down would align with the Administrations previous commitments to give at least 60 days notice prior to termination of the PHE [public health emergency], the statement continued. Gosar thinks the new House majority forced the presidents hand on ending the pandemic emergencies. As a joint resolution, H.J. Res. 7 must be passed by the Democrat-controlled Senate. Gosar noted that the Senate has voted to end the national emergency too, including through a November 2022 resolution from Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) that passed 62-36. The Biden administration said it would veto that resolution if it passed Congress. Notably, unlike its November statement, the White Houses statement on Gosars latest resolution and the Pandemic Is Over Act does not categorically threaten to veto either piece of legislation. Could the White House be positioning itself to allow the House and Senate to end the national emergency without having to act? Thats a great possibility, Gosar said. A grandmother and the teen who drove miles to return her lost wallet after finding it in a parking lot have struck up an unlikely friendship. Dee Harkrider, 61, is a grandmother of seven from Wynne, Arkansas. On Jan. 12, she lost her wallet in a Forrest City Walmart parking lot and didnt realize it until she had driven to Palestine and received a call from her close friend, Elaine Keown. Keown wanted to know if Harkrider knew a young man named Delivontae Johnson. He had found my wallet, and was trying to get in touch with me to return it, Harkrider told The Epoch Times. He was headed to my house when he saw my address on my drivers license. That concerned her, so thats when she had called me. Dee Harkrider lost her wallet in a Walmart parking lot, but Delivontae Johnson went out of his way to return it to her. (Courtesy of Dee Harkrider) Nineteen-year-old Johnson, an East Arkansas Community College student, said: After seeing the name on the license, I searched it up on Facebook and let Miss Dee know that I had her wallet. However, when he didnt get an immediate response to his message, he went through her photos, found Keown, and texted her to let her know about the missing wallet. Johnson had hit a pothole in Memphis on the way to church 11 days prior and had pulled into the Walmart parking lot in his hometown of Forrest City to use the ATM en route to the mechanic. Thats when he spotted Harkriders missing wallet in a shopping cart. I didnt know that my problem would become someone elses blessing, the teen said. I just wanted to do something good and take the wallet to the owner myself. Learning that Harkrider was not at home in Wynne, but in Palestine, Johnson took a detour and drove over 20 miles out of his way to reach her. He called Harkrider on the way and met her in a CR Smalls and Company restaurant parking lot. Delivontae Johnson (L) and Dee Harkrider. (Courtesy of Dee Harkrider) He told me he wanted to make sure I got my wallet back, Harkrider said. Everything was in it! I was so grateful for what he had done, so I had a $20 bill tucked in my wallet, and gave that to him to show my appreciation. I wish I had had more to give him. The grateful grandmother took a selfie with Johnson and shared their story on Facebook. The post went viral. She told The Epoch Times: I wanted him to be recognized for what he had done, plus wanted to share the goodness of God I do believe God puts people in our lives, and in my case, it was for good that Delivontae came into my life at only 19 years old he showed honesty, compassion, and integrity for another human being. Since their meeting, the student and the grandmother have connected on Facebook and message each other to check in. Harkrider is grateful to Johnson for his integrity and to his mother, Rachel, for raising four children by herself with a strong moral compass. She has also connected with Rachel on Facebook and hopes to meet her soon. Harkrider said: I think the biggest thing I have learned from this is that I, along with many people, are skeptical about our young people for we hear so much of the bad. Delivontae has helped restore my faith his actions represent how God can work through people, and we as Gods people need to step up and support and encourage our young people. The teen was equally moved by meeting Harkrider. One thing I learned about this situation is, if you do good, good things will follow you, he said, adding, There are two things I gained from this situation: respect, and a great friend, Miss Dee! Share your stories with us at emg.inspired@epochtimes.com, and continue to get your daily dose of inspiration by signing up for the Inspired newsletter at TheEpochTimes.com/newsletter Health Canada Conducting Safety Review of Breastfeeding Drug Domperidone Health Canada is conducting a safety review of domperidone, a drug often prescribed off-label to breastfeeding mothers as a way to boost milk supply, after reports have alleged withdrawal symptoms and psychiatric concerns after stopping the medication. A spokesperson for Health Canada told the Epoch Times in an emailed statement that it is proactively monitoring the safety of domperidone maleate. The safety review of the drug began in December 2022 and is not expected to be completed until the summer of 2023, which Health Canada says was prompted by domestic and foreign case reports of withdrawal symptoms after stopping or reducing the dose, in cases where it was used to stimulate lactation, said the spokesperson. The drug has been approved for use in Canada since 1985. It is typically prescribed for the management of gastrointestinal disorders like gastritis and diabetic conditions. It is also used to prevent nausea and vomiting from other medications. Domperidone acts as a dopamine-2 antagonist, according to a paper published in December 2022 in the journal Breastfeeding Medicine. The paper cited three U.S. patients who used domperidone to help lactation and experienced varying degrees of psychiatric withdrawal symptoms lasting months, when they reduced their dosage and eventually stopped taking the drug. The authors noted that this occurred in the same time frame when women could experience symptoms of postpartum depression. The authors suggested a slow tapering off of the dosage may minimize withdrawal symptoms in these patients. Health Canada said the safety review will study manufacturer reports, adverse reaction reports from health professionals and consumers, academic research, surveillance, and other available data from Canada and abroad, to evaluate the medications safety risk. The regulator will also consider the severity and frequency of adverse events, what other products are available that can treat the same condition, and the patient population typically prescribed the medication. According to a CBC News report in December 2022, some women in Canada have said they experienced various symptoms when stopping the drug including depression, severe anxiety, intrusive disturbing thoughts, and insomnia. U.S. Ban Domperidone was banned in the United States after it was linked with fatal cardiac arrhythmias in cancer patients who were taking the drug to combat nausea and vomiting. Canadian breastfeeding expert Dr. Jack Newman, in a 2019 advisory said the decision to ban domperidone was based on extremely high doses of domperidone given intravenously every few hours. Health Canada said domperidone has never been licensed in Canada for breastfeeding women, but is prescribed off-label because it is known as a galactagogue, meaning it improves lactation and boosts milk supply in new mothers, mainly by stimulating the production of prolactin. Health Canada previously warned that domperidone has a risk of adverse reactions, heart arrhythmia, and potential cardiac events including death, and warned doctors not to exceed a recommended daily dose of 30mg. A judge has dismissed a lawsuit brought against Dr. Peter McCullough by two health care groups. Dallas County Associate Judge Tahira Khan Merritt on Jan. 23 dismissed the suit from Baylor Scott & White Health and Health Texas Provider Network on Jan. 23. Merritts dismissal, which came at the request of all parties, is with prejudice, meaning that litigation cannot be brought later over the same claims. This is a strong victory for freedom of speech and fair balanced publication and media presentation of clinical data as it has emerged over the course of the pandemic crisis, McCullough, the chief scientific officer of the Wellness Company, said in a statement. My analyses and conclusions have been accurate, consistent, and have always been my own, not those of any institution, he added. A lawyer representing the plaintiffs did not respond to a request for comment. Lawsuit McCullough, a cardiologist, was a vice chief of internal medicine in the Baylor Scott & White Health system and also employed by the Health Texas Provider Network medical group. The plaintiffs, in their 2021 suit, alleged McCullough violated a separation agreement because, in interviews he conducted after the agreement was reached, McCullough was described as still being a vice chief and holding other positions he no longer held. Online profiles also listed the job titles. That resulted in inquiries from journalists and medical professionals who wondered whether the health care entities supported the views of McCullough, who has championed early COVID-19 treatment and been critical of COVID-19 vaccines, according to the suit. This ongoing confusion regarding McCulloughs affiliations, and whether Plaintiffs support his opinions, is exactly what Plaintiffs bargained to avoid in the Separation Agreement and is likely to cause Plaintiffs irreparable reputational and business harm that is incapable of remedy by money damages alone. This is particularly true in the middle of a global pandemic, the suit stated. Gena Slaughter, another Dallas County judge, entered a temporary restraining order prohibiting McCullough from claiming employment by or affiliation with the plaintiffs or related entities in online posts or media appearances. Response McCullough said in response that he abided by the separation agreement with Baylor Scott & White Health and Health Texas Provider Network, or BSWH and HPTN. I have honored this agreement and have not held myself out in any media as being currently employed by or affiliated with BSWH/HTPN, even though I continue to have full medical staff privileges at several of their facilities, treat patients at several of their facilities, have an office on one of their campuses, and, until recently, had a professorship at Texas A&Ms BSWH/HTPN campus location, he said in a sworn declaration. McCullough said he has repeatedly said all opinions he holds are his own and not that of any organization and that he cannot control how other people describe him. McCullough also said he considered the lawsuit as being motivated by my expressed views on the COVID-19 pandemic, the efficacy of vaccinations for COVID-19, and available treatment for COVID-19 patients to avoid hospitalization and death, noting the litigation was brought on the same day BSWH and HPTN announced vaccine mandates for their employees. A lawyer representing McCullough lodged a motion to dismiss, arguing the suit was related to McCulloughs rights to association and free speech, which are protected by the Texas Citizens Participation Act. Mediation After mediation, the parties agreed in October 2021 to extend various deadlines. As part of the agreement, McCullough said he would not say in interviews or on social media that he was on the staff or had privileges at BSWH affiliates. McCullough agreed to say that I am on medical staff at hospitals and medical centers in Dallas, the filing stated. If pressed to identify which hospitals and medical centers in Dallas in any hearings in which he testifies under oath, he may accurately state those hospitals and medical centers in Dallas in which he currently has staff privileges, it added. Request for Dismissal On Jan. 17, the parties informed the court that the claims had been resolved. The Parties have a reached a resolution to the satisfaction of both parties, and, therefore, jointly request that the Court sign an order dismissing this cause with prejudice, lawyers for the party said in a filing. The parties were to pay for their own attorneys fees and costs under the agreement. Merritt soon accepted the proposal, and granted the dismissal of the claims. Its easy to be duped by the mainstream medias coverage of China, but its important to realize that information originating from the Chinese regime is never intended to inform the public about whats actually going on. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) promotes disinformation to serve the sole purpose of furthering its own agenda. In fact, in communications that are only available in Chinese, the CCP openly defines the official Chinese media as government-sponsored information. For example, in this recent official document, translated from Chinese, the CCP states: The media sponsored by the Party and the government are the propaganda positions of the Party and the government. They must be surnamed the Party and must be in the hands of the Party. In Chinese culture, surnamed the Party means owned by the CCP and in the hands of the Party means completely controlled by the CCP. At the same time, we know for a fact that the pandemic is running rampant in China now and that millions of people are currently feared dead. Even the CCPs powerful propaganda machine hasnt been able to prevent information about the atrocities happening inside China from leaking out. The Failure of the CCPs Zero-COVID Policy While the CCP pretended that its draconian zero-COVID policy kept the virus in check and the death rates down, people living inside communist China have told The Epoch Times that this is not the case. We believe that throughout the pandemic, people have been dying in record numbers from untreated viral infections, bad reactions to the vaccines, and the CCPs anti-human policies that were supposed to contain the virus. For quite a while now, crematoria havent been able to process the overwhelming number of dead bodies showing up at their doors. In rural areas, people are being forced to bypass cremation, and bury their loved ones in the ground. The Chinese Regimes Pulling Its Official Data out of Thin Air Joe Wang, one of the authors of this article, got his hair cut at a Chinese barbershop in Toronto the other week. The barber has friends and family members who live in China. She talks to them every week or so on the phone. When her friends father died, there was a long wait to get the body processed. Her friend resorted to bribing the director of the crematorium with a large sum of money to jump the queue so his father could be properly buried. The director told the bereaved son that he would cremate his father separately, instead of with several other bodies, which is what the crematorium has been forced to do for a long time now because so many people have been dying. Its impossible to believe any of the official information coming out of China. Death numbers are far from accurate. In fact, the CCP pulls these numbers out of thin air. For three years now, the ruling CCP has stringently enforced its propaganda-driven zero-COVID policy. Under the guise of containing the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the CCP forbade citizens from going out to get food, which resulted in people starving in their apartment blocks. Meanwhile, Chinese citizens who tested positive were forcibly taken to relocation camps. All scientific discussion and debate about the best way forward was summarily silenced. Wang is a molecular geneticist who spent over a decade studying viruses. He can tell you from his experience that a zero-COVID policy was destined to fail, as the CCPs policy was never science-driven and never made scientific sense. Burned Alive Two and a half months ago, in late November, the citizens of China and people around the world finally realized that the CCP has been taking things too far. On Nov. 24, 2022, a fire started on the 15th floor of an apartment block in the Xinjiang region, in the extreme west of China. As the blaze continued spreading upward, residents burned alive, their screams audible to people on the floors below them. These victims of the fire, many of whom were well-to-do, could not leave their building, and no emergency technicians could get to them. Why? Because the regime had locked them in, and firefighters were not even able to approach the building due to lockdown barricades. No one is sure how many people died in that fire. The official number from the Chinese authorities is 10 killed, with nine others injured by inhaling toxic smoke, according to regime mouthpiecel China Daily. But activists, dissidents, and relatives of the fire victims insist that dozens more died as firefighters tried to put out the blaze with water that fell far short of its target because of the bollards blocking them from getting closer to the building. Shocking footage of the incident, which went viral on the internet, spurred widespread and angry protests across China over the deaths of these helpless citizens. Controlling People by Dehumanizing Them In the aftermath of the fire, the world rightly saw the totalitarian excess that exemplifies the CCPs dehumanizing approach to controlling the people of China. Western media has reported that the Chinese peoples protests caused the regime to finally back down on its draconian zero-COVID policy and afford the Chinese people a reprieve from lockdowns. But we believe that the CCPs decision to reverse course did not have much to do with the protesters. Rather, the protests gave officials an excuse to stop a failing policy. And if there is, indeed, a surge in COVID-19 cases and deaths, that will allow the CCP to blame the protesters: See? You wanted us to open up. We did. Now look what happened! It will also give the regime a way to continue to hide the real datathat hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of innocent Chinese people have died under zero-COVIDand have a justification for the lower census numbers that are sure to be recorded this year. By ending its inhumane and unsustainable policy, the CCP was, according to Wired, unleashing the biggest coronavirus outbreak the world has ever seen. Bloomberg reported estimates leaked from the Chinese regime that 250 million people may have been exposed in the first 20 days of December, including a single-day high of 37 million, which the news agency called the worlds largest COVID outbreak. You Cant Lock Out a Virus People in the West passed through lockdowns much more comfortably than the Chinese people. In most countries, people were able to go to the grocery store and shop online, and many managed to continue working, from home. In comparison, the large-scale imprisonment of the entire Chinese population, which started before the Western countries policies and has continued long after, has been utterly brutal. But no one was going to escape COVID-19 completely. The idea that we could spend two weeks apart (two weeks that turned into two months and then two years) in order to avoid overwhelming hospitals and emergency response workers was short-sighted from the start. SARS-CoV-2 is an endemic coronavirus that could no more be contained or eliminated than the common cold. Its true that some countriesmost notably New Zealandmanaged to stave off infections for a while by shutting their borders. But once New Zealand opened its borders, cases of coronavirus, regardless of vaccine status, skyrocketed. The zero-COVID policy in China has served as a justification for continuing to brutalize the Chinese people in the name of enforcing it. Given the lack of any kind of credible or accurate data, its impossible to know whether it indeed delayed infection and kept death rates lower. Chinese People Deserve Freedom Simmering anger at the CCP is widespread inside China, and the people have also spent decades trying to protest the Partys unreasonable, inhumane, and intolerable edicts, often with less successful results. The fight for access to accurate information and ways to express themselves without censorship is daily and ongoing in China. The Omicron variants are spreading in China now. These variants are more contagious and less lethal, centering their activity in the nasal area rather than the lungs. We arent in the same situation as we were in January 2020. Many have been exposed. We have effective treatments. The variants are less virulent. And we understand much more about the virus than we did three years ago. The Chinese people have suffered for far too long. They deserve accurate, science-forward information about COVID-19, and they deserve freedom from the tyranny of the CCP. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Epoch Health welcomes professional discussion and friendly debate. To submit an opinion piece, please follow these guidelines and submit through our form here. The matter becomes even more perverse when you consider the fact that many COVID cases were patients who merely tested positive using faulty PCR testing. Hospitals also received massive incentives to diagnose patients with COVID and put them on ventilators. The World Health Organization (WHO) promoted the use of ventilators as a way to purportedly curtail the spread of virus-laden aerosols, thereby protecting other patients and hospital staff. In other words, suspected COVID patients were sacrificed to protect others. By May 2020, doctors had also found that high-flow nasal cannulas and proning led to better outcomes than ventilators. Between 50 percent and 86 percent of COVID patients placed on life support ended up dying. By May 2020, it had become apparent that the standard practice of putting COVID-19 patients on mechanical ventilation with ventilators was a death sentence. By May 2020, it had become apparent that the standard practice of putting COVID-19 patients on mechanical ventilation with ventilators was a death sentence.1 As early as April 9, 2020, Business Insider reported2 that 80 percent of COVID-19 patients in New York City who were placed on ventilators died, which caused a number of doctors to question their use. The Associated Press3 also publicized similar reports from China and the UK. A UK report put the figure at 66 percent, while a small study from Wuhan, China, put the ratio of deaths at 86 percent. Data presented by attorney Thomas Renz in 2021 showed that in Texas hospitals, 84.9 percent of patients died after more than 96 hours on a ventilator.4 The lowest figure Ive seen is 50 percent.5 So somewhere between 50 percent and 86 percent of all ventilated COVID patients died. Compare that to historical pre-pandemic ratios, where 30 percent to 40 percent of ventilated patients died. High-Flow Cannulas and Proning Were Always More Effective Meanwhile, doctors at UChicago Medicine reported6 getting truly remarkable results using high-flow nasal cannulas in lieu of ventilators. As noted in a press release:7 High-flow nasal cannulas, or HFNCs, are noninvasive nasal prongs that sit below the nostrils and blow large volumes of warm, humidified oxygen into the nose and lungs. A team from UChicago Medicines emergency room took 24 COVID-19 patients who were in respiratory distress and gave them HFNCs instead of putting them on ventilators. The patients all fared extremely well, and only one of them required intubation after 10 days Avoiding intubation is key, [UChicago Medicines Emergency Departments medical director Dr. Thomas] Spiegel said. Most of our colleagues around the city are not doing this, but I sure wish other ERs would take a look at this technique closely.' The UChicago team also endorsed proning, meaning lying in the face-down position, which automatically improves oxygenation and helps alleviate shortness of breath. Yet despite these early indications that mechanical ventilation was as unnecessary as it was disastrous, placing COVID patients on life support is standard of care to this day, more than three years later. How could that be? How China and the WHO Created Ventilator Hysteria In a Sept. 30, 2020, Substack article,8 journalist Jordan Schachtel described how China and the WHO came up with and nurtured the idea that mechanical ventilation was the correct and necessary first-line response to COVID: In early March, when COVID-19 was ravaging western Europe and sounding alarm bells in the United States, the WHO released COVID-19 provider guidance9 documents to health care workers. Citing experience based on current knowledge of the situation in China, the WHO recommended mechanical ventilators as an early intervention for treating COVID-19 patients. The guidance recommended10 escalating quickly, if not immediately, to mechanical ventilation. In doing so, they cited the guidance being presented by Chinese medical journals, which published papers in January and February [2020] claiming that Chinese expert consensus called for invasive mechanical ventilation as the first choice for people with moderate to severe respiratory distress. The WHO further justified this approach by claiming that the less invasive positive air pressure machines could result in the spread of aerosols, potentially infecting health care workers with the virus. That last paragraph is perhaps the most shocking reason why millions of COVID patients were sacrificed. They wanted to isolate the virus inside the mechanical vent machine rather than risk aerosol transmission. In other words, they put patients to death in order to save staff and other, presumably non-COVID, patients. If you missed this news back in 2020, youre not alone. In the flurry of daily reporting, it escaped many of us. Heres the description given in the WHOs guidance document. Strangely enough, while the United States quickly began clamoring for ventilators, China started relying on them less, and instead exported them in huge quantities. As noted by Schachtel, China was making a fortune off of manufacturing and exporting ventilators (many of which did not work correctly and even killed patients11) around the world. COVID Patients Effectively Euthanized That ventilation and sedation were used to protect hospital staff was also highlighted by The Wall Street Journal in a Dec. 20, 2020, article,12 which noted: Last spring, with less known about the disease, doctors often preemptively put patients on ventilators or gave powerful sedatives largely abandoned in recent years. The aim was to save the seriously ill and protect hospital staff from COVID-19 Last spring, doctors put patients on ventilators partly to limit contagion at a time when it was less clear how the virus spread, when protective masks and gowns were in short supply. Doctors could have employed other kinds of breathing support devices that dont require risky sedation, but early reports suggested patients using them could spray dangerous amounts of virus into the air, said Theodore Iwashyna, a critical care physician at University of Michigan and Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals in Ann Arbor, Michigan. At the time, he said, doctors and nurses feared the virus would spread through hospitals. We were intubating sick patients very early. Not for the patients benefit, but in order to control the epidemic and to save other patients, Dr. Iwashyna said. That felt awful.' As noted in a Jan. 23, 2023, Substack article,13 in which James Lyons-Weiler revisits the ventilator issue and the shocking reason behind it, euthanizing humans is illegal. Especially for the benefit of other patients. It should feel awful. The matter becomes even more perverse when you consider the fact that many COVID cases were patients who merely tested positive using faulty PCR testing. They didnt have COVID but were vented anyway, thanks to the baseless theory that you could have COVID-19 and be infectious without symptoms. Hospitals also received massive incentives to diagnose patients with COVIDwhether they actually had it or notand to put them on a vent. Frontline Nurse Blew the Whistle on Vent Misuse Some of you may remember Erin Olszewski, a retired Army sergeant and frontline nurse who blew the whistle on the horrific mistreatment of COVID patients at Elmhurst Hospital Center in Queens, New York, which was the epicenter of the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. She described14 a number of problems at Elmhurst, including the disproportionate mortality rate among people of color, the controversial rule surrounding Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders, lax personal protective equipment (PPE) standards, and the failure to segregate COVID-positive and COVID-negative patients, thereby ensuring the maximum spread of the disease among noninfected patients coming in with other health problems. Olszewski also highlighted the fact that COVID-negative patients were being listed as confirmed positive and placed on mechanical ventilation, thus artificially inflating the numbers while more or less condemning the patient to die from lung injury. Making matters worse, many of the doctors treating these patients were not trained in critical care. One of the doctors on the COVID floor was a dentist. Residents (medical students) were also relied on, even though they were not properly trained in how to safely ventilate, and were unfamiliar with the potent drugs used. At the time, Olszewski blamed financial incentives for turning the hospital into a killing field. Elmhurst, a public hospital, received $29,000 extra for a COVID-19 patient receiving ventilation, over and above other treatments, she said. If Elmhurst had infection control in mind when ventilating patients, they certainly didnt follow through, as COVID-positive and negative patients were comingleda strategy Olszewski suspected was intended to drive up the COVID case and mortality numbers. Treatment for Profit? Others have also highlighted the role of financial incentives. In early April 2020, Minnesota family physician and state Sen. Scott Jensen explained,15 Medicare has determined that if you have a COVID-19 admission to the hospital, youll get paid $13,000. If that COVID-19 patient goes on a ventilator, you get $39,000three times as much. Former CDC director Robert Redfield also admitted that financial policies may indeed have resulted in artificially elevated hospitalization rates and death toll statistics. As reported on Aug. 1, 2020, by the Washington Examiner:16 Redfield agreed that some hospitals have a monetary incentive to overcount coronavirus deaths I think youre correct in that weve seen this in other disease processes, too. Really, in the HIV epidemic, somebody may have a heart attack but also have HIV; the hospital would prefer the [classification] for HIV because theres greater reimbursement, Redfield said17 during a House panel hearing when asked by Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer about potential perverse incentives. Redfield continued: So, I do think theres some reality to that ' In addition to receiving exorbitant payments for COVID admissions and putting patients on a ventilator, hospitals are also paid extra for:18 COVID testing for all patients COVID diagnoses Use of remdesivir COVID deaths When everything is said and done, a COVID patient can be worth as much as $250,000, but for the maximum payment, they have to leave in a body bag. If we know anything, its that profit motives can make people commit atrocious acts, and that certainly appears true when it comes to COVID treatment. In the United States, hospitals also LOST federal funding if they failed or refused to administer remdesivir and/or ventilation, which further incentivized them to go along with what amounts to malpractice at best, and murder at worst. We need harsh, hard investigations with consequencesand activists need to write bills tying the hands of protocolists to prevent them from ever again killing one patient to hypothetically save anotherunder threat of a murder charge. James Lyons-Weiler Patient Rights Have Evaporated Theres also evidence that certain hospital systems, and perhaps all of them, have waived patients rights, making anyone diagnosed with COVID a virtual prisoner of the hospital, with no ability to exercise informed consent. As noted by Citizens Journal in December 2021:19 We now see government-dictated medical care at its worst in our history since the federal government mandated these ineffective and dangerous treatments for COVID-19, and then created financial incentives for hospitals and doctors to use only those approved (and paid for) approaches. Our formerly trusted medical community of hospitals and hospital-employed medical staff have effectively become bounty hunters for your life. Patients need to now take unprecedented steps to avoid going into the hospital for COVID-19. Patients need to take active steps to plan before getting sick to use early home-based treatment of COVID-19 that can help you save your life. There Must Be a Reckoning Theres no telling how many COVID patients have already lost their lives to this medical malpractice, and it must stop. Patient rights must be re-established and irrevocable; we need to hold decision-makers to account, and lastly, we have to somehow ensure that our hospitals cannot be turned into killing fields for profit ever again. As noted by Lyons-Weiler in his January 2023 article:20 We need harsh, hard investigations with consequencesand activists need to write bills tying the hands of protocolists to prevent them from ever again killing one patient to hypothetically save anotherunder threat of a murder charge. We need legislation for on-demand scripts for off-label medicines that patients want for potentially deadly infectionsregardless of FDA approval (FDA does not, by definition, have to approve off-label scripts. COVID Treatment Guidance While SARS-CoV-2 has become milder with each iteration, I still believe its a good idea to treat suspected COVID at first signs of symptomsespecially if youve gotten the COVID jab. COVID hospitalization and death are now pandemics of the vaccinated, to reuse and rephrase one of the globalist cabals favorite mantras. Perhaps its the common cold or regular influenza; maybe its the latest COVID variant. Either way, since theyre now virtually indistinguishable, at least in the early stages of infection, your best bet is to treat symptoms as you would treat earlier forms of COVID. Treatment for long COVID also overlaps with the protocols for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Early treatment protocols with demonstrated effectiveness include: Based on my review of these protocols, Ive developed the following summary of the treatment specifics I believe is the easiest and most effective. Four of the highest-ranking U.S. health officialsincluding Dr. Anthony Faucimet in secret to discuss whether or not naturally immune people should be exempt from getting COVID-19 vaccines, The Epoch Times has confirmed. The officials brought in four outside experts to discuss whether the protection gained after recovering from COVID-19known as natural immunityshould count as one or more vaccine doses. There was interest in several people in the administration in hearing basically the opinions of four immunologists in terms of what we thought about natural infection as contributing to protection against moderate to severe disease, and to what extent that should influence dosing, Dr. Paul Offit, one of the experts, told The Epoch Times. Offit and another expert took the position that naturally immune individuals need fewer doses. The other two experts argued that natural immunity shouldnt count as anything. The discussion didnt lead to a change in U.S. vaccination policy, which has never acknowledged post-infection protection. Fauci and the other U.S. officials who heard from the experts have repeatedly downplayed that protection, claiming that its inferior to vaccine-bestowed immunity. Most studies on the subject indicate the opposite. The meeting, held in October 2021, was briefly discussed on a podcast. The Epoch Times has independently confirmed that the meeting occurred, identified all of the participants, and uncovered other key details. Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, a professor of medicine at Stanford University who didnt participate in the meeting, criticized how such a consequential discussion took place behind closed doors with only a few people present. It was a really impactful decision that they made in private with a very small number of people involved. And they reached the wrong decision, Bhattacharya told The Epoch Times. An email obtained by The Epoch Times shows U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy contacting colleagues to arrange the meeting. (The Epoch Times) The Participants From the government: Fauci, the head of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the chief medical adviser to President Joe Biden until the end of 2022 Dr. Vivek Murthy, the U.S. surgeon general Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the head of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Dr. Francis Collins, head of the U.S. National Institutes of Health, which includes the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, until December 2021 Dr. Bechara Choucair, the White House vaccine coordinator until November 2021 From outside the government: Offit, director of the Vaccine Education Center at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia and an adviser to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on vaccines Dr. Michael Osterholm, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota and a former member of President Joe Bidens COVID-19 advisory board Akiko Iwasaki, professor of immunobiology and molecular, cellular, and developmental biology at Yale University Dr. Peter Hotez, co-director of Texas Childrens Hospital Center for Vaccine Development and dean of the Baylor College of Medicines School of Tropical Medicine Fauci and Murthy decided to hold the meeting, according to emails obtained by The Epoch Times. Would you be available tonight from 99:30 for a call with a few other scientific colleagues on infection-induced immunity? Tony and I just discussed and were hoping to do this sooner rather than later if possible, Murthy wrote in one missive to Fauci, Walensky, and Collins. All three quickly said they could make it. Walensky asked who would be there. Murthy listed the participants. I think you know all of them right? he wrote. Walensky said she knew all but one person. Sounds like a good crew, she wrote. From top left, clockwise: Dr. Vivek Murthy, Dr. Francis Collins, Dr. Anthony Fauci, and Dr. Rochelle Walensky. (Getty Images) Clear Benefit During the meeting, Offit put forth his positionthat natural immunity should count as two doses. At the time, the CDC recommended three shotsa two-dose primary series and a boosterfor many Americans 18 and older, soon expanding that advice to all adults, even though trials of the boosters only analyzed immunogenicity and efficacy among those without evidence of prior infection. Research indicated that natural immunity was long-lasting and superior to vaccination. On the other hand, the CDC published a paper in its quasi-journal that concluded vaccination was better. Osterholm sided with Offit, but thought that having recovered from COVID-19 should only count as a single dose. I added my voice at the meeting to count an infection as equivalent to a dose of vaccine! Ive always believed hybrid immunity likely provides the most protection, Osterholm told The Epoch Times via email. Hybrid immunity refers to getting a vaccine after recovering from COVID-19. Some papers have found that vaccination after recovery boosts antibodies, which are believed to be a correlate of protection. Other research has shown that those who have natural immunity have a higher risk of side effects than those who havent recovered from infection. Some experts believe the risk is worth the benefit, but others dont. Hotez and Iwasaki made the case that natural immunity shouldnt count as any doseas has been the case in virtually the entire United States since the COVID-19 vaccines were first rolled out. Iwasaki referred to a British preprint study, published in Nature soon after, that concluded, based on survey data, that the protection from the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines was heightened among people with evidence of prior infection. She also noted a study she worked on that found the naturally immune had higher antibody titers than the vaccinated, but that the vaccinated reached comparable levels of neutralization responses to the ancestral strain after the second vaccine dose. The researchers also discovered that T cellsthought to protect against severe illnesswere boosted by vaccination. Theres a clear benefit to boosting regardless of prior infection, Iwasaki, who has since received more than $2 million in grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), told participants after the meeting in an email obtained by The Epoch Times. Hotez received $789,000 in grants from the NIH in fiscal year 2020 and has received other grants totaling millions in previous years. Offit, who co-invented the rotavirus vaccine, received $3.5 million in NIH grants from 1985 through 2004. Hotez declined interview requests through a spokesperson. Iwasaki didnt respond to requests for comment. No participants represented experts such as Bhattacharya who hold that individuals with natural immunity generally dont need any doses at all. In an email obtained by The Epoch Times, Akiko Iwasaki wrote to other meeting participants shortly after the meeting ended. (The Epoch Times) Public Statements In public, Hotez repeatedly portrayed natural immunity as worse than vaccination, including citing the widely criticized CDC paper, which drew from just two months of testing in a single state. In an Oct. 29, 2021, Twitter post, he referred to another CDC study, which concluded that those with natural immunity were five times as likely to test positive compared to vaccinated people with no prior infection. Still more evidence, this time from @CDCMMWR showing that vaccine-induced immunity is way better than infection and recovery, what some call weirdly natural immunity. The antivaccine and far right groups go ballistic, but its the reality, Hotez wrote. That same day, the CDC issued a science brief that detailed the agencys position on natural immunity versus the protection from vaccines. The brief, which has never been updated, says that available evidence shows that both the vaccinated and naturally immune have a low risk of subsequent infection for at least 6 months but that the body of evidence for infection-induced immunity is more limited than that for vaccine-induced immunity. The agency said that evidence shows that vaccination after infection, or hybrid immunity, significantly enhances protection and further reduces risk of reinfection and is the foundation of the CDCs recommendations. Several months later, the CDC acknowledged that natural immunity was superior to vaccination against the Delta variant, which was displaced in late 2021 by Omicron. The agency, which has made misleading representations before on the evidence supporting vaccination of the naturally immune, didnt respond to a request for comment regarding whether the agency will ever update the brief. Iwasaki had initially been open to curbing the number of doses for the naturally immuneI think this supports the idea of just giving one dose to people who had COVID-19, she said in response to one Twitter post in early 2021 that is restricted from viewbut later came to argue that each person whos infected has a different immune response and that the natural immunity, even if strong initially, wanes over time. Osterholm has knocked people who claim that natural immunity is weak or nonexistent, but has also claimed that vaccine-bestowed immunity is better. He also changed the stance that hed taken in the meeting just several months later, saying in February 2022 that weve got to make three doses the actual standard while also trying to understand what kind of immunity we get from a previous infection. Offit has been the leading critic on the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee, which advises U.S. regulators on vaccines, over their authorizations of COVID-19 boosters. Offit has said boosters are unnecessary for the young and healthy because they dont add much to the primary series. He also criticized regulators for authorizing updated shots without consulting the committee and with absent clinical data. Two of the top U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officials resigned over the booster push. No FDA officials were listed on invitations to the secret meeting on natural immunity. Fauci, Walensky Downplay Natural Immunity Fauci and Walensky, two of the most visible U.S. health officials during the pandemic, have repeatedly downplayed natural immunity. Fauci, who said in an email in March 2020 that he assumed there would be substantial immunity post infection, would say later that natural immunity was real but that the durability was uncertain. He noted the studies finding higher antibody levels from hybrid immunity. In September 2021, months after claiming that vaccinated people can feel safe that they are not going to get infected, Fauci said that he didnt have a really firm answer on whether those with natural immunity should get vaccinated. It is conceivable that you got infected, youre protectedbut you may not be protected for an indefinite period of time, Fauci said on CNN when pressed on the issue. So I think that is something that we need to sit down and discuss seriously. After the meeting, Fauci would say that natural immunity and vaccine-bestowed immunity both wane and that people should get vaccinated, regardless of prior infection, to boost their protection. Walensky, before she became CDC director, signed a document called the John Snow Memorandum in response to the Great Barrington Declaration, which Bhattacharya co-authored. The declaration called for focused protection of the elderly and otherwise infirm, stating, The most compassionate approach that balances the risks and benefits of reaching herd immunity, is to allow those who are at minimal risk of death to live their lives normally to build up immunity to the virus through natural infection, while better protecting those who are at highest risk. The memorandum, in contrast, said there was no evidence for lasting protective immunity to SARS-CoV-2 following natural infection and supported the harsh lockdown measures that had been imposed in the United States and elsewhere. In March 2021, after becoming director, Walensky released recommendations that the naturally immune get vaccinated, noting that there was substantial durability of protection six months after infection but that rare cases of reinfection had been reported. Walensky hyped the CDC study on natural immunity in August 2021 and the second study in October 2021. But when the third paper came out concluding that natural immunity was superior, she didnt issue a statement. She later told a blog that the study found that natural immunity provided strong protection, perhaps even more so than those who had been vaccinated and not yet boosted. But, because the study came before Omicron, she said, its not entirely clear how that protection works in the context of Omicron and boosting. Walensky, Murthy, and Collins didnt respond to requests for interviews. Fauci, who stepped down from his positions in late 2022, couldnt be reached. Murthy and Collins also portrayed natural immunity as inferior. From the studies about natural immunity, we are seeing more and more data that tells us that while you get some protection from natural infection, its not nearly as strong as what you get from the vaccine, Murthy said on CNN about two months before the meeting. Collins, in a series of blog posts, highlighted the studies showing higher antibody levels after vaccination and urged people to get vaccinated. He also voiced support for vaccine mandates. Stanford University professor of medicine Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, a founding fellow of Hillsdale Colleges Academy for Science and Freedom, at the Hillsdale College Kirby Center in Washington on March 17, 2022. (Bao Qiu/The Epoch Times) Vaccine Guidance Not Altered Some other countries offered benefits to those with natural immunity. Just days after U.S. officials heard from the experts, Israel announced that people who presented serological proof of prior infection could get a green pass, which was required in the country to enter certain venues, for six months. Some European Union countries said the naturally immune only needed a single dose, instead of two, to receive a digital certificate, enabling free movement within the bloc. The UKs travel pass was available to people who tested positive for COVID-19 if the test was within the previous 180 days. But U.S. policy on vaccines, which has been the basis for vaccination mandates across sectors such as education and health care, wasnt altered at all in the wake of the meeting. I think its because the opinions were sort of generally diverse, so there wasnt a clear, unified message that came out of that, Offit told The Epoch Times, adding via email that there was generally a divide among participants about how to think about this, with no firm conclusions. Bhattacharya said that the discussion happened too late, asserting it was already clear in 2020 that natural immunity protected against both severe disease and reinfection. The fact that the head of the CDC and the surgeon general both seem to have ignored these basic scientific facts is a scandal, he said. And it resulted in countless Americans losing their jobs for nothing. In 2022, the CDC did say that people who recovered from COVID-19 could wait up to three months after infection to get vaccinated, stating that reinfection is less likely in the weeks to months after infection and that waiting might result in an improved immune response to vaccination. Over time, some other U.S. policies came to acknowledge natural immunity. Walensky in April 2022 (pdf), for instance, when ordering the end of a public health policy called Title 42, said that she was doing so because deaths and hospitalizations in the Omicron era were lower due, in part, to widespread population immunity. A connecting footnote stated, In addition to vaccine-induced immunity, studies have consistently shown that infection with SARS-CoV-2 lowers an individuals risk of subsequent infection and an even lower risk of hospitalization and death. SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes COVID-19. In August 2022, the CDC eased its COVID-19 guidelines, stating in part that persons who have had COVID-19 but are not vaccinated have some degree of protection against severe illness from their previous infection. And on Jan. 26, the FDA convened Offit and the other advisers on the vaccine advisory committee to consider various vaccine-related issues. Among them? Whether individuals with natural immunity should be advised to only get one shot, even if theyve never been vaccinated before. Lia Onely contributed to this report. A recent Cochrane review of mask use found that masks are not effective in reducing the spread of respiratory viruses. Cochrane reviews assess the highest-quality studies of medical literature on specific topics. The researchers who conducted the review, which assessed the effectiveness of masks and hand hygiene, said masks probably make little to no difference in how many people have confirmed flu. However, hand hygiene programs may reduce the number of people who catch a respiratory or flu-like illness. The researchers looked through large medical databases such as CENTRAL, PubMed, and Embase for well-controlled studies in which one intervention is compared to another, known as randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cluster RCTs, in which groups or clusters of individuals are randomized rather than individuals themselves. The study, published on Jan. 30, examined 78 RCTs and cluster RCTs published through October 2022. Six of the new studies were conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Physical measures such as screening at entry ports, quarantine, and social distancing to stop or slow the infection of acute respiratory viruses (ARVs) such as those causing influenza, SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome), and COVID-19 were also included in the review, but the authors were unable to find any high-quality studies to assess these interventions. The review is an update to a previous one published in November 2020. Medical or Surgical Masks Of the studies reviewed by the authors regarding masks, 10 took place in communities and two studies were among health care workers. Compared with wearing no mask in the community studies only, wearing a mask may make little to no difference in how many people caught a flu-like illness/COVID-like illness, the authors concluded. In addition, it probably makes little or no difference in how many people have flu/COVID confirmed by a laboratory test. Reports of unwanted effects resulting from mask use were rare and of poorly quality. Similar results were found in an RCT study from Guinea-Bissau published on Jan. 5 in The Lancet. The study, not yet peer-reviewed, was conducted between July 20, 2020, and Jan. 22, 2021, and included more than 39,000 participants. New Cochrane meta-analysis of RCTs shows masks dont work. New COVID mask RCT from Guinea Bissau shows masks dont work. Throw that onto the pile of old COVID/flu mask RCTs that show masks dont work. Its done. Move on, said Margery Smelkinson, an infectious diseases scientist at the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, on Twitter. She said in a Jan. 14 video attached to the post, Why are we focusing on these lower quality observational studies when we have these better, randomized controlled trials? There have been many RCTs on flu in health care workers, and theyve found that masks have no effect. So three years into the COVID-19 pandemic, Smelkinson asked, why do we continue to promote masking? N95 Respirators When comparing N95 respirators to medical or surgical masks, the authors noted that they were uncertain whether wearing masks or N95/P2 respirators helps to slow the spread of respiratory viruses, based on the studies they assessed. N95 refers to the U.S. testing requirements, and the P2 classification is in accordance with European testing requirements. The researchers reviewed four studies that were conducted on health care workers and one small study in the community. Wearing N95/P2 respirators probably made little to no difference in how many people were confirmed with flu, a flu-like illness, or a respiratory illness. Harms from wearing the masks were not well-reported in this case either. Evidence was limited by imprecision and heterogeneity for these subjective outcomes. The authors noted medical or surgical masks were non-inferior to N95 respirators, according to a recent study of 1,009 health care workers in four countries providing direct care to COVID-19 patients. There is no proof for the effectiveness of wearing masks to prevent infection with a respiratory virus in the community, Yoav Yehezkelli, a medical doctor and former lecturer in the Department of Emergency and Disaster Management at Tel Aviv University in Israel, told The Epoch Times. The review strongly supports the conclusion that he and his colleagues came to at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, he said. Yehezkelli was one of the founders of the Epidemic Management Team and Evaluation Programs for Extreme Biological Incidentsa professional body that advises the director general of the Israel Ministry of Health (MOH). In December, he co-authored a letter titled Masks for Prevention of Respiratory InfectionsIs It Evidence-Based Medicine? that was sent to the Israel Medical Association Journal, and which said that mask mandateswhich still remain in effect in medical facilities in Israelare not evidence-based. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to recommend masks in communities where the prevalence of COVID-19 remains high. According to Yehezkelli, there are studies that showed that masks had some effect, and some studies showed that there is no effect, but there is no proof that masks are effective. The findings regarding N95 were a bit surprising, Yehezkelli said, since in terms of biological logic, the N95 mask is supposed to have a better protective effect. Yehezkelli emphasized that in his professional opinion, during an encounter between a doctor and a patient who is suspected of having or who has COVID-19 or another respiratory disease, there is value in masks and even more so in the N95 mask, but the studies simply did not examine this specific situation. Hand Hygiene Another noteworthy finding in the review, according to Yehezkelli, is that hand-washing does reduce infection from respiratory diseases, to a moderate extent. The review found that interventions such as hand-washing and using hand sanitizer may reduce the number of people who catch a respiratory or flulike illness, or have confirmed flu. Comparing hand hygiene interventions with controls (i.e. no intervention), there was a 14% relative reduction in the number of people with ARIs in the hand hygiene group, it states. This probable benefit would result in a reduction from 380 events per 1,000 people to 327 per 1,000 people in absolute terms, the authors said. Yet this effect was not statistically significant with more strictly defined outcomes of influenza-like illness and laboratory-confirmed influenza, suggesting that the intervention made little or no difference. There were only a few studies that examined unwanted effects. They mentioned skin irritation as a result of using hand sanitizer. High Risk for Bias The researchers note that it was hard to draw clear conclusions due to high risk for bias in the assessed studies, variation in measurements of the outcome, and low adherence with the interventions during the trials. The studies were done in different countries and in different settings, during nonepidemic influenza periods, epidemic influenza seasons up to 2016, the global H1N1 influenza pandemic in 2009, and the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, there were a few additional RCTs during the pandemic related to physical interventions, but none of them dealt with the issue of mask quality and adherence to wearing masks properly, which are both important for evaluating effectiveness. The authors noted that their confidence in the results was low to moderate regarding the subjective outcomes related to respiratory illness, and confidence in the results was moderate for the more accurately defined laboratory-confirmed respiratory virus infection, related to masks and N95/P2 respirators. This highlights the fact that in public health policy, one cannot enforce on the population measures that are not scientifically proven, Yehezkelli said. It is actually very unfortunate that the publicnot only in Israel but also in the worldwas forced for a very long time to wear masks, he said. It is a bit sad that especially professional bodies such as medical bodies supported such a policy even though it was clear from the beginning that it is not useful. Hopes Music Body Could Take Fans From Beyonce to Briggs A headset is seen in front of a screen projection of Spotify logo, on April 1, 2018. (Dado Ruvic/Reuters) Less Beyonce, more Adam Briggs. Less SZA, more Sampa the Great. How to make the music streaming giants play more Australian songs? The new industry body Music Australia should have the answers, according to the boss of the Australia Council, soon to be renamed Creative Australia. This whole notion of discoverability is such a big issue for the contemporary music industry, CEO Adrian Collette told AAP. The national cultural policy, announced on Monday, included $69.4 million to establish Music Australia, with the aim of growing the local industry. The policy also set a deadline to impose local content quotas on video streaming giants and Arts Minister Tony Burke has suggested services such as Spotify and Apple Music could face measures to increase their Australian content too. Getting inside those algorithms and getting a better deal for Australian music will make a huge difference for Australian artists, he said at the National Press Club on Wednesday. The cultural policy does not deal with music streaming directly and there is so far no suggestion music fans might find a quota of Aussie tunes in their earbuds. Burke said his personal experience of music streaming was that algorithms favoured United States artists. Play an Australian album on one of those and have the feature on that it keeps choosing music for you after and by the third or fourth song, if you havent gone to North America in the choices its taken you to, then youre getting a different experience to what I get, he said. Adrian Collette admitted he didnt know how to stop Australian musicians from being disadvantaged by streaming algorithms but said Music Australia, once established, should have the answers. Music licensing body APRA AMCOS says it wants to work with the government on discoverability across various platforms, with the aim of Australia becoming a music exporter. House Advances Bill Demanding Federal Workers Return to Undermanned Offices 'SHOW UP Act' requires agencies revert to 2019 telework staffing levels within 30 days and analyze efficacy of remote workers About half the nations 2.1 million civilian federal employees are working routinely or situationally in remote capacities, more than double the number of teleworkers before pandemic, which House Republicans say has fostered long waits and inadequate services at federal agencies across the country, such as at this Social Security Administration office in downtown Los Angeles. (FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images) Less than a quarter of United States federal employees worked remotely to varying degrees in 2019, with about three percent doing so full-time. During the height of the pandemic in late 2020, the percentage of federal remote workers tripled to as much as 75 percent. Three years later, however, even with the COVID-19 emergency long-subsided, nearly half the 2.1 million civilians employed by federal agencies are still working remotely, mostly from home. Congressional Republicans, citing a litany of complaints from constituents about long waits for responses and poor services, say it is time for federal workers to man offices at pre-pandemic staffing levels and to assess the impacts of telework policies on agency performance. The GOP-controlled House on Feb. 1 advanced The Stopping Home Office Works Unproductive Problems ActThe SHOW UP Actin a partisan voice vote after an hour-long debate over Democrat objections that the bill demonized federal workers for Congresss failure to fund needed upgrades in technology and manpower. The bill, which was dispatched directly to the chamber floor by the Rules Committee following a Jan. 30 hearing without committee vetting, is largely symbolic since it is unlikely to be adopted as written by the Democrat-majority Senate. The SHOW-UP Act requires agencies to return to 2019 staffing levels, when approximately 22 percent of federal employees worked routinely or situationally out of the office, within 30 days of the bills adoption. The bill would also require federal agencies to study if telework improves the delivery of services, reduces costs, ensures security, and better disperses the federal workforce across the country. Proponents: Telework Emptied Federal Offices House Oversight Committee Chair Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.) maintains his SHOW UP Act does not prevent federal agencies from allowing staff to telework, but requires they must first ensure constituent services are either sustained or improved. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) House Oversight Committee Chair Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.), who sponsored the measure, said The SHOW-UP Act would prevent the Biden administration locking in telework capacity at current levels, noting that 47 percent of federal workers currently report they are working routinely or situationally away from their offices. The federal workforce needs to get back to work, he said. Federal agencies are falling short on their duties. They are failing the American people. Comer and a parade of GOP proponents said that constituents are frustrated by slow, inadequate responses from federal agencies, including from the IRS, the Veterans Administration, the Social Security Administration, the Agriculture Departments Farmers Service Agency, and the Interior Departments Bureau of Land Management. They cited 12.4 million 2021 income tax returns that the IRS has still not processed, a backlog of 97,000 healthcare eligibility applications filed with the Veterans Administration, 1 million claims festering unresolved with the Social Security Administration, and months-long waits for passports, among other service shortfalls they said were being made worse by inadequate in-person staffing. Veterans are waiting for months to get medical records from the national archives because the archives staff is not at the archive but at home, Comer said. This is unacceptable and it should be downright embarrassing for federal agencies. He said the Biden administration has showered the already privileged federal bureaucracy with perks and pay raises all while working at home and is pushing for an expanded telework policynot to help constituents but to recruit new employees to the federal workforce. The pandemic is over, Rep. Byron Donald (R-Fla.) said. It is time for federal employees to go back to the office. Donald said the president must submit an annual budget next week, but Biden is telling everybody he needs another month. I wonder if thats because some of the budget staff are not in the office. This is simple stuff, he continued. Most of the American people have gone back to work. All we are saying is lets go back to pre-pandemic protocols. (Current telework staffing levels) is not working for the American people. Returning to 2019 staffing levels will help all the American people and, frankly, help the president get his budget in on time, Donald said. Comer said the bill does not end telework, nor does it preclude some agencies from expanding levels beyond 2019 telework staffing, but they must prove that it would improve services and be cost-effective. Washington, DC, Mayor Muriel Bowser speaks at a news conference at the John Wilson Building in Washington, D.C., on March 14, 2022. (Alex Wong/Getty Images) Even progressive Washington Mayor Muriel Bowsera frequent critic of GOP policiesagrees, he said, noting how the mayor in her Jan. 2 inauguration speech called on the administration to suspend its telework policy or turn over federal buildings to the city for public housing. More than 365,000 federal workers16 percent of the governments entire workforceoccupy office space in Washington. With as many as 200,000 now working from home at least some of the time, up to a third of the citys office space is now either empty or undermanned during workdays, leaving local businesses with fewer customers and constituents frustrated with slow responses and poor services. If we are not going to occupy these buildings, we need to do something with them. They are very expensive to maintain, Comer said. Opponents: Telework is Effective, Cost-Efficient Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) maintains the one-size-fits-all, cookie-cutter SHOW UP Act will force federal agencies to shelve plans to lease less office space if they must restore 2019 in-person staffing levels, costing taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars a year. (Senate Television via AP) Indeed, agreed House Oversight Committee ranking member Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) who said the federal governments embrace of telework is in line with the private sector, increases worker efficiency, agency productivity, and could save taxpayers money by reducing the office space needed to house federal workers. The bill is an assault on all the progress we have made in the last few years in federal policy regarding the cost-savings in remote work, claiming, Telework has improved efficiency, reduced traffic congestion, made positive environmental changes, he said. Raskin said if the bill restores 2019 telework staffing levels with 30 days, the Federal Communications Commission would have to scrap a plan to reduce office leases by $119 million a year, and the U.S. Trademark Office would have to set aside $12.5 million in savings from needing less office space. Spearheading the opposition, Raskin also called the SHOW-UP Act a misnomer. People already are working. They dont need to go back to work. The SHOW-UP Act would be costing taxpayers more rather than saving money with a one-size-fits-all, cookie-cutter mandate to uniformly revert to pre-pandemic protocols, he said. Are we willing to say we hate telework so much that we are going to force the taxpayers to pay more money for expensive office space? So we can tell workers who are already at work to get back to work? Raskin asked, calling the bill an attempt to demonize technology. I dont take this as serious legislation. He and other Democrats noted with irony that proponents cited slow response times and backlogged returns at the IRS, but balked at the Biden administrations $80 billion plan to upgrade IRSs technology and to hire 5,000 people over the next decade, which would really only supplant those who are retiring or otherwise leaving federal service. Most IRS agents man phones to field questions from constituents. The telephone still works at home. That doesnt make sense to me. Responding to [constituents] phone calls can be done from anywhere, Raskin said, adding that understaffing and obsolete technology are surely a far more likely culprit than whatever telework policies are in effect at the IRS. Democrats said the bill should have gone through the committee process so agency representatives and the federal Office of Personnel Management (OPM) could have testified about their telework policies and what is working and what is not. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) said agency chiefs and other officials can put their thoughts into the report theyll be required to file under the bill assessing their telework policies. Otherwise, he said, theres no need to belabor the issue. This bill just says to show up. It should have been done a long time ago. I am glad we are finally getting this bill to the floor, he said. The bill presents a simple premise, Comer concluded. Do you put constituents first or federal workers first? FORT RUCKER The U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence welcomed more than 200 current and legacy Army aviation leaders to Fort Rucker to hear from senior leaders and foster discussion about Aviation warfighting issues at the Aviation Senior Leader Forum Jan. 24-26. With its central theme, The 40th Anniversary of the Aviation Branch: Honoring the Past and Transforming for the Future, the event included three days of guest speakers, panel and breakout sessions focused on current and future operations, training and leader development. Event host Maj. Gen. Michael C. McCurry, USAACE and Fort Rucker commanding general, welcomed attendees, and recognized the Vietnam veterans in the audience, noting the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Paris Peace Accords that ended the Vietnam War Jan. 27. Army Aviation, known for its sacred trust with commanders and soldiers on the ground, became its own branch and a separate combat arm forty years ago, he said. McCurry encouraged current leaders to seek out and dialogue with former branch chiefs and aviation general officers in the room. History doesnt repeat itself, but it rhymes, he said. When I talk with people like (retired Maj. Gen.) Lou Hennies over here about some of the things were watching coming off a 20-year conflict, largely counterinsurgency based, and transitioning back into Large Scale Combat Operations, and trying to kind of re-imagine the force, there are some similar challenges. The biggest thing you have to do this week is interact, McCurry said. We stand on the shoulders of giants, and some of them are right here this week. You cant let this opportunity pass. The Aviation branch chief said he feels invested in aviation as an Army aviator himself, both as the son and son-in-law of Army aviators, and as the father of an Army aviator, armor officer, and a paratrooper. McCurry said Aviations bottom line is it increases the lethality and survivability of the whole combined arms team, and its core competencies include see, strike, move, and extend. Aviation must be able to find and strike the enemy; move people, supplies, casualties; and find ways to extend mission command. As we look at creating temporary bubbles of dominance out there on the battlefield, were now looking at different opportunities to extend our network into denied areas, he said. McCurry pointed out significant milestones in aviation history, noting that approximately every 40 years aviation undergoes significant transformation. How we get to the next evolution of human-machine interface and teaming will be critical, he said. McCurry described a 2022 update to Army Field Manual 3-0: Operations, as exceedingly favorable to Army aviation. The multi-domain operational doctrine of the future foresees the capability to dominate a domain from somewhere else, and Army aviation operates effectively in that lower tier of the air domain at the nexus of land, air and maritime, he said. We do have the ability to be decisive in that space, he said. McCurry said Fort Rucker now has unit training evaluators that can take on some of the tasks that previously required an instructor pilot to evaluate, to free up the IPs to focus more on tactics, he said. The Aviation Center is also starting up an Aviation Tactics Instructor course to focus on tactical employment of the systems, he said. McCurry discussed the Aviation branch priorities of placing people first, conducting training focused on Large Scale Combat Operations and ongoing modernization efforts. McCurry said he is focused on the warfighting culture. I believe that cohesion can be learned, he said. If youve been a part of a really tight unit, you know it, and its a lot easier to recreate that somewhere else because you know how to do it. If youve never been a part of a cohesive unit, or you were part of a fractured unit and thats all you know, its very hard to gain cohesion. McCurry shared examples of Aviation heroes from the past, including Medal of Honor recipients. Gen. Daniel R. Hokanson, Chief of the National Guard Bureau, provided an overview of the National Guard. In recent decades, the Guard transitioned from weekend warriors into an operational force, he said. (Sept. 11, 2001) really marked the end of the time when the National Guard was a strategic reserve, he said. The Army Guard has aviation capabilities in all 50 states, three territories and Washington, D.C. Lt. Gen. Milford H. Beagle, Jr., U.S. Army Combined Arms Center and Fort Leavenworth commanding general, shared some of his leader observations in his update from the Combined Arms Center. Combat aviation brigades and DIVARTYs will be the decisive formations in Large Scale Combat Operations, Beagle said. He called for a deeper understanding of the threat, and encouraged the force to take advantage of doctrine resources such as the FM 3-0 audio book. Lt. Gen. John R. Evans, Jr., commander of U.S. Army North (Fifth Army) and senior commander of Fort Sam Houston and Camp Bullis, said the advantage the U.S. enjoyed in the past in its ability to have equipment and technology that far exceeded near-peer adversaries has now diminished. We still own primacy with regards to leadership, he said. This involves being a force with will, having a professional noncommissioned officer corps, and people who volunteer and possess the desire to defend the nation. Evans said potential future threats to the homeland include in the cyber domain and information space. He expects any future attack on the homeland to be disguised as something else. Were going to be at the greatest threat level in the homeland that weve ever faced in the last 120 years, he said. Command Sgt. Maj. James D. Wilson, aviation branch command sergeant major, provided an enlisted update, highlighting the Aviation Maintenance Training Program which helps ensure Aviation maintainer proficiency. Commanders, youve got to make the AMTP a priority, he said. This is foundational for us to transform the branch and prepare us for the future. The events guest speakers represented the Department of the Army, National Guard Bureau, Army Futures Command, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, U.S. Army Combined Arms Center, U.S. Army North (Fifth Army), 18th Airborne Corps, U.S. Army Human Resources Command, U.S. Army Forces Command, 25th Infantry Division and the U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center. Leaders from around the Army Aviation enterprise represented Army active, Guard and Reserve components, and included the Future Vertical Lift Cross Functional Team, U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Program Executive Office-Aviation, Director of Army Aviation at the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff G-3/5/7, U.S. Army Special Operations Aviation Command, U.S. Army Reserve Aviation Command, as well as combat aviation brigade and combat training center leaders. The USAACE also provided updates from the Aviation branch command chief warrant officer, Directorate of Evaluation and Standardization, and Directorate of Training and Doctrine. House Approves Resolution to Remove Rep. Ilhan Omar From Foreign Affairs Committee House Republicans on Feb. 2 approved a resolution that would remove Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) from the chambers Foreign Affairs Committee. The resolution passed along party lines, with 218 Republicans voting to remove Omar and 211 Democrats voting against the resolution. One lawmaker voted present, while three Republicans and one Democrat didnt vote. Despite some pushback from GOP critics of the move, the measure easily overcame a procedural hurdle to begin debate in a 218209 vote along party lines on Feb. 1. However, because Democrats havent yet released their list of appointees for the committee, no further action can happen yet on the resolution. Omar has indicated that she expects to be one of her partys appointees to the committee. Omar has on several occasions come under fire for negative comments about Israel, which critics have described as anti-Semitic. Because of the comments, Republicans have long expressed sharp opposition to placing Omar on the Foreign Affairs Committee. Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) has for some time indicated that he wouldnt allow Omar to serve on the committee. Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) delivers a speech after he was elected on the 15th ballot at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, on Jan. 7, 2023 (Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images) During a GOP leadership press conference on Jan. 31, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) announced that Republicans would remove Omar if she were appointed to the committee. Weve all seen the quotes and things that she said over and over and over again, as a member of Congress, that would create major problems if she were on the Foreign Affairs Committee, Scalise said. So we wouldif [Democrats appointed her to the Foreign Affairs Committee], which they havent yet, but if they didthen, we would have to remove her as well. Omar told reporters on Jan. 31 that shes in good standing with members of the panel. During a speech on the House floor, freshman Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) defended his partys measure. [Omar] is being held accountable for her words and her actions, he said. Revenge Resolution Democrats responded to the resolution with a series of charges. Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), who leads the Congressional Progressive Caucus, simply called the bill a revenge resolution. Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) called it a distraction from Republicans total inability to govern. At least one Democrat, Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wis.) claimed that Republicans were targeting Omar out of sheer bigotry. Being a smart outspoken black woman of the Muslim faith is apparently the issue, Pocan claimed. Omar echoed that, calling herself a Muslim woman from Africa. Is anyone surprised that Im being targeted? she added. I am an American, Omar said. I am an American who was sent here by my constituents to represent them in Congress. Used Against Republicans During the 117th Congress, Democrats used the same process being prepared against Omar to remove Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) and Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.) from all of their committee assignments. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) smiles at Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.) during a news conference at the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, on Dec. 7, 2021. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) Near the start of the 117th Congress, the then-Democrat majority stripped Greene of all her committee assignments. Democrats cited comments the newly elected Georgia Republican had made about the Jan. 6 Capitol breachcomments that she had apologized for and disavowed prior to being sworn in as a lawmaker. Gosar was removed after he posted a video to social media that Democrats claimed threatened violence. These instances, Scalise suggested during the Jan. 31 press conference, are at the forefront of Republicans minds as they prepare to object to Omar. Weve been talking to our members and pointing out a lot of issues because you know, if you look at what we were very concerned about last Congress Democrats removing Marjorie Taylor Greene and Paul Gosar from all of their committees, he said. In comments to reporters ahead of the vote, Omar insisted that the cases werent the same. They [Greene and Gosar] threatened the lives of their colleagues. They posed danger to folks that they could serve on committees with, to the actual institution they were sworn to protect, she said. In comments on the House floor on Feb. 2, Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) agreed. [Greene and Gosar] were not removed for their speech, Hoyer said. They were removed because they made threats against other members [of Congress]. There is no equivalency here, he added. We believe in free speech, no matter how hateful that speech is. Rep. Ayanna Presley (D-Mass.), a longtime ally of the embattled Minnesota Democrat, added in a House floor speech that Ilhan Omar is right where she belongs on the foreign affairs committee. Republican Critics Call Foul Several Republicans had been critical of the move to strip Omar of her assignments. Before the vote, Omar said that several Republicans had privately told her that they opposed the effort to remove her, reporting that those Republicans had called it unjust. They are trying to do whatever it is that they can within their conference to make sure there is no vote to remove me from the Foreign Affairs Committee, Omar said. Rep. Victoria Spartz (R-Ind.) has been one of the most outspoken GOP critics of the move, which she called a charade. Two wrongs dont make a right, Spartz said in a statement. Speaker Pelosi took unprecedented actions last Congress to remove Reps. Greene and Gosar from their committees without proper due process. Speaker McCarthy is taking unprecedented actions this Congress to deny some committee assignments to the minority without proper due process again. In a separate statement, delivered on the House floor, she argued much the same. As someone who grew up under dictatorship in the Soviet Union, I cherish these freedoms tremendously and understand how hard is to get them back when you lose them. Therefore, regardless of politics, I will vigorously defend our Constitution and our rights, Spartz said. We are not a kangaroo court and have proper committees, like Ethics or Judiciary, to provide proper due processes to all individuals or we can lose credibility with the American people. I adamantly argued for proper due processes last Congress as a member of the Judiciary Committee, so I am not planning to become a hypocrite now. Spartz wasnt the only critic. Rep. David Joyce (R-Ohio) told The Washington Post last week that he thinks the committee assignments should be left to the confines of each party to figure out. He added that Democrats use of the process against Greene and Gosar during the last Congress creates this retaliatory issue for our conference. Thus, ahead of the vote, it remained unclear if McCarthywho can only spare four defectors with his narrow majoritywould have the votes to fulfill his longtime promise that he would remove Omar. Rule of Law While Spartz was ultimately brought around to supporting the move, she demanded a rule change allowing a removed committee member to appeal the removal. Spartz explained to NTD: If we believe in the rule of law and due process, we need to have an ability, at least in some way, to challenge leadership and leadership decisions, or majority decisions, because we dont want to be a tyranny of the majority. The Indiana Republican told NTD that McCarthy agreed to her demand. She said in a separate statement, I appreciate Speaker McCarthys willingness to address legitimate concerns and add due process language to our resolution. Deliberation and debate are vital for our institution, not top-down approaches. The rule of law, freedom of speech, and due process are fundamental to our Constitutional Republic. Our founding fathers understood that pure democracy is dangerous and can lead to the tyranny of the majority, mob rule, and dictatorship. Spartz described the appeal process as conservative and a means to ensure that the speaker or the bare majority doesnt have the final say on these issues. As to my fellow conservatives, I think setting a precedent of allowing an appeal process for the Speakers and majority-party removal decisions is particularly important to freedom-loving legislators who usually are on the receiving end of issues like this. This Is Not the Same: Scalise During the Jan. 31 GOP leadership press conference, Scalise argued that removing Omar is not the same [as what happened to Greene and Gosar] in a number of regards. Number one, they went after Marjorie Taylor Greene for things that she had said before she was a member of Congress, that she denounced before she was a member of Congress. It was very personal when they removed her from every committee, Scalise added. Republicans, Scalise emphasized, dont intend to go as far as Democrats did by removing certain members from all their committees. Even if Omar were to be removed from the Foreign Affairs Committee, she will be allowed to serve on other committees. So a lot of big differences, Scalise said. If Omar is concerned about being removed, probably be good if you would ask her why she voted to remove Marjorie Taylor Greene and Gosar from their committees, because she did vote to do that. Schiff and Swalwell Omar isnt the only Democrat whose committee assignments are up in the air. Republicans have also said theyll refuse to grant Reps. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) seats on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. On Feb. 1, Omar told reporters that she opposed barring Schiff and Swalwell from any committee. Unless McCarthy can say how myself, Adam Schiff, and Eric Swalwell are a danger to the institution, our colleagues, then hes not following the example that was set by Speaker Pelosi, Omar said. Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) looks on during a hearing of the U.S. House Select Committee on the Jan. 6 Capitol breach on Capitol Hill in Washington on June 16, 2022. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images) Notably, during the 117th Congress, then-Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) took the unprecedented step of refusing then-House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthys picks for the Jan. 6 Select Committee. McCarthy had selected Rep. Jim Banks (R-Ind.) for the top spot on the Jan. 6 committee and Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) to serve under him. Pelosi rejected the picks, claiming that theyd hurt the integrity of the investigation, and instead appointed now-former Reps. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) and Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.) on the GOP side. The Intelligence Committee, in contrast to most House panels, is permitted to access information about classified intelligence, which most other members of Congress arent allowed to see. Thus, McCarthy has indicated that he considers the Intelligence Committee qualitatively different from any other House commission. Its for this reason that McCarthy has said he wont allow either Schiff, a former committee chairman, or Swalwell onto the committee, citing significant ethics concerns for each. Schiff has, on a handful of occasions and particularly during his time on the now-defunct House Jan. 6 panel, doctored or tampered with evidence. The most-notable instance occurred in December 2021, when Schiff presented misleadingly-edited screen caps of a text conversation between Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) and former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows. During a speech on the House floor on Feb. 2, Schiff expressed opposition to the resolution against Omar, saying that while Greene and Gosar had been removed from their committees for inciting violence against members of Congress. There is nothing like that at issue here, Schiff said. Swalwell would pose national security concerns if he were permitted on the committee due to his well-documented past relationship with a Chinese spy, McCarthy has said. Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) speaks during a press conference at his campaign headquarters in Dublin, Calif., on July 8, 2019. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) Speaker McCarthy has made clear where we are, whether its for Adam Schiff and Swalwell on Intelligence, as well as Omar for Foreign Affairs, Scalise said on Jan. 31. Because Omar hasnt been officially appointed to the committee, no action on the resolution can occur. NTD reporter Melina Wisecup contributed to this report. House Republicans, Democrats Weigh In on Mayorkas Impeachment, Biden Border Policies Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas prepares to testify before the House Homeland Security Committee on Capitol Hill on Nov. 15, 2022. (Chip Somodevilla/ Getty Images) The Biden administrations handling of border security was the subject of the Republican-led House Judiciary Committees first hearing on Feb. 1, with several committee members following the hearing by discussing the possible impeachment of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas for what they say is a failure to take necessary actions to secure the border. Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-N.J.) told NTD, a sister media outlet to The Epoch Times, that he would favor impeaching Mayorkas, although he noted the committees majority hasnt yet reached a decision on the matter. I think you should always investigate and do due diligence and be very careful, and again, the committee is not calling for it, said Van Drew, who switched to the Republican Party from the Democratic Party after opposing the 2020 impeachment of then-President Donald Trump. Van Drew raised specific allegations that Mayorkas had lied about the level of control his department had over the border with Mexico. [Mayorkas] says theres absolutely no problem with the border. Theres no people being released. I mean, just the things that are completely nonfactual over and over again, Van Drew said. Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), another committee member, focused his criticism on Mayorkass border security policies and the secretarys claims that the border is secure. He took away policies that were working, Biggs told NTD. The border numbers were significantly lower under the previous administration. Hes blown all those policies up. So then that takes us to the numbers. He has said that the border is closed; its not closed. Biggs said the regular border security statistics kept by DHS belie Mayorkass own claims about having secured the border. The numbers that were talking about, almost 5 million people between the ports of entry illegally coming, thats pretty real, Biggs said. The 1.5 million known got-aways, plus unknown got-aways; the amount of drugs and fentanyl, you still only apprehending and interdicting about 10 percent, according to their estimate, but you have more than ever. Youve got more terrorists coming in, you got more criminal gang members. Biggs asserts that the situation at the U.S. border isnt an accident or a matter of negligence, but a feature of the system that [Mayorkas has] put in place. For months, Republicans have raised the prospect of impeaching Mayorkas, after he and other members of the Biden administration rolled back Trump-era immigration restrictions. In January, Rep. Pat Fallon (R-Texas) introduced a resolution to begin the impeachment process. In the first impeachment article, Fallon argued that Mayorkas had illegally implemented catch-and-release directives and, through his leadership, recklessly released more than 1 million illegal immigrants into the United States. Fallon brought an additional impeachment charge, alleging that Mayorkas had perjured himself when he told Congress, under oath, that DHS has maintained operational control over the security of the U.S. border. In a third impeachment charge, Fallon accused Mayorkas of having slandered U.S. Border Patrol agents with his comments about allegations they had whipped illegal immigrants who attempted to cross the border. Biggs filed a new article of impeachment against Mayorkas on Feb. 1. Democrats Defend White Houses Border Efforts While Republicans have broadly criticized the Biden administrations efforts on the border, Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee accused Republicans of playing politics. This whole nonsense about the open border, that the Biden administration is open border, its just not true, Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.), the top Democrat on the committee, told NTD. Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.) agreed. I think its pretty clearly, from what my colleagues across the aisle have said, this is to make a political point, not to actually examine the facts. Lofgren said she couldnt understand what the grounds for impeaching Mayorkas would be. While Republicans have generally pursued restrictions to slow the flow of illegal immigrants and illicit drugs across the southern border, Democratic lawmakers have called those proposals ineffective and said reforms should focus on changing the immigration process. We continue to build the border wall, we continue to invest [record] amounts of money on border security, and yet we still have an immigration challenge, said Rep. Lou Correa (D-Calif.). Correa said the last major immigration overhaul occurred in the 1980s under Republican President Ronald Reagan. In 1986, Reagan passed the Immigration Reform and Control Act, which imposed penalties for employers who knowingly hire undocumented immigrants and individuals who arent authorized to work in the United States. The same act also granted amnesty and a path to citizenship for millions of illegal immigrants who entered the United States prior to 1982. Since then, Correa said Congress has been unable to provide the types of reforms he favors. Immigration has always been a politicized, weaponized issue. The problem is we need solutions. We probably wont get them this cycle, Correa said. When asked if she would accept additional funding for border security in exchange for reforms to the U.S. asylum process, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) said: What weve seen for the last several years is that weve attempted to do that, and border security funding has ramped up over and over again. I think that we need a lot more than just the asylee process in exchange. A GOP Alternative to Impeachment While many members of the House Republican conference have indicated they would pursue impeaching Mayorkas, Rep. Ken Buck (R-Colo.) said the secretarys actions havent met the threshold for the procedure that could result in his removal from office. I dont think impeachment is appropriate because I dont think that he has committed to high crime or misdemeanor, Buck told NTD. Instead, Buck proposed that Republicans use an appropriations tool, known as the Holman Rule, to cut Mayorkass salary. I do think that the Holman rule applies in this case where he has failed to fulfill his duties, and we should be able to take out his salary and position as a result of his failure to complete his duties, Buck said. The Holman Rule is a specific appropriations rule in the House of Representatives that allows members to bring amendments to cut the salary of specified federal employees. From NTD News How Chinas Operating Rooms Became Execution Chambers A doctor realizes Falun Gong practitioners are murdered for their organs Living people are killed for their organs, Dr. Torsten Trey says. This is arguably the biggest violation of medical ethics in history. Sixteen years ago, the first whistleblowers emerged from China with a story that few could believe: The Chinese communist regime was killing Falun Gong practitioners for their organs. What have we learned about this horrible practice since that time? And is it continuing today? In a recent episode of American Thought Leaders, host Jan Jekielek spoke with Trey about these issues. Trey is co-founder and executive director of the nonprofit Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting, which has just released a special report, Forced Organ Harvesting From Living People in China. Jan Jekielek: In 2006, a small nonprofit began called Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting, and you were one of the co-founders. Before we go any further, please lay it out for our viewers: What is forced organ harvesting? Dr. Torsten Trey: Forced organ harvesting is the forceful extraction of organs used for transplantation. This bypasses the typical way of giving consent before you donate an organ. Living people are killed for their organs, and its happening on a large scale in China. This is arguably the biggest violation of medical ethics in history. Mr. Jekielek: Where did the idea to start this nonprofit come from? Dr. Trey: In 2006, I learned from The Epoch Times that witnesses from China were coming forward. In a hospital in Sujiatun, organs or tissues were being harvested from Falun Gong practitioners. Two months later, I saw that the vice president of the European Parliament, Edward McMillan-Scott, had followed that case, too. He went to China and met with two Falun Gong practitioners who told him theyd seen a friend who died in detention with holes in his body. That was another piece of evidence. Then, David Kilgour and David Matas conducted phone interviews with Chinese doctors saying theyd taken organs from Falun Gong practitioners. So in July 2006, I attended the World Transplant Congress in Boston, thinking maybe Id find some more hints. There, I talked to two doctors from China. One of them was from the Tianjin hospital. He said in 2005, theyd performed 2,000 liver transplantations, which was an astronomical number. And this was in just one hospital in Tianjin. Next, I talked to a doctor who was invited to China to open a transplant department. I asked, Where do all those organs come from? And he said, Theyre coming from Falun Gong practitioners. At that point, I decided there must be more investigation and awareness. Thats how the founding of Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting came about. Mr. Jekielek: Give us a broad picture of the evidence that now exists. Dr. Trey: Theres evidence related to the transplant numbers, where the organs come from, how theyre donated, and witnesses coming forth. Over time, we followed the number of transplants, and those numbers in China are just out of proportion. In 2020, for instance, Dr. Chen Jingyu wanted to perform a double lung transplant on a COVID patient, and within one day, they got the match and performed the transplant. This is unthinkable in the Western transplant environment. It seems like organs are coming on demand to facilitate transplants on demand. The wait time in China is usually between two days and 14 days, which is incredibly short. A team from South Korea with a hidden camera filmed a nurse who was accommodating patients from Korea. The nurse was saying, Yes, it usually takes two weeks to get a kidney, but if you pay $10,000 extra, you can get it within two days. This is unheard of, that because of an extra fee, you can accelerate the wait time to two days. Then, there are the donor numbers. For 18 months, we monitored a website where the numbers of organ donations were displayed. There was a gradual increase of registered organ donors, and then all of a sudden, at the end of 2015, within one day it increased by 25,000exactly 25,000. Its unheard of that all of a sudden there are exactly thousands of that many new registered donors. We saw this again the following year when 88,000 people were added to the so-called registered organ donor pool. You dont find this in other countries. If you take all of this together, then you have an overwhelming set of circumstantial evidence. Each piece itself might not be strong, but if you put everything together, theres enough evidence to conclude something is wrong. Mr. Jekielek: The China Tribunal comes to mind, which offered one of the most comprehensive bodies of evidence. I believe you testified there. What were the conclusions? Dr. Trey: The China Tribunal took about a year to review the different reports. They listened to 50 experts in two hearings. It was an objective, independent, and thorough review of the evidence. They concluded that forced organ harvesting takes place in China and that the main victim group is Falun Gong practitioners. With this information, you cant just go back to business as usual and continue scientific exchanges with personnel and doctors in China. There should be a pause to review the evidence. Mr. Jekielek: I remember when Dr. Jacob Lavee was the head of the Israeli Transplant Association. He had a patient who told him, Im going to China to get an organ. He went and got it quickly, and Lavee recognized there was no way this could be ethical. He advocated for laws to be passed in Israel where the state health system wouldnt pay for such transplants, basically discouraging people from doing it. Maybe you can tell me, has there been a significant response from any country other than Israel? Dr. Trey: There has been some response. The U.S. Congress has passed several resolutions acknowledging the forced organ harvesting, and the European Parliament did as well. But those are non-binding steps without really taking responsibility to stop this transplant abuse. They arent strong enough to send a signal to China that says to stop it. We observed over time that this is not only happening in governments, but also in organizations where the information we provide is blocked at a certain level of leadership. And I assume this block at the leadership level is a reflection of pressure and influence from the Chinese government, where the government says, Do you want to come to our country for certain conferences? Then dont bring it up. Do you want to be ostracized from our conferences? Then dont bring it up. Mr. Jekielek: Tell me where you see the hope here. Dr. Trey: Probably the most discouraging times for me are when doctors in the free world take the side of the Chinese government and trivialize forced organ harvesting. The most encouraging are when I talk to other doctors and they understand it, and they support me. Those moments energize me and give me the motivation to continue. Mr. Jekielek: Youve written quite a number of papers and a couple of books on this. What would you say is your most important contribution? Dr. Trey: Probably an article titled Cold Genocide: Falun Gong in China. It was the first time I understood that forced organ harvesting isnt an isolated violation of medical ethics, but that it had a purpose, and the purpose was to destroy Falun Gong practitioners. I compared the student massacre in 1989, which was really obvious to the world, to the unperceived persecution of Falun Gong, and I thought, What is the difference here? The Chinese government learned from the student massacre that they needed to proceed with less intensity and more slowly. So you have a cold genocide. It can happen over years without being noticed because its too slow to trigger an international reaction. If you think of this slow-moving destruction and then expand it to other areas, you see that China is slowly infiltrating and influencing our society. Universities, for example, cant have forums critical of China because they dont want to lose thousands of Chinese students. This infiltration is everywhere. Mr. Jekielek: Our new film, The Final War, talks about a lot of these things and how theres been this hundred-year plan to subvert America. In the face of all this, what can the typical person do? Dr. Trey: If we want to defeat forced organ harvesting, we have to break the silence. If the people would learn more about the persecution of Falun Gong and bring it to social media, the silence would be broken. And if medicine isnt able to stop forced organ harvesting, then what will happen to the medical profession? The goal of medicine is to help a patient, to save a life. But if someone is killed to provide a cure for others, then medicine is at a crossroads. I believe that every doctor needs to look into this. This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity. Commentary The Jesuits used to say that if you gave them a child until he was 7, they would give you the man. We can dicker about the time it takes to form a persons character, but theres no doubt that those early experiences shape us for life. Which is one reason why we think primary education is so important. Sure, its partly then that the kiddies learn to read, write, and calculate. But just as important are the moral lessons they learn: the emotional weather they cultivate; the sorts of feelings they nurture and those they recoil from. This process continues throughout our educational career. Most people instinctively recognize this, which is why education is always such a hot topic with voters. What sorts of people are our schools and colleges helping to form? What values are students being taught? Such questions help explain the passion that has erupted at school board meetings when angry parents confront school board members about the sorts of things that were being taught in schools: the gussied-up versions of Marxist ideology that goes under the name of critical race theory (CRT) as well as the quasi- and sometimes not-so-quasi pornographic exotica disseminated under the rubric of gender studies. The COVID lockdowns first exposed the grim reality to parents. Their children were forced to stay home from school and attend class remotely. What parents saw in their childrens Zoom sessions was shocking. The angry response had political consequences. Glenn Youngkin was swept into the governorship of Virginia in large part because his opponent, Terry McAuliffe, insisted that parents shouldnt tell schools what to teach. That handed Youngkin a campaign plank and, as it turned out, victory. Former President Donald Trump has just made a bold statement about education that revolves around the issue of parent involvement. With his characteristic bluntness, Trump noted that our public schools have been taken over by the radical left maniacs. Maniacs isnt an emollient word, but it isnt, I submit, far from the truth. What does Trump say we should do about it? In general, defund the crackpots, and fund and favor a traditional approach to education. Trump offered a four-part strategy: Abolish teacher tenure for grades K through 12. Drastically cut the bloated number of school administrators, including the costly, divisive, and unnecessary diversity, equity, and inclusion bureaucracy. Adopt a Parental Bill of Rights that includes complete curriculum transparency, and a form of universal school choice. And heres the really bold proposal: Implement the direct election of school principals by the parents. Randi Weingarten, head of the teachers union, couldnt be reached for comment. Someone was looking for the smelling salts to bring her around. I suspect shes going to need to buck up. The winds of change are blowing fast and furious against the diversity, equity, inclusion industry, of which CRT is an offshoot. And as I say, the pushback isnt just against the subversion and corruption of primary education. Its also happening, if sporadically, in higher education. One of the most noticed recent efforts is in Florida. As part of a larger project to restore the intellectual and moral integrity of education, Gov. Ron DeSantis has undertaken a number of initiatives to purge the toxin of CRT and kindred pathologies from the schools. He has also, to much notice, taken aim at higher education. In January, he announced that he was replacing most of the board of New College, a failing institution that was nevertheless a poster child for progressive sentiment. In the queer space of New College, wrote one enthusiast, changing your pronouns, name or presentation is a nonevent. Noted. The phrase hostile takeover was obviously disseminated from the central committee, since both The Chronicle of Higher Education and The New York Times published hand-wringing pieces deploring the development. The NY Times piece, especially, was inadvertently comic in its blatant political animus. Reporting on DeSantiss new board appointments, the NY Times noted that among them are Chris Rufo, who orchestrated the rights attack on critical race theory, and Matthew Spalding, a professor and dean at Hillsdale College, a conservative Christian school in Michigan with close ties to Donald Trump. Harken to the diction: the rights attack on critical race theory, as if that attack didnt enjoy widespread support among the middle class, and a school that isnt only conservativecan you imagine?and Christianheaven forfend!but also has close ties to VoldemortI mean Donald Trump. The effort at delegitimation is absurd and would be merely risible if it werent also in earnest. The NY Times quotes Rufo as saying that we want to provide an alternative for conservative families in the state of Florida to say there is a public university that reflects your values. Question: Whats wrong with that? Its early days yet, but so far Rufo and his colleagues seem to be making great strides. In a much-publicized episode, Rufo and other trustees called for an open meeting with students, faculty, and administrators. The college tried to prevent the meeting, on the grounds of safety: Someone had sent a minatory email threatening some of the participants. This has become a favored technique at left-wing campuses to exclude conservative views. Make up or capitalize on a vague threat and then overreact in the name of safety. Rufo was having none of it. We cannot allow those who threaten violence to shut down the democratic governance of our public institutions, he wrote on Twitter. We need to have the courage to stand up for open discourse. I appreciate all of the faculty, students, and staff who attended these conversations. Lots of common ground. A brief video of his exchange with the provost has been posted and is well worth watching. This is how you fight back against the progressive totalitarians. How to Marry a Millionaire (1953): Rediscovering 3 Famous Actresses Commentary How to Marry a Millionaire is a film showcasing three A-list actresses: Lauren Bacall, Betty Grable, and Marilyn Monroe. These names are instantly recognizable to anyone who is aware of 1940s and 50s culture. Lauren Bacall made many film noirs with her husband, Humphrey Bogart, Betty Grable was a beloved pin-up girl during World War II, and Marilyn Monroe was a blonde bombshell with a famous figure. How many films have you seen with these actresses? Each of these ladies was a huge film star during the Golden Era of Hollywood. The three worked together on a 20th Century Fox movie in 1953 called How to Marry a Millionaire, a very entertaining movie with some fascinating attributes. It starts with an onscreen performance of Alfred Newmans Gershwin-inspired Street Scene by the 20th Century Fox Orchestra, conducted dramatically by Newman himself. The film features amazing costumes for all three actresses, showcasing the finest 1950s couture against the backdrop of location footage from New York. In addition, its a chance to re-discover these multi-faceted actresses in a meaningful story. How to Marry a Millionaire publicity still. (MovieStillsDB) A Story of 3 Women Three beautiful young models pool their funds to rent a deluxe New York apartment, fully equipped with glamorous furnishings. The ladies are Schatze Page (Bacall), Loco Dempsey (Grable), and Pola Debevoise (Monroe). Schatze, the brains behind the operation, was briefly married to a no-good gas pump jockey, but she plans to follow her head now, not her heart. Loco is a fun-loving girl whos a sucker for a handsome face and is just as impressed by a hamburger as a mink coat. Pola is a beautiful blonde who is blind as a bat but refuses to wear glasses around any man, since she thinks it will turn him off. Schatze figures that you have to set the right kind of trap if you want to snare a millionaire, and only one of the three girls has to marry a wealthy man for them all to be set, at least temporarily. In the meantime, they sell the expensive furniture to pay the rent month after month. Loco brings men home with her from the store night after night. The first prospect she brings is Tom Brookman (Cameron Mitchell), a handsome but casually dressed young man who takes an immediate liking to Schatze. She pegs him as another gas pump jockey and rejects his frequent invitations in pursuit of wealthier suitors, but he is persistent. After a long three months, Loco brings home a distinguished middle-aged gentleman, J. D. Hanley (William Powell), whom she met in the mink department. Hanley, a Texas millionaire, invites the three ladies to an oilman convention. Afterward, Schatze pairs up with the widowed Hanley, Pola goes out with young, big-talking oil magnate Stewart (Alexander DArcy), and Loco ends up with a married businessman named Waldo Brewster (Fred Clark). How to Marry a Millionaire publicity still. (MovieStillsDB) Although Schatze and J.D. get along very well, he leaves New York because he thinks hes too old for her, despite her insistence to the contrary. Meanwhile, Loco agrees to accompany Brewster to his lodge up in Maine, thinking its a group meeting instead of a private rendezvous. When she contracts the measles, she has to stay at the lodge for a few weeks, during which time she gets to know a handsome ranger (Rory Calhoun). Meanwhile, Pola plans to marry Stewart, but she keeps running into a mysterious man at their apartment (David Wayne). Will these girls follow through with their scheme to marry the millionaires, or will they discover that true love is worth more than money? Get Rich Quick, the Hard Way The three girls have their get-rich-quick scheme all planned out. Although they are looking for a fast road to riches, they arent taking a path of easy virtue. Schatze has strict rules for her proposition. The idea isnt just to catch a wealthy manthe idea is to marry him. It would be much easier to find a married millionaire who wants a mistress or a single tycoon who wants a playmate instead of a wife. Its a greater challenge to persuade a rich man to pop the question to an enterprising model. However, Schatzes goal isnt just to find a wealthy man who will keep her, at any cost. Her goal is to find a man who will give her the respect, courtesy, and financial support which her first husband, an abusive bum, didnt. This can only be achieved through marriage. As she explains to the other girls, If you dont marry him, you havent caught him, hes caught you. Lauren Bacall (L) and Marilyn Monroe in How to Marry a Millionaire from 1953. (Public Domain) In the early 1930s, this film would have been about three gold diggers who are looking to trap a wealthy man without marrying him. It probably would have been called, How to Catch a Millionaire, and the three girls might have been sleazy chorus dancers instead of respectably costumed models. The character of Schatze probably would have been a bitter divorcee who was so soured on married life that she had decided the entire institute of marriage is slavery for women. She would convince her two friends that the only way for women to get ahead in the 20th century is to enslave men as they have long enslaved women. The only way to do this, of course, would be to make men support them without the restrictive bonds of marriage, according to these liberated women. One of the other girls would probably have parents with an abusive relationship, and the other would have a history of unsuccessful romances. In the end, the three girls would doubtless end up falling in love with nice guys and getting married, but the problematic messages would remain. Whats the difference between the existing film and how it might have been made in the early 1930s? Content standards for films were very different in the early 1950s than they had been two decades earlier. In 1930-1934, Hollywood was in what is now called its Pre-Code Era. With the advent of sound in the late 1920s, the film industry discovered the power of risque dialogue in making movies dirtier and more daring than theyd ever dreamed possible. Naturally, censor boards and concerned citizens across the country were not happy with these new standards, or lack thereof. In 1930, the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors Association, Hollywoods public relations organization, headed by Will Hays, adopted the Motion Picture Production Code. Something had to be done to get film content under control, and the Codes thorough yet flexible guidelines for making movies acceptable for everyone seemed ideal. The poor system set up for enforcing the Code made it totally ineffective for the first four years. Thankfully, in July 1934, the Production Code Administration was formed with Joseph I. Breen as its administrator. Under his watchful eye, the Code was properly enforced for twenty years, and movies were appropriate for all ages. How to Marry a Millionaire publicity still. (MovieStillsDB) Something Different Marilyn Monroe is one of the most famous actresses of all time, and her image is still frequently perpetuated. She is best remembered for her sensational movies, in which she wore scandalous costumes and did risque stunts. How to Marry a Millionaire is a refreshingly decent film of hers. Although her famous figure is beautifully flattered in her glamorous costumes, her body isnt flaunted as in her later films. Pola starts as her typical shallow character, content to marry any wealthy man, but she later displays a deeper side. As she confronts her fear that men wont admire her if they see her wearing glasses, she reveals a vulnerability and a strong desire to be loved. I think Marilyn tapped into her own feelings of insecurity to make her performance during her interactions with David Wayne very believable. Lauren Bacall is best remembered for her marriage to and films with Humphrey Bogart. However, her talent and career extended far beyond the four 1940s crime mysteries they made together. This movie gives her a chance to shine in her own right. Although there is a large cast, Schatze is the most developed character. It really is her story, since she must discover that her theories about love, marriage, and finances are easy to preach but hard to practice. In the role, Bacall gets to show off her comedic timing as well as her dramatic abilities. Betty Grables character, Loco, is the simplest girl, so she is much less dedicated to the pursuit of riches than her two friends. Although she doesnt sing and dance in this movie, as a model she gets to show off her million-dollar legs, which were famously insured by Lloyds of London. If you want to see Bacall without Bogie, Grable as a model, and Monroe beautifully dressed, enjoy this fun yet poignant story from the era when Hollywood knew how to make their stars look glamorous. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Hunter Biden Admits Infamous Laptop Belongs to Him Calls for criminal probe into attempts to 'weaponize' contents Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, at the White House in Washington, on April 18, 2022. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images) Update: Hunter Bidens lawyers said later they did not admit the computer belonged to Hunter Biden. Original story below. A lawyer for President Joe Bidens son, Hunter, urged state and federal agencies in a letter on Feb. 1 to probe what he said were attempts by close allies of former President Donald Trump and others to weaponize the contents of a laptop that an electronics repair shop owner says was dropped off at his Delaware store in 2019. The letters from Hunter Bidens attorneys mark the first time he and his legal team have publicly acknowledged that it was his personal data found on the laptop. The letters were sent by Hunter Bidens lawyer Abbe Lowell to the Delaware attorney general, the Department of Justices National Security Division, and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). They call for an investigation into former Trump chief strategist Steve Bannon, campaign lawyer and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, as well as Giulianis own lawyer, Robert Costello, and the owner of the Wilmington computer repair shop, John Paul Mac Isaac, who said Hunter Biden dropped a laptop off at his store in April 2019 and failed to return to pick it up. We write on behalf of our client, Robert Hunter Biden, to request an investigation into the following individuals for whom there is considerable reason to believe violated various federal laws in accessing, copying, manipulating, and/or disseminating Mr. Bidens personal computer data, states the letter (pdf) to the DOJs top national security official, Matthew Olsen. The letter goes on to claim that Mac Isaac unlawfully accessed Hunter Bidens personal data and distributed its contents to the political enemies of Mr. Bidens father without Mr. Bidens consent, including the New York Post. It adds that toward the end of the 2020 presidential election campaign, Mac Isaac chose to work with President Donald Trumps personal lawyer to weaponize Mr. Bidens personal computer data against his father, Joseph R. Biden, by unlawfully causing the provision of Mr. Bidens personal data to the New York Post. An exterior view of The Mac Shop, where Hunter Biden allegedly brought his laptop for repair but never picked it up, in Wilmington, Del., on Oct. 21, 2020. (Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images) Data Was Unlawfully Accessed, Manipulated, Lawyers Say This failed dirty political trick directly resulted in the exposure, exploitation, and manipulation of Mr. Bidens private and personal information. Mr. Mac Isaacs intentional, reckless, and likely unlawful conduct allowed for hundreds of gigabytes of Mr. Bidens personal data, without any discretion, to be circulated around the Internet. Politicians and the news media have used this unlawfully accessed, copied, distributed, and manipulated data to distort the truth and cause harm to Mr. Biden. The letter cites potential violations of an array of statutes prohibiting the unauthorized access of a computer or stored electronic communication, as well as the transport of stolen data across state lines and the publication of restricted personal data with the intent to intimidate or threaten. The letter also states that Mac Isaac also allegedly shared a copy of the hard drive with Rudy Giuliani, after a tip from Mr. Mac Isaac to one of Mr. Giulianis assistants. Mr. Giuliani then distributed a copy to Steve Bannon (on September 28, 2020, Mr. Bannon claimed he had a copy), the lawyers said. In addition, Mr. Giuliani, working with his friend and former New York police chief Bernard Kerik, gave a copy of a hard drive to Garrett Ziegler, a former aide to Trump White House official Peter Navarro. On October 11, 2020, Mr. Giuliani provided a copy of Mr. Bidens computer data to the New York Post. Mr. Biden did not consent to Messrs. Mac Isaac, Giuliani, or Costello providing his computer data to any third parties, including the New York Post, the lawyers wrote. The New York Post published the Biden laptop story in the weeks before the 2020 election. At the time, the publication reported that the laptop had been allegedly seized by the FBI and a copy of the files given to Rudy Giulianis lawyer, Robert Costello, by Mac Isaac. The story was quickly suppressed on various social media platforms, including Twitter and Facebook, and many media outlets attempted to play it off as Russian disinformation meant to damage Joe Bidens presidential campaign. Mac Isaac noted to the New York Post that the letter was delivered as House Republicans are readying to open probes into Hunter Biden. I think with Congress starting investigations next week, its a scare tactic, Mac Isaac said. The flak is heaviest when you are over the target! President Joe Biden (L) waves alongside his son Hunter Biden after attending mass at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Johns Island, S.C., on Aug. 13, 2022. (Nicholas Kamm/AFP via Getty Images) These Facts and Circumstances Merit Further Investigation Costello said in an emailed statement to The Epoch Times: Totally frivolous claims, reeking of desperation, because they know judgment day is coming for the Bidens. The work order signed by Hunter Biden gave John Paul Mac Issac the right to access the hard drive and also made the hard drive Mac Issacs property when Hunter failed to retrieve it more than 90 days after notification that the work was complete, Costello said. Lowell concluded in the letter, We believe that these facts and circumstances merit further investigation as to whether the conduct of Messrs. Mac Isaac, Costello, Giuliani, Bannon, Ziegler, Maxey, and Apelbaum violated federal law. The letter does not necessarily mean that federal prosecutors or law enforcement agencies will open an investigation into the claims or take any other actions. Hunter Biden currently faces an ongoing federal criminal probe into his tax affairs for at least two years. In a separate letter, Hunter Bidens attorneys also asked Fox News host Tucker Carlson to immediately retract and apologize for what they said were false and defamatory statements he made in a story presented on air. The story, according to the younger Bidens lawyers, was about Hunter paying rent to his father, President Joseph Biden, in what Mr. Carlson implied was essentially a money laundering scheme to finance President Bidens lifestyle prior to his election as President after legitimately defeating Donald Trump and alluding to Mr. Biden having unauthorized access to classified documents because of his presence at President Bidens house. These statements are false and have no factual support whatsoever, the lawyers said. The Epoch Times has contacted a lawyer representing Bannon and representatives of Fox News for comment. Update: Despite the appearances, Lowell argues that Wednesdays letters do not constitute an admission of the laptops validity. Bidens legal team says the versions of the laptop released to the public may have been tampered with. These letters do not confirm Mac Isaacs or others versions of a so-called laptop, Lowell told Fox News Digital. They address their conduct of seeking, manipulating and disseminating what they allege to be Mr. Bidens personal data, wherever they claim to have gotten it. The Associated Press contributed to this report. I Dont Think China Can Tell Me Where to Go: McCarthy Responds to CCP Warning About Potential Taiwan Visit House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) speaks at a news conference in Statuary Hall of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, DC, on Jan. 12, 2023. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) has fired back after the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) warned him not to visit Taiwan amid reports of a potential trip to the democratic island. When asked about the communist regimes warnings that he should not visit Taiwan the way that former speaker Nancy Pelosi did, McCarthy gave a resolute reply. I dont think China can tell me where to go at any time, at any place, McCarthy said during a press briefing outside of the White House after meeting with President Joe Biden on the debt ceiling on Feb. 1, in response to a question from NTD, a sister media outlet of The Epoch Times. The CCP claims that Taiwan is part of its territory that must be united with the mainland. Taiwan, however, has never been controlled by the CCP and boasts a thriving democracy and market economy. The communist regime has never renounced the use of force in seizing the island. Republicans have voiced their support for a potential visit to Taiwan by McCarthy, which is rumored to be in the works. The United States will not take orders from the Chinese Communist Party nor should the CCP dictate the actions of any free and sovereign nation, said Rep. Michelle Steel (R-Calif.) in an email to The Epoch Times. American lawmakers and officials dont need a permission slip from Communist China to talk to our friends and allies, Rep. Tom Tiffany (Wisc.) said in another email. I am glad Speaker McCarthy is standing his ground and hope he has a productive visit. Improving U.S.-Taiwan relations has become a bipartisan rallying point in recent months, following a 2022 visit to Taiwan by then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. In response to that visit, the CCP engaged in a series of provocative military actions aimed at intimidating both Taiwan and the United States, including firing several missiles directly over Taiwan which subsequently landed in the waters of Japans exclusive economic zone. CCP-U.S. relations have not improved since then and many in Congress have sought to reinforce Washingtons trade and defense ties with Taiwan accordingly. Illinois Court Rules Against State, Says New Gun Ban Violates Constitution The state of Illinois has lost a gun regulation appeal in a case filed by gun owners and advocates against a law seeking to ban the possession and sale of some semiautomatic firearms. A county court first issued a temporary restraining order against the law, which the state appealed. On Jan. 10, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signed the Protect Illinois Communities Act, which prohibits the manufacture, possession, and distribution of some semiautomatic firearms referred to as assault weapons in the law. Individuals who already owned such weapons prior to Jan. 10 are obligated to register them with the state police by Jan. 1, 2024. Hundreds of gun owners, advocates, and merchants filed a lawsuit seeking a restraining order on the law. On Jan. 20, Effingham County Judge Joshua Morrison sided with plaintiffs by issuing a temporary restraining order (TRO), preventing the law from being enforced for the plaintiffs in the case. Plaintiffs argued that the law violates the equal protection clause of the state and U.S. constitutions by making some groups of people exempt from it, like law enforcement, retired police officers, and corrections officers, while denying millions of Illinois citizens the right to own a gun. The state of Illinois decided to appeal the case. Attorney General Kwame Raoul filed an appeal at the Illinois 5th District Appellate Court. On Tuesday, the appellate court ruled in a 21 decision to uphold the TRO. The justices noted that both sides of the gun control dispute insist that their aim is to save lives. We grapple with a fundamental right to bear and keep arms that allows plaintiffs to defend themselves or their families against a desire to protect the citizens of this state from the random atrocities associated with mass shootings, the court said in its ruling (pdf). Reactions Reacting to the appellate court judgment, a spokesperson for the attorney generals office said the Protect Illinois Communities Act is an important tool to address gun violence throughout the state. We are reviewing the 5th Districts decision, and we will seek its review by the Illinois Supreme Court. We will ask the court for an expedited schedule, the spokesperson said in a statement to FOX 32. The 5th Appellate Court upholds Effingham County Judges TRO against JB Pritzkers Assault Weapons Ban. Today is a win for my clients, Thomas DeVore, the attorney who had filed a lawsuit on behalf of the hundreds of plaintiffs, said in a Twitter post Wednesday. The judgment was welcomed by Republicans. Another win for our constitutional freedoms in Illinois and another defeat for Pritzkers gun grab bill, the Illinois Republican Party posted on Twitter. The Legislation When Pritzker signed the act into law, he invoked mass shootings, including the one which took place at a Fourth of July parade last year, to justify the need for such legislation. An assault weapon, under the text of the bill, is defined as a semiautomatic rifle that has the capacity to accept a detachable magazine and includes a pistol grip or thumbhole stock, a flash suppressor, a grenade launcher, a barrel shroud, or other features. A semiautomatic pistol that can accept a detachable magazine or that may be readily modified to accept a detachable magazine with a threaded barrel, second pistol grip, a flash suppressor, a barrel shroud, and other features is also considered an assault weapon under the law. A number of AK-style rifles such as the AR-10 and AR-15 are considered assault weapons under the rules. Also banned are .50-caliber guns. The law has attracted intense criticism from Republican lawmakers. Ill die on my front porch before anyone takes my guns away. My message to Springfield: If you want my guns, come get them, Illinois state Sen. Darren Bailey, a Republican who lost the governors race to Pritzker, wrote in a Jan. 10 tweet. Republican state Rep. Blaine Wilhour also insisted that he will not be complying with the law, saying the Constitution is on his side. Sheriffs from multiple counties, including McHenry, Kankakee, LaSalle, and DeKalb have also said that they will not enforce the law and that the gun control measure violates the second amendment. Jack Phillips contributed to this report. Correction: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated the applicability of the decision from the Illinois 5th District Appellate Court. The order applies only to the plaintiffs in the case. The Epoch Times regrets the error. Is Lunar New Year Chinese New Year? Commentary Many Asians celebrate Lunar New Year, but Chinese patriots seemingly do not like this name. A Chinese student at Singapores Nanyang Technological University found this name on a display board disagreeable, crossed out Lunar, and wrote Chinese below it. The British Museum and South Korea co-hosted an event to celebrate the Korean Lunar New Year, and some little pinks (young pro-CCP Chinese) stormed the Museums Facebook page to comment, Spring Festival (mainland Chineses way of saying Lunar New Year) belongs to China. Finally, the post was deleted. To modern Chinese revolutionaries, such excesses of the little pinks are like flies hovering over cultural garbage spurned by the revolutionary forefathers. They seem unaware that since the 1911 Revolution, the Lunar New Year has been denounced by generations of Chinese people, even up to now. After the Republic of ChinaAsias first republicwas founded, the Gregorian calendar was adopted. However, considering that the old customs were difficult to eradicate at once, the government renamed Lunar New Year as Spring Festival, Dragon Boat Festival as Summer Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival as Autumn Festival, and Winter Solstice as Winter Festival and had them celebrated in a less elaborate manner. In other words, Lunar New Year was already history at that time. After the success of the Northern Expedition with Chiang Kai-shek moving the capital to Nanjing, the Nationalist Government announced the abolition of the lunar calendar and all holidays previously assigned for lunar festivals. For those who insisted on the Lunar New Year, the government derived a defamatory term for itNew Year of the Abolished Calendarin an attempt to minimize its celebration. The Nationalist Government adopted a policy of cultural transference regarding the new year celebration. It stipulated that all those celebrations for the Lunar New Year, such as ancestral worship, festival gathering, spring banquet, red lantern, and new year couplets, shall be transferred to the Gregorian New Year. The Republic of China (pre-communism) was already a new China in the sense that a new tradition of new year celebrations was firmly founded. The communist China succeeded many Republic of Chinas traditions, sticking to the Gregorian calendar and celebrating its new year is one of them. Hong Kong leftist newspapers illustrate this tradition well in their manner of handling new year advertisements. Traditional Chinese-style lanterns appeared in advertisements for celebrating the Gregorian New Year, whereas those for the Spring Festivala term the communists adopted from the Republic of Chinawere plain and white, without any traditional symbols. The New Years Day Editorial of Peoples Daily is an important propaganda tool, whereas they never have similar Spring Festival Editorials. Spring Festival celebration with the highest tension took place during the Cultural Revolution, when the motto of destroying the four olds was chanted every day, resulting in widespread violence. The proletarian revolutionary rebels thus celebrated the Spring Festival by staying at the workplace, answering Maos call to grasp revolution and increase production. The Spring Festival thus became revolutionary and combatant and used as an opportunity to demonstrate ones determination to destroy the old world. The little pinks may argue: isnt the Spring Festival the same as New Year? Not necessarily. Back in the Roman Empire, the winter solstice was celebrated as the new year. As for China, the Lunar New Year is never the only Chinese New Year to be observed in history. Traditionally, China adopted a lunisolar calendar, with 24 solar terms dividing the year into four seasons. Whereas the Zhou Dynasty (1046 BC to 256 BC) had its new year in the eleventh lunar month (December in the Gregorian calendar), the Xia Dynasty (2070 BC to 1600 BC) adopted the solar term Beginning of Springusually Feb. 4as the New Year Day. In other words, the Spring Festival, marked by the first day of the first lunar month, is not necessarily the Chinese New Year. It is quite clear that the Chinese people only have one lawful and politically acceptable New Yearthe Gregorian New Year. Comparatively, Lunar New Year is a more precise concept than the Chinese New Year, which has quite some different definitions. Whereas the Lunar New Year has been abolished or celebrated in China in an evasive manner since 1912, it is always embraced passionately by Hongkongers, both in name and in essence, never giving it up for any reason. Therefore, it deserves to call what the little pinks call Chinese New Year as Hong Kong New Year. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Will the Opus Dei School Investigation Smear the Liberal Party? Commentary In political commentator James Morrows words, the ABC Four Corners program that aired on Jan. 30 smacks of a smear campaign against a group of Opus Dei Catholic schools and New South Wales (NSW) Premier Dominic Perrottet ahead of the upcoming March state election. Several NSW Liberal MPs, including Perrottet, are alumni of these schools. The NSW Department of Education is now conducting an investigation into these schools. However, when one looks deeper, there are serious concerns that any such investigation will be conducted honestly and independently. As former Fairfax Newspapers reporter Kelsey Munro wrote back in 2016, an FOI request revealed that a memorandum of understanding for the Department to host a Confucius Institute program, overseen by Chinese agency Hanban to teach Mandarin in NSW government schools, was signed in July 2010. A formal agreement was finalised a year later. Under the program, schools that signed up were eligible to receive up to $10,000 (US$7,100) in funding from the Confucius Institute. The officer who represented the NSW Department of Education to negotiate with Hanban was Dr. Shuangyuan Shi. More about Shi later. The departments decision was not well received by parents, many of whom petitioned the state government to shut the program down due to legitimate concerns that, since it is run entirely by the Chinese regime, it would be open to propaganda by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Then-Chinese vice chair Xi Jinping unveils a plaque at the opening of Australias first Chinese Medicine Confucius Institute at the RMIT University in Melbourne on June 20, 2010. (William West/AFP via Getty Images) Parents alerted the Daily Telegraph to this back in 2016. The department defended its decision to sign the agreement, telling the Telegraph that: The institute aims to improve students understanding of Chinese language and culture and facilitates partner school relationships with China. In 2012, the Department of Education signed a memorandum of understanding with the institute headquarters in China, enabling NSW public schools to establish Confucius Classrooms, the spokesman said. , adding the lessons were delivered by department teachers. In addition, each Confucius Classroom has a teaching assistant appointed by the Confucius Institute to complement authentic language and culture experience delivered by the classroom teacher. At the time, it was reported teaching assistants were being vetted by the Chinese regime for good political quality and love of the motherland. Investigations Stop CCP Funding The then-Baird government ordered a review of the program. The report handed down following that review recommended that the program be shut down owing to a perception that the Institute is or could be facilitating inappropriate foreign influence, and that NSW is the only government department in the world hosting a Confucius institute. Having foreign government appointees based in a government department is one thing. Having appointees of a one-party state that exercises censorship in its own country working in a government department in a democratic system is another, the review concluded. The NSW government finally decided to close the Institute and scrap its Confucius Classrooms program in mid-2019, following the passing of the then-federal Coalition governments anti-foreign interference legislation the previous year. The department also announced a new initiative and additional funding to replace money received from Hanban through the Institute. Returning to Shuangyuan Shi, he is a former employee of Chinas Ministry of Education. The manner of his appointment to the NSW Department of Education is unclear, as is the status of his appointment at the Department after the closure of the Confucius Institute. But a report by Leo Shanahan for The Australian back in 2019 confirmed that Shi still kept a high public profile, and with the help of his wife, he became a regular SBS commentator. According to the report, he also allegedly regularly appears in the Chinese state-run newspaper Peoples Daily, discussing the Chinese language and culture in Australia. As can be seen from the Confucius Institute debacle, it would seem that any fair-minded person would have serious concerns as to whether the ABC, with this attack on Opus Dei schools, has handed those within the NSW Department of Education who were sympathetic to the Confucius Institute program an opportunity to take revenge on the Liberal Party that forced its closure, conveniently weeks out from a state election. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. The Veteran of the Year, Business of the Year and two lifetime achievement awards were presented by the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) Chapter 373 during a recent meeting held in Ozark. The awards were presented locally on behalf of the Vietnam Veterans of America Alabama State Council. Chapter 373 Veteran of the Year is retired Chief Warrant Officer David C. Dannelly, Business of the Year award winner is the Friends of Army Aviation, and VVA Lifetime Achievement awards were presented to the late William Bo Bowman and Max Roberts. VVA is the only national Vietnam veterans organization congressionally chartered and exclusively dedicated to Vietnam-era veterans and their families, said Bob Cooper, VVA Chapter 373 president. Joining VVA allows you to connect with other veterans and stay up with the latest on special events. VVAs goals are to promote and support the full range of issues important to Vietnam veterans, to create a new identity for this generation of veterans, and to change public perception of Vietnam veterans, said Cooper. VVA strives to aggressively advocate on issues important to veterans, seek full access to quality health care for veterans, seek the fullest possible accounting of Americas POWs and MIAs, and serve our communities. VVA will be here for as long as it takes to make sure that those who serve our country receive the care and respect they have earned, Cooper said. Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another. Chapter 373 officers serving with Cooper are Bobby Enfinger, first vice president; Bob Bunting, second vice president; Ken Donahue, treasurer; Ron Jones, secretary; and Jerry Ogles, chaplain. The next meeting of the VVA Chapter 373 is Feb. 25 at the Friends of Army Aviation Hangar located at 189 Heritage Way in Ozark. There will not be an optional breakfast at this meeting due to the Friends of Army Aviation being out of town for an airshow, said Cooper. The meeting will start at 9 a.m. in the conference room. This meeting is open to members and those that served in the Republic of Vietnam between Feb. 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975 and Vietnam-era veterans in any duty location between Aug. 5, 1964 and May 7, 1975 who are interested in Vietnam veterans issues. For more information contact bob.bcooper@gmail.com Japan Warns NSW Coal Reservation Scheme Could Undermine Relationship between Two Countries Coal operations at the Port of Newcastle in New South Wales, Australia, on Nov. 18, 2015. (William West/AFP via Getty Images) Japan has warned that its relationship with Australia could be jeopardised as a coal reservation scheme by the New South Wales (NSW) government risks cutting coal exports to the country. According to The Australian, Japanese Consul-General Tokuda Shuichi had written a letter to the NSW government to express the concerns of Japanese companies about the coal reservation measure introduced in mid-January. While the Japanese consulate did not elaborate on the letters content, it was understood that Japan worried about the impact of the NSW governments decision on the coal supply to the country. Any interruption to the supply will likely affect the Japanese economy, which has suffered from the global energy crisis following the war in Ukraine and undermine Australias reputation as a coal exporter. It was also reported that NSW Energy Minister Matt Kean and Premier Dominic Perrottet had received similar written communications from at least one major Japanese power company. What the Coal Reservation Scheme Is About On Jan. 19, the NSW government announced that all thermal coal companies in the state would be required to reserve seven to ten percent of their output for the domestic market to reduce the impact of the coal price cap introduced by the federal government in December 2022. The coal price cap is a federal governments intervention in the domestic energy market to curb soaring electricity prices across Australia. At the same time, the NSW government extended the coverage of the coal price cap to all coal mines in the state instead of the 12 mines under the original plan. With the new measure, the NSW government expected a drop in thermal coal prices, which would reduce the pressure on energy companies that abide by the price cap of $125 (US$89) a tonne. It also said the measure was temporary and could last until 2024. A train transports coal through the valleys of Singleton in New South Wales, Australia, on Nov. 4, 2021. (Saeed Khan/AFP via Getty Images) However, the policy faced strong objections from the energy sector, which said it was a political move and did not take into account the circumstances of coal producers. NSW Minerals Council CEO Stephen Galilee said the measure was rushed and a radical change of approach as it was extended to coal producers not currently involved in domestic coal supply. He also said the extension of the price cap would damage the reputation of NSW as an investment destination and a coal exporter, as well as threaten future investment in the states resource and energy sector. Meanwhile, Idemitsu, a Japanese conglomerate that has been investing in the Australian resources industry for over 40 years, condemned the policy for its impact on the companys operation. It is inconceivable that the NSW government would direct our business to supply lower-quality coal, which we do not produce, to the NSW power stations to comply with their requirements, Idemitsu Australian CEO Steve Kovac said. This will result in a substantial financial loss as we would be forced to purchase lower-quality coal from other producers or traders to supply to the power stations. This makes no sense. The CEO also noted that the reservation scheme would make it harder for Idemitsu to operate in Australia and meet the demands of its long-term export customers. Following the strong reaction from coal exporters, the NSW government has postponed the introduction of the coal reservation scheme. Previous Warning from Japan This is not the first time Japan has warned about Australias energy sector. In July 2022, Japanese ambassador Yamagami Shingo criticised the massive coal royalty tax introduced by the Queensland government, saying it could push away Japanese investors and undermine the decades-long partnership between both countries. A large truck drives trough an open-cut coal mine in Singleton, Australia, on Nov. 18, 2015. (William West/AFP via Getty Images) The comments came after the Palaszcuk government announced it would enact three extra tiers of taxes to the states mining royalty scheme, which was already among the highest in the world. Specifically, from July 1, 2022, the state government charged a 20 percent tax on each tonne of coal sold for more than $175, 30 percent for prices above $225 a tonne and 40 percent for prices above $300 per tonne. The changes were a sharp increase compared to the previous flat rate of 15 percent. Make no mistake, this is a huge shock for Japanese companies, Yamagami said. The future of the successful partnership between Japanese businesses and Queensland as a competitive investment destination could be at great risk. In response to the ambassadors criticism, the Queensland government said that multinational companies were making super profits in the state and that it was fair to take back some of the money to invest in local schools and hospitals. Nina Nguyen contributed to this article. Jason Kenney Hired as Senior Advisor for Law Firm Bennett Jones Former Alberta premier Jason Kenney speaks in response to the results of the United Conservative Party leadership review in Calgary on May 18, 2022. (The Canadian Press/Dave Chidley) Former Alberta premier Jason Kenney has been hired by Bennett Jones as a senior advisor, the law firm said in a news release on Feb. 1. Kenney confirmed the new job in a Twitter post on Feb. 1, stating he was very happy to join the public policy group at the law firm, which he said, has deep Alberta roots and a major national presence. I look forward to working with a distinguished group of former elected officials and public servants, Kenney said. He added that his new employment endeavour was reviewed by Albertas ethics commissioner, and was found to be compliant with the Conflict of Interest Act. Kenney resigned from his position as MLA for Calgary-Lougheed on Nov. 29, 2022, and resigned as premier in May 2022 after receiving a slim majority vote, 51.4 percent, by United Conservative Party members. He tweeted that he will not be engaged in lobbying the Alberta government or its agencies. Kenney will be working for the firms Calgary office. In a follow-up tweet on Feb. 1, Kenney also said in the coming weeks he would look forward to taking on other exciting opportunities in the private sector. I will only accept positions following review by the Ethics Commissioner, and in careful compliance with the relevant statutes and guidelines, he wrote. Bennett Jones has a staff of 500 which includes lawyers and business advisors. The firm handles complex transactions and litigation matters, and advises businesses and investors. The firm has employed a number of high-profile former politicians, judges, and public figures over the years. Judge Bars Sam Bankman-Fried From Contacting FTX Employees Former FTX Chief Executive Sam Bankman-Fried, who faces fraud charges over the collapse of the bankrupt cryptocurrency exchange, departs from his court hearing at a federal court in New York on Jan. 3, 2023. (David Dee Delgado/Reuters) A New York judge on Feb. 1 granted a request from the Department of Justice to block Sam Bankman-Fried from attempting to contact both current and former employees of the failed cryptocurrency exchange FTX. U.S. District Court Judge Lewis Kaplan also ruled that the block applies to current and former employees of FTXs sister hedge fund, Alameda Research. The judges decision came after federal prosecutors filed a letter (pdf) with the court on Friday asking for Bankman-Frieds bail conditions to be updated, citing concerns over possible witness tampering. In the court filing, Damian Williams, the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, asked that the former FTX founder not be allowed to communicate with any current or former employees unless in the presence of counsel, and that he also be banned from encrypted messaging platforms like Signal. The imposition of these new conditions is justified in light of the nature of the case, as well as the defendants recent attempts to contact prospective witnesses, Williams wrote. Prosecutors, in their letter to the court, claimed that Bankman-Fried had on Jan. 14 contacted the general counsel of the FTX U.S. affiliate, referred to in court papers as Witness-1 via Signal, as well as by email. Lawyers Allege Bankman-Fried Contacted FTX Employee His message, according to prosecutors, read, I would really love to reconnect and see if theres a way for us to have a constructive relationship, use each other as resources when possible, or at least vet things with each other. Prosecutors claimed that the former CEO had also contacted other current and former FTX employees and that his message to Witness-1 is suggestive of an effort to influence them. Kaplan, in a seven-page decision (pdf) on Wednesday, wrote that the message appears to have been an effort to have both the defendant and Witness-1 sing out of the same hymn book. Subject to hearing counsels argument, the message in its entirety seems to be an invitation for Witness-1 to align his views and recollections with the defendants version of events and thus make their relationship constructive,' Kaplan said. Lawyers for Bankman-Fried argued that their client needed to communicate with some former employees, including his therapist, and objected to the ban on contact and use of encrypted or ephemeral messaging platforms, CoinDesk reported. Requiring Mr. Bankman-Fried to include counsel in every communication with a former or current FTX employee would place an unnecessary strain on his resources and prejudice his ability to defend this case, his attorney Mark Cohen told the court. Many of these individuals are Mr. Bankman-Frieds friends. Imposing a blanket restriction on his contact with them would remove an important source of personal support. However, Kaplan in his decision noted that while lawyers for Bankman-Fried seek to have the Court interpret that message in a benign way, that does not appear, at least on a preliminary basis, to be a persuasive reading. New Hearing Date Set Under the terms of the new bail conditions, Bankman-Fried will be allowed to contact immediate family members. A spokesperson for Bankman-Fried declined to comment. FTX, which was founded in 2019, filed for bankruptcy protection on Nov. 11 following a spectacular collapse after it emerged that Alameda had been using FTX customer assets to keep itself propped up. Bankman-Fried was subsequently arrested on Dec. 17 in the Bahamas, where the company was headquartered, and he was extradited to the United States, where he was released on a $250 million bail and placed under house arrest at the California home of his parents. In January, he pleaded not guilty to charges of fraud, conspiracy, campaign finance law violations, and money laundering. According to Kaplans decision, the new amendments to Bankman-Frieds bail conditions will stay in place until Feb. 7, when a hearing is scheduled. That hearing will also consider a request by Bankman-Frieds lawyers to allow him to access and transfer cryptocurrency. Reuters contributed to this report. Judge Shortage Leads to 1,600 Recent Cases Dismissed, Many Felonies, in California County The Riverside County Superior Court dismissed 96 cases in the past week, four of which were felonies, due to a lack of available judges, according to the county District Attorneys office. Three of the recent dismissals were felony child sexual assault cases, including onedismissed Jan. 26where a conviction would have resulted in a possible life sentence, the DAs office reported. The courtroom shortage is a result of judges who were ill, or had other commitments, such as court proceedings or judicial training for those who have been recently appointed, according to the DAs office. I understand the need for ongoing training, however, when our courts are experiencing a crisis and engaging in the mass dismissal of cases, victims of crime deserve the right to be the priority, Riverside County DA Mike Hestrin said in a statement Jan. 31. The courts being aware of this shortage of courtrooms should be able to anticipate the needs of public safety and reschedule their trainings until the courts are fully operational. Riverside County Court spokeswoman Marita Ford told The Epoch Times in an emailed statement that four new judges have been recently appointed, but she said they are currently understaffed with 89 judgesbut need about 112a 26 percent shortfall to handle the current caseload. The courts have been dismissing cases for this reason since last October upon experiencing a dramatic increase in the number of criminal cases, according to the court. Thats when a county Superior Court policy endedone which allowed cases to be postponed if they werent heard by their last date of trialin response to a backlog from the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, county judges have dismissed over 1,600 cases because the window for their trials had closed with no courtrooms available, Ford said. Of those nearly 100 were felony cases. Riverside County Court House in Riverside, Calif., on Nov. 4, 2022. (Adam Lin/NTD) Riverside County DAs office spokeswoman Amy McKenzie told The Epoch Times even one case dismissed, previously, was uncommon. We havent had that in many years, she said. Rather than dismissing a case, judges can try alternatives, McKenzie said, such as evening or weekend court, or continuing it until a judge becomes available. Its not the only optionto dismiss it. Thats the choice that the judges are making in their courtrooms right now, she said. McKenzie said the DAs office immediately refiled recent felony cases that were dismissed. But our options are limited, she said, as misdemeanor cases cannot be refiled once dismissed. According to McKenzie, felony cases can only be re-filed twice. So if it is dismissed againfor reasons such as a courtroom or witness not being availableshort of filing an appeal, then its done, she said. Such issues did not occur prior to COVID, McKenzie said. She also said other courts in the state are not having this problem. Kari Lake Responds to Top Arizona Election Official Demanding Felony Probe GOP gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake has accused Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes of weaponizing the justice system after Fontes called for an investigation into Lakes release of voter signatures. I am writing today to ask you to investigate and take appropriate enforcement action against Kari Lake for potential violations of Arizona law committed under her Twitter handle, Fontes, a Democrat who was elected last November, wrote in a letter to state Attorney General Kris Mayes on Monday. Mayes, also a Democrat, was elected during the 2022 midterms. The new secretary of state argued that Arizona law prohibits posting any information derived from voter registration forms or precinct registers to the internet and said that the voter or another authorized person is the only individuals who can reproduce the signatures. A violation of this provision is a Class 6 felony, wrote Fontest, who previously served as the Maricopa County Recorder from 2017 to 2021 and helped oversee the 2020 General Election in the county. Lakes Twitter post in question, dated Jan. 23, appears to show images of signatures from ballots. She was making reference to Senate testimony that confirms nearly 40,000 ballots were illegally counted. I think all the Election Deniers out there deserve an apology, she added. In response to Fontess letter, Lakes lawyer, Tim LaSota issued a statement via Lakes War Room Twitter account that said Fontess letter calling for an investigation is politically motivated. This is becoming all too common in politicsanother attempt to weaponize the justice system with a phony allegation against a Republican, LaSota said, adding that Mayes should immediately issue a clarification saying she wont partake. Adrian Fontes selectively quotes the statute in an attempt to distort the law and smear Kari Lake in the process. The information referenced by Fontes came from the Arizona Senate investigation on acceptance of clearly mismatched signatures on early ballots, and Kari Lake has an absolute right under the First Amendment to republish the information presented to the Senate, he wrote. Lake, a former television journalist endorsed by former President Donald Trump, held a rally in Arizona over the past weekend calling for more election integrity in the state. On Twitter, Lake suggested that Fontess demand for an investigation was triggered by the rally. The day after THOUSANDS showed up to our SaveArizona Rally, the Corrupt Cabal in AZ threatens to throw me behind bars for exposing Fraud in the Election. Why? Because our Movement threatens their very existence, she wrote. I will never stop fighting for you. Democrat Adrian Fontes is seen speaking at an Election Night watch event at the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel in Phoenix, Arizona, on Nov. 8, 2022. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images) Meanwhile, an election challenge that was filed by Lakes team is scheduled to be heard by Arizonas Court of Appeals this month. According to state data, Lake lost the election to Democrat Katie Hobbs by around 17,000 votes, although Lake has not conceded and has maintained that ballot issues on Election Day last year swayed the race in favor of Hobbs, who was sworn in as governor last month and has already issued numerous executive orders. In December, a Maricopa County judge tossed her claims during a two-day trial, prompting an appeal. The Arizona Supreme Court has twice rejected a petition to transfer her case to the high court. In an order issued on Jan. 25, the state Supreme Court ruled that because of the Court of Appeals order setting an accelerated briefing schedule, the Court has no reason to doubt that the Court of Appeals appreciates Petitioners (Lakes) desire for an expedited resolution. Her challenge cites statements made by Maricopa County officials on Nov. 8 that dozens of vote tabulation machines suffered printer errors that Lake and GOP officials say caused widespread delays and chaos. Maricopa County has maintained that no Election Day voters were disenfranchised by the errors, which they said were corrected that same day. Lawyers for Hobbs in late January filed a response that seeks to dismiss Lakes challenge, asserting that the GOP challenger failed to provide enough evidence. Despite seven witnesses, hundreds of declarants, and thousands of pages of exhibits, Lake failed to demonstrate any violations of Arizona law and offered no evidence that absent alleged violations the outcome of the election would have been different, said the filing from Hobbs legal team. Kick in the Teeth: Mayor Lambasts Public Broadcaster for Bringing Racism Into Alice Springs Reporting Fans waiting outside an Australian Football League match at Traeger Park in Alice Springs, Australia on Aug. 29, 2020. (Kelly Barnes/Getty Images) Australias government-funded public broadcaster is facing tough criticism for framing a town hall meeting in Alice Springshosted by frustrated locals in response to rampant youth crimeas an outpouring of racism and white supremacy. The mayor of the besieged town, Matt Paterson, has called for an apology from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) saying its reporter focused on covering the grievances of a select few individualssome who had left earlyrather than capturing the general mood of the 3,000-strong crowd. For the ABC to have their Indigenous Affairs correspondent report like that is astoundingthey could have brought so much positive drive and support for the Aboriginal culture here in town, but theyre obviously not concerned with that; theyre more interested in making it look like a problem when its not, he said in comments obtained by news.om.au. The arrogance, language, name-calling, and everything else came from this very small group, which were the ones reported on by the ABC. It just wasnt needed in the room, which is why I called [an end] to the meeting, he added. A Town Under Siege The meeting was convened by local business owner Garth Thompson and was ended after 20 minutes due to heckling from a disgruntled few. Media reports suggest over 2,000 to 3,000 people attended the meetingfrom a town of 25,000in response to rampant youth crime. One example is a recent harrowing incident where a young man was set upon by three juveniles (of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander appearance), stomped and kicked, while also being struck repeatedly by what appeared to be an axe. The 15-year-old did not sustain any cuts. Paterson has said parents cant even go shopping in the afternoon because theres someone wielding a weapon in an interview on Radio 2GB on Jan. 17, 2023. Our library was broken into on Sunday afternoon with over $20,000 worth of damage caused, and the police took seven hours to respond. Our police are doing an amazing job, but clearly, we dont have enough resources. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, amid increasing pressure, made a flying visit to the Alice for a few hours last week and handed down restrictions on purchasing alcohol. The lifting of an alcohol ban last year has been blamed for a dramatic uptick in violent incidents. Alcohol has been one contributor to domestic violence incidents in Indigenous families, which in turn, has forced youths onto the streets. The ABCs Coverage of the Alice In recent days, ABCs Carly Williams has featured prominently in the outlets TV reporting on the issue. In a Feb. 1 story, business owner Thompson can be seen speaking on stage before being heckled and sworn at. He asked the person to come on stage to say it directly to him before adding, We need to bring welfare to these kids; they deserve it, to which the crowd applauded. ABC reporter Williams then said she spoke with several attendees, including some non-Indigenous people, who said the meeting was distressing and others that it incited violence against Aboriginal people. An audio clip of an interview with one man was played, saying: The little [expletive] are gonna start to get belte if something doesnt come out of it. The story then cuts to several attendees who all had negative feedback about the town meeting. Its just a total white supremacist fest in there, and I tell you what, the vibe, it was scary, said one non-Aboriginal interviewee. Sit with us, invite us in, but dont bring in a crowd like that today, said an Aboriginal interviewee. A follow-up ABC report framed the situation in a similar vein. The ABC has defended its reporting saying its long-running reporting of Alice Springs has incorporated a range of perspectives, from residents to business owners. Many strong and conflicting views are expressed within the community, including some that are confronting, and the news coverage reflects that and doesnt shy away from it, the outlet said in a statement. The ABC had reporters and crew inside and outside the community forum at the Alice Springs Convention Centre on Monday. One report included interviews with attendees as they left the meeting. Their comments were accurately quoted. A Kick in the Teeth for Residents Paterson called the report a kick in the teeth for residents. He commended local ABC reporters who were very sensitive to the issues in the town but said the problem was with non-local journalists. The language of the reporting in this story is so important, he told the Today show. The level of anxiety in the community is extremely hard to describe already. The mayor has told Sky News Australia he will not be speaking with the ABC National branch on the issue going forward. Opposition leader Peter Dutton said the ABC was losing credibility. Everybody wants independence from the national broadcaster, he told Radio 2GB on Feb. 2. Weve seen in other parts of the world where they can report objectively and then let the reader, listener, or viewer make up their own mind once theyve got all of the facts. But telling people what to think is not part of their mandate. Prosecuting political arguments and taking sides on political issues is not the mandate of the ABC. Laval U Prof Gets Second Suspension for COVID Vax Comments, 4 Months No Pay A professor at Laval University in Quebec City has been suspended for the second time by the institution for comments he made regarding the risks associated with COVID-19 vaccination in children. Patrick Provost, a full professor in the Department of Microbiology, Infectious diseases and Immunology at the Faculty of Medicine, said in a statement the suspension is effective from Jan. 23 to May 23 and will be without pay. He says the decision was communicated to him on Jan. 23 in a letter that states he will get fired if found in contravention again. All that Laval University is putting me through is showing that a professor who doesnt like you (first suspension) or anybody from the public who doesnt understand or like what youre saying (second suspension) or what you do can file a complaint against a professor and have him suspended without pay or even fired, Provost says. Such working conditions will undoubtedly lead to professors self-censoring and will compromise the exercise of critical thinking. Provost had been suspended for eight weeks by the university last summer for comments on vaccination he made in December 2021, saying that the risks for children outweigh the benefits. Not only are there risks of myocarditis [heart inflammation] and other side effects, but theres no real benefit to vaccinate children because they are not inclined to develop complications from COVID, Provost told The Epoch Times in a previous interview. While under suspension, Provost made similar comments to Quebec radio station CHOI 98.1 Radio X. The effectiveness of vaccines is negative in Quebec since December 2021 (the government deleted this data from its reporting not long after). This means you have more risk to get infected if youre vaccinated, Provost wrote in a Facebook post commenting on his appearance on the show. After his appearance on the radio show, complaints were made through the universitys security denunciation portal. Decidedly, your professor didnt learn from his suspension, doubling down with a disinformation interview, says a complaint obtained by The Epoch Times. Patrick Provost, professor at the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Laval University. (Courtesy of Patrick Provost) Especially when he says the vaccine is worse than the disease for children and that theyre not even a vector, among other things. Provost remarks the complainant made two typos in writing his last name, which he says casts doubts on his true identity. Nevertheless the university deemed the complaint admissible on the grounds it contains an explanation of the accusations, the accusations are related to the teaching functions of the professor, the complaint was signed and dated, and it identifies the respondent. Laval University said in an Aug. 4 letter that if the complaint is valid Provost would have broken policies related to respecting academic freedom or being rigorous. The Epoch Times has not reviewed the Radio X interview, but Provosts comments on COVID-19 risks in children are consistent with provincial data. People under the age of 19 years old account for 0.0 percent of total deaths linked to COVID, whereas those over 60 account for 96.5 percent. His Facebook post on Quebec vaccination data is also accurate. For a number of months, Quebec public health published a dashboard indicating how the unvaccinated were more likely to get infected, until numbers started showing negative effectiveness for the vaccinated. On a dashboard posted on Twitter dated Jan. 4, 2022, public health said the unvaccinated were 0.7 times more likely to get infected, meaning it was lower risk. This piece of data stopped being shared as of Jan. 5, 2022. Supports Provost says his union has filed a grievance on his behalf on Feb. 1 and backs him 100 percent. The Quebecs government, which passed Bill 32 on academic freedom in June 22, had not responded to a request for comment by publication time. Under no condition should we tolerate censorship in universities, wrote Quebecs Minister of Higher Learning Pascale Dery in a letter published in Le Devoir newspaper on Jan. 17. Quebecs Conservative Party Leader Eric Dumaine came out in support of Provost and sent a letter to Minister Dery on Feb. 2. He pointed to the academic freedom bill and her recent letter addressed to universities. Your leadership is obviously being ignored and the spirit of Bill 32 derided, he wrote. Duhaime says that if the government doesnt react, it will suggest its new law is just a facade. The individuals behind this academic censorship at University Laval must face the same sanctions theyre trying to currently impose on professor Provost. Laval University did not respond to a request for comment. In comments provided to media Le Soleil, it says the complaint process was respected and that academic freedom is not being breached. Anybody at Laval University can conduct research which puts into question vaccination, express himself publicly on vaccination, but this must be conducted in conformity with ethical norms of scientific rigour generally recognized by in academia and in respecting the rights of other members in academia. Research Provosts position on COVID-19 vaccination has been elaborated in several articles published in a scientific journal. His latest one pertains to the under-reporting of adverse events, which he identified was caused by clinical, systemic, political, and media factors. The relative prevalence of side effects following COVID-19 vaccination is largely underestimated and does not correspond to reality, said Provost. The study was published in the International Journal of Vaccine Theory, Practice, and Research on Jan. 12. This under-reporting he says, caused in part by physicians who refuse to acknowledge potential harm from the injections due to biases or pressure from their colleges, has led to misguided recommendations from the authorities. In another article published in the same journal last August, Provost argued that there is a valid conscientious objection to refusing an mRNA injection, due to the unknown dose and biodistribution of the product. Unlike a drug produced in a pharmaceutical factory and formulated at a known dose and a well-defined protein product profile, the mRNA vaccine acts as a pro-drug encoding for the viral Spike protein of the virus to be produced by our own cells; both the dose and the quality of the proteins produced are unknown, wrote Provost and his co-authors. Democrat Lawmakers Demand IRS Answer Key Tax Questions on Data Sharing Doors at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in the Henry M. Jackson Federal Building are locked and covered with blinds as a sign posted advises that the office will be closed during the partial government shutdown in Seattle, on Jan. 16, 2019. (Elaine Thompson/AP) Members of Congress are demanding the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) investigate tax preparation software companies for allegedly sharing taxpayer information with Facebook. Several news outlets, including The Markup, reported in November 2022 that several services, including H&R Block, TaxAct, and TaxSlayer, sent personal and financial information to Facebook after users filed their taxes. That included filers return amounts and information on their dependents, and it was gathered via Facebook parent company Meta. Specifically, that financial information was transferred to Meta via a widely used code called Meta Pixel, which includes a piece of code that allows users to track visitor activity on a website. On Thursday, three Democrat lawmakers on the House Ways and Means Committee sent a letter to the IRS to investigate the alleged data-sharing activities between tax filing websites and Facebook. The Meta Pixel, operated by Facebooks parent company, collected taxpayers personal information through various tax e-filing websites, including taxpayers names, usernames, email addresses, home addresses, income, filing status, refund status, dependents, health savings accounts, college tuition grants, and college scholarship amounts of their dependents, the Democrats wrote in a news release from Rep. Adam Schiffs (D-Calif.) office. Reps. Judy Chu (D-Calif.) and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.) joined Schiff in issuing the demand. They now want the IRS to provide answers on if it is aware of the number of taxpayers whose data may have been shared with Meta and Facebook, if the data can be recovered from the companies, and if there is a violation of relevant tax laws. Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) delivers remarks during a hearing by the House Select Committee on the Jan. 6 Capitol breach in the Cannon House Office Building in Washington on Oct. 13, 2022. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images) The IRS directs taxpayers attempting to file for free to some of the companies reporting found using the pixel via Free File. The IRS also directs taxpayers to Tax Slayer through Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites, Schiffs release said. Free File and VITA are directed toward low income, elderly, and disabled taxpayers. Can you confirm whether Tax Slayer was one of the software packages embedding the pixel? It comes months after Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) sent out a similar letter to the tax filing companies, Meta, and Google about whether taxpayers data was improperly shared. If The Markups reporting is accurate, taxpayers deserve justice for this abuse of their private tax information, and we hope that the IRS and if merited, the Department of Justice, will act to impose appropriate penalties on companies, her letter stated. The IRS has not yet issued a public comment on the reports. A previous Epoch Times request for comment from the IRS was not returned. Response In response to the reports, TaxAct said that the data that was sent to Meta is at an aggregate level and not at the individual level. The privacy of our customers is very important to all of us at TaxAct, and we continue to comply with all laws and IRS regulations, a TaxAct spokesperson told CNBC last year. Data provided to Facebook is used at an aggregate level, not the individual level, by TaxAct to analyze our advertising effectiveness. TaxAct is not using the information provided by its customers and referenced in the report issued by The Markup to target advertising with Facebook. At the time, an H&R Block spokesperson told the outlet that the firm takes protecting our clients privacy very seriously, and we are taking steps to mitigate the sharing of client information via pixels. It also said it removed the pixels from its DIY online product to stop any client tax information from being collected, without elaborating. A TaxSlayer spokesperson, Molly Richardson, told The Markup that the firm is reevaluating using Meta Pixel. Our customers privacy is of utmost importance, and we take concerns about our customers information very seriously, Richardson said Lean Cuisine, Delissio Pizza to Disappear From Canadian Store Shelves in Next 6 Months: Nestle Delissio frozen pizzas are shown in the frozen food aisle at a grocery store in Toronto on Feb. 2, 2023. Nestle Canada says it is winding down its frozen meals and pizza business in Canada over the next six months. (Joe O'Connal/The Canadian Press) Some popular varieties of frozen pizza and meals will vanish from Canadian shelves in the next six months, as Nestle Canada decides to change its strategy and focus more on other categories. The product lines affected include Delissio, Stouffers, Lean Cuisine, and Life Cuisine, according to a Feb. 1 news release issued by Nestle Canada, and will be winding down in sales over the next six months in Canada. Nestle said the decision was a strategic one so the company could focus on long-term business growth and allow for reinvestment in portfolio lines. The new focus will include candy, coffee and beverages, ice cream, infant foods (formula) and supplements, health science products, pet food, foodservice, and premium waters. The company said it had been historically successful because of its ability to adapt and evolve. Going forward, the company said it would be investing in priority categories. Nestle does not have a factory in Canada that produces its TV dinners and frozen pizza products, and said it would work with retail partners to help with the exit of the products that will no longer be available. Delissio Pizza was one of the first on the market in 1996 with the slogan, Its not delivery, its Delissio. While the frozen pizza dinners started as part of Kraft Foods, founded by James Kraft, who was born in Ontario, in 2010, Kraft sold their frozen pizza rights to Nestle for US$3.7 billion. Kraft was headquartered in Canada at the time, with 13 food processing plants and bakeries. In a Jan. 5, 2010, news release, Nestle said Delissio was the leading frozen pizza brand in Canada, and had estimated sales of US$2.1 billion in Canada and the US in 2009. Delissio, sold in the United States as DiGiorno, introduced garlic bread pizza, croissant crust pizza, stuffed crust pizza, and crisp pan pizza in various flavours in their product lineup. Legislator Calls US Farm Labor Shortage a Massive Crisis That Will Have Serious Economic Consequences Farm workers harvest zucchini on the Sam Accursio and Son's Farm, on April 1, 2020 in Florida City, Florida. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) put a spotlight on the labor crisis that U.S. farmers face, calling the protracted shortage of farm workers a massive crisis during a Feb. 1 congressional hearing meant to address the 2023 Farm Bill. If we dont have the labor to get these crops in, were going to have a huge problem in this country, he told fellow members of the Senate Agriculture Committee. A farmer holding soybeans in Scribner, Neb., on May 5, 2019. (Johannes Eisele/AFP via Getty Images) The 2023 Farm Bill addresses points that can help farmers, but in a peripheral way. The bill includes things such as mandatory funding for rural economic development programs and farm operating loans, yet critics say those dont address the root of the problem: There simply arent enough hands on deck to plant, harvest, and process U.S. crops. The Economic Research Department of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has already predicted a lower crop yield for 2023. Consequently, the agency expects agricultural exports in fiscal year 2023 to drop by $3.5 billion. This decrease is primarily driven by reductions in soybeans, cotton, and corn exports, the agency stated in its report. Moreover, some key U.S. agricultural exports, such as soybeans, are finding increased competition in the international market from South American countries such as Brazil and Argentina. A reduced crop yield will also directly affect already-inflated U.S. grocery prices. The USDA predicts that food prices will increase by 7.1 percent in 2023. Combined with ongoing labor shortages and fast-approaching spring planting deadlines, the need for solutions is now crucial. Labor is our top issue. We really cannot find folks that want to go through and do these [farming] jobs, Jay Bragg, associate director of commodities and regulatory affairs for the Texas Farm Bureau, told The Epoch Times. Immigrant Labor Debate Nearly half of U.S. farm labor comes from illegal immigrants. This makes the H-2A temporary agricultural program visa a blessing for producers. However, its a sticking point among legislators. At face value, the H-2A program allows farmers who meet specific qualifications to import seasonal, nonimmigrant foreign workers to fill production gaps when American labor is unavailable. While this helps fill short-term gaps, critics say it offers a foot in the door to foreigners with intentions of overstaying their temporary visas. One study revealed that 62 percent of illegal immigrants originally arrived with a valid U.S. visa. During a 2022 interview, American Farm Bureau Federation economist Veronica Nigh said its difficult to get workers out to farms for long hours, often in extreme weather, to do the very physical work agricultural life demands. She added that the farm labor shortage is creating a domino effect. In the past, it was maybe more of a production [agriculture] problem. You know, on the farm, but over time, its gotten worse and spread throughout the supply chain. Mexican farm workers harvest celery in a field of Brawley, in the Imperial Valley, Calif., on Jan. 31, 2017. (Sandy Huffaker/AFP via Getty Images) In December 2022, Bennet introduced the Affordable and Secure Food Act of 2022. If approved, it would revise the H-2A visa program to allow employers to request year-round work for some imported workers. It would also freeze farm labor wages in 2023 in an attempt to stem rising costs. There are disagreements on every side of this issue. It is inarguable that passing this legislation will be better for American agriculture than not passing this legislation, Bennet said. Applicants for the H-2A visa program have soared in recent years. For perspective, the Department of Labor certified nearly 317,000 seasonal jobs in the fiscal year 2021. This is more than six times the number certified in 2005. Bragg says many producers lean heavily on the H-2A program due to a lack of options. Folks use it because thats all there is, he said. He also pointed out that there was a big push before the end of last years harvest to reform and improve H-2A. It is not a perfect program the Farm Bureau certainly is wanting to see some change, he said. Further, he noted that his organization didnt approve the initial reform proposal last year. The legislation that was proposed wasnt perfect and wasnt exactly what we wanted. So the Farm Bureau didnt endorse it. A lot of other [agriculture] groups did, [but] ultimately, we need something thats not as cost prohibitive. A Cottondale man was sentenced to 30 years in prison this week after entering a plea as jury selection was about to begin for his trial on charges of kidnapping, sexual battery and other charges. Travis Dickson Wilson, 39, was sentenced after being adjudicated guilty of Sexual Battery with a Deadly Weapon, Carjacking, Kidnapping, Robbery, Burglary of an Occupied Conveyance While Armed, and Aggravated Battery, according to a press release from the office of State Attorney Larry Basford. In addition to the prison term, Circuit Court Judge Dedee Costello sentenced Wilson to serve 10 years probation following his release. He will not be eligible for gain time in prison. Five of the crimes were committed in Washington County, while the Sexual Battery was committed in Jackson County, according to the release. Prosecutor Shalla Jefcoat was quoted in the release as crediting the Chipley Police Department, the Jackson County Sheriffs office and the Houston County Sheriffs Office in Alabama for their work. Wilson was a suspect in a different case in Alabama, the release stated. They identified the defendant by three means: good old fashioned police work, social media and forensics, Jefcoat said, noting Chipley police conducted a door-to-door search for video along the defendants route following the kidnapping while Jackson County deputies found the crime scene where important evidence was recovered. Jefcoat was prepared to call witnesses and produce evidence supporting the allegation that Wilson approached the victim in a parking lot April 3, 2019, pressed a gun into her side and forced her into her vehicle. Officials say the victim was forced to drive to a location in Jackson County where the sexual battery took place, then driven back close to the spot from where she was abducted. She immediately sought help and reported the attack, authorities said. Chipley police talked to the victim and witnesses and identified that a red SUV was involved. They then went to multiple businesses along the route the victim described, recovering surveillance video from several that confirmed the victims story and better identified the vehicle, the release stated. A local car dealer helped identify the make and model of the vehicle in the videos, and police used a state database to determine there were nearly 30 such vehicles in that area, it continued. But one of those belonged to a man who lived at an address central to the crimes, and that man was picked out of a lineup by the victim as well as being identified by others who saw the video, it stated. Chipley police, knowing Dothan, Ala., deputies were working on a similar case, sent DNA samples from the attack and they matched the DNA samples in the Alabama crime. Those DNA samples both matched the defendants DNA, which was in a nationwide database for previous felony offenders, it stated. In the release, Basford praised the agencies for working together and with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement throughout the investigation. Liberals Appoint Former Broadcaster Tom Clark as Canadas Envoy in New York City Cars drive through Times Square on Jan. 17, 2023, in New York. (The Canadian Press/AP/Andres Kudacki) Foreign Minister Melanie Joly has appointed former television journalist Tom Clark as Canadas envoy in New York City. Clark will be Canadas consul general in New York, putting him in charge of Ottawas efforts to sow cultural and economic ties in the Big Apple, as well as in neighboring American states and in Bermuda. Clark comes to the role after serving as chair of public-relations firm Global Public Affairs, and he moderated the Conservative partys English leadership debate last May. A biographical note from Global Affairs Canada notes that during a 45-year career in journalism, Clark covered politics, conflict and economics all around the world. The department notes that Clark has been posted to Washington, D.C. and Beijing, and that his experience in public relations put him in touch with senior business leaders as they navigated public-policy issues. He is not the first former broadcaster to come into the role; Pamela Wallin, who is now a senator, served there between 2002 and 2006. Larger than life: Art that inspires us through the ages The Lincoln Memorial honors a great man and provides a place where visitors can reflect on a watershed time in American history. The site for the Lincoln Memorial was decided as an extension of the National Mall, a long linear parkland thats a central area of Washington. The Capitol stands at one end, with George Washingtons monumentthe obeliskat the other. The mall was then extended with a long reflection pond leading to the Lincoln Memorial site situated near the Potomac River. Arriving at the memorial, the steps incrementally and then abruptly lead upward to the memorials main floor, where one is met with giant-scaled Doric columns. The memorial has 36 columns at the perimeter of the rectangular building, one for each state in the Union at the time of Lincolns death. On the interior, a row of columns lines each side of Lincolns sculpture, forming three chambers. The sculpture is centrally positioned in the main chamber, the south chamber holds Lincolns Gettysburg Address, and the north chamber holds Lincolns second inaugural address. Henry Bacons design was selected for the memorial. He chose the Parthenon as a model, as its symbolic of the Golden Age in Classical Greece. Daniel Chester French was the sculptor chosen to depict Lincoln, and he does it with power and gentleness. His hands tell a story: The left hand clenched in a fist, showing his determination to save the Union, while his right hand is more open, showing his compassion by welcoming the confederate states back into the Union following the war. Standing at the top of the stairs and gazing out over the National Mall, viewers are now connected to place, to history, and to what it means to be free in America today. Two sets of stairs rise up to the Lincoln Memorial welcoming visitors from across America and the world. (J.H.Smith/Cartiophotos) Above each column on the frieze (a decorative band at the top of the columns) is the name of each state with the year they joined the United States in roman numerals. On the next step up, the attic frieze holds the 48 states that existed at the time of the memorials dedication on May 30, 1922. (J.H.Smith/Cartiophotos) A view from the side of the memorial of the National Mall with the reflection pond, the George Washington monument and Capitol building in the background. (/Shutterstock) Passing through the 44-foot high, 7-foot diameter Doric columns made of Colorado marble, one arrives in the temple interior and in the presence of the stoic Abraham Lincoln sitting on a chair, calm yet poised. (Shutterstock) Lincolns sculpture sits atop a 10-foot-high plinth of Tennessee marble, raising Lincolns height to 29 feet above the temple floor and creating a powerful presence in the room. (J.H.Smith/Cartiophotos) The stoic depiction of Lincoln is heightened by the atmospheric lighting in the temple. (Shutterstock) A couple and a mother and son stand at the top of the memorial stairs looking out over the National Mall. (J.H.Smith/Cartiophotos) As Lincolns statue looks out, children play on the stairs of the memorial and adults take leisurely walks on the mall, enjoying the opportunities available to them in the land of the free. (J.H.Smith/Cartiophotos) Long Beach Police Arrest 2 Teens for Murder Long Beach police Jan. 27 arrested two local teenagers, one aged 15 and the other 16, for the alleged murder of a 20-year-old resident earlier in January. According to authorities, the minors shot Isaiah Saucedo, killing him Jan. 6 around 8:30 p.m. in the 5500 block of Long Beach Boulevard. When officers responded, they said they found Saucedo on the ground near a vehicle with multiple gunshot wounds. Attempts to treat his wounds, they said, were unsuccessful, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. An initial investigation, police said, determined Saucedo was sitting in the drivers seat of a car when he was allegedly shot by the teenagers, who fled on foot. Authorities said they believe the victim knew at least one of the suspects. A motive, possibly robbery, is still under investigation. The names of the suspects were not released, due to their ages. One was arrested on the 400 block of East 49th Street and the other on the 1100 block of Tehachapi Drive. Both arrests were made in Long Beach. Detectives will present the case to the Los Angeles County District Attorneys office for filing consideration this week, according to a Jan. 27 press release from the Long Beach Police Department. Cities in Los Angeles County Finally Issue Their Financial Reports From 2019 Commentary Each city in California has a due date for issuing its annual comprehensive financial report (ACFR), which includes its audited financial statementsbut there is no penalty for missing the deadline. So, of course, some cities are laggards. A few cities in Los Angeles County still have to issue their ACFR for the years ending June 30, 2020 and 2021. But, fortunately, all 88 cities in the county are current up to June 30, 2019. The city of Artesia was the last in L.A. County to issue its June 30, 2019, audited financial statements, doing so on Aug. 15 of last year. By comparison, Orange County has 34 cities, and they are 100 percent current for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2021. Now that we are into January of 2023, many states have already issued their ACFRs for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022. If states can meet the due date, what is taking many cities in Los Angeles County so long? A citys fiscal health is not necessarily reflected in its annual budget. Business savvy investors, like Warren Buffet, look to the balance sheets. This financial report reflects the assets, at cost and reduced by depreciation over their useful lifetime for capital assets, less liabilities, for loans and other borrowings and obligations. Subtracting the liabilities from the assets gives you the net assets, which is broken up into three categories, with my focus on unrestricted net assets (UNA) or deficit (UND). For simplicity, they are also referred to as the unrestricted net position (UNP). Looking at this amount in the Statement of Net Position is like checking the gas gauge on your car. Now that we have published audited financial statements prepared by certified public accountancy firms, how did your city do in 2019? The chart is provided below. There has not been much movement in the rankings from 2018 to 2019. It would be nice to see that your city moved up a position or two. Reducing liabilities should be its goal. But there are stories that can be explored, especially if you reside in a city that is moving in the wrong direction. And being told that your citys budget is balanced is not the answer you are looking for. Looking at the top of the rankings, one can assume that Beverly Hills has a robust property tax base thanks to its average housing price to cover its administration and services. It bounced back from 2018s adjustment for the requirement to include Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEBs) on its balance sheet. The same is true for the city of Hidden Hills. The city of Bradbury dropped two places by standing still, thanks to Beverly Hills and Hidden Hills. Going down the list, we see that the city of Commerce had a very good year, moving up nine spaces. But, time will show that it was a temporary bounce. Speaking of bouncing, the city of Santa Clarita does it every year. One year it moves up, the next it moves back down, and so forth. Further down, the city of Signal Hill incurred a three-quarter drop in its unrestricted net position (UNP), but it appears to be temporary as well. In the middle of the pack, San Marino cut its unrestricted net deficit (UND) in half, which is what residents should hope to see. The tourist city of Avalon increased its UND by only $1 million, but it was a 42 percent increase, causing it to drop from 50th place in 2018 to 56th place in 2019. The city of Los Angeles found that 2018 was its low point. It reduced its UND by 13 percent, moving up from 76th place to 69th. Thats what a $1 billion swing will do for a city that holds more than 10 percent of Californias population. Its improvement, pre-COVID-19, lowered the 88 cities overall combined UND from $12.5 billion to $11.7 billion. Los Angeles County has 88 cities, but the unincorporated areas not within the borders of one of these cities have residents who are managed by the county. The population growth trend, year over year, for the cities held steady at 0.45 percent. Looking forward, there are three cities that started aggressive trends in the wrong direction in 2019. They are Santa Monica, which dropped 15 places, La Verne, dropping five places, and Redondo Beach, dropping four spots. Residents of these three cities will have to inquire from their city councils the reasons for their precipitous slide toward the bottom of the rankings. Santa Monicas UNP dropped by $40 million, or $429 per resident. It dropped from 19th place to 34th. La Verne increased its UND by $6.8 million (28 percent), or $205 per resident. It dropped from 52nd to 57th place. And Redondo Beach, which was already in 72nd place, dropped to 76th by increasing its UND by $31.6 million, or $461 per resident. The goal for a city should be to have a positive UNP, which 35 of the cities have accomplished. Those cities below zero should be moving toward positive territory. But these last three cities are moving in the opposite direction. And the following fiscal years ending June 30, 2020 and 2021 would test them with something not seen in a century. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. High Chance Residents Prevented Mass Shooting: Los Angeles Police A man who allegedly made threatening comments to neighbors and staff at a Hollywood residential high-rise was charged Feb. 2 with criminal threats and possession of illegal weapons, and police credited residents with alerting authorities, leading to the discovery of an arsenal of weapons in his 18th-floor apartment. There is a high chance that the officers, and obviously, security staff and the people who called, prevented a mass shooting from happening, Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Lt. Leonid Tsap told reporters. Braxton Johnson, 25, was charged Wednesday with two counts of possession of an assault weapon, one count of criminal threats, and one count of solicitation of murder, according to the District Attorneys Office. Johnson was arrested late Tuesday night, with bail set at $500,000. Police said they initially responded Tuesday evening to the Lumina Hollywood building at Sunset Boulevard and Gordon Street on reports of a person having some sort of mental health crisis. When officers arrived, they determined the suspect had made some threatening comments to residents and some staff members at the building. One resident told KNX Newsradio that the man had made comments about owning weapons and noting that his 18th-floor apartment provided a prime perch for sniping. Police searched Johnsons apartment and said they recovered several high-powered rifles, shotguns, handguns and a large cache of various munitions. According to the District Attorneys Office, police also recovered ballistic vests and a scope, and some of the weapons were loaded and positioned at an angle, pointing downward near a glass window and aimed at a public park below. Tsap said Johnson was in possession of weaponry with the ability to inflict a lot of damage to a lot of people. Police said they traced Johnsons criminal history to at least one other state, where an additional investigation was ongoing. The other state or states were not disclosed. District Attorney George Gascon in a statement also praised residents who came forward. Were it not for the brave actions of the witnesses in this case, this could have also been an incredible tragedy, Gascon said. I want to also thank the LAPD for quickly apprehending this person and potentially saving countless lives. Man Accused of Raping Brittany Higgins Lodges Professional Misconduct Complaint The man accused of raping former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins has filed a formal complaint of professional misconduct against the prosecutor involved in the case, accusing him of being politically motivated in his handling of the matter. Bruce Lehrmann faced trial for the alleged sexual assault of Higgins in Parliament House. But the case was postponed multiple times before being officially dropped due to the prosecutors concerns over Higgins mental health. Lerhmann has maintained his innocence, saying the pair never had any sexual interaction. The Australian newspaper on Thursday reported that Lehrmann accused Australia Capital Territory (ACT) Director of Public Prosecutions Shane Drumgold of committing professional misconduct by pursuing the matter through the media. By doing so, he is bringing into disrepute his own office, the fine work and reputation of the Australian Federal Police and our members, Lehrmann wrote in the letter. His public behaviour continues to smear my name and the presumption of innocence that is a cornerstone of our justice system and that demands him to uphold. Brittany Higgins leaves court in Canberra, Australia, on Oct. 14, 2022. (Martin Ollman/Getty Images) Lehrmann also alleged that Drumgold was bolstered by political interests. An inquiry has also been launched into the handling of the court proceedings by police and prosecutors and whether any potential political interference took place. Retired Queensland solicitor-general Walter Sofronoff will head the investigation. Drumgold has separately claimed police pressured him to abandon the trial, raising concerns about political and police conduct in the case. But the police union brushed off the allegations and said Drumgolds office had compromised the trial. Charges Abandoned Due to Concerns Over Higgins Health Drumgold abandoned charges against Lehrmann in December 2022, citing evidence that extended trials have taken a toll on Higgins mental health. Whilst the pursuit of justice is essential for both my office and for the community in general, the safety of a complainant in a sexual assault matter must be paramount, Drumgold said at the time. I have made the difficult decision that it is no longer in the public interest to pursue a prosecution at the risk of the complainants life. He noted he had received compelling evidence from two independent medical experts that the ongoing trauma associated with this prosecution presents a significant and unacceptable risk to the life of the complainant. Higgins close friend Emma Webster said in a statement the past two years have been difficult and unrelenting for Higgins. While its disappointing the trial has ended this way, Brittanys health and safety must always come first, she said. Brittany is extremely grateful for all the support she has received, particularly from our mental health care workers. Extreme Media Attention Although Higgins hasnt achieved legal status as a victim of the alleged sexual assault crime, her case has attracted national attention following extreme media coverage of her public comments, which led the lawyers of Lehrmann to raise concerns that it may amount to contempt of the court. I urge all media to show restraint in reporting this matter and in particular in republishing the statements made by the complainant, Lehrmanns defence barrister Steve Whybrow wrote in a statement in February 2023 after Higgins spoke to the media outside of the ACT supreme court. I understand the complainant and other members of her support team were all seated in Court this morning when the Chief Justice discharged the jury and made strong comments about people making statements or comments that could prejudice a fair trial, Whybrow said in a statement on behalf of Mr Lehrmann. Notwithstanding Her Honours admonition, the complainant proceeded to give what appears to have been a pre-prepared speech to the media outside the Court. AAP contributed to this article. Man Pleads Guilty in Death of Long-Missing Michigan Woman BATTLE CREEK, Mich.A man who previously admitted killing two women in Pennsylvania pleaded guilty Wednesday to killing a Michigan woman who disappeared more than 17 years ago. Harold David Haulman III pleaded guilty in Calhoun County District Court to second-degree murder in the death of 21-year-old Ashley Marie Parlier, Prosecutor David Gilbert said. Parlier went missing from her Battle Creek, Michigan, home on June 12, 2005, after her family, who believes she was pregnant, said she had an argument with her parents. Haulman, 44, was charged in Parliers killing in 2021. Her remains have not been found, but as part of his plea agreement, Haulman has agreed to help investigators find her body, WOOD-TV reported. He is scheduled to be sentenced April 10. In September 2021, Haulman was sentenced to life in prison without parole after pleading guilty in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania to the killings of two women, The Daily Item reported at that time. Haulman admitted to killing Tianna Phillips, 25, of McClure, Pennsylvania, who had vanished in 2018, and Erica Shultz, 26, of Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, who went missing in late 2020. As police were interviewing Haulman about those killings, he admitted to killing Parlier as well, telling authorities her body might be in a remote area in Newton Township, south of Battle Creek. An unsuccessful search for Parlier was conducted there in March 2021. Mayorkas Faces New Impeachment Article Over Handling of Border Crisis Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.) (C) speaks during a news conference in front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, on Feb. 1, 2023. (Alex Wong/Getty Images) Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.) on Wednesday announced he is filing a new article of impeachment against Alejandro Mayorkas, the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Flanked by more than a dozen fellow Republican lawmakers outside the Capitol, Biggs accused Mayorkas of having intentionally induced or exacerbated the crisis at the southern border. This is done intentionally. This is not negligence, it is not by accident, it is not incompetence, Biggs said Wednesday afternoon. The Arizona congressman continued by outlining the various Biden administration efforts to slow down or end former President Donald Trumps border policies, as well as efforts to introduce policies that effectively enable an influx of illegal aliens. Secretary Mayorkas is the chief architect of the migration and drug invasion at our southern border. His policies have incentivized more than 5 million illegal aliens to show up at our southern borderan all-time figure, Biggs said in a prepared statement. Instead of enforcing the laws on the books and deporting or detaining these illegal aliens, the vast majority of them are released into the interior and never heard from again. Thousands of pounds of drugsincluding deadly fentanylcontinue to pour across the border unabated. Fentanyl is now the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18-45. These drugs could be stopped by a border fence and personnel, but Secretary Mayorkas has halted all wall construction and pulled agents from the front lines. Its clear Secretary Mayorkas has committed high crimes and misdemeanors. His conduct is willful and intentional. He is not enforcing the law and is violating his oath of office. For these reasons, Secretary Mayorkas should be impeached. Since 2021, Mayorkas has faced calls to be impeached by conservatives in Congress amid the ever-worsening influx of illegal immigrants and contraband, especially fentanyl, into the United States from the U.S.-Mexico border. Fiscal year 2022 saw more than 2.3 million encounters of illegal aliens, and a record-high figure of more than a quarter of a million encounters across the southern border in December 2022. A DHS spokesperson said lawmakers should focus on updating the U.S. immigration system instead of seeking to cast blame on officials. Secretary Mayorkas is proud to advance the noble mission of this Department, support its extraordinary workforce, and serve the American people, a DHS spokesperson told The Epoch Times in an emailed statement. The Department will continue our work to enforce our laws and secure our border, while building a safe, orderly, and humane immigration system. Instead of trying to point fingers and score political points, the Members of Congress recklessly and baselessly pursuing impeachment should work on legislative solutions for our broken system, which has not been updated in over 40 years. An impeachment is akin to an indictment, which, if further advanced, would result in a trial in the Senate. Following the November 2022 election, House Republicans now have a slim majority in the chamber, which means the impeachment articles could find enough support to pass the House if virtually every GOP lawmaker votes in unison. But an impeachment trial is unlikely because Democrats control the Senate. Furthermore, to convict an official, a two-thirds majority vote is required. Pressure from Republicans, however, serves to increase public scrutiny on the Biden administrations immigration and border policies. Impeachment Article The latest article of impeachment from Biggs seeks to hold Mayorkas accountable for high crimes and misdemeanors. It charges Mayorkas with having failed to faithfully uphold the oath to defend and secure the United States and uphold the Constitution. Mayorkas has instead presided over a reckless abandonment of border security and immigration enforcement, at the expense of the Constitution and the security of the United States, the text of the resolution (pdf) reads. It adds that Mayorkas has violated, and continues to violate, this oath by failing to maintain operational control of the border and releasing hundreds of thousands of illegal aliens into the interior of the United States. Mayorkas has also allegedly violated the Secure Fence Act of 2006 in failing to maintain operational control of the border, and his actions have directly led to an increase in illegal aliens and illegal narcotics, including deadly fentanyl, entering the United States, according to the resolution. It accuses Mayorkas of having willfully violated the Immigration and Nationality Act by releasing illegal aliens into the interior of the United States, even though the law requires the homeland secretary to detain illegal aliens while they are placed in removal proceedings. It adds: The Secretary of Homeland Security does not have the option of simply releasing those aliens into the interior of the United States. The resolution noted various actions by the DHS under Mayorkas, including how it terminated contracts for building more of the border wall, which resulted in key parts of the southern border not being secured. Separately, Mayorkas also terminated the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), also known as Remain in Mexico, a program under Trump that kept illegal aliens in Mexico until their asylum claims are heard. It also said Mayorkas reimplemented the catch and release program and has even released inadmissible aliens into the interior of the United States without issuing the aliens a Notice To Appear for immigration proceedings, adding that this has been intentionally done to keep illegal aliens off of the immigration court docket and prolong their time in the United States unlawfully. The resolution alleges that Maryorkas has usurped the parole process by using humanitarian parole to bypass immigration law and legally admit aliens who intended to cross the border illegally. According to the article, Mayorkas has abused categorical parole, allowing unprecedented numbers of unvetted aliens (particularly Afghans, Ukrainians, and Venezuelans) to enter the United States, effectively disregarding Congressional enforcement measures and encouraging further illegal immigration. GOP Push for Impeachment, Investigations The new article of impeachment on Wednesday marks a renewed impeachment effort. Biggs in August 2021 had introduced articles of impeachment against the DHS chief. In doing so, he became the first member of Congress to push for Mayorkass impeachment. At the time, the impeachment resolution had 32 Republican co-sponsors. But the two articles failed to reach the House floor for a vote. According to a press release from Biggss office, the resolution he announced Wednesday is co-sponsored by at least 28 other GOP lawmakers. It makes him the second lawmaker in 2023 to formally propose impeachment proceedings against Mayorkas; Rep. Pat Fallon (R-Texas) on Jan. 9 had introduced two articles of impeachment, also for high crimes and misdemeanors, accusing Mayorkas of having encouraged illegal immigration. The two articles have since been referred to the House Judiciary Committee. Biggs, who is a member of the House Judiciary Committee, told reporters on Wednesday that he and Fallon are co-sponsoring each others impeachment resolutions. The House Oversight Committee on Jan. 19 began a probe into the administrations handling of the border crisis, with Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.) having asked for a few chief patrol agents to testify at an upcoming hearing on Feb. 7. Comer announced Tuesday that Mayorkas had sought to prevent two chief agents from testifying but later reversed his stance after Comer threatened to use subpoenas. If you continue to direct DHS to obstruct congressional oversight in this matter, I will be forced to consider the use of the compulsory process, Comer told Mayorkas in a letter on Jan. 27. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) had in November 2022 called on Mayorkas to resign, saying Republicans would otherwise move to impeach him. McCarthy Hopeful of Eventual Compromise After Meeting Biden About Debt Ceiling Now U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy Kevin McCarthy at a meeting with President Joe Biden (R) and Sen. Chuck Schumer (C) at the White House in Washington on Nov. 29, 2022. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images) House Speaker Kevin McCarthy met with President Joe Biden at the White House on Feb. 1 to discuss the debt ceiling and spending cuts, a meeting that left McCarthy hopeful of finding common ground. I thought it was a very good discussion. We walked out saying we will continue that discussion. And I think there is an opportunity to come to an agreement, and I think thats the best thing, McCarthy told reporters shortly after the one-hour conversation. The Speaker again refused to state which specific areas Republicans are targeting for spending cuts, or when he would announce their plan. McCarthy said negotiating in public would be no help in reaching an agreement with the president. He would say only that Medicare and Social Security are not targets for spending cuts and that Republicans would focus on eliminating waste. Elephant in the Room The United States is close to exceeding its statutory debt ceiling, and Republicans are using the occasion to highlight the rapidly increasing federal debt and call for spending cuts. The debt ceiling is the amount of debt Congress has authorized the federal government to have at one time. Since the United States has operated on a deficit budget in all but four years since 1970, continued borrowing is essential to meet the countrys financial obligations. U.S. $100 bills, on July 14, 2022, in Marple Township, Pa. (Matt Slocum/AP Photo) The current ceiling is approximately $31.4 trillion, set 13 months ago. If we continue the trajectory that were in for the next 10 years, well spend $8 trillion just on interest [on the national debt], McCarthy said. The greatest threat to America is our debt. Our debt is now 120 percent of GDP, meaning our debt is larger than our economy. Setting Expectations Prior to the meeting, both leaders attempted to define the terms of the discussion. Biden characterized increasing the debt ceiling as a non-negotiable requirement for maintaining the integrity and economic stability of the United States. I will not let anyone use the full faith and credit of the United States as a bargaining chip, Biden said on Jan. 26 while making remarks on the economy in Springfield, Virginia. A White House memo released on Jan. 30 reiterated the presidents position. As the president has said many times, the United States must never default on its financial obligations. Raising the debt ceiling is not a negotiation; it is an obligation of this country and its leaders to avoid economic chaos, the memo stated. The US Treasury Department building in Washington, on Oct. 18, 2018. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images) As vice president, Biden was involved in negotiations in 2011 when House Republicans demanded that President Barack Obama make deficit reductions in exchange for an increase in the debt ceiling. The showdown prompted volatility in financial markets and caused the credit rating of the United States to be reduced for the first time in history. The two sides eventually agreed on an increase in the debt ceiling accompanied by a deficit reduction. But the confrontation hardened Bidens resolve to never again negotiate over the debt ceiling, a White House staffer reportedly told NBC News. McCarthy has repeatedly said that he would not refuse to raise the debt ceiling but would ask the president to agree to reduce runaway spending. Look, there will not be a default, McCarthy said on Face the Nation Sunday. But what is really irresponsible is what the Democrats are doing right now, saying you should just raise the limit. After todays meeting, McCarthy was more emphatic about reducing the national debt. The one thing I do know is our debt is too high. We have waste in our government. And we need to sit down together in a responsible will put us on a path to balance that will make the future of America stronger into the next century. A Successful Start McCarthys goal for the meeting was to begin negotiations, which he believes was accomplished. Ive just walked out having an hour conversation with this president, that I tell you from my perspective was a good conversation. No agreements, no promises except that we will continue this conversation, McCarthy said. He did acknowledge that the two are not yet close to making a deal. We have different perspectives. But we both laid out some of our vision of where we want to go, and I believe after a while, we can find common ground. The United States would have exceeded its current debt ceiling on Jan. 19 but for extraordinary measures taken by Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen to keep the government solvent. Yellen estimated that would keep the nation below the ceiling until sometime in June. McCarthy is hopeful that he and Biden can come to an agreement sooner than that. I told the president I would like to see if we can come to an agreement long before the deadline so we can start working on other things. To accomplish that goal McCarthy said he will look for ways to compromise through discussion and negotiation. I think this is exactly how the government in America is designed because you have to find a compromise. The American people made the decision to have the Republicans in control in the house. Democrats have a small majority of the Senate, and the Democrats have a president. But were all Americans. We all have to work together. Militant Who Killed 101 at Pakistan Mosque Wore Uniform People visit at the site of Monday's suicide bombing after authorities finished the rescue operation in Peshawar, Pakistan, on Jan. 31, 2023. (Muhammad Sajjad/AP Photo) PESHAWAR, PakistanA suicide bomber who killed 101 people at a decades-old mosque in northwest Pakistan this week had disguised himself in a police uniform and did not raise suspicion among guards, the provincial police chief said on Thursday. Moazzam Jah Ansari said the suicide bomber, who arrived with a motorcycle to the mosque on a police compound, had been identified. Police were close to arresting suspects in Mondays attack, one of the deadliest ever in Peshawar, the capital in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. Ansari provided no further details about who was responsible, but Pakistans defense and interior ministers in speeches to Parliament this week blamed the Pakistani Taliban for orchestrating the bombing. They said the insurgents had sanctuaries in Afghanistan. We will avenge the martyrdom of each and every policeman, Ansari told a news conference. Ansari said those who are responsible for the attack, including the mastermind and facilitators, will be arrested and punished under the law. The blast collapsed the roof of the 50-year-old mosque, killing 101 people, mostly policemen. Two hundred twenty-five people were injured. He said six or seven policemen were martyred by the bombing but most casualties were caused when the sprawling roof, which was supported by outside walls but no pillars, caved in. Footage released by police shows the suspected bomber disguised as a policeman walking toward the compound with a motorcycle, giving the impression that the vehicle wasnt working. More than 300 worshippers were praying in the Sunni mosque, with more approaching, when the bomber set off his explosives vest. Ansari said the attacker was not searched because guards assumed that he was one of their colleagues. Yes, I admit that it was a security lapse and I take responsibility for it, Ansari said. He dismissed reports that the mosque had been hit by a drone, or planted explosives. There is no truth in such speculations and claims, Ansari said. It was a suicide bombing. Ansari spoke a day after dozens of police officers in a rare move joined a peace march organized by the members of civil society groups in Peshawar, demanding protection for themselves. Rescue workers examine a damage portion at the site of Mondays suicide bombing after authorities finished the rescue operation in Peshawar, Pakistan, on Jan. 31, 2023. (Muhammad Sajjad/AP Photo) Hours after the bombing, Pakistans Defense Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif and Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah Khan accused the Pakistani Taliban, known by the acronym TTP, of carrying out the attack. In their speeches to Parliament, they said terrorists operated from neighboring Afghan territory. Pakistan wants the Afghan Taliban to take action against the TTP group. Shortly after the bombing, a TTP commander claimed responsibility, but more than 10 hours after the attack the chief spokesman for the group distanced the TTP from the carnage, saying it was not its policy to attack mosques. On Wednesday, Afghanistans Taliban-appointed foreign minister, however, had asked Pakistani authorities to look for the reasons behind terrorist violence in their country instead of blaming Afghanistan. The comments from Amir Khan Muttaqi came after Pakistani officials said the attackers who orchestrated Mondays suicide bombing were using Afghan soil to target civilians and security forces. Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif visited a hospital in Peshawar after the bombing and vowed stern action against those behind the attack. Pakistan, which is mostly Sunni Muslim, has seen a surge in terrorist attacks since November when the Pakistani Taliban ended a cease-fire with government forces. The violence has increased in Pakistan since the Afghan Taliban seized power in neighboring Afghanistan in August 2021 as U.S. and NATO troops pulled out of the country after 20 years of war. The TTP is separate from but a close ally of the Afghan Taliban. Qabil Ashirov Azerbaijani Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov held two separate meetings with Moldovan Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Spinu, and ACWA Power Chairman Mohammad Abunayyan, Azernews reports, citing the minister`s tweet. The minister noted that during the meeting with the Moldovan deputy prime minister, the sides evaluated the development prospects of the economic relations between Moldova and Azerbaijan. During the meeting with Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development of the Republic of Moldova Andrei Spinu (@AndreiSpinu), we have evaluated the development prospects of the #economic relations between our countries, Jabbarov tweeted. As for the meeting with Mohammad Abunayyan, Jabbarov noted that Azerbaijan's green energy concept and ACWA's ongoing and anticipated projects in Azerbaijan were discussed. Furthermore, the sides exchanged views about business opportunities in the liberated territories. During the meeting with the chairman of Saudi Arabias @ACWAPower company Mohammad Abunayyan, we have discussed the country's development in line with the #greenenergy concept, as well as the company's ongoing and anticipated projects in Azerbaijan. We have also touched upon the #business opportunities in our liberated territories, the minister tweeted. On Monday, the Dothan Police Department began investigating an allegation of inappropriate sexual contact between an adult male and a juvenile under the age of 16. Froilan Joel Ramirez-Lopez, 19, of Dothan is charged with one count of sexual abuse first degree and one count of attempted sexual abuse first degree as a result of the investigation. He is currently being held with no bond. Due to the nature of this case and the Alabama Juvenile Privacy laws, police will release no further information about this case. Move Over State Department, Defense Department Shapes Foreign Policy Commentary Distrust and caution are the parents of security.Benjamin Franklin Has the Constitution created a gap and seam in U.S. national security? By design, the framers of the Constitution created checks between the executive and legislative branches. The Constitution created a separation between the ends and wayscontrolled by the executive branch and the meansallocated by Congress. While the power to declare war constitutionally rests with Congress, the president commands the military and is responsible for planning U.S. security strategy. The framers of the Constitution did take care to limit the presidents powers regarding the military; Alexander Hamilton explains this in his Federalist No. 69 essay. The president is to be commander-in-chief of the Army and Navy of the United States. It would amount to nothing more than the supreme command and direction of the military and naval forces while the power of the British king extends to the declaring of war and to the raising and regulating of fleets and armies, all of which would appertain to the legislature. Along with the armed forces, the president also directs U.S. foreign policy. The president decides whether to recognize new nations and new governments and negotiates treaties with other nations, which become binding when approved by a two-thirds vote of the Senate. Congress has an important role in national security, including the exclusive power to declare war and to raise and maintain the armed forces. However, the real gap or seam in U.S. national security stems not from these constitutionally mandated separations in power between the executive branch and Congress, but rather from the gap between national security and foreign policy. At a time when adversaries seek asymmetrical advantages over the United States, a disconnect between our military and foreign policy is one that can potentially be exploited. Dana Priest wrote in a book called The Mission: Waging War and Keeping Peace With Americas Military about how the militarys regional combat commanders were responsible for planning operations and managing security relations in vast swaths of the world, and increasingly served as the faces of U.S. foreign policy. U.S. military leaders acknowledge the role foreign policy plays in shaping military strategy; however, there is increasing frustration with the State Departments inability to lead U.S. foreign policy. Some argue that the reason for the State Departments inability to lead the nations foreign policy is due to the lack of resources. Former secretaries of defense and chairmans of the joint chiefs have advocated for greater State Department funding. The State Department has determined that it needs an additional $3.3 billion across four years to meet its current mission requirements. Such a sum amounts to roughly a 1.5 percent increase in the departments $52.8 billion yearly operations budget. That is a small number compared to the Defense Departments annual budget request. However, a lack of financial resources is not the primary issue. The State Departments inability to conduct U.S. foreign policy is due to its lack of efficacy and leadership. As an organization, the State Department does not train or prepare its leaders to conduct planning and execution on a commensurate scale with the U.S. military. Lacking efficiency and leadership, U.S. foreign policy implementation, therefore, defaults to the Defense Department. Although the U.S. military is quick to long for the days when it simply could fight and win the nations wars, in reality, the Defense Department will continue to shape U.S. foreign policy. For example, combatant commanders continue to shape foreign policy regionally through the execution of the State Departments Foreign Military Financing (FMF), Foreign Military Sales, and International Military Education and Training (IMET) program. FMF has preserved the peace between Israel and Egypt, and the IMET program has allowed U.S. senior leaders to foster and leverage relationships vital to national security interests. Improving the capabilities of the State Department and creating civilian operational capacity is vital to sealing the gaps between U.S. military and foreign policy. However, this will take time. The United States cannot afford to abrogate the security of the nation to allow the State Department to catch up. Therefore, the Defense Department must continue to act as a principal element in the execution of foreign policy. The military may no longer have as its purpose merely to fight and win Americas wars but now must create conditions for peace and stability. By an anonymous former Special Forces Officer. This article first appeared in The Havok Journal. The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense visual information does not imply or constitute department endorsement. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Nancy Pelosi Endorses Adam Schiffs 2024 California Senate Campaign, With a Catch Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) speaks during her final weekly news conference at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Dec. 22, 2022. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images) Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) spoke out on Thursday about the Democratic 2024 California senate primary thats starting to take shape. Democratic Reps. Katie Porter and Adam Schiff have already launched campaigns for the Senate seat, which is currently held by Sen. Diane Feinstein. Reports have circulated that Rep. Barbara Lee is also preparing to launch a run for the senate seat and in December, Rep. Ro Khanna told Semafor he would take a look at running if Feinstein were to retire. Against the backdrop of this burgeoning Democratic senate primary field, Pelosi placed her support behind Feinstein first, but said she would support Schiff if Feinstein chose not to run for another term. If Senator Feinstein decides to seek re-election, she has my whole-hearted support, Pelosi said in an emailed statement shared with the press. If she decides not to run, I will be supporting House Intelligence Committee Chair Adam Schiff, who knows well the nexus between a strong Democracy and a strong economy. Schiff was the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee until last month, when the Republican party began the new session of Congress with a majority in the House. Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy formally blocked Schiff from returning to the House Intelligence Committee last week and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) has since nominated other members of the Democratic party to serve on the committee. Schiff welcomed Pelosis provisional endorsement of his Senate campaign, tweeting: Im deeply honored and proud to have the support of @SpeakerPelosi, who has been a friend and mentor throughout my time in Congress. Shes accomplished so much for children and for working families, and deeply understands the challenges to our democracy that lie ahead. Adam Schiff (@AdamSchiff) February 2, 2023 Feinstein Still Undecided It remains to be seen if Feinstein will run again in 2024 or give up her Senate seat after having been in office for 30 years. According to Federal Election Committee (FEC) disclosures, Feinsteins 2024 Senate Campaign started in 2021 with about $48,018 and has brought in $8,634 between the start of 2021 and end of 2022. The campaign has spent about $46,862 in the past two years and had about $9,968 on hand at the end of 2022. By comparison, Schiffs Senate campaign has about $20.8 million in cash on hand. Porter has about $7.4 million in cash on hand. In her statement on Thursday, Pelosi praised Feinstein for her past work in the Senate, including the passage of the 1994 Assault Weapons Ban, the Violence Against Women Act, and the Respect for Marriage Act. Since her election to the Senate in 1992, Senator Feinstein has achieved a remarkable legislative record, always delivering for California and forcefully honoring her oath to protect and defend, Pelosi said. While 82-year-old Pelosi is placing her support first and foremost behind the 89-year-old Feinstein, some left-leaning political commentators have raised concerns about her cognitive state in her advanced age. Its time for Sen. Feinstein to retire, UC Irvine law professor and CNN contributor Rick Hasen wrote in December. She did some great work in [the] Senate. But its been clear for [the] last few years that her cognitive decline is serious. Let Gov. [Gavin] Newsom appoint someone who can fully represent CAs interests until election. The editorial board of the San Francisco Chronicle raised allegations that Feinstein is experiencing cognitive decline and said fellow Democrats should urge her resignation if those claims prove accurate. Democrat Party Leaders Share Dueling Endorsements If Feinstein does not decide to run, Pelosis endorsement could be one of the most influential for Schiffs senate campaign. While Schiff has the provisional support of the two-time speaker of the House, Porter has also gained some high-profile support of her own. Within days of announcing her senate bid, Porter received an endorsement from Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.). Warren is in her second senate term and gained added prominence in the Democratic party when she ran in the partys 2020 presidential primaries. Katie delivers for California, Warren said in her endorsement video. Shes smart and she has a backbone made of steel. From NTD News Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach talks with Newsmakers about the states suing the Biden administration over allowing 401(k) managers to put savings into environmental, social, and governance funds. Jenna Ellis, former senior adviser and counsel to President Donald Trump, speaks about the Biden administrations idea to declare a public health emergency in order to expand abortion access. China expert Gen. Robert Spalding talks about North Dakota ending support for a Chinese-owned corn mill project. The project allegedly has links to the Communist Party. Epoch Times reporter Janice Hisle discusses her report on the Federal Aviation Administration loosening restrictions on pilot heart health tests, and what it could mean for the flying public. Ryan Yonk, senior research faculty at the American Institute for Economic Research, talks about the meeting between House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and President Joe Biden. Victor Avila, retired special agent with HSI-ICE, talks about the Department of Homeland Security letting border agents testify on the border crisis. The College Board on Feb. 1 released an official curriculum for its new Advanced Placement course in African American Studies. After strong criticism from Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis last month, there appear to be some downgrades in the curriculum. At least six people are dead and over a quarter million are without power as an icy winter storm moves across several Southern states. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy sounded hopeful after his first meeting with President Joe Biden about the debt limit, saying at the end of the day, we can find common ground. Meanwhile, Bidens lawyers said no classified documents were found at his vacation home in Rehoboth, Delaware, after the Justice Department conducted a search. House Republicans on Feb. 2 voted to remove Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) from the House Foreign Affairs Committee (HFAC) over past comments that critics have called antisemitic. Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) wrote a letter to the heads of Apple and Google urging them to remove TikTok from their stores. In addition to national security concerns, he drew attention to the impact the platform has on children. Former President Donald Trump is promising swift changes to gender transition laws if he makes it back into the Oval Office come 2024. In a video posted to Truth Social this week, he vowed to stop the chemical, physical, and emotional mutilation of the youth. Hunter Biden is asking federal agencies to investigate the possible illegal handling of personal data from his infamous laptop. This marks the first time hes acknowledged the laptop was really his. A new study shows that Mercks COVID drug Lagevrio causes new mutations of the virus in patients. California officials are looking to enact more gun control laws with specific limits on concealed carry. The push comes after recent shootings in the state left dozens of people dead and wounded. Ohio Man Who Identifies as Female Faces Charges for Being Naked in Locker Room While Young Girls Were Present A man who identifies as a female has been charged with public indecency for allegedly being naked while in the presence of young girls, in the womens locker room of a YMCA in Ohio. The man, Darren C. Glines, 31, of Fairborn, was charged with three counts of indecent exposure for three separate incidents spanning 20212022 that were reported by three different people. Glines has not had gender reassignment surgery. He identifies as transgender and uses the name Rachel, local station WHIO reported. Under Ohio law, public indecency is a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. The three incidents occurred on Sept. 26, 2021, Nov. 7, 2022, and between Nov. 30, 2021, and Nov. 30, 2022, according to the complaint (pdf) obtained by the Daily Caller. In the third incident, the person who filed the complaint reported that at least three female juveniles were present when the naked man was in their vicinity. Glines was identified by the reporting persons and the Xenia police were able to identify the identification via their investigation, according to the court document. The president of the Xenia City Council, Williams Urshcel, shared at a recent public gathering that one of the women that complained was told by the front desk at the YMCA facility that Glines is actually a woman, and that you shouldnt be disturbed by this. But a spokesperson for the city said Urshels comments were not authorized by or on behalf of the rest of the City Council, the city mayor, the city manager, and the law director. The citys law department doesnt plan to bring charges against the YMCA over the matter, the spokesperson added. The YMCA of Greater Dayton told WHIO in a statement that it will comply with legal mandates but also continue to protect the privacy and safety of its members. Under no circumstance will we investigate an individuals birth identity and then assign individuals to locker rooms, the statement reads. That would be counter to the law, counter to respect for all people and it is not who or what we are as an organization. The YMCA of Greater Dayton told Dayton Daily News that non-discrimination laws in Ohio allow people to use facilities that align with their gender identity. It added that locker room guidelines in its facilities ask people to remain properly covered while in public areas of the locker room. Oregon Preparing for Floating Offshore Wind Farms As Concern Over Whale Deaths Grows The body of a humpack whale lies on a beach in Brigantine N.J., after it washed ashore on Jan. 13, 2023. (Wayne Parry/AP Photo) City mayors and state and local lawmakers are calling for a temporary pause in ocean-floor work after an eighth dead whale washed ashore in New Jersey this week, reigniting the debate about the impact of offshore wind-farm development on marine life. The mayors are calling for an immediate halt to plans to build dozens of offshore wind turbines. We are concerned about the impacts these [offshore wind] projects may already be having on our environment, the mayors stated in a letter to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). But NOAA says the deaths are not related to the wind turbines. I want to be unambiguous. There is no information supporting that any of the equipment used in support of offshore wind development could directly lead to the death of a whale, wrote Benjamin Laws, NOAA deputy chief of the permits and conservation division. Save LBI, a New Jersey-based group that opposes offshore wind farms close to shore disagrees. It reports that at least six vessels were conducting geotechnical surveys off the New Jersey coast during December and January and claims that the DuraSpark UHD being used produces enough sound energy to penetrate the ocean floor to a depth of 328 feet with a blast frequency of twice per second. Because whales navigate using echolocation, the noise from the offshore wind vessel surveys is a potential cause of the recent whale wash-ups on the shore, Save LBI claimed in its report. Concerning the Pacific With the West Coast preparing for floating offshore wind-farm development, Oregonians are taking note of the debate, even as four dead whales have coincidentally stranded along the Pacific Coastincluding two adult gray whales, a 12-foot gray whale calf, and a 40-foot long male sperm whalesince Jan 14. Such strandings are not unusual, according to NOAA spokesperson Michael Milstein. In this case, some carcasses that would not have otherwise come ashore were likely carried in by stormy weather and shown up in places where they are more likely to be found, Millstein told The Epoch Times. Still, with floating offshore wind coming soon to the Pacific Coast, exhaustive studies will be done to examine the potential impact on marine life. Floating Offshore Wind Floating offshore wind farms are a relatively new concept, with only a few facilities operating around the world. Planned developments in California and Oregon could be the first in the nation. Unlike the offshore fixed-wind platforms on the east coastwhich involve a wind turbine mounted on a fixed foundation in the seafloating wind involves a structure that floats in the water and is tethered to the seabed to keep it in place. These designs are reportedly better suited for the depths of the Pacific Coast. Putting turbines on floating platforms allows development in deeper waters, which means more potential project sites and more potential capacity. Some 60 percent of available offshore wind resources in the United States is beyond the reach of fixed-bottom foundation turbines, including practically the whole of the West Coast, according to a 2017 statement from industry body WindEurope. As envisioned, 800-foot tall turbines will float on triangular platforms roughly the size of a small city block with cables connecting each to four 50-ton concrete blocks, or embedment anchors. Each will have three blades longer than 700 feet. They will be assembled onshore and towed, upright, to their open-ocean destination. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has already granted leases for five patches of ocean off the California coast for floating wind development, yielding $757 million to the federal treasury. In the next 18 months, BOEM plans to auction two more leases encompassing 1.15 million acres starting 12 miles offshore along the south-central and southern Oregon coast. Such developments are a key component of the Biden administrations clean energy strategy. Acknowledging the risk to marine lifeincluding that of whales becoming tangled in the moorings and cables associated with floating wind platforms federal agencies have commissioned more than a dozen studies of the environmental, economic, and social impact of large-scale development along the Pacific Coast. Among those studies is the four-year Marine Offshore Species Assessment to Inform Clean Energy (MOSAIC) project conducted by Oregon State Universitys (OSU) Marine Mammal Institute. Marine Life Mosaic The MOSAIC project is the most extensive inventory of sea life ever undertaken on the Pacific Coast, spanning a region from Cape Mendocino, California, to the mouth of the Columbia River on the Oregon/Washington border and west to the continental slope to a depth of 3,000 meters. The project will include visual surveys and acoustic monitoring of seabirds, whales, dolphins, and porpoises during all seasons. Researchers are collecting identification photographs of individual baleen whales, data from satellite-tagged whales, and DNA profiles. The data will provide insight into whale behavior, population identity, and site fidelity, meaning the likelihood the animals will return to the same location each year. The results of our data will be delivered as a map of species distribution and behavior that could be used as a baseline for any type of future development decisions, OSU Marine Mammal Institute director and lead MOSAIC investigator Lisa Ballance told The Epoch Times. In the first year of the project, MOSAIC researchers spotted seabirds, dolphins, and whalesincluding the blue whale, which is the largest animal on Earthforaging in the Oregon and Northern California areas that could one day host floating wind farms. A Lot of Large Whales Out There The [continental] shelf and the slope have high abundance and high density of marine mammals and seabirds, said Ballance. There are quite a lot of large whales out there. Humpbacks are abundant and were increasingly seeing blue whales. We have even seen a whale that most people are not aware of called a sei whale, which looks similar to a blue whale and is nearly as big. Blue whales, sei whales, as well as some sub-populations of humpbacks are federally listed as endangered. The Pacific Northwests critically endangered Southern Resident killer whales also travel along Oregons outer coast. Right now, the MOSAIC team is gathering data. Our job is to inform the industry and associated regulatory bodies about whats out there so they can make informed decisions, should they decide to move forward with these platforms, about where they might be placed, Balance told The Epoch Times. If floating offshore wind comes to the Pacific Coast, there will be regulatory requirements to monitor the area to make sure that protected species are not impacted, and if they are impacted, how might those impacts be mitigated, she said. Ballance was not prepared to weigh in about whether anchoring massive floating wind turbines amid this maritime abundance would create problems. But fishing industry representatives did not hesitate to share their concerns about the potential impact on fishing grounds. Fishing for Perspective The fishing industry is concerned that the infrastructure associated with offshore floating wind farms will take some of the most productive fishing areas out of production. A bigger concern for them is that the infrastructure could actually disrupt the California Current, one of the five most productive ecosystems in the world. In a published transcript from a Sept. 2022 Oregon Public Broadcast interview, Nick Edwards, a commercial fisherman in Oregon for 42 years, shared his concerns about the unintended consequences that offshore wind could have for the fishing industry and the environment. We have one of the most pristine ecosystems in the world, Edwards said. The California Current runs south from British Columbia to Southern California Baja Sur. Described as a conveyor belt, it draws cool nutrient-rich waters from the Alaska current down along the western coast of North America to the Baja Peninsula. According to NOAA, this highly productive coastal ecosystem full of phytoplankton supports populations of krill, squid, sardines, and other species that are fed upon by larger fishes, seabirds, and marine mammals. So youre putting something in this ecosystem that, with the wind wake, could permanently change the path of the California Current, and that feeds a huge base of the rich Pacific Ocean, Edwards said. Youre changing an ecosystem because of [concerns about] climate change and without knowing the full impact. It could be catastrophic. He compares it with the impact of Pacific Northwest dams. Effect on Seafood Industry Dams and hydroelectric dams had unintended consequences to the Pacific Salmon, Edwards said. Now the governors of Oregon, Washington, and California, want to take out the dams to restore the salmon runs. I dont want offshore wind to [have] unintended consequences on West Coast seafood. Edwards reflected on the risks associated with Pacific Coast weather events such as the catastrophic Columbus Day Storm of 1962. It blew between 60 and 120 miles an hour and whipped up 30-foot seas. We couldnt keep a weather buoy attached to the bottom in those conditions. How are you going to keep these attached to the bottom, Edwards asked. Imagine the domino effect if 100 or 200 of these towers broke free. Edwards also expressed his concerns about the infrastructure itself. Each one of these 200 turbines would be spaced about a mile apart, and have four embedment anchors weighing about 50 tons. So youre taking up valuable fishing grounds that are in the most productive ecosystems in the world at a time when food insecurity is of great concern. And these embedment anchors will be there until the end of time, Edwards said. Well never be able to fish there ever again. Then there are miles and miles of chain, miles of cable and youre gonna electrify the seabed floor with high voltage current. What could possibly go wrong? Police Locate Stolen Vehicle Driven Through Ontario Mall During Theft The crest of the York Regional Police on the headquarters building in Aurora, Ontario, on Sept. 15, 2020. (Shutterstock) York Regional Police say theyve located a stolen Audi that was used in a wild mall robbery in which the suspects drove the car through a shopping centre in Vaughan, Ont. Security camera footage provided by police shows the vehicle smashed through the malls glass entrance doors and navigated through the building toward its targeted store. The vehicle is identified as a 2011 black Audi A4 with Quebec licence plate X1O SNP, police said in a statement. Were going to call a flag on this one. Early this morning a 2011 Black Audi A4 with Quebec licence plate X10 SNP smashed through Vaughan Mills. Two suspects committed a break and enter and fled. If you have any information on this vehicle or the suspects, please call police. pic.twitter.com/m358aeD3G3 York Regional Police (@YRP) February 1, 2023 Police said the suspects committed a break-and-enter in the robbery and stole a quantity of items from an electronics store before smashing through another set of glass doors and fleeing the scene. No one was injured in the incident. The alleged robbery took place at the Vaughan Mills shopping mall, near the area of Highway 400 and Rutherford Road, at around 1:10 a.m. on Feb. 1. Police said in an updated statement that the vehicle has been located and will be examined for evidence. Police are also seeking witnesses of the break-and-enter. Stolen Car From Quebec A Quebec woman who claims to be the original owner of the stolen Audi said her car was taken by a man during a test drive. Taylor-Anna Kobinger, a resident of Laval, Quebec, told CTV News that she listed her 2011 Black Audi A4 for sale on Facebook Marketplace in January as a means to save up for a down payment for a home. On Jan. 29, a man responded to her ad and came to her home in order to test drive the vehicle, Kobinger said. The man took the car out twice. Everything went fine during the first test drive, but Kobinger said he started to drive dangerously in the second run. Kobinger, feeling nervous, asked to change places with the man. Thats when things went wrong. We both got out of the car and as soon as we were walking to change place, he ran back, she told CTV News in the Feb. 1 report. He didnt even have time to sit back in the car completelyhe had one foot still out [of the car] and the other foot pressed on the gas petal, and he left with my car. Kobinger said she hasnt seen her car since and was surprised when York Regional Police told her on Feb. 1 that her vehicle had been involved in a theft in Ontario550 km away from where she lives in Laval. Never had I in my lifetime did I thought Id see my car driving through a mall, especially through windows, she said. British Monarch to Be Removed From Australias $5 Note Opposition calls decision "woke nonsense" This photo illustration taken in Hong Kong on Feb. 2, 2023 shows the Australian $5 banknote. (Mladen Antonov/AFP via Getty Images) The late Queen Elizabeth II will not be featured on Australias five-dollar note going forward, instead, a new design that honours the culture and history of the First Australiansa term to refer to Aboriginal Australianswill replace the monarch. The countrys five-dollar bill has featured the late Queen since 1992 and was due to be replaced with her son, King Charles III. Yet on Feb. 2, the Reserve Bank of Australia announced the swap. The Reserve Bank has decided to update the $5 banknote to feature a new design that honours the culture and history of the First Australians. This new design will replace the portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The other side of the [five-dollar] banknote will continue to feature the Australian Parliament, the Bank said in a statement. This decision by the Reserve Bank Board follows consultation with the Australian Government, which supports this change. The Bank would consult with representatives of Indigenous Australians, noting that the new design would take a number of years to be finalised and printed. In the meantime, the current [five-dollar] banknote will continue to be issued. It will be able to be used even after the new banknote is issued. The current 50-dollar bill already features famous Indigenous man David Uniapon, an author, activist, musician, and preacher. While the five-dollar note also includes the Forecourt Mosaic, which is based on a Central Desert dot-style painting by Michael Nelson Jagamara. The face of King Charles III is expected to be seen on Australian coins later this year. Treasurer Backs Decision, Opposition Calls It Woke Nonsense Labor Treasurer Jim Chalmers has backed the move calling it an opportunity to strike a good balance. I welcome the decision taken by the independent Reserve Bank to ensure the new $5 note recognises and celebrates the culture and history of Indigenous Australians, he told reporters in Melbourne. The monarch will still be on the coins, but the $5 note will say more about our history and our heritage and our country, and I see that as a good thing, he said. However, federal opposition leader Peter Dutton said the move aligned with calls to change the date of Australia Day. I know the silent majority dont agree with a lot of the woke nonsense that goes on, but weve got to hear more from those people online, he told 2GB Radio on Feb. 2. He claimed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was central to the decision and pushed the leader to be upfront about it. If its a decision theyve made, own it, just be responsible and put your hand up and say this is the reason weve made it, he said. I think its another attack on our power systems on our society and our institutions, he added. Its an attack on the national anthem, the flag, the name of Australia as were seeing in other parts of the world. So, I just think youve got to stand up and a lot more Australians have to be heard. Wokeism Starting to Take Hold Down Under The Reserve Banks decision comes after several major Australian companies, and local councils opted out of celebrating the countrys national day, saying it should be a day of mourning. January 26 is the day Captain Arthur Phillips First Fleet arrived in Sydney Cove (now known as Circular Quay) and established the first European settlement in Australia; for years, it has been celebrated as the beginning of the country. Firms that have done this include retail giant Kmart, supermarket chain Woolworths, Australias largest telecommunications firm Telstra, Deloitte, KPMG, Ernst and Young, and CBS-owned Channel 10. The advent of cancel culture has seen these traditional celebrations or values downplayed or removed altogether. One tool to advance cancel culture is to be woke or embrace social justice causes like offering greater recognition of Indigenous rights. Yet such a move often comes at the expense of the traditions of a country, a situation similar to the violent communist movements of China, Russia, and Cambodia, according to senior fellow at the Discovery Institute Scott Powell. Toyota of Dothan and the Wiregrass Area Food Bank are collecting canned soup for seniors enrolled in the Brown Bag Program of the Wiregrass. There is no better way to fight the chill of winter weather than by warming up with a hot bowl of soup, according to a news release from the food bank. Soup is filling, nutritious, and easy to prepare, which makes it a perfect addition to the groceries given out through the Brown Bag program this time of year. Toyota of Dothan and the Wiregrass Area Food Bank will host canned soup drives to benefit the Brown Bag Program of the Wiregrass from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 3, and Friday, Feb. 10, at Dothans Southside Walmart. To help, donate to one of Toyotas drives at Southside Walmart or bring soup to the Wiregrass Area Food Bank at 382 Twitchell Road in Dothan. If youd like the Food Bank to shop for you, checks may be mailed to the Food Banks Brown Bag program, designated for soup for seniors. Donations may be made online at www.WiregrassFoodBank.com. The Brown Bag Program is a sponsorship-funded supplemental grocery program for people 60 and older who qualify based on their income. Groceries are distributed at sites throughout Houston, Henry, Dale, Coffee, Geneva, and Barbour counties on the third Wednesday of each month. To request a program application or find out how to sponsor an individual, please call the Food Bank at 334-794-9775. RAF Discriminated Against 160 Better-Qualified White Pilots in Diversity Drive: UK Lawmaker Graduating cadets parade at the Graduation Ceremony of the Queens Squadron and Sovereigns Review, at RAF College Cranwell, in eastern England, on July 16, 2020. (Julian Simmonds /Pool/AFP via Getty Images) A recruitment officer at the Royal Air Force (RAF) resigned last year after finding about 160 cases of positive discrimination against better-qualified male white pilots, a senior MP has revealed. Group Capt. Lizzy Nicholl had quit her role as head of the recruitment drive after determining that about 160 cases of positive discrimination had taken place, said Tobias Ellwood, Conservative chair of the Defence Select Committee in the House of Commons. Tobias Ellwood MP speaking during the Veterans Mental Health Conference at Kings College London on Mar. 14, 2019. (Gareth Fuller/WPA Pool/Getty Images) Charing a committee session on Wednesday, Ellwood said: In summary, this was about a precedence of selection given to ethnic minority and female pilots over better-qualified white pilots in order to improve the RAFs diversity profile, even though it could materially impact on the RAFs operational performance. This all began back in November 2020 and ran until March 2021. Group Capt. Lizzy Nicholl was then placed in charge of recruitment and selection at that time, and its her who refused to continue this formal programme. She determined, I understand, about 160 cases of positive discrimination had taken place. And she ended up having to resign, not wishing to go through with this policy. Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston, head of the RAF, told MPs, I very much regret and Im very sorry that the group captain you mentioned felt that she had no alternative but to resign. He said the diversity drive had been made with the best of intent, but added that the RAF will learn from the episode once a statutory inquiry into the matter has concluded. Wigston said that he would make no apologies for setting a challenging, aspirational goal for the Royal Air Force for diversity, but admitted the stretching target had put intolerable stress on individual recruiting officers. He insisted there had been no impact on standards, saying, I can absolutely assure this committee that there was no compromise of entry standards, there was no impact on the standard of recruits from any background, there was no impact on the front line or on operational effectiveness. Air Chief Marshal Mike Wigston speaks during a service marking the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain at Westminster Abbey in central London on Sept. 20, 2020. (Aaron Chown/Pool/AFP) No Discrimination Nicholls resignation was first reported by Sky News in August. In an email to her boss, seen by Sky News, the group captain said she was not willing to allocate slots on RAF training courses based purely on a specific gender or ethnicity, as it was against equality legislation and against the RAFs own legal guidance. But Wigston, head of the RAF, told Sky News on Sept. 13 that the RAF would do everything we can to recruit from the widest pool of talent, and there had been absolutely no drop in operational standards and no discrimination against any group. However, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) admitted that some mistakes were made in regard to recruitment. In a statement issued on Sept. 26, an MoD spokesperson acknowledged, While overall standards did not drop, in hindsight we accept that despite the best of intentions, some mistakes were made. The RAF is now confident that our approach is correct, however we are investigating some processes and decisions taken in the past, so it would be inappropriate to comment further while this is ongoing, the spokesperson added. The RAFs diversity target is for 40 percent of all new recruits to be women and 20 percent to be from ethnic minorities by 2030. Red Arrows Dismissals At Wednesdays hearing, Wigston also addressed allegations of inappropriate behaviour in the Red Arrows, the RAFs aerobatic display team, which led to the dismissal of two pilots. In November, the commander of the Red Arrows was removed from his post while an alleged relationship he had with a junior team member was investigated. The Red Arrows aerobatics display team perform during the Bournemouth Air Festival in Bournemouth, England, on Aug. 18, 2016. (Carl Court/Getty Images) Wing Cmdr. David Montenegro, known as Monty, allegedly had an affair in 2017 which is reported to have resulted in the colleagues pregnancy. The Times of London reported in August that members of the team were being investigated over accusations including of misogyny and sexual harassment. Wigston told MPs that he was appalled to hear the allegations. He said: As soon as I became aware of those reports, we reached out to the people who we felt were the likely victims. We encouraged them, and to their enormous credit they were prepared to talk, they were prepared to engage with what was at first a cultural assessment. But as soon as we saw all of the warning signs, we immediately went into a non-statutory inquiry, which led ultimately to administrative action and dismissal of two pilots and the administrative action sanctioning of three other members of the squadron. But the RAF leader stressed that this conduct was the exception, adding, The vast, vast majority of our people do amazing things on behalf of the country day in, day out and they behave impeccably. PA Media contributed to this report. Religious Schools and Anti-Discrimination Laws: Are They Incompatible? People wait for the arrival of Pope Tawadros II, the Patriarch of the Coptic Orthodox Church in Melbourne, Australia, on Sept. 7, 2017. (AAP Image/Luis Ascui) Commentary On Nov. 4 2022, Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus requested the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) to report on the reforms that would need to be undertaken to ensure that the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth) reflects the Governments commitment to amend the Act in a manner that is consistent with the rights and freedoms recognised in the international agreements to which Australia is a party. The ALRC has now released a Consultation Paper and has invited the public to submit their views before the end of February. The consultation is likely to be an exercise in futility because the terms of reference discloses the governments intention to amend the Act to prohibit religious schools from discriminating against students and staff on the basis of their sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or relationship status or pregnancy. Yet it also indicates that the reform should enable religious schools to continue to build a community of faith by giving preference, in good faith, to persons of the same religion as [practised by] the educational institution in the selection of staff. Even a perfunctory reading reveals that the proposed amendments are logically inconsistent and incompatible with each other. It is impossible for religious schools to continue as faith-based communities if they go through. A man prays in a church on Christmas Eve in Birmingham, England, on Dec. 24, 2018. (Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) The Proposals Are Filled With Contradictions The consultation paper contains four general propositions (A, B, C, and D) and 14 technical proposals, listing the reforms needed to achieve the substantive general propositions. Proposition A contains two clearly incompatible proposals. It prohibits discrimination against students on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity, but permits religious institutions to teach religious doctrines or beliefs on sex or sexual orientation in a way that accords with their duty of care to students. It would be fair to suggest that religious schools and their students would be better served by a students admission policy that condones discrimination in good faith to avoid injury to the religious susceptibilities of the adherents of that religion or creed in accordance with the s 38(3) exception in the current version of the Act. Indeed, if the ALRCs proposed amendment were to be adopteda likely outcome of the legislations reviewreligious schools will be pressured into censoring themselves either by not inculcating its beliefs into the student body or by minimising their religious importance. The same problem exists with proposition B, which prohibits discrimination against staff, but allows schools to require staff involved in the teaching of religious doctrine or belief to teach religious doctrine or belief on sex or sexuality in accordance with their duty of care to students and staff. The inconsistency between these provisions is exacerbated by the fact that only teaching staff involved in the teaching of religious doctrine would be able to benefit from the reform, whereas the selection of all other teachers would be subject to the anti-discrimination edicts. This approach, surely, is a recipe for destroying the ethos of a religious school. A student walks on campus at Linfield Christian School in Temecula, Calif., on March 23, 2016. (Frederic J. Brown/AFP/Getty Images) The proposal to allow religious schools to give preference to a believer who will be teaching religion (Proposition C), is not likely to make a difference. Proposition D proclaims that religious schools should be able to expect all staff to respect their institutional ethos and be able to take action to prevent any staff member from actively undermining the institutional ethos of their employer. To this purpose, schools would be able to impose reasonable and proportionate codes of staff conduct and behaviour relating to respect for the institutions ethos. This commendable and promising proposal, however, is reduced to a meaningless allowance because these codes of conduct may not be relied upon to require teachers and administrative staff to hide their own sexual preferences, thereby undermining the schools ethos by their actions or general behaviour. It is amazing that the likely consequences of these incompatibilities are not considered seriously in the consultation paper. The proposed amendments to the law will inevitably disembowel and fatally affect the religious and moral fabric of schools. There Is No Middle Ground The paper also exemplifies the continuing and challenging conflict between freedom of religion and the right to be free from discrimination on the ground of sexual orientation. It correctly admits that both are important rights in a liberal society and represent important underlying values. But it is not immediately clear as to why the right to be free from discrimination must necessarily take precedence over the right to religious freedom. The ARLC attempts to seeks a solution that would allow all people to enjoy their rights. It emphasises the importance of reasonableness and proportionality, and commendably insists that rights must be considered seriously. Yet, in recommending the adoption of incompatible objectives, it fails to strike a sensible balance between these two competing rights. However, it appears that, in an increasingly secular society that embraces a relativist philosophy, it is always the latterfreedom from discriminationthat wins this contest, and in the process, eviscerates communities of faith. Hence, the present exceptions to the Sex Discrimination Act should be maintained, and religious institutions, in their admission and selection processes, should be allowed under Commonwealth law to discriminate against staff and students who do not share the religious ethos or moral values upon which these institutions are based. There is nothing intrinsically wrong with s 38(1), dealing with staff, and s 38(3), concerning students, of the Sex Discrimination Act as it presently stands. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Over 100 Democrats Join Republicans in Passing Resolution Condemning Socialism The exterior of the U.S. Capitol building in a file photo. (Sarah Silbiger/Getty Images) The U.S. House of Representatives on Feb. 2 passed H. Con. Res. 9, a bill denouncing the horrors of socialism. The bill was introduced by Rep. Maria Salazar (R-Fla.). It passed in a bipartisan 32786 vote. All Republicans and 109 Democrats voted in favor of the measure. Thirteen Democrats voted present. Salazar explained her rationale for unveiling the bill in comments to NTD, a sister media outlet to The Epoch Times. Because 44 percent of Americans believe the Communist Manifesto is better than the Declaration of Independence, Salazar said. Salazar represents Miami, the world capital of communist refugees fleeing from the socialist systems of Cuba, Venezuela, and others in the Southern Hemisphere. She grew up in Fidel Castros Cuba, where she experienced the deprivation of basic essentials that has historically been part and parcel of socialist states. Republicans pointed to the atrocities and human rights violations historically common to socialist states such as the Soviet Union, the Chinese communist regime, and North Korea. Founded in the political philosophy of Karl Marx, socialism and its offshoot communism push for state ownership of the means of productionmeaning capital goods such as factories, machinery, and other equipment for production. Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.), who won reelection on Nov. 8, 2022, in a formerly blue South Florida district, questions Secretary of State Antony Blinken during a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing at the Capitol in Washington in March 2021. (Ken Cedeno-Pool/Getty Images) In Marxs formulation, a communist country in its final form has no need for a state; however, as a transitionary device, Marx called for a dictatorship of the proletariat, a nominally short-lived body meant to transition a society from capitalism to communism. Thus far, however, no communist state has moved beyond this first conceptual stage. Guided by Marxs ideology, socialists were responsible for the deaths of upward of 100 million people during the 20th century. The Greatest Crimes in History [Socialist] ideology necessitates a concentration of power that has time and time again collapsed into Communist regimes, totalitarian rule, and brutal dictatorships, Salazar wrote in the bill. Socialism, she continued, has repeatedly led to famine and mass murders, and the killing of over 100,000,000 people worldwide. Many of the greatest crimes in history were committed by socialist ideologues, Salazar wrote, pointing to figures such as Vladimir Lenin, Joseph Stalin, Mao Zedong, Fidel Castro, Pol Pot, Kim Jong Il, Kim Jong Un, and others. (Left) Mao Zedong; (Right) Josef Stalin. (AP Photo) Salazar then listed examples of rights violations under socialist regimes including the horrors of Stalins dictatorship in the USSR, which killed tens of millions and sent millions more to terrifying gulag labor camps, and the destruction brought to Chinas inhabitants by Zedongs Great Leap Forward, which killed upward of 55 million people in China. She pointed to Pol Pots killing fields in Cambodia, which left more than 1 million people dead; and she noted the mass starvation that continues to this day in North Korea under Kim Jong Un. Socialism, Salzar argued in the bill, is contrary to the founding principles of the United States. The author of the Declaration of Independence, President Thomas Jefferson, wrote, To take from one, because it is thought that his own industry and that of his fathers has acquired too much, in order to spare to others, who, or whose fathers have not exercised equal industry and skill, is to violate arbitrarily the first principle of association, the guarantee to every one of a free exercise of his industry, and the fruits acquired by it.' She also cited a quote from President James Madison, known in American history as the Father of the U.S. Constitution. Madison wrote: [It] is not a just government, nor is property secure under it, where the property which a man has in his personal safety and personal liberty, is violated by arbitrary seizures of one class of citizens for the service of the rest. Whereas the United States of America was founded on the belief in the sanctity of the individual, to which the collectivistic system of socialism in all of its forms is fundamentally and necessarily opposed: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That Congress denounces socialism in all its forms, and opposes the implementation of socialist policies in the United States of America. Democrats Response In floor responses to the resolution, Democrats argued that Republicans were making false equivalencies between the policies pushed for by Democrats and those supported by communists. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), one of the most prominent left-wing progressives in the lower chamber, said: No Democrat believes there should be government gas stations or government car companies. So what does the Democratic Party believe? We believe every person in America should have child care; Republicans answer: Look at how many people Stalin killed. We say Lets give everyone health care. Republicans say, We cant do that, look at how many people Pol Pot killed! Give me a break. The American people are catching on. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) speaks during a press conference at Capitol Hill in Washington on April 4, 2019. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images) Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.) echoed the sentiments. This resolution equates Medicare with the Great Leap Forward, Sherman said. Sherman then pointed to so-called capitalist authoritarians, under which label he placed historical figures such as Russias Vladimir Putin, Spains Francisco Franco, and Chiles Augusto Pinochet. Notably, the Russian economy as it exists today is more of an oligarchy, controlled by those who benefitted most from the collapse of the Soviet Union, than a capitalist economy. Likewise, in Spain, Franco was an adherent of fascist ideology, which is at a core level opposed to capitalism. The most well-known proponent of the fascist ideology, Adolf Hitler, often made it clear that he considered capitalism as much an enemy as socialism and communism. With the passage of the resolution through the House, it could now be taken up in the Senate. NTDs Melina Wisecup contributed to this report. Researchers Link COVID-19 Drug to New Virus Mutations in Patients Merck disputes study, says it relies on 'circumstantial associations' A widely used COVID-19 treatment drug could be linked to mutations that create new variants of the disease, according to researchers in a new pre-print study. Published in Medxriv (pdf), researchers cited an analysis of more than 13 million viral genomes in worldwide databases and found that the drug Lagevrio, also known as molnupiravir, that there were mutations linked to the drug. Certain mutations, they wrote, were more common in nations that widely used the drug, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. There were a lower number of mutations in France and Canada, where the drug isnt authorized for use, they found. The survey of viral genomes found that some people who are treated with the medication can generate new novel variants of COVID-19 that spread. It is possible that some patients treated with molnupiravir might not fully clear SARS-CoV2 infections, with the potential for onward transmission of molnupiravir-mutated viruses, the researchers wrote in the paper, which has not been peer-reviewed. SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes COVID-19. They wrote that new variants of SARS-CoV-2 are generated through acquisition of mutations that enhance properties including immune evasion and intrinsic transmissibility, stressing that the impact of molnupiravir treatment on the trajectory of variant generation and transmission is difficult to predict. On the one hand, molnupiravir increases the amount of sequence diversity in the surviving viral population in the host and this might be expected to provide more material for selection to act on during intra-host evolution towards these properties that increase fitness, the paper said. However, a high proportion of induced mutations are likely to be deleterious or neutral, and it is necessary to consider the counterfactual to molnupiravir treatment. Researchers in the United States and at the Francis Crick Institute, Imperial College London, and other UK institutions partook in the study. These effects are visible in these databases, researcher Theo Sanderson, from the Francis Crick Institute, told Bloomberg News. It appears that people are being treated, some of them arent clearing their infections, and some are passing them on. Sanderson added to Science magazine that its not clear if it will lead to variants that are more transmissible or pathogenic. We are not coming to a conclusion about risk, he said. But a critic of the drug, virologist William Haseltine, chair of ACCESS Health International, told the same publication that its very clear that viable mutant viruses can survive [molnupiravir treatment] and compete with existing COVID-19 variants. Raymond Schinazi, a medicinal chemist at the Emory University School of Medicine, said the findings are much ado about nothing. Signage is seen at the Merck & Co. headquarters in Kenilworth, N.J., on Nov. 13, 2021. (Andrew Kelly/Reuters) Molnupiravir became the first antiviral medication approved to combat COVID-19 in the U.S. and UK after it was approved in late 2021 by regulators. A number of other countries have approved it since then. Merck Disputes Study The study authors did not indicate whether they have direct proof that the mutations arose in patients who took the Merck drug, Merck spokesman Robert Josephson told media outlets, disputing the authors conclusions. Researchers instead drew their conclusions from circumstantial associations between viral sequence origin and timeframe of sequence collection in countries where molnupiravir is available, he said. There is no evidence to indicate that any antiviral agent has contributed to the emergence of circulating variants, Josephson told Bloomberg News. The virus has mutated during the COVID-19 pandemic due to its widespread transmission. The spokesman also pointed to research that was carried out in animals that show molnupiravir didnt cause mutations. The Epoch Times has contacted Merck for comment. Other Details Officially approved COVID-19 treatment options have become more scarce in recent weeks. Several days ago, the FDA withdrew its authorization for AstraZenecas Evusheld, removing it from the U.S. market. The only treatments available for Americans are Paxlovid and Gilead Sciences Inc.s remdesivir, which some doctors have flagged as having significant side effects such as kidney failure. With the FDAs latest move, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued guidance last week to people with weakened immune systems. They are advised to now wear masks in public and engage in 6-foot social distancing. Among persons with immunocompromise and their household members and close contacts, prevention measures including wearing a high-quality and well-fitting mask, maintaining physical distance from others (at least six feet), improving indoor ventilation, practicing frequent handwashing, and developing a care plan, should be considered in addition to receipt of a bivalent booster dose, the CDC said on Jan. 27. Reuters contributed to this report. Roman Sewer Works Reveal Statue of Emperor Posing as Hercules Restorer from Appia Antica archaeological park Sara Iovine cleans a life-sized statue of a Roman emperor posing as the classical hero Hercules after it was discovered during sewer repair works near the old Appian Way, ancient Rome's first highway in Rome on Feb. 1, 2023. (Guglielmo Mangiapane/Reuters) ROMEA life-sized statue of a Roman emperor posing as the classical hero Hercules has been discovered during sewer repair works near the Appia Antica (Appian Way), ancient Romes first highway. It emerged, face first, as a bulldozer was tearing through old pipelines that needed replacing. An archaeologist overseeing the work immediately intervened. This face appeared, and it was then immediately identified as a character dressed as Hercules, Francesca Romana Paolillo, archaeologist at the Appia Antica park, told Reuters. The marble sculpture, showing a Hercules-like figure with the heros trademark lion skin and club, was unearthed on Jan. 25 at the Scott Park, part of the Appia Antica green area. It shows frown lines on the forehead that is typical of depictions of emperors from the 3rd century, a time of deep crisis for the Roman Empire. Restorer from Appia Antica archaeological park Sara Iovine cleans a life-sized statue of a Roman emperor posing as the classical hero Hercules after it was discovered during sewer repair works near the old Appian Way, ancient Romes first highway in Rome on Feb. 1, 2023. (Guglielmo Mangiapane/Reuters) The sculpture bears a fair resemblance to Emperor Decius, who ruled Rome from 249 to 251 AD, Paolillo said, adding it was quite rare to find Herculean depictions of Roman leaders. The statue, which consists of several broken pieces and which suffered some accidental damage during its chance discovery, is currently being cleaned and restored. Reuters saw it while stored in an ancient Roman water reservoir now repurposed as a warehouse. Once repaired, the statue is expected to be placed on public display. Decius was the first Roman emperor to be killed in battlefighting against the Goths in modern-day Bulgariaand was behind the first organized persecution of Christians. With Romes ancient history, chance discoveries of archaeological treasures are not unusual when the citys streets or parks are excavated. In January, archaeologists said they had abandoned a quest to find the remains of the opening stretch of the Appian Way because underground water made it impossible to dig deep enough. Russia Vows to Push Ukrainian Army Back in Response to Longer-Range Rockets MOSCOWRussian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Thursday that Russian forces would respond to the delivery of longer-range Western weapons to Kyiv by trying to push Ukrainian forces further away from its borders to create a safe buffer zone. Lavrov told state TV that everybody wanted the conflict in Ukrainewhich Moscow calls a special military operationto end, but that the Wests support for Kyiv was playing an important role in how Russia approached the campaign. Two unnamed U.S. officials told Reuters on Tuesday that Washington was preparing a new package of military aid worth $2.2 billion, which is expected to include longer-range rockets for the first time. We see how the whole of NATO is waging war against us, Lavrov said. Were now seeking to push back Ukrainian army artillery to a distance that will not pose a threat to our territories, he added. The greater the range of the weapons supplied to the Kyiv regime, the more we will have to push them back from territories which are part of our country. In this context, he said it was an objective reality that Russia had expanded its territory by incorporating four regions of Ukraine last year. Most countries of the United Nations have condemned those declared annexations as illegal. The Kremlin said on Wednesday that longer-range rockets would escalate the conflict but not change its course. Ukraine has said it plans to retake all of its territory by force, including Crimea. No Help Needed In a long TV interview, Lavrov said Russia did not need help in Ukraine from the Collective Security Treaty Organisation, an alliance of ex-Soviet states, and had not asked it to provide material support. He accused the West of trying to turn former Soviet states including Moldova and Georgia into Russias enemies, and of undermining its relations with Central Asia. Lavrov also accused the United States of blowing up the Nord Stream gas pipelines linking Russia to Germany under the Baltic Sea last year, an act of sabotage that Moscow had previously blamed on Britain. Swedish and Danish investigators have yet to establish who was responsible. Sanctions Taking Toll on Russias Economy, Washington-Based Think Tank Asserts List of Global Sanctions Against Russia, Its Impact On Russian Economy and Companies Fleeing the Country. (shutterstock) As the West continues to pile economic sanctions on Russia, the debate has raged over how effective the restrictions have been in degrading Russias economy and its ability to wage war in Ukraine. Its no secret that the Russian economy continues to function, while Moscows invasion of Ukrainenow in its 11th monthshows little sign of slowing. Hostile countries are not courageous enough to recognize that their infernal sanctions fell flat, Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council, said on Jan. 31. They dont work, Medvedev added in comments cited by Russias TASS news agency. Even the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is forecasting economic growth in Russia this year. Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a meeting with top officials in support of the aviation industry in Russia amid Western sanctions, on March 31, 2022. (Mikhail Klimentyev, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP) On the same day, the Atlantic Council, a Washington-based think tank, hosted an online forum, titled The real impact of Western sanctions on Russia. The event featured a handful of panelists who suggest that Western sanctions, despite claims to the contrary, are taking their toll on the Russian economy. Sanctions are working, said Elina Ribakova, deputy chief economist at the Institute for International Finance. Nevertheless, she added, sanctions shouldnt be seen as a magic wand that will instantly cause Russias economy to disintegrate. Another panelist, Vladimir Milov, vice president for international advocacy at the Free Russia Foundation, voiced similar sentiments. Too Early to Tell, Expert Says While conceding that Russias economy has shown considerable resilience, Milov likewise asserted that Western sanctions have had a big impact. The picture is pretty grim for the Russian government, he said, claiming that economic activity in Russia had contracted by 5 to 10 percent as a direct result of the sanctions. According to Ferit Temur, a Turkish political analyst and expert on Russian affairs, its too early to say whether sanctions have seriously damaged Russias economy or its military capacity. Sanctions typically take their full effect in the medium and long term, Temur told The Epoch Times. Russia is largely self-sufficient in terms of both underground and surface resources. Most Western countries have trade ties with Russia in terms of supply-chain dependency, he added. Its unlikely that they will replace this supply chain with alternative-source countries in the short run. Strategic Patience According to Milov, who served as Russias deputy energy minister in 2002, Kyivs Western allies are on the right track in terms of their collective sanctions policy. But, he said, it will take some time before the effects of the sanctions would become fully apparent. For this reason, he said, the best advice for Western policymakers is to exercise strategic patience. In a report released on Jan. 31, the IMF said Russias gross domestic product (GDP) contracted by 2.2 percent last year. It added, however, that Russias economy would likely grow by 0.3 percent in 2023. The IMF went on to predict that in 2024, Russias economy would expand by as much as 2.1 percent. By way of comparison, the U.S. economy is forecast to grow by only 1 percent for the same period, according to the IMF. Milov, for his part, argued that other factors should be taken into consideration beyond just a handful of macro-indicators that are frequently used in the headlines. Russias President Vladimir Putin (R) and Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan shake hands during their meeting on the sidelines of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) summit, in Astana, Kazakhstan, on Oct. 13, 2022. (Vyacheslav Prokofyev/Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP) He added that indicators such as GDP, unemployment, and the ruble exchange rate arent really indicative of whats going on in the [Russian] economy. Calling for more complex monitoring of the situation, Milov pointed to other indicators, such as industrial output, and non-oil-and-gas tax revenue, which, he said, offer a much more detailed picture of the impact of sanctions. Another panelist, Charles Lichfield, deputy director of the Atlantic Councils GeoEconomics Center, called for the use of soft indicatorssuch as alcohol salesto determine whether sanctions were working. According to Temur, many in the West still perceive Russia within the framework of their classical economic understanding, and evaluate it superficially based on certain macroeconomic data. But since the late 2000s, the Putin administration has been pushing Russia, step by step, towards a statist economic model, he said. Therefore, Russias ruling elite finds it more beneficial for their own interests to move away from the Western liberal economic model. Monitoring Compliance Milov also voiced frustration that several third-party countriesChina, Hong Kong, Turkey, and othershad declined to sign on to the Western sanctions regime. This, he said, had allowed Russia to import critical sanctioned goods and technologies that would otherwise have been impossible to obtain. The biggest problem today is sanctions circumvention and evasion. For this reason, according to Milov, the key focus in 2023 shouldnt be on the imposition of fresh sanctions, but rather on monitoring compliance with sanctions that have already been introduced. In this regard, Turkey, a longstanding NATO member, was mentioned several times during the Atlantic Councils discussion. While Turkey was quick to condemn Moscows invasion of Ukraine last year, it has so far declined to support sanctions on Russia, with which it shares extensive trade ties and a lengthy maritime border. Turkish Elections That being said, Turkeys long-ruling Justice and Development Party will face hard-fought elections in May, whichif it losescould lead to major foreign-policy shifts. Political change might come in Turkey after elections, Milov said. The opposition Republican Peoples Party is showing an inclination to join the West on certain measures and probably join the sanctions regime. But regardless of the elections outcome, Temur believes Turkey will maintain relations with Russia due to the two countries extensive economic ties. Nevertheless, he said, Turkey may distance itself from Russia if the opposition wins the election. Lichfield, for his part, admitted that the sanctions expected impact had taken longer than was initially anticipated. There was a sense, perhaps because the sanctions were so unprecedented this must mean the [Russian] economy would collapse and there would be a palace coup [in Moscow]. He added, We did get carried away in the beginning. Secret CCP Overseas Police Station in NYC Closed After Reported FBI Raid The America ChangLe Association in New York on Oct. 6, 2022. An overseas Chinese police outpost in New York, called the Fuzhou Police Overseas Service Station, is located inside the association building. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times) A covert overseas police station run by the Chinese regime in New York has been shuttered following a reported raid by the FBI. The FBI has confirmed that the overseas police station in New York linked to Fuzhou has closed, a State Department spokesperson said in an email to The Epoch Times. We continue to be concerned about PRC [Peoples Republic of China] transnational repression efforts around the world and are also coordinating with allies and partners on this issue. The closure of the facility in New Yorks Chinatown comes just weeks after The New York Times reported that FBI agents raided and searched the building at an undisclosed time last fall. The facility and more than 100 others like it form a network of covert facilities from which experts believe that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is conducting a campaign of transnational repression. According to two reports published in October 2022 and December 2022 by Safeguard Defenders, a nonprofit organization, the overseas police outposts are used to collect intelligence and even forcibly repatriate Chinese dissidents to the mainland to be imprisoned. We are aware of reports regarding alleged PRC overseas police stations, the State Department spokesperson said. We take this issue very seriously. Establishing so-called overseas police stations without the invitation or approval of the country in which they are operating raises serious issues of respect for the sovereignty of that country. The spokesperson referred The Epoch Times to the FBI and Justice Department for further information. The Justice Department didnt respond to a request for comment by press time, and the FBI declined to comment on the matter. Chinas Communist Regime Violates Sovereignty Chinese authorities maintain that the facilities, which operate in 53 nations, assist Chinese immigrants in foreign nations with tasks that would normally be handled by a consulate, such as renewing drivers licenses and visas. However, the stations have been linked to the CCPs United Front Work Department, an agency that works to advance the regimes interests abroad by spreading propaganda, conducting foreign influence operations, suppressing dissident movements, gathering intelligence, and facilitating the transfer of technology to communist China. As such, many nations have voiced concern that the facilities are a threat to national security and a violation of sovereignty. Irish, Canadian, and Dutch officials have called for China to shut down similar police operations in their countries. Likewise, FBI Director Christopher Wray has characterized them as a violation of U.S. sovereignty. Im very concerned about this, Wray said during a November 2022 hearing of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. I have to be careful about discussing our specific investigative work, but to me, it is outrageous to think that the Chinese police would attempt to set up shopyou know, in New York, lets saywithout proper coordination. It violates sovereignty and circumvents standard judicial and law enforcement cooperation processes. He refrained at the time from commenting on the legality of the overseas police stations but said they were part of the CCPs campaign of global transnational repression and linked them to CCP efforts to spy on Americans. The reason this is so important is because we have seen a clear pattern of the Chinese government, the Chinese Communist Party, exporting their repression right here into the U.S., Wray said. We have seen plenty of situations where the Chinese government, under the pretext of going after corruption, have essentially used that as a vehicle to surveil. Weve had situations where theyve planted bugs inside Americans cars. There are three other similar facilities in the United States operating in New York and Los Angeles, according to Safeguard Defenders. Its unclear if they also have been a target of the FBI. MODESTO, Calif.Actor and thespian Dave Storm had waited for Shen Yuns arrival for a long time. I wanted to see the performance because I knew the [programs] change, its never the same. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend last time and I was very distraught about it. Finally, on Feb. 1, he got his opportunity to see Shen Yuns matinee at the Gallo Center for the Arts. The performance was definitely worth his wait. It was fantastic. I was in tears. The opening was extraordinary, he said. The energy levels are just unparalleled. Theyre unmatched anywhere. Shen Yun Performing Arts was founded in 2006 by New York-based artists who dreamt of reviving and sharing with the world Chinas 5,000 years of divinely inspired culture. Its eight equally-sized companies are slated to visit more than 180 cities this year. Having grown up practicing martial arts and tai chi, Mr. Storm was surprised to learn that they share the same roots as classical Chinese dance. I truly have a different perspective about that now, he said. There are a lot of things [I didnt] know that led all the way back to classical Chinese dance. I was blown away by every single performance. Following the 1949 communist takeover, Chinese traditional culture was systematically eradicated by the ruling regime. According to the companys website, Shen Yun returns each year with a brand-new set of programs that showcases the beauty of China before communism. While awaiting Shen Yuns return to Modesto, Mr. Storm read up extensively on the companys story and he had some really strong emotions about what is happening in China. He believed that the show is a release for the artists after enduring persecution at the hands of the Chinese Communist Party. I cant even say its one showthere are so many different emotions in each program and the level is just absolutely incredible. Dave Storm Its an amazing show, he said emphatically. I cant even say its one showthere are so many different emotions in each program and the level is just absolutely incredible. I urge anyone who has never seen anything so spectacular in the United States or anywhere else in the world to see it. Mr. Storm also has an upcoming performance at the Gallo Center for the Arts and he said Shen Yun artists expressivity is what he will be taking away to incorporate in his own acting. [As performers] we can take that same color, in a sense, and pass it on to the next people that comes to view [our show], he reflected. Its an amazing feeling. Mr. Storm wanted to tell Shen Yun performers, you guys are absolutely extraordinary and you had me in tears in every scene. The way you make me feel inside is just extraordinary and Ill never forget that. Everybody needs to see this at least one time. This is definitely a bucket list thing. Ill be back again to see this performance. Its extraordinary to my heart. Its a passion of my soul. Thank you so much, he said. Reporting by NTD and Jennifer Tseng. The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. We have covered audience reactions since Shen Yuns inception in 2006. South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott Launches National Listening Tour Could schedule of events in key states indicate presidential ambitions? Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) walks through the U.S. Capitol before delivering the Republican response to President Biden's address to Congress in Washington on April 28, 2021. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images) Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) has already conveyed plans to speak at a Lincoln Day event in Iowa, a key early state for presidential hopefuls. Now hes gone further, outlining a national trip that appears to be aimed at building enthusiasm for a possible 2024 presidential run. Fox News reported on Feb. 1 that Scott will begin a Faith in America listening tour in the coming weeks. According to that reporting, it will start with a Black History Month speech in Scotts home state of South Carolina, the site of another important early primary. He will deliver that speech on Feb. 16. Scott is currently the Senates only African-American Republican. There are two black Democrats in the Senate, Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Sen. Raphael Warnock (R-Ga.) Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) listens during a hearing in Washington on June 16, 2020. (Tom Williams/Pool/AFP via Getty Images) Black Democrats who have previously served in the Senate include Vice President Kamala Harris, who represented California, and former President Barack Obama, representing Illinois. Scott will also speak at the Polk County Republican Party Lincoln Dinner on Feb. 22, as confirmed to The Epoch Times by Polk County Republican Chair Gloria Mazza. This is a fundraising opportunity for our county party, Mazza said in a Jan. 30 email. Fox reports that Scotts West Des Moines speech will be preceded by a speech in Des Moines on faith in America. Scott has made multiple trips to Iowa in recent months. In August, he appeared at a fundraiser for Rep. Ashley Hinsons (R-Iowa) reelection campaign, as reported by the Des Moines Register. Scott will buy digital ads in Iowa that will run before his Polk County speech, Fox reports. The notion of a Tim Scott presidential run has support in the Senate. He has already garnered endorsements from Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), and Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas). Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) speaks at a press conference at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, on Dec. 15, 2020. (Nicholas Kamm-Pool/Getty Images) As the junior U.S. senator from South Carolina, Scott has gained a reputation as a highly skilled fundraiser. A leadership political action committee (PAC) linked to Scott, Tomorrow is Meaningful, has donated to numerous Republicans in recent election cycles. Recipients during the 2022 cycle included Iowas Hinson, new Rep. Monica De La Cruz (R-Texas), and Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), among many others. Scott, who was reelected to the Senate in November, has stated that this six-year term in the chamber will be his last. The politicians latest moves come as other Republicans test the waters on 2024 presidential candidacies, even as former president Donald Trump remains a favorite among Republican voters. Individuals associated with Scott declined to comment to The Epoch Times. Non-alcoholic spirits brand, Crossip, has expanded into new markets across Europe, GCC and North America, alongside key local distribution partners. The partners include France and Spain with Innovation Spirits, Canada with The Sobr Market, Mauritius with 20 Degrees Distribution and Kuwait and Saudi Arabia with Drink Dry. Tim Blake, co-founder and commercial director of Crossip, said: While Crossip was founded and saw its initial expansion in the UK, we cannot ignore the growth and popularity of non-alcoholic beverages across the globe. Over the past twelve months, Crossip has gone from strength-to-strength with our partners at Drink Dry across the GCC and we look forward to continuing this expansion with our latest moves into Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. With export channels becoming an integral part of the brands business strategy, Crossip has grown international sales by 462% over the past twelve months and is expecting further growth in 2023 as new territories gain traction. Pierre Le Gallic, director of innovation spirits, said: "Across France and Spain we've seen the rapid growth in popularity of non-alcoholic options over the past few years. As we expect this growth to continue locally, we've looked to bolster our non-alcoholic portfolio with uniquely flavoured natural spirits. Stories of State-Sanctioned Murder, Abuse Highlighted at Religious Freedom Summit Simon Zhang and his mother Ji Yunzhi during a trip to Hangzhou city in Zhejiang Province, China, in 2012. (Courtesy of Simon Zhang) As Beijing staged a dazzling $100 million spectacle hosting the Winter Olympics last year, Ji Yunzhi lay dying up north in a Chinese hospital. She had a mere breath left after the rounds of torture inflicted on her meant to scare her into renouncing her faith. Iron ankle fetters and handcuffs chained her to the hospital bed where she spent the last month of her life, with a rubber tube forced up her nose. The 65-year-old died 48 days after her arrest and detention on the Lunar Chinese New Year, one of a string of mental and physical abuses she had suffered over the more than two decades past. Ji Yunzhi in Chifeng, Inner Mongolia, in August 2017. (Courtesy of Simon Zhang) At her death, blood stains smeared her face and shoulder. Her grieving family who demanded an explanation from the authorities saw nearly 50 policemen guarding Jis body and monitoring their apartment. The police forced Jis husband to authorize the cremation of his wifes battered body, and threatened to have his nephew fired from a secure government job if he refused to comply. They also showed the man photos of his son, Simon Zhang, attending Falun Gong events in the United States and warned him that they know everything. Zhang, now a New York architect, shared the story about his late mother, also an adherent of the spiritual discipline Falun Gong, at the last day of the International Religious Freedom Summit on Feb. 1. A previous arrest during the 2008 Beijing Olympics had Ji jailed in a labor camp, at one point electrocuted for two hours until she had an involuntary urination. Her face was also burnt by the torture. Wish for Religious Freedom Their Falun Gong faithwhich teaches assimilation with the universal principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance, along with slow-moving meditationhas been heavily persecuted under the atheist communist ideology of Chinas ruling party, which suppresses most religious faiths, for more than 23 years. Zhang remembers his mother, who he hadnt seen for 19 years before she died at the hands of Chinese police, as warmhearted and considerate. My brothers wife said my mom gave her things her own mom didnt, he told The Epoch Times. My mom had one strong wish: to see for herself how we can practice Falun Gong freely in America, he said at the event. Ji did try to visit him in the United States a few years prior but couldnt get approval for her passport application because of her faith. Now, she would never have that chance, he said. A man jogs past Falun Gong practitioners using a mock organ harvesting display to raise awareness about the Chinese Communist Partys billion-dollar, state-sanctioned murder-for-organs industry, on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on May 2, 2008. (The Canadian Press/Tom Hanson) Zhangs family is one of millions torn apart by the communist partys persecution of Falun Gong, he told the audience, noting that there have been more than 4,900 documented cases of adherent deaths by torture or abuses, as well as an untold number of victims to the state-sanctioned crime of forced organ harvesting, all for not renouncing their faith and right to independent thought, speech, and action. What the Chinese communist regime has done to Falun Gong, including my mom, is a genocide and a crime against humanity. Beth Van Schaack, the ambassador-at-large for global criminal justice, highlighted Beijings religious repression in her remarks a day prior. Aside from the suppression of Uyghurs in Chinas western Xinjiang region, which the United States and a number of other countries have deemed a genocide, [a]cross China more broadly, religious persecution is also directed at Tibetan Buddhists, Falun Gong practitioners, Christians, and so many others seeking only to peacefully practice their beliefs, she said. Protesters stand around the gates of a stage while holding a demonstration urging then-U.S. President George W. Bush to cancel his plans to attend the opening ceremonies of the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing at Lafayette Park across the street from the White House in Washington on March 31, 2008. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images) Religious Freedom, Human Rights a Bipartisan Concern Concern for Chinas human rights is one issue that unites lawmakers from left and right on Capitol Hill. At a panel on Tuesday, Foreign Affairs Committee chairman Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas), who was an honorary congressional co-chair of the summit, decried the Chinese Communist Partys all-out assault on religion while vowing to keep religious freedom at the forefront of Americas foreign policy. Protecting religious freedom isnt just about doing whats right, its also a matter of national security, he said in a speech, adding that he will strive to shed light on abuses around the world, hold perpetrators accountable, and help the diaspora in America who have family and friends persecuted for their faith overseas. Asked about concerns of the Chinese regime exporting its repressive influence overseas, McCaul also referenced the practice of forced organ harvesting and the widespread high-tech surveillance apparatus in China, which dozens of countries have adopted. They have Biometrics to follow all their people within China. You know, organ transplantswhere they force people and they sedate them and take their organs out, and its just horrific, he said. Echoing his point, Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) stressed a need for the United States to raise the issue of human rights at every level, including when were doing trade bills and investing in other parts of the world. In a country that oppresses their people for whatever reason, he said, There will be violence and instability in the long run. And so, it is not in our interest to just turn a blind eye to terrible oppression. Alone in the World One person seeking help at the summit is Grace Chen, a 17-year-old music student in New York. Chen plays the Chinese stringed instrument the erhu. Both her parents were arrested in communist China on account of their faith in the fall of 2020. She hasnt heard their voices for over two years. Grace Chen Fayuan (C) performs in an event to celebrate World Falun Dafa Day in Foley Square in New York City on May 7, 2022. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times) I bookmarked every single article about my parents arrest on my laptop. I felt like now, I was [sic] all alone in the world, she said at the summit. Her teachers and classmates have written lots of letters to the two detainees. Even if the letters may not reach them, at least, she said, she wanted the police in China to know that someone cares. If her words could reach them, though, she would apologize to her parents for not minding their safety enough. Did they find your location because I called you so often? Im sorry for not being more careful. If I called you less, would you still be safe at home now? she said, imagining talking to her mother. Letters sent to Grace Chens parents, who are detained in China for practicing Falun Gong. (Courtesy of Grace Chen) Before she was born, Chen said that the police had beaten her father until all his teeth fell out because he practices Falun Gong. Even after that, you never, ever gave up your faith. You are my hero, baba, she said, using the Chinese term for dad. But I hope this time you are not hurt. Supreme Court Agrees to Rule on Independence of Canadian Militarys Judges The Main Courtroom at the Supreme Court of Canada is pictured in Ottawa, on Nov. 28, 2022. (The Canadian Press/Sean Kilpatrick) Canadas top court has agreed to rule on whether the militarys judges are truly independent. The Supreme Court of Canada announced its decision this morning in response to an appeal from several service members whose criminal cases are on hold. As is customary, the court did provide any reasons or explanation for its decision to hear the case, whose genesis dates back to 2018, when the militarys top judge was charged with fraud. While the case against Col. Mario Dutil was eventually dropped, it nonetheless set off a series of events that included a standoff between the rest of the militarys judges and then-defence chief Gen. Jonathan Vance. That included four military judges ruling in several cases that they could not be considered independent because Vance had issued an order placing responsibility for their discipline under another senior officer. The Supreme Courts decision to hear the case comes as the military justice system is facing significant challenges and repeated calls for reform. Taliban, Russia, and China: Cooperation but No Bloc Commentary The Taliban government of Afghanistan is expanding its trade and cooperation with Russia and China, but a true alliance is unlikely. Earlier this month, Kabul and Beijing signed a $540 million dollar deal to develop Afghanistans oil and gas fields. This is the biggest deal the Taliban has signed since taking control of the country in August 2021. Immediately after the United States pulled out of Afghanistan, the economy collapsed. As the regime has not been recognized by any Western government and is designated as a global terrorist, Kabul has been placed under sanctions restricting flows of cash into the country. Washington has also frozen Afghanistans foreign currency reserves of around $7 billion held in the United States. The United States is placing them in a trust and will release the funds when there is a stable and internationally recognized government in Kabul. Since August 2021, Afghanistans economy has experienced a decline of about 20 percent to 30 percent. Now, 97 percent of the population live below the poverty line, while 95 percent said that they had experienced hunger in the past year. The country has become completely dependent on foreign aid. The United States is the largest provider of humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, but the U.S. Treasury Department has set strict rules on the provision of aid to ensure that it gets to the people rather than to the regime. Many international aid organizations are reviewing their support for Afghanistan because the Taliban has tightened the restrictions on womens participation in public life. Girls have been banned from education, and women have been barred from working in nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). The World Health Organization released a statement on Dec. 28, 2022, stating that if women are not permitted to participate in NGO work, then certain aid programs would have to be halted. Afghanistans mineral reserves, including rare earth minerals, are estimated at $1 trillion. Sanctions are preventing Western countries from investing in extraction projects, which has opened the door for Chinese investment. Currently, a state-owned mining company is in negotiations with the Taliban about extracting copper. However, there are still major security issues. While the Taliban control most of the country, the ISIS terrorist group is still actively opposing Taliban rule and Chinese presence. In December, ISIS bombed a Chinese-owned hotel in Kabul. In addition to the threat of ISIS attacks, another wrinkle in the Taliban-Beijing dynamic is Afghanistans harboring of the Turkistan Islamic Party, formerly known as the East Turkestan Islamic Movement, a separatist organization opposing repression in Chinas Xinjiang region. Beijings engagement with the Taliban is also compromising its relationship with Islamabad. Pakistan has been plagued by terrorist attacks carried out by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the Pakistan Taliban, which is closely aligned with the Taliban in Afghanistan. The TTPs stated objective is to defeat the Pakistan army and establish itself as the ruler of the Afghanistan-Pakistan region. Islamabad worries that money flowing from Beijing to Kabul will ultimately support terrorist attacks in Pakistan. The Pakistan military has been clamoring to engage in preemptive strikes by attacking the TTP cadre inside of Afghanistan. The Taliban, while claiming neutrality in the dispute, has made it very clear that it would not tolerate a breach of its national borders by the Pakistan army. The Taliban has managed to sign trade deals with a number of countries, including Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Iran while China, Russia, and Iran have all expressed interest in investing in Afghanistan. Russia, like China and Iran, does not officially recognize the Taliban government, although its leaders have been guests at the Kremlin. The Talibans best hope for recognition was China, but the Taliban was excluded from attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organizations (SCO) summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, in September last year. Both Russia and China are open to investment and trade relations with Afghanistan, but theyre wary of terrorists posing as refugees and trying to enter their respective countries. These concerns were underscored in September when a suicide bomber attacked the Russian Embassy in Kabul. ISIS, who has called Russia a crusader government and enemy of Islam, later took responsibility for the attack. A few weeks later, Kabul signed an agreement to import Russian gasoline, diesel, and gas. The ongoing sales of energy and resources to Afghanistan are allowing Russia to bypass sanctions and continue to fund its war in Ukraine. There appears to be growing cooperation between states outside of the U.S.-led Western order, namely Iran, Russia, China, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. While they share a common distrust or even hatred of the United States, their fundamental interests are not clearly aligned. The tension and dispute among them are also preventing them from forming a real alliance. For the time being, it looks like Beijing may throw a lifeline to Afghanistan, and Kabul will help Russia keep afloat by buying its oil, but the formation of a politically and economically meaningful bloc seems unlikely. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Texas Gets First-Ever Border Czar Amid Illegal Immigration Crisis Texas Governor Greg Abbott has announced the appointment of former border agent Mike Banks to the position of special advisor on border matters, saying he will serve as the states first-ever border czar. The governor made his announcement at a press conference held on Jan. 30 in San Benito Texas near the ongoing construction of the border wall between the United States and Mexico. The governor credited Banks decades of service in Border Patrol as part of what made him perfect for the position. For nearly two years, the State of Texas has taken unprecedented, historic action under Operation Lone Star in response to the Biden Administrations refusal to secure the border, Abbott said, according to his office. To continue doing what no other state in the history of our country has done to secure the border, I hired Mike Banks as the State of Texas first-ever Border Czar. As an award-winning Border Patrol Agent, with decades of federal law enforcement and border security experience, Mike is the perfect choice to oversee Texas fight against the surge of illegal immigration, lethal drugs, and deadly weapons flowing into our state and nation. I have no doubt that Mikes strong record of leadership and wealth of experience will provide Texansand Americansthe level of border security expertise they deserve from a proper Border Czar. Banks responded to the governors announcement of his appointment to the role by saying: I am humbled to be selected by Governor Abbott for this opportunity. Protecting our nations border is something I have dedicated the last 23 years of my life to, and I am very passionate about it. I look forward to strengthening our relationships with law enforcement partners and the community, leveraging all that we can to further protect our great state of Texas and the United States. During the press conference, the governor attempted to impress the need for increased border security, saying that border patrol has seized enough fentanyl to kill every person in the United States. Along with Banks, Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steve McCraw and Texas Military Department Major General Thomas Suelzer joined the governor at the border. President Joe Biden appointed Vice President Kamala Harris to the position of border czar for his administration shortly after taking office. Abbott sent a letter to Harris soon after her appointment early in 2021, asking that the vice president take action to change the administrations open border policies and help with the ongoing humanitarian crisis. A good work ethic entails more than just showing up Search online for Americans are lazy workers and a cluster of articles pops up. Some of them deny that claim, while others declare it valid. A few writers also point out that this accusation is decades old, while those who disagree argue that todays employees are in fact much lazier than in days gone by. The latter group provides a variety of reasons for this perceived indolence. Todays workers, they say, want to work less and play more. They lack incentives to put out extra effort. Some of them resent serving employers or customers, some regard their job as meaningless, and some simply dislike work in general. Along these same lines, the media has recently reported growing numbers of quiet quitters, men and women who do no more than necessary while on the job, such as refusing to work late to finish a task. In some cases, quiet quitters go a step further and aim to do the least amount of work possible. Is quiet quitting an actual movement? That question remains up for debate. In his November 2022 article What Is Quiet Quittingand Is it a Real Trend? Greg Daugherty reports mixed conclusions, first citing a Gallup poll in which 50 percent of Americans describe themselves as giving only the minimum effort to their jobs. He then introduces other data, however, that indicate little change in worker attitudes from decades past. Often neglected in all this back-and-forth is the idea of a work ethic. What sort of spirit and effort should workers and their supervisors bring to a task? What constitutes a high bar for performance in the office or on a job site? In his 1958 Readers Digest article, The Countess and the Impossible, Richard Thurman narrates a story from his youth in which an elderly European woman with old-world manners settles in Idaho and hires the 13-year-old Thurman to mow, clip, and weed her lawn. A mediocre job, she says, is worth $3, an outstanding performance earns a dollar more, and a five-dollar lawn iswell, its impossible, so well forget about that. She then tells Thurman, Each week, Im going to pay you according to your own evaluation of your work. For the next few weeks, Thurman does a $3 job. Each time, he resolves to aim at the $4 mark, and each time he fails. And then, a revelation strikes. He decides to go after the $5 lawn. That day, he exhausts himself toiling away from early morning until evening, mowing, weeding, eradicating worm mounds, and precisely clipping the walkway. By dusk, the lawn is immaculate. When Thurman asks for $5, the astonished countess inspects the yard and then compliments him, remarking that his efforts to overcome the impossible had driven him to give every ounce of energy and talent to the job. He has conquered the $5 barrier, and that days work bestowed on Thurman a work ethic that he then carried into adulthood. Todays American work ethic may need some oxygen, but its nowhere near dead. Plenty of people familiar to methe woman who puts in long hours coping with an understaffed office, the contractor who knocks himself out supporting his wife and four small children, the servers at the coffee shopbring their best efforts to the workplace. If theyre in charge, like the countess, they offer incentives and challenges to their employees. If theyre employees, like Richard Thurman, they throw themselves completely into the task at hand. We all have our metaphorical lawns to tend. Lets aim for the $5 job and show the world what weve got. Too Many Rape Cases Being Prosecuted by Inexperienced Barristers, Says UK Watchdog Too many inexperienced and junior prosecutors are being thrown in at the deep end and asked to take on rape and sexual assault cases, according to the man responsible for inspecting the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in England and Wales. In an interview with The Times of London, Andrew Cayley, KC, chief inspector of the CPS, said there was a shortage of senior barristers and he said poor pay was the root cause. Last year criminal barristers went on strike over pay and the government eventually agreed to increase legal aid fees for defence counsel by 15 percent. But the same offer did not apply to prosecutors. Cayley said: Once there is a solution to the pay, I think that problem will disappear. But the current situation is not satisfactory. The best position is for somebody of the appropriate experience to be prosecuting. Handling so-called Rape and Serious Sexual Offences (Rasso) is a specialist form of criminal law but Cayley said there was a shortage of Rasso prosecutors, because individuals who might normally prosecute for the CPS are preferring to defend. Cayley said, There should be equality of fees paid to prosecuting and defence counsel. He said the Director of Public Prosecutions, Max Hill, KC, agreed with him and was pursuing arguments with the Treasury to achieve that. In its most recent Rasso strategy, the CPS said, There are many factors which can make this a uniquely challenging offence to prosecute, and it is rightly managed by highly trained, specialist prosecutors. Kirsty Brimelow, KC, chair of the Criminal Bar Association, raised the issues of a shortage of prosecutors when she appeared before Parliaments Home Affairs Committee on Wednesday. She said one prosecutor had told her the complainant in three stranger rape cases had dropped out in the first month of 2023 after the trials were adjourned until the end of the year. Rape Complainants Waiting Up to 5 Years for Trials Brimelow told the committee: Normally you would not have a complainant drop out in that type of case. The feedback were getting is this is just across the board, its across the system that witnesses, complainants will not wait for years. Some are waiting five years between allegation to trial. She said: You have a complainant whos saying I cant remember two, three years ago. And the jury has to decide on that evidence. So the delays are actually undermining the whole prosecution case all the way through. The Criminal Bar Association said data from the Ministry of Justice from between July and September 2022 showed 44 crown court trials were adjourned on the day that they were scheduled to start because of a lack of prosecution counsel. The government is committed to increasing the number of rape prosecutions and convictions, which have reached a historically low level. The number of rape prosecutions in England and Wales has dropped by 70 percent since 2017. Between Oct. 1, 2020 and Sept. 30, 2021 only 1.3 percent of rape allegations resulted in a suspect being charged. Among the factors which sometimes lead to a prosecution being dropped or an alleged perpetrator not being charged is if the victim is inebriated. But a new study, published this week by a team at Birmingham University, has found evidence women were able to accurately recall details of sexual assault if they were mildly intoxicated. Professor Heather Flowe, from the universitys school of psychology, said: We know that sexual assault frequently coincides with alcohol intoxication. This means that during trials, victims and witnesses accounts will often be contested, which is one of the reasons why so few cases lead to conviction for defendants and this needs to change. The researchpublished in the journal Frontiers in Psychologywas based on hypothetical scenarios, which women were later asked to recall after drinking up to the legal limit for driving. The study found no evidence that women who participated in consensual sex while intoxicated might later forget they had consented or be unable to recall if they consented. Researchers worked with 90 women who each took part in a hypothetical rape scenario under one of four conditions. Half the group were given an alcoholic liquid and the other half were given a non-alcoholic liquid. Then they were taken through hypothetical scenarios, which includes rapes. Seven days after the experiment the women were asked to fill in a questionnaire about their recollections of the scenarios and the result revealed the women who drank alcohol were as accurate in their recollections as the sober group. Laura Stevens, a Ph.D. student and coauthor of the paper, added: This research challenges a key myth about victims memories regarding rape and sexual assault, which is often used to dismiss the victims account. We hope this work will lead to changes in the way courts and expert witnesses manage testimony from alleged victims of rape and sexual assault. PA Media contributed to this report. In my continuing series of Top 5 war films, Im covering movies that do not include American characters or U.S. armed forces. War and Peace (1966/1967) Poster for Russian-language War and Peace. (Continental Distributing) One of the most ambitious undertakings in the history of the film medium, director-co-writer and leading-man Sergei Bondarchuks War and Peace has a running time of 431 minutes and was released in four parts between March 1966 and November 1967. Still the most expensive Russian-produced film ever made, it went on to win multiple industry accolades including the Golden Globe and Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film. The fact that it received so much love during the height of the Cold War (and was funded in part by the Soviet government) makes it all the more impressive. For those looking for the ultimate viewing experience, you can purchase (or rent) the 2019 Criterion Collection Blu-ray edition. In addition to a restored and pristine 2K print, it includes two documentaries on the making of the film and recent interviews. Braveheart (1995) A poster for Braveheart starring Mel Gibson. (Paramount Pictures) Nominated for 10 Academy Awards and the winner of five (including Best Picture and Best Director), Mel Gibsons sprawling epic depicting the start of the First War of Scottish Independence (12961328) struck a deep chord with critics and audiences alike. Gibson stars as William Wallace, the Scottish nationalist and patriot who, prodded on by the murder of his new bride Murron (Catherine McCormack) at the hands of a British officer attempting to assault her, goes ballistic and decides to stand toe-to-toe with King Edward I, a.k.a., Longshanks (Patrick McGoohan). Turning in invaluable support are Brendan Gleeson as Hamish, Wallaces second-in-command, Angus Macfadyen as Robert the Bruce, and Sophie Marceau as Princess Isabelle of France, a moderator of sorts between Wallace and Longshanks. Some (mostly exacting academics) have complained that Gibson and screenwriter Randall Wallace took too many artistic liberties with actual events, a point the former acknowledged. Gibson freely agreed to the historical inaccuracies but defends his choices as director, noting that the way events were portrayed in the film was much more cinematically compelling than the historical fact or conventional mythos. When pressed with similar complaints about his JFK, director Oliver Stone stated his film was not a documentary. Such is the case with Braveheart. Henry V (1989) A poster for Henry V directed and starring Kenneth Branagh. (British Broadcasting System) Set amidst the backdrop of the Battle of Agincourt during the Hundred Years War, Kenneth Branaghs Henry V is considered by most to be the finest cinematic adaptation of any Shakespearean play. The first of what would eventually be five Shakespeare adaptations Branagh would write, direct and star in, Henry V was bursting with a level of brio and gusto generally not associated with Shakespeare movies, thanks in large part to the sterling supporting cast of British veterans and future stars. Appearing in key roles were Paul Scofield, Derek Jacobi, Ian Holm, Judi Dench, Robbie Coltrane, Christian Bale, and Emma Thompson, who became Branaghs real-life wife the same year the movie was released. Also worth checking out is the 1944 film of the same name co-written, directed by, and starring Laurence Olivier. It was reported that Winston Churchill ordered Olivier to craft the movie as a piece of morale-boosting propaganda for British troops. A Tale of Two Cities (1935) A poster for A Tale of Two Cities. (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer) The fifth of eventually seven feature adaptations of the Charles Dickens novel of the same name, director Jack Conways A Tale of Two Cities is by far the best of the lot. In a role he had long-coveted, Ronald Colman stars as lead protagonist Sydney Carton, a deeply-flawed, yet honorable man whose unrequited love for the married Lucie Manette (Elizabeth Allen) leads him to make an incredible, unselfish sacrifice. Taking place many years before and during the decade-long French Revolution (17891799), the film mirrored similar events depicted three years later in Casablanca while receiving two Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. The screenplay by W.P. Lipscomb and S.M. Behrman is the real star of the show. Distilling the labyrinthine 448-page novel down to a 123-page script had to be a mammoth undertaking, yet the two scribes did so without omitting any of the key plot points. Master and Commander: the Far Side of the World (2003) A poster for Master and Commander. (20th Century Fox) Australian director Peter Weir (Gallipoli, Witness, The Truman Show) and his fellow countryman Russell Crowe combined forces for this fictional story set during the Napoleonic Wars (18031815). In condensing five installments from the 20 novels in Patrick OBrians Aubrey-Maturin series, Weir and his co-writer John Collee delivered a water-based swashbuckling adventure reminiscent of Mutiny on the Bounty (both versions), Captain Kid, The Black Pirate, The Sea Hawk, Bequest to a Nation, Captain Blood with significantly more bite. Crowe stars as Captain Jack Aubrey opposite Dr. Stephen Maturin (Paul Bettany, Crowes co-star in A Beautiful Mind, released two years earlier), Aubreys confidant and the vessels physician. For viewing options on all the above titles, visit justwatch.com. Next up in the Top 5 War series: Vietnam. Top House Oversight Dem Jamie Raskin Calls on Secret Service to Release Trump, Pence Home Visitor Logs Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) speaks on the first day of former President Donald Trump's second impeachment trial in Washington on Feb. 9, 2021. (Congress.gov via Getty Images) Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), the top Democrat on the Republican-controlled House Oversight Committee, has called on the U.S. Secret Service to release any visitor logs they keep of former President Donald Trumps Mar-a-Lago home, as well as former Vice President Mike Pences home in Carmel, Indiana. Raskin sent a letter to U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly A. Cheatle on Tuesday, requesting all visitor logs for the two residences since Jan. 21, 2020. Raskin made the request in light of discoveries of potentially classified documents at Trumps Mar-a-Lago home in Florida in August, and classified documents found at Pences home last week. Given that the U.S. Secret Service provided protection for Mr. Trump and Mr. Pence during the time they stored classified materials at their respective residences, the Committee is seeking information from your agency regarding who had access to former President Trumps Mar-a-Lago Club and former Vice President Pences personal residence since leaving office, Raskin wrote. Raskin gave the agency until Feb. 14 to provide the requested visitor logs. Bidens Visitor Logs Raskins request for visitor logs from Trump and Pences homes comes after House Oversight Committee Chair Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.) called on the White House to release visitor logs from President Joe Bidens Wilmington, Delaware, home after potentially classified documents were also found at Bidens home throughout December and January. The Biden White House told Comer it has no such visitor logs of Bidens home. Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi also told The Epoch Times that the service had no visitor logs from Bidens Delaware home. Guglielmi said the service screens visitors but does not keep records of who is vetted. If Guglielmis statement about Secret Service records is accurate, it would mean the protective agency would not have visitor records for Trump or Pences homes either. In addition to calling for visitor logs at Bidens home, Comer also requested that the University of Pennsylvania provide information about who had access to the Penn Biden Center in Washington, D.C. Biden had used the Penn Biden Center as an office space after his term as vice president ended in 2017. Documents with classified markings were reportedly found in a locked closet at the Penn Biden Center in November. The University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) is the parent organization for the Penn Biden Center. The center, whose full name is the Penn Biden Center for Diplomacy and Global Engagement, had served as Bidens personal think tank between his vice presidency and his presidency. In a Jan. 18 letter, Comer called on UPenn President M. Elizabeth Magill to provide a list of all employees of the Penn Biden Center, including information about their salary, job description, and dates of employment; a list of all individuals with keycard access to the Penn Biden Center, including but not limited to members of Bidens family; and a visitor log of all individuals who met with Biden at the Penn Biden Center. Dueling Investigations, Dueling Defenses While Comer has sought visitor records from Bidens home and former office space, he has not pursued similar records requests on Trump and Pences homes. After potentially classified documents were found in Pences possession, Comer issued a statement crediting the former vice president with being forthcoming about the documents found in his possession while accusing the Biden administration of withholding information. Former Vice President Mike Pence reached out today about classified documents found at his home in Indiana, Comer wrote on Jan. 24. He has agreed to fully cooperate with congressional oversight and any questions we have about the matter. Former Vice President Pences transparency stands in stark contrast to Biden White House staff who continue to withhold information from Congress and the American people. Raskin offered his own defense of Bidens handling of classified documents after the White House began disclosing document discoveries. Raskin said members of Bidens team appear to have taken immediate and proper action to notify the National Archives about their discovery of a small handful of classified documents so they could be returned to federal government custody. From NTD News Tories Introduce Motion to Fix Canadas Broken Bail System Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security Chair Raquel Dancho waits to begin a meeting in Ottawa on Aug. 16, 2022. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press) Conservative Party MP and public safety critic Raquel Dancho tabled a motion in the House of Commons on Feb. 2 asking the government to reform its bail policies in light of rising crime and recent murders of police officers. Canadians across the country are growing increasingly alarmed by the violent crime wave impacting every major community and in rural communities across the country, Dancho said in opening the debate on her motion. Canadians are waking up every day to headlines of violent crime, police officers being murdered, people being murdered on public transit every single day. So thats why were here. The motion asks that elements of Bill C-75 be repealed and that bail laws be strengthened so that those who are prohibited from possessing firearms and are accused of a serious firearms offence do not get bail easily. Bill C-75 became law in June 2019 and included changes to bail provisions, citing in part the overrepresentation of Indigenous persons and accused from vulnerable groups who are traditionally disadvantaged in obtaining bail, according to background information from the Department of Justice. The Conservatives have blamed the Trudeau governments policies for the rise in criminality. Dancho noted data from Statistics Canada indicating that crime went down 26 percent during the Harper years and has increased 32 percent since Trudeau took power. First and foremost, I would say that I dont believe the manipulation of stats that often are portrayed coming from the Conservative Party of Canada, said Liberal MP Kevin Lamoureux, the parliamentary secretary to the government House leader. If you listen to them, you would think that there was never any crimes when the Conservatives were in power. World Bank data displayed on Macrotrends.net shows that crime was mostly on a downward trend when Harper took power in 2006, albeit for a spike under the Liberals in 2004-2005. It went down during the Harper years and began the upward climb in 2015 when the Liberals returned. Police-reported crime severity indexes as reported by Statistics Canada show a clear break and increase after 2015. The index tracks changes in crime severity. The index was at 100 in 2006 and dropped to 66.9 in 2014. It was 73.7 in 2021 after peaking at 79.8 in 2019. The violent crime severity index has increased more dramatically since 2015, starting at 70.7 at the time and reaching 92.5 in 2021. Justice Minister David Lametti spoke during the debate and said Canada has a strong and effective criminal justice system but that things can always be improved. He added that the Conservatives were leveraging the recent tragedies of the killings of police officers to their advantage. I want to reassure Canadians that if someone poses a significant threat to public safety, the law tells us they should not be released on bail, he said. Im disappointed that the official opposition is using tragedies to try to score political points. Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) constable Grzegorz Pierzchala was shot to death on Dec. 27 by a suspect who was a repeat violent offender out on bail. NDP MPs also recognized the rise in crime and the need to address the situation. The need to address bail reform is a huge issue, because weve seen senseless acts of violence, said Charlie Angus. Im asking my colleague, would they support our call to investigate bail reform to make sure we get this right, that we keep people safe. All the premiers from provinces and territories have called on the Liberals to strengthen the bail system in a mid-January letter sent to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police made a similar plea after the death of Pierzchala. The Liberals are facing the dilemma of stopping crime with a perspective geared primarily towards public safety, or continuing to address what they assess to be systemic racism. Lametti told the House his government needs to make sure that any measures taken will not exacerbate the over representation of indigenous peoples, black, and racialized Canadians in our jails. The recently passed Bill C-5 to remove mandatory minimum sentences for a number of firearms offence, including armed robbery, was adopted as a measure to reduce that overrepresentation. Treasury Unable to Prioritize Bill Payment If Debt Ceiling Reached, Say Former Officials Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen attends a meeting with South Korean Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Choo Kyung-ho at Lotte Hotel in Seoul, South Korea, on July 19, 2022. (Chung Sung-Jun/Pool via Reuters) Former U.S. Treasury officials have said there is no way to prioritize which bills would get paid first in the event that the United States reached its statutory debt ceiling. Rep. David Schweikert (R-Ariz.) asked U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen whether the Treasury now has the capability to prioritize bill payments if the government can no longer borrow money to pay its bills. Yellen has not responded to the Jan. 31 letter, and the Treasury did not reply to a request for comment by deadline. Negotiations over raising the U.S. debt ceiling, essentially the credit-card limit of the federal government, began on Feb. 1 with a meeting between President Joe Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. If the limit is not raised, the United States will be unable to meet its financial obligations sometime in June. In that event, the Treasury Department has the authority to decide which bills to pay and in what order. But they dont have the ability to do so, former Treasury Secretary Jack Lew said in 2013. U.S. Rep. David Schweikert (R-Ariz.) at Longworth House Office Building, Capitol Hill in Washington, on Sept. 14, 2021. (Alex Wong/Getty Images) Well, Mr. Chairman, I have to tell you, I do not believe there is a way to pick and choose on a broad basis, Lew told the Senate Finance Committee. The system was not designed to be turned off selectively. So anyone who thinks that it can be done just does not know the architecture of our multiple payment systems, which are very complex. They were designed properly to pay our bills. They were not designed to not pay our bills. Now Schweikert wants to know if anything has changed that would allow Yellen to juggle the nations bills if it should come to that. What progress has Treasury made in taking the measures outlined in the 1985 GAO decision [giving the Treasury authority to prioritize payments]? Schweikert wrote, and, Has Treasury taken the necessary steps in upgrading their technical systems in order to accommodate these measures? The United States spent more than $15.7 billion a day from December through October, which amounts to $10.9 million per minute. Previous negotiations concerning the debt ceiling have created an impasse over the federal budget or appropriations bills, which authorize the government to spend money. Lacking that authority, the government has shut down all but essential functions 10 times since 1980, totaling 86 days, including two half-days. The debt ceiling is different in that it authorizes the government to borrow money to cover spending already authorized by Congress. The federal government has operated on a deficit budget for all but four years since 1970, making ongoing borrowing essential for continued operations. If the debt ceiling is reached, the Treasury will have to default on at least some of its current financial obligations. Greece is the word at Hallgarten & Novum Wines - analysis Its safe to say the head of buying at Hallgarten & Novum Wines is excited about wines from Greece as well as a return to Old World countries. Speaking to Drinks Retailing at the importer and distributors trade tasting this week, Steve Daniel says there are a few reasons for his enthusiasm: I think consumers are always wanting to drink mineral, fresh white wines, he starts. And I think with global warming, a lot of traditional areas that used to provide those styles, don't anymore. The styles have changed. Its Daniels job to go out and find areas that can produce a classic, mineral fresh style mainly for whites but also fresher reds. My current trend prediction, which has been 25 years in the making, is for Greece, he says. Particularly for white wines, which sounds counterintuitive. Everyone thinks Greece is going to be hot, and you're not going to find fresh, crisp white wines. But for me, the source of those kinds of wines that Im most excited about is Greece. He highlights the natural acidity of Assyrtiko, which is becoming more well-known even outside of Greece. Daniel also believes it will become widely planted around the world, as an acidifying grape. Sticking within Greece, Daniel highlights several other exciting grapes, including aromatic Moschofilero which also has good acidity, and Malagouzia, which he says is a bit like a Viognier but more acidic. Theres loads of new grapes, or old grapes, being discovered in Crete, he adds. Things like Thraphsathiri and Vidiano. All of which were on show at the tasting. Outside of Greece, Daniel says places such as North Macedonia and Lebanon offer good value as well as Tenerife. Ive been spending a bit of time in Lebanon, trying to find wines that are more reflective of the Mediterranean climate, rather than Bordeaux lookalikes, he says. Daniel, who has been in the trade since 1987, explains that the pendulum has swung from the Old World to the New, in his career. Now, he believes drinkers are starting to look back to the Old World, citing factors such as sustainability-consciousness and a desire for lighter styles of wine with more acidity. And he adds central and southern Italy to his list of interesting wine regions that offer both decent value and intrigue. Thats not to say we dont talk about the New World - and Chenin Blanc from South Africa gets a nod thanks to both its acidity and malleability. GUIDED ADVENTURE Although we didnt all sit down to chat at the same time, Daniels predictions were echoed in our conversation with Hallgartens customer marketing manager, Tom Bennett. He describes younger-mindset consumers as more adventurous and ready to explore places such as Greece and North Macedonia. Theres a real sense of wanting to discover, he says of this cohort. A lot of these consumers havent necessarily got an education around wine and are therefore happy to be guided. Bennett talks about the less but better approach by consumers, and explains that although price sensitivity is an important consideration in the current climate, people are still happy to spend a bit more for celebrations and occasions. Weve certainly seen the resilience of Champagne, he says, adding that English sparkling wine has performed well for the company. When it comes to advice for retailers, Bennett says being able to demonstrate value for money is very important. While consumers might be happy to trade up, they certainly want to know they are getting good value, he explains. Related articles: Trudeau Is Not a Friend, Says Former McKinsey Boss Barton Dominic Barton waits to appear as a witness at the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates in Ottawa on Feb. 1, 2023. The committee is looking into consulting contracts awarded to McKinsey and Co. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press) Dominic Barton, the former head of U.S. consulting firm McKinsey, told MPs on Feb. 1 there is no close relationship between him and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and that he had no role in landing his firm an increasing amount of contracts since the Liberals took power in 2015. Im not a friend, I have a professional relationship, Barton said as he testified before the House of Commons government operations committee. I respect him, I think he respects me. I dont have his personal phone number, and I havent been in a room alone with him, he added, noting having met the prime minister a dozen times. Barton was answering questions from Conservative MP Stephanie Kusie as part of the committees work examining the contracts awarded to McKinsey. Conservatives in recent days have accused Trudeau of giving contracts to his friends at the firm. His personal friend Dominic Barton, the former director of McKinsey, will be testifying because Conservatives launched an investigation into the more than $100 million of contracts that some public servants have said was for work that was of little or no value, Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre said on Feb. 1 before the committee meeting. Barton left the helm of McKinsey in July 2018 and said he liquidated his shares in August 2019 before being appointed as Canadas ambassador to China from 2019 to 2021. He said in his opening remarks that he was non-partisan and noted having previously also advised former finance minister Jim Flaherty under the Harper government. Barton also had a formal top adviser role for the Trudeau government, having chaired the Advisory Council on Economic Growth established by former finance minister Bill Morneau in 2016. He said he had meetings with Trudeau in the context of that work and that he never discussed offering McKinseys services. I never had those discussions. Just to put things in perspective, McKinsey is a very large firm, the work thats going on in Canada is very small, and my objective was not to have anything to do with that work, he said. The former boss of McKinsey said the company brought in $10 billion in revenue in 2018. WEF Barton said his first meeting with Trudeau after he became prime minister was at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos in 2016, after the Canadian government requested he host a breakfast so Trudeau could meet other international leaders. He said no contracts emanated from those talks with the leaders for which he couldnt recall the names. They were doing a favour to come, there was not an interest to do contracts, that has nothing to do with that, he said. Rather than Trudeau, Barton hinted at being closer to Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. He said he had met her when she was working for the Financial Times and attended dinner at her house along with Ian Shugart, a former clerk of the Privy Council who was appointed senator last September. Scandals Along with being asked about the nature of his relationship with Trudeau and other senior officials, Barton was also faced with questions related to controversies that involved McKinsey during his leadership. Conservative MP Garnett Genuis pressed him on the firms work to promote opioids with clients such as Purdue Pharma, for which Purdue reached a settlement with U.S. states in 2021 for US$573 million. Barton said McKinsey shouldnt have done that work, which he said was lawful but obviously fell far short of the standards, and said he wasnt aware of it taking place due to the size of the company. Are you really telling this committee that on a file that literally dozens of senior partners were working on, that you as the managing partner had no idea about such a prominent and potentially controversial client that the firm had for 15 years? Genuis asked. Ive explained before there are 3,000 client engagements that are going on at any particular given time I dont know all of them, no, thats totally normal. Liberal MP Anthony Housefather said the Conservatives were trying to focus on McKinseys scandals because friendship links between Barton and Trudeau had not been found. Since Barton appeared before the committee as a private citizen, Housefather said many of the questions directed at him would be better asked to current McKinsey personnel. Genuis said Housefather was trying to defend the witness and that the issues are not separate. The line is that the witness, Mr. Barton, led McKinsey for about a decade and during that time, McKinsey was involved in myriad ethical and moral scandals around the world, which the witness appears to have been largely unaware of on his testimony, said Genuis. At the same time, he was working with the Government of Canada and advising the prime minister on a series of issues that would have had relevance to some of those same clients. Scrutiny The scrutiny on McKinsey came after CBC reported an exponential increase in contracts given to the firm after the Liberals came to power in 2015. The public broadcaster was able to find $66 million in contracts through open records. Public Service and Procurement Canada, which managed many of those contracts, later said it awarded $104.6 million in contracts to McKinsey over the period, with other departments also on the hook for $12.2 million based on ongoing work to determine exact amounts. Trudeau said he tasked two ministers to look into the matter of the McKinsey contracts. If we need to change the rules, we will do so, he said on Jan. 11 in reference to the contract awarding process. At the government operations committees first meeting on Jan. 30, experts on contracts in public administration said the problem with government outsourcing was much broader than just McKinsey. Amanda Clarke, an associate professor of public policy and administration at Carleton University, said the scrutiny afforded to McKinsey was a bit of a distraction. But Clarke admitted not having any non-public information on McKinsey contracts. She did say that McKinsey saw the highest rate of contract growth between 2017 and 2021, but had no evidence as to why that was. Sean Boots, a senior policy adviser with the Treasury Board Secretariat, noted the higher amounts awarded to other consulting firms in the 20212022 fiscal year. He said Deloitte received $172 million in contracts, PricewaterhouseCoopers $115 million, and Accenture $94 million. The NDP has called to enlarge the committees probe to other consulting firms. NDP MP Gord Johns presented a motion to that effect to the committee, which will be debated at the next meeting. Canadian Revenues The Globe and Mail reported Jan. 31 on a court filing in the United States involving McKinsey that shows 5 to 10 percent of the firms revenues in Canada came from the federal government between November 2016 and February 2022. The filing was made in May 2022 by McKinsey partner Dmitry Krivin in the U.S. District Court for Puerto Rico. The firm is involved in a controversy there pertaining to its work in restructuring the territorys debt after it went bankrupt. The filing also revealed other private sector clients of the firm in Canada, such as Bombardier, TD Bank, and Canadian Tire, which each accounted for 1 to 5 percent of McKinseys revenue in the country during the same period. McKinsey did not respond to a request for comment. In a previous statement, the firm said that its work does not involve policy development and also highlighted its relatively small share of consulting contracts with the federal government. We comply with relevant procurement laws, regulations, and rules in all our work, it said. Trump Reacts to Haley, DeSantis, Other Potential 2024 Rivals Won't commit to backing eventual GOP nominee; says Kushner 'won't be involved' In 2024 efforts President Donald Trump announces that he has accepted the resignation of Nikki Haley as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, in the White House Oval Office in Washington on Oct. 9, 2018. (Mark Wilson/Getty Images) Former President Donald Trump responded in comments to radio host Hugh Hewitt on Feb. 2 to the possibility that former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and other Republicans may challenge him for the GOPs 2024 presidential nomination. Well, she [Haley] called me and she asked me about it, and I told her she should follow her heart, said Trump, who announced his 2024 presidential bid last November. You know, she said numerous timesI put it up, actuallythat I would never run if our president runs. He was a great president, et cetera, et cetera. She said that numerous times, he continued. But shes a very ambitious person. She just couldnt stay in her seat. And I said, you know what? Nikki, if you want to run, you go ahead and run. Trump nominated Haley to serve as United States ambassador to the United Nations, a post she held for two years. Nikki Haley, United States ambassador to the United Nations, during a Security Council meeting on Sept. 6, 2018, at U.N. headquarters in New York City. (UN Photo/Manuel Elias) Trump made the remarks after reports that Haley will announce a 2024 presidential bid on Feb. 15. In a Feb. 1 Truth Social post, Trump had put up a clip of Haley saying she would back the former president if he ran in 2024. Nikki has to follow her heart, not her honor. She should definitely run! Trump wrote. Haley isnt the only South Carolinian mulling a shot at the top job. Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) has announced a national Faith in America tour, set to kick off on Feb. 16 in South Carolina. Scott will also speak in Iowa, a key early state during primary season, on Feb. 22. When asked by Hewitt if he would support the Republican candidate in 2024, even if it isnt him, Trump said that it would depend, adding, I would give you the same answer I gave in 2016 during the debates. In the first Republican presidential primary debate, held in August 2015, Fox News Anchor Bret Baier asked anyone who would not swear to back the eventual GOP candidate to raise their hand. Trump famously raised his hand. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump gestures during the first Republican presidential debate at the Quicken Loans Arena Thursday, Aug. 6, 2015, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) If Im the nominee, I will pledge I will not run as an independent. Butand I am discussing it with everybody, but Im, you know, talking about a lot of leverage. We want to win, and we will win. But I want to win as the Republican, Trump told Baier at the time. During his Feb. 2 Hewitt interview, Trump claimed another potential 2024 rival, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, owed his election to that office to the former real estate magnate. He cited his 2017 endorsement of DeSantis in the Republican gubernatorial contest that pitted the former congressman against the states agriculture commissioner at the time, Adam Putnam. Republican gubernatorial candidate Ron DeSantis and his wife, Casey, at his midterm election night party in Orlando, Florida, on Nov. 6, 2018. (Carlo Allegri/Reuters) Hewitt pressed Trump on the loyalty of some possible 2024 rivals. He asked if Trump felt DeSantis, Haley, former Trump CIA chief and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkinall discussed in the media as potential 2024 contendersshould not challenge Trump for the 2024 presidential nomination if you [Trump] have helped them. Yeah, I would say that, but I know how life works. And I know how politics works. And politics is a microcosm, but even more vicious, of life. So you know, Ive helped all those people, Trump responded. Trump also told Hewitt that Jared Kushner, the husband of his daughter Ivanka, wont be involved in his efforts to secure the presidency once again. Jared Kushner listens during an announcement in the White House Oval Office in Washington on Sept. 11, 2020. (Andrew Harnik/AP Photo) Trump also suggested that Democrats had become indistinguishable from Marxists or communists. The train never stopped at socialism, okay? It was supposed to stop at socialism. It just passed that. So were into communism, Marxism, and other things, he told Hewitt. The Epoch Times has reached out to DeSantis and Haley for comment. Twitter Will Comply With Europes Censorship Rules, Says EU Commissioner Twitter intends to stick with the European Unions new Digital Services Act (DSA) censorship rules that seek to control misinformation and hate speech online, Thierry Breton, EU commissioner for digital policy, recently said during a video call. In a video call with Twitter owner Elon Musk, Breton discussed Twitters readiness to comply with the DSA that comes into effect starting September. I take note of the path that Twitter is committed to take in Europe to comply with #DSA rules. Next few months will be crucial to transform commitments into reality. Constructive exchange with @elonmusk, Breton said in a tweet on Feb. 1. Meanwhile, Musk claimed that he had a good meeting with Breton regarding the EUs DSA. The goals of transparency, accountability and accuracy of information are aligned with ours, Musk said in a tweet on Feb. 1. He also said that Community Notes, which allows people to add context to tweets collaboratively, will be transformational to achieve such objectives. The European Unions DSA aims to control the power of social media networks and remove content deemed unhealthy from the platforms. Companies that violate rules can be subjected to fines up to 6 percent of global annual revenues. In the worst case, the platform can be banned in the European Union. The DSA grants the European Commission more powers to monitor and regulate big tech firms designated as gatekeepers to comply with EUs antitrust rules. People Will No Longer Be Able to Say Rubbish The EU has been ramping up pressure on Musk to make Twitter compliant with the blocs rules. After Musk had taken over Twitter in October, Breton said that if Twitter wants to do business in the bloc, it must fly by our rules. Breton also suggested that Musk will have to increase the number of content moderators on the platform in the EU. Earlier in May, before Musk acquired Twitter, Breton told the tycoon that his plans for free speech on Twitter would be limited by the European Unions content moderation requirements. He knows perfectly well what the conditions are for Twitter to continue operating in Europe, Breton said at the time. He will have to open his algorithms. We will have control, we will have access, people will no longer be able to say rubbish. In late November, Breton once again reiterated the EUs stance on Twitter by asking for stronger online moderation. There is still huge work ahead, as Twitter will have to implement transparent user policies, significantly reinforce content moderation, and protect freedom of speech, tackle disinformation with resolve, and limit targeted advertising, he told Musk on a call. In mid-December, new tensions emerged between Twitter and the EU after the platform suspended multiple journalists for allegedly violating its new policy on doxxing (i.e., the public revelation of personal information). Vera Jourova, a European Commission vice president, called the arbitrary suspension of the reporters as worrying This is reinforced under our #MediaFreedomAct. @elonmusk should be aware of that, Jourova said in a tweet. There are red lines. And sanctions, soon. Threat to Free Speech in US Free speech concerns have been raised with regard to EUs DSA regulations. Some have pointed out that if a single EU member state were to decide that a specific content needs to be removed, the content can get blocked in the entire EU. This can give certain authoritarian governments the power to control online speech in the entire bloc. There are also worries about the EU pushing its hate speech laws into the United States. During the recent World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Jourova suggested that laws on hate speech would come to America and be subjected to criminal penalties similar to those in several European countries. In an interview with The Epoch Times, Cherise Trump, executive director of Speech First, a Washington-based free speech advocacy group, called EU members talking about hate speech laws coming to the United States as chilling. Why are we looking to them to give us any kind of guidance on this issue? Why do they think they have any kind of authority to tell us how to operate? We have a completely different culture than they do. We have a very liberal free speech clause in our Constitution, she said. Trump pointed out that there is a long history in America of upholding that there is no hate speech exemption to the First Amendment. This is due to the logical reason that no one can tell you what defines hate speech. A Christian mom in the UK is having her case heard after her son, then four years old, was forced by his school to partake in a gay pride parade against her will. Mom Izzy Montague was told by the head teacher of Heavers Farm Primary School in Croydon, South London, that her son could not opt out of the pride event despite their familys Christian beliefs. Now, Montague alongside Christian Legal Center has launched legal action against the school for direct and indirect discrimination, victimization, and a breach of the Education Act 1996 and Human Rights Act 1998. This is the first case in the UK where a court will consider the legality of imposing LGBT ideology on students in primary school. It will weigh the aspects of religious discrimination and the human right of parents to determine the moral instruction of their children by opting out of sex education programs. The case is being heard from this week, Feb. 1-10. Izzy Montague. (Courtesy of Christian Concern) LGBT-related organization Stonewall worked with the school to organize the event which occurred in June 2018, Christian Legal Center stated in a press release. Children as young as four were read stories promoted by the organization aimed at normalizing same-sex relationships and shown videos of two men kissing. LGBT flags were displayed across the school; Stonewall posters were hung, and children were encouraged to wear rainbow colors. One image emerged on the schools website showing a student displaying a placard after a Martin Luther King Jr. lesson which read: I have a dreem if bois cood go to the saim toilet as gerls [sic]. Parents were given no warning ahead of the pride event, said Montague, who only learned about it from a newspaper article. After requesting her son be withdrawn from the parade, she was told that if he did, it would be regarded as a behavioral issue. I wasnt even trying to stop the parade event, Montague stated in a press release. I just wanted my child to receive an education, rather than indoctrination. After I complained about my young child being forced to take part in an event that goes against our Christian beliefs, the schools attitude towards me changed completely. Other parents were afraid to speak up because of how the school treated me. A child at Heavers Farm school holding a placard, as displayed on the schools website. (Courtesy of Christian Concern) Heavers Farm Primary School in Croydon, South London. (Screenshot/Google Maps) She said the school created a hostile and intimidating atmosphere toward parents who dissented against the agenda being forced on their children. As an example, she noted that during a meeting between herself and the school administration to discuss her concerns, the head teachers daughter wore a shirt that said, Why be racist, sexist, homophobic or transphobic, when you can just be quiet? It was like being bullied, she said. They stopped treating me like any other parent but were antagonistic towards me. I believe that they retaliated against me by unreasonably excluding me from the premises, victimizing my child, and not taking my safeguarding concerns seriously. Refusing to be silent, though, Montague withdrew her son from the school and took legal action. I am taking this stand to raise awareness amongst parents as to what is happening in our primary schools, she said. I do not want other parents to go through what I have in the months and years ahead. Izzy and her child. (Courtesy of Christian Concern) The moms case comes in the wake of concerns following the UK governments Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) being fully implemented. Those concerns are that RSE does not protect the rights of parents to opt their children out of lessons containing sexualized material not in line with their religious values. RSE does not define the term age appropriate and leaves the door open for partisan agencies to promulgate politicized teachings as fact in the classroom. Last week, it was found that schools have been blocking parents from viewing content being taught through RSE, and that the curriculum is not transparent despite government promises. Both Muslim and Jewish schools have echoed Montagues complaints and stated that they will not be teaching LGBT ideology in the classroom. Montagues case is an example of totalitolerance that has become all too common in todays society according to Andrea Williams, CEO of Christian Legal Centre. Those who preach tolerance and diversity the loudest do not appear to be interested in practicing it, she said. Education is always a partnership between the school and parents, but the schools actions showed disrespect, dismissiveness and hostility towards these parents. A particular agenda is being forced onto children inside the school gates and parents are being given no means to ensure that their children are being taught in line with their religious and philosophical beliefs. Share your stories with us at emg.inspired@epochtimes.com, and continue to get your daily dose of inspiration by signing up for the Inspired newsletter at TheEpochTimes.com/newsletter UN Detects Fewer Persons Trafficked, According to New Report But that doesn't mean the problem is getting better According to the United Nations Global Report on Trafficking in Persons for 2022, the number of people detected as trafficked dropped by 11 percent last year. While this is the first decline in 20 years, one of the reports authors said it isnt necessarily a cause for celebration. We have not really seen a decrease in trafficking. We have seen a decrease in capacity of authorities to detect victims, said Angela Me, chief of the Research Branch of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Globally, the number of convictions for trafficking fell by 27 percent in 2020 from the previous yearwith sharper decreases registered in South Asia, 56 percent, Central America and the Caribbean, 54 percent, and South America, 46 percent. Me was part of a panel discussion hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies on Feb. 1 to present the new report. Joining Me was Ilias Chatzis, chief of the Human and Migrant Smuggling Section of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, and Desiree Suo Weymont, senior coordinator for reports and political affairs, Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, U.S. Department of State. Police officers with alleged members of a human trafficking gang sit on the floor of a court after being arrested in Guatemala City on Oct. 24, 2022. (Johan Ordonez/AFP via Getty Images) Me said one disturbing finding was that the majority of victims removed from a trafficking situation were self-rescued. That is, they were able to find help on their own. Weymont said that if no other statistic changes, that one should. According to Weymont, law enforcement, health care, and frontline officials should be better able to recognize and address trafficking victims. The recommended best practice is that (victims) shouldnt have to do that, she said. The panelists said the COVID-19 pandemic was a significant factor in reducing the number of trafficked persons detected. They said the lockdowns and related activities made it more difficult to find trafficked persons and changed the way traffickers operated. Me pointed out that all types of criminal activity could go undetected. Trafficking Akin to Slavery Chatzis said its important to understand what trafficking is. He said many people immediately associate trafficking with moving people from one country to another for illicit purposes. And, he said, that can be part of the crime. But the movement of people for illegal immigration is smuggling. An illegal immigrant wears two wristbands that Mexican cartels have been using to control human smuggling into the United States, near Penitas, Texas, on March 15. 2021. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times) Trafficking is more akin to slavery in which a person is exploited as forced labor, to commit crimes, or even for organ harvesting. In 2004, most victims reported were women involved in sex trafficking. But over time, as more was learned about the practice, the numbers began to shift. In 2004, the U.N. reported that 74 percent of victims were women, with 26 percent split between men and children. The most recent report shows that 58 percent of victims are men and children, and 42 percent are women. Weymont said gender norms and stereotypes may have influenced how trafficking was defined in previous years. She pointed out that in many cultures, men were expected to do the more dangerous and physically demanding work in society. So, they were not considered exploited. In some cases, local governments promoted exploitation. Smugglers often use deception and intimidation to force victims into situations where they must work whether they want to or not. She said governments must look hard at their labor laws and practices. For labor trafficking and labor migration, theres still work to be done, she said. Disaster Makes Opportunity In addition to the pandemic, the panelists said disasters, both natural and manmade set the stage for human trafficking. Chatzis said the U.N. is keenly interested in the current situation in Ukraine. The country was already an active human trafficking center, especially in the trafficking of women. Still, anytime there is a refugee population, the area becomes a prime hunting ground for human trafficking. Refugees often have lost everything and are struggling to survive. This places them among the high-risk populations. The panel also blamed climate change for exacerbating the problem. Many people blame climate change for storms and other natural disasters displacing thousands yearly. The panelists said countries are going to have to get better at cooperating if the problem is to be addressed effectively. Chatzis noted that developing countries must focus on sharing information and dealing with traffickers. The most important thing is cross-border cooperation, Chatzis said. Understanding the South China Sea Dispute As the Chinese Communist Partys (CCP) military power has grown in recent years, the regime has violated the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea by implementing a series of arbitrary agendas according to its unilateral interpretation of the sovereignty of the waters. As Indonesia and Vietnam expressed deep concerns about Chinas massive-scale patrol crafts and drills on the North Natuna Sea, the two countries finally concluded negotiations on the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) boundary lines on Dec. 28, 2022, after 12 years of intense negotiations. Shortly afterwards, China Coast Guard (CCG) 5901 sailed in the area. Indonesia Sent a Warship to Monitor a Chinese Coast Guard Vessel Laksamana Muhammad Ali, chief of the Indonesian navy, told Reuters on Jan. 14 that a warship, a patrol aircraft, and an unmanned drone were deployed to the North Natuna Sea to monitor a China coast guard vessel that had been active in a resource-rich maritime area that both Indonesia and China claim as their own. According to Reuters, the Indonesian Ocean Justice Initiative said that CCG 5901 had been sailing in the Natuna Sea since Dec. 30, 2022, particularly near the Tuna Bloc gas field and the Vietnamese Chim Sao oil and gas field. The vessel monitoring systems (VMS) indicated that CCG 5901 departed from Sanya, a seaside city in Hainan Province, on Dec. 16, and arrived in the Indonesian EEZ on Dec. 30. Indonesias Deputy Minister for Maritime Affairs Arif Havas Oegroseno points at the location of the North Natuna Sea on a new map of Indonesia during talks with reporters in Jakarta, Indonesia, on July 14, 2017. (Beawiharta/Reuters) After Indonesia and Vietnam concluded negotiations on the EEZ boundary lines of both countries in December 2022, Indonesia later launched its first exploration and drilling plan in the Tuna oil-gas field. Tuna oil-gas field, located in-between Indonesia and Vietnam, was discovered by an Indonesian branch of UK company Harbour Energy. The investment amounted to $3 billion. Exports are expected to start in 2026, and production is estimated to reach 115 million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCFD) in 2027. Tuna Bloc is located in Indonesias EEZ in its entirety and 13 kilometers (8 miles) from Vietnams EEZ. Nonetheless, the Chinese regime claims historical rights to waters it outlined in a U-shaped nine-dashed line around the South China Sea on the official map of its territory even though Tuna Bloc is 1,000 miles from China. The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague firmly rejected the CCPs expansive maritime claims as having no basis in international law in 2016. Indonesia renamed the north of its EEZ in the South China Sea as the North Natuna Sea in 2017, based on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), while the Chinese regime repudiated the verdict. Providers obtained permission to deploy well drills in the exploration and drilling zone of Tuna Gas field to test storage in 2021. They were monitored by Chinas patrol crafts that commanded them to stop drilling and exploration and claimed the area as its own. CCP Maritime Challenges in South China Sea Undermining International Order The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) became a major economic and military power in the world and in recent years, reformed its military expansion in the South China Sea, which deviated from the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the Declaration on The Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, and implemented a series of arbitrary agendas in the South China Sea. The CCP made radical changes over territorial disputes in the South China Sea and took actions that accorded with its reading on the attribution of the Sea. CCP leader Xi Jinping delivered a report at the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (NCCPC) saying that they would push steady progress on construction on islands and reefs in the South China Sea. On June 21, 2012, the State Council of the CCP constituted the municipal government of Sansha on Woody Island, aiming at jurisdiction over several islands, including the Paracel Islands, Macclesfield Islands, and Spratly Islands. The Chinese regime started extensive reclamation on seven of the Spratly Islands in 2013, the so-called Land blowing and reclamation. Three years on, the seven islets were built into large islands. Massive buildings were constructed that included a lighthouse, battalion, powerhouse, radar tower, communications station, and desalination plant. Chinese dredging vessels are purportedly seen in the waters around Fiery Cross Reef in the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, in this still image from video taken by a P-8A Poseidon surveillance aircraft provided by the United States Navy, on May 21, 2015. (U.S. Navy/Handout via Reuters/File Photo) The CCP also built a harbor, airport, hangar, hospital, and sporting grounds for military and civil purposes on Mischief Reef (also known as Panganiban Reef), Subi Reef, and Fiery Cross Reef. They have formed a municipal area which violated the Declaration on The Conduct of Parties in The South China Sea. It brought South China Sea under the control of the CCP with three artificial islands and expanded Woody Island where Sansha City is located. The islands are equivalent to four unsinkable super-carriers, according to the official statement of the CCP. In 2018, the regimes patrol warship and its counterparty remained locked in a stalemate in Vietnams EEZ that lasted for months. Chinas scientific research ship conducted seismic explorations in disputed waters which overlap the Vietnamese petroleum area. In May 2019, a deadlock between Chinas scientific research ship and a Malaysian warship, in the latters EEZ, lasted for a month in an area close to a Malaysian drill vessel of the state-owned company Petronas and the vessel was under operation. In April and June 2019, a Chinese Peoples Liberation Army Navy warship was seen near Scarborough Shoal (also known as Panatag). The Philippines clashed with the CCP over the disputed area in the South China Sea claimed by the Philippines and by Beijing. The CCP tried coercing the Philippines into accepting as fait accompli its sovereignty over the area after occupying it by force. International Situation Changing as the World Started Watching the South China Sea As a matter of fact, the Chinese regime had adopted strategies of maintaining the status quo and conflict avoidance for decades in the South China Sea due to limits on its economic and military strength. In April 1994, an earth and deep-sea research and exploration vessel was seen sailing from Guangzhou to Vanguard Bank to conduct exploration and development of resources. Under Vietnams serious obstruction, however, the group had to leave. In May 1997, the CCP patrol warship had to withdraw from an area of Scarborough Reef after a three-day stalemate with the Philippines counterparty. A protester holds a slogan during a rally outside the Chinese Consulate in the financial district of Makati, in metropolitan Manila, Philippines, to mark Independence Day on June 12, 2019. The Philippine defense secretary says an anchored Filipino fishing boat sunk in the disputed South China Sea after being hit by a suspected Chinese vessel which then abandoned the 22 Filipino crewmen. (Aaron Favila/AP) Nonetheless, the international situation in the South China Sea is being undermined by the Chinese regime, and the world has expressed deep concerns about it. On July 13, 2020, in a statement on the U.S. position on maritime claims, Secretary Michael R. Pompeo stated for the first time that The PRC has no legal grounds to unilaterally impose its will on the region and denounced Beijing for bullying Southeast Asian coastal states in the South China Sea out of offshore resources, asserting unilateral dominion, and replacing international law with might makes right. On July 25, 2020, in a statement to the Arbitral Tribunal, Australia rejected the CCPs claims to historic rights and went further to reject claims to maritime rights and interests established by historical practice as these claims are inconsistent with UNCLOS and, to the extent of that inconsistency, invalid. Shortly afterwards, Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, the Republic of China (ROC, Taiwan) and Vietnam followed up to reject around 90 percent of the CCPs claims about its sovereignty over waters in the South China Sea. On Aug. 2, 2021, Germany sent a frigate to the South China Sea for the first time in almost two decades, expanding its military presence in the region. Officials said the German navy will stick to common trade routes. Berlin made it clear the mission would serve to stress the fact that Germany does not accept Beijings territorial claims. On that same day, Indias defense ministry also ordered the deployment of special forces to the South China Sea for a period of two months. The Indian Navy ships were intended to ensure normal order in the maritime domain and strengthen existing bonds between India and countries of the Indo Pacific. In August 2022, China unleashed a show of military maneuvers in the airspace and waters around Taiwan and threatened the islands territorial waters in retaliation for Taipeis hosting of U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosis visit. Moreover, it fired missiles into the sea within Japans EEZ. On Nov. 11, 2022, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told Asian leaders at the East Asia Summit (EAS) in Cambodia that Beijing had been continuously and increasingly taking actions that infringed on Japans sovereignty in the East China Sea and escalated regional tensions, particularly in the South China Sea. In January 2023, President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio held a talk in Washington D.C. Both leaders reaffirmed their shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific and a peaceful and prosperous world, and the need to check the CCPs growing challenges. The South China Sea and the Chinese Regimes Previous Actions in the Area The South China Sea, attributed as a geodomain, includes waters on the south of China surrounded by Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, the Philippines, and Taiwan. Since the independence of countries adjacent to the South China Sea in the 1950s, there has been a dichotomy about the definition of a territorial sea and the rights of countries in different sea areas for a long time. The United Nations (UN) held conferences that included disputes over the South China Sea. Representatives of the involved countries reached a final agreement in 1982 and signed the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The Convention entered into force on Nov. 16, 1994. China is one of more than 150 countries representing all regions of the world that signed the Convention. UNCLOS is a milestone that serves an international maritime code of conduct that the international community has followed since it came into force. The Convention embodied in one instrument traditional rules for the uses of the oceans and also provided the framework for further development of specific areas of the law of the sea, including archipelago, territorial sea baseline, Exclusive Economic Zone, and the attribution of continental shelf and seabed. In November 2002, the Chinese regime signed the Declaration on The Conduct of Parties in The South China Sea along with 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members. The Parties concerned undertake to resolve their territorial and jurisdictional disputes by peaceful means without resorting to the threat or use of force, through friendly consultations and negotiations by sovereign states directly concerned, in accordance with universally recognized principles of international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea; The Parties undertake to exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities that would complicate or escalate disputes and affect peace and stability including, among others, refraining from action of inhabiting on the presently uninhabited islands, reefs, shoals, cays, and other features and to handle their differences in a constructive manner. US, France Intercept Thousands of Assault Rifles, Anti-Tank Missiles From Iran Weapons seized from Iran by U.S. Central Command on Jan. 15, 2023. (U.S. Navy) The U.S. Navy helped French naval forces to intercept and seize thousands of assault rifles and a half-million rounds of ammunition headed to Yemens Iran-aligned Houthi rebels from Iran, officials said on Feb. 1. In a statement, the U.S. militarys Central Command (CENTCOM) said the confiscation occurred on Jan. 15 in the Gulf of Oman, along routes historically used to traffic weapons unlawfully from Iran to Yemen. Officials said more than 3,000 assault rifles, 578,000 rounds of ammunition, and 23 advanced anti-tank guided missiles were recovered in cooperation with international naval partners. The seizure is one of four significant illicit cargo interdictions over the past two months that have prevented more than 5,000 weapons and 1.6 million rounds of ammunition from reaching Yemen, CENTCOM stated. Weapons seized from Iran by U.S. Central Command on Jan. 15, 2023. (U.S. Navy) Yemen War Sparks Humanitarian Crises Iran didnt publicly acknowledge the seizure. On Twitter, CENTCOM shared a photo of the seized rifles and ammunition that looked similar to others previously captured by U.S. forces that were tied to Tehran. Yemen has been embroiled in a civil war since 2015 that has claimed the lives of more than 377,000 people and caused one of the worst humanitarian crises in history, according to the Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT). Iran has denied that it backs the Houthisa rebel group that seized Yemens capital, Sanaa, in September 2014 and overthrew the internationally recognized governmentagainst a Saudi-led coalition aided by the United States. However, the U.N., independent experts, and Western nations have all traced seized weaponryranging from night-vision scopes, rifles, and missilesto Tehran after finding them on detained vessels. Arms sales and transfers to Yemens Iranian-backed Houthi rebels are in violation of U.N. Security Council Resolution 2216 and international law. The latest weapons seizure comes after CENTCOM stated on Jan. 10 that its forces had intercepted a ship in the Gulf of Oman four days earlier that it believes came from Iran and was bound for Yemens Houthi rebels. The U.S. Navy confiscated more than 2,000 AK-47 assault rifles from that ship, according to officials. A missile that the U.S. Department of Defense says is confirmed as a Qiam ballistic missile manufactured in Iran because of its distinctively Iranian nine fueling ports and that the Pentagon says was fired by Houthi rebels from Yemen into Saudi Arabia on July 22, 2017, is displayed at a military base in Washington on Dec. 13, 2017. (Jim Bourg/Reuters) These Threats Have Our Attention In the Jan. 10 statement, CENTCOM commander Army Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla said the illegal flow of weapons through international waterways has a destabilizing effect on the region. Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, U.S. 5th Fleet, and Combined Maritime Forces, noted that the cache of weapons was part of a continued pattern of destabilizing activity from Iran. These threats have our attention. We remain vigilant in detecting any maritime activity that threatens freedom or compromises regional security, he said. According to officials, CENTCOM stopped 9,000 illegal weapons from reaching Yemen in 2021, which marks a 200 percent increase in the number of weapons seized over the previous year. In 2022, in collaboration with partner forces, CENTCOM seized weapons components for the same type of cruise missiles that were used to launch attacks against Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates earlier in the year. The seizure of weapons and ammunition originating from Iran and heading to Yemens Iran-aligned Houthi rebels also comes after a ceasefire expired in October 2022 despite diplomatic efforts to renew it. A number of sporadic attacks have occurred since then, prompting alarm among experts who fear that the civil war could escalate. The Associated Press contributed to this report. US Opens Embassy in Solomon Islands, Blinken Says Secretary of State Antony Blinken addresses the United Nations General Assembly during the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty review conference in New York on Aug. 1, 2022. (David 'Dee' Delgado/Reuters) WASHINGTONThe United States has opened an embassy in the Solomon Islands after a 30-year absence as it seeks to boost diplomatic relations in the Pacific as a counter to China. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced plans to open a diplomatic mission in the Pacific island nation during a visit to the region last year. The last U.S. embassy in the Solomons closed in 1993 amid post-Cold War budget cuts and the United States was represented there by an ambassador based in Papua New Guinea. In a statement on Wednesday, Blinken said the State Department informed the Solomon Islands government that the opening of the new embassy in the capital Honiara became official as of Jan. 27. The opening of the embassy builds on our efforts not only to place more diplomatic personnel throughout the region, but also to engage further with our Pacific neighbors, connect United States programs and resources with needs on the ground, and build people-to-people ties, he said. The U.S. move comes amid concerns among Washington and its allies about Beijings military ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region after it struck a security pact with the Solomon Islands last year. In September, U.S. President Joe Biden hosted Pacific island leaders in a Washington summit at which he pledged to help stave off the Chinese regimes economic coercion and promised to work harder with allies and partners to address islanders needs. A joint declaration between Washington and 14 Pacific island states resolved to strengthen their partnership and said they shared a vision for a region where democracy will be able to flourish. Those endorsing the document included the Solomons Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, whose government had earlier indicated it would not sign, heightening concerns about his ties to the Chinese regime. On Monday, the remote atoll nation of Kiribati said it would rejoin the Pacific Islands Forum, ending a split that had threatened unity at a time of increased superpower tensions in the strategically located region. Kiribati switched diplomatic recognition from self-ruled Taiwan to Beijing in 2019, as did the Solomons. The Chinese regime claims the island as its own, despite the fact that Taiwan is a de facto independent country, with its own military, democratically-elected government, and constitution The reopening of the embassy in the Solomons comes as Washington has been negotiating the renewal of cooperation agreements with three key Pacific island nations, the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia and Palau. Under Compacts of Free Association (COFA) first agreed in the 1980s, Washington retains responsibility for the islands defense and exclusive access to huge swaths of the Pacific. Washington said it signed memorandums of understanding last month with the Marshall Islands and Palau and had reached consensus with them on terms of U.S. future economic assistance, but has not provided details. US, Philippines Plan to Broaden American Military Presence Amid China Concerns U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin (R) walks past military guards during arrival honors at the Department of National Defense in Camp Aguinaldo military camp in Quezon City, Manila, Philippines, on Feb. 2, 2023. (Rolex Delapena-Pool/Getty Images) The United States and the Philippines on Thursday announced plans to bolster the U.S. military presence in the Southeast Asian country as part of efforts to deter the Chinese Communist Partys (CCPs) mounting aggression in the South China Sea, as well as toward Taiwan. A joint statement posted on the websites of both countries said that the United States will be given access to four more military bases in strategic areas of the Philippines, under an agreement dating back to 2014 called the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). The agreement comes as U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin visited Manila for talks amid efforts from Washington to expand its security options in the Philippines to deter any move by the CCP against self-ruled Taiwan. The statement did not specify where the new EDCA sites would be. But the former Philippine military chief, Lt. Gen. Bartolome Bacarro, said the United States had in October requested access to five bases on the northern land mass of Luzon, the closest part of the Philippines to Taiwan, and on the island of Palawan, facing the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea. The EDCA is a key pillar of the U.S.Philippines alliance, which supports combined training, exercises, and interoperability between our forces, the joint statement reads. Expansion of the EDCA will make our alliance stronger and more resilient, and will accelerate modernization of our combined military capabilities. The addition of these new EDCA locations will allow more rapid support for humanitarian and climate-related disasters in the Philippines, and respond to other shared challenges. The new four locations join five existing EDCA sites, for which the United States has allocated more than $82 million in infrastructure investments, which create new jobs and support the local economies. At these five Philippine military camps, U.S. forces could rotate indefinitely under the EDCA. The EDCA facilitates the U.S. militarys access to the military bases in the Philippines, which in turn supports combined training, exercises, and coordination between the two nations forces. Expansion of the EDCA will make our alliance stronger and more resilient, and will accelerate modernization of our combined military capabilities, the two nations said. Austin told his counterpart, Carlito Galvez, We stand ready to help you in any way we can. He also met with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the presidential palace on Thursday before meeting with Galvez. Marcos told Austin that the Philippiness alliance with the United States is indispensable. I have always said, it seems to me, the future of the Philippines and for that matter the Asia Pacific will always have to involve the United States, Marcos told Austin. Austin arrived in the Philippines on Tuesday from South Korea. In South Korea, the defense chief said the United States would increase its deployment of advanced weapons such as fighter jets and bombers to the Korean Peninsula to support joint training with South Korean forces, in response to North Koreas growing nuclear threat. Previously U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris visited the Philippines for three days in November 2022, which included a stop on Palawan. There, Harris said Washington would stand by the Philippines in the face of intimidation and coercion in the South China Sea. Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report. US Expands Access to Philippines Military Bases, Boosting Deterrence Against China U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd James Austin III (R) poses for a photo with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during a courtesy call at the Malacanang Palace in Manila, Philippines, on Feb. 2, 2023. (Jamilah Sta Rosa-Pool/Getty Images) The United States has secured a deal that will expand Americas military presence in the Philippines through access to four more military bases in the Southeast Asian nation. The move, announced on Feb. 1, will shore up a critical weakness in U.S. defensive preparations for potential hostilities in the region from Chinas communist regime. The agreement is an expansion of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), which also supports combined military training and exercises between the two allies. In addition to access to four new military bases in the Philippines, it allows for the completion by the United State of important projects at five others. The addition of these new EDCA locations will allow more rapid support for humanitarian and climate-related disasters in the Philippines, and respond to other shared challenges, the Pentagon said in a statement. The PhilippineU.S. alliance has stood the test of time and remains ironclad. We look forward to the opportunities these new sites will create to expand our cooperation together. Philippines Bases Enhance US Defensive Posture Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the alliance between the two nations is strong and would continue for a long time. I have always said that it seems to me that the future of the Philippines and, for that matter, the AsiaPacific will always have to involve the United States simply because those partnerships are so strong, Marcos said during a Feb. 1 meeting with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. The Philippines was a U.S. colony from 1898 to 1946, and its defense was a key factor in driving U.S. military development in the region during the early 20th century. Since 1951, the two nations have maintained a mutual defense treaty, ensuring that theyll assist one another in a major conflict. The Philippines defense remains a critical priority now, as the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has increasingly sought to illegally redraw territorial boundaries in the South China Sea and poach from the Philippines national fishing waters. The CCPs illegal efforts to claim more and more territory in the region have also brought it into conflict with Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam. We discussed concrete actions to address destabilizing activities in the waters, Austin said of his meeting with Marcos. This is part of our effort to modernize our alliance, and these efforts are especially important as the Peoples Republic of China continues to advance its illegitimate claims in the West Philippine Sea. A CCP spokesperson condemned the move and said the United States was selfish before insisting that the Philippines should instead cooperate with China. In all, the new bases will help to fill a critical gap in the U.S. defensive posture across the First Island Chain, an archipelago that spans from Japan to Indonesia, the control of which would be vital in a conflict with China. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Virginians, Not the CCP, Should Own Rich and Vibrant Farmland: Gov. Youngkin Virginia Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin issued a video further asserting his stance that its unreasonable to let the states farmland fall into the hands of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Youngkin released a video on Jan. 31, after he blocked Virginia from being considered for the site of Ford Motor Companys battery manufacturing plant due to national security concerns. The automaker has an ongoing agreement with Chinese battery manufacturer Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Ltd. (CATL) to supply batteries to Fords electric vehicles. Made in Virginia cannot be a front for the Chinese Communist Party, Youngkin says in the video using clips from his Jan. 11 address to the General Assembly at the beginning of a new legislative session. Virginians, not the CCP, should own the rich and vibrant agricultural lands God has blessed us with, he says. That is why Im asking this General Assembly to send me a bill to prohibit dangerous foreign entities tied to the CCP from purchasing Virginias farmland. Friends, thats common sense. Not featured in the video but said in his Jan. 11 address, Youngkin described the CCP as a dictatorial political party that only has one goal: global dominance at the expense of the United States. Let me be clear, Made in Virginia cannot be a front for the Chinese Communist Party. Thats common sense. pic.twitter.com/CtXAPGnL0y Glenn Youngkin (@GlennYoungkin) January 31, 2023 During a Jan. 20 interview with Bloomberg, Youngkin called the Ford Motor plant deal with CATL a Trojan horse. It would have potentially allowed the CCP to have full access to Fords technology, he said. Id much rather have a good clean deal than one thats embroiled in controversy and one that is going to promote the Chinese Communist Party, Youngkin said. It wont be one that uses kind of a Trojan horse relationship with the Chinese Communist Party in order to gain. Growing Concerns Recent years have seen growing outcry over Chinese land acquisitions to build energy infrastructure or those located near U.S. military bases. The chief concern is that such purchases could allow the CCP the ability to disrupt the countrys critical infrastructure and spy on defense facilities. Chinese investors were the largest foreign buyer of U.S. real estate by dollar amount between March 2021 and March 2022, with $6 billion spent over the period, according to the National Association of Realtors. Trumps Promise Former President Donald Trump has promised to ban Chinese nationals from buying U.S. farmland or other critical industries if he retakes the White House. China does not allow American companies to take over their critical infrastructure, and America should not allow China to take over our critical infrastructure, he said in a Jan. 18 speech at Mar-a-Lago. Former President Donald Trump speaks during an event at his Mar-a-Lago home in Palm Beach, Fla., on Nov. 15, 2022. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Trump also emphasized a need for aggressive new restrictions on Chinese ownership of any vital infrastructure in the United States, including energy, technology, telecommunications, farmland, natural resources, medical supplies, and other strategic national assets. A similar countermeasure has been considered by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for his state. If you look at the Chinese Communist Party, theyve been very active throughout the Western hemisphere in gobbling up land and investing in different things, DeSantis said during a press conference on Jan. 10. And, you know, when they have interests that are opposed to ours, and youve seen how theyve wielded their authority it is not in the best interests of Florida to have the Chinese Communist Party owning farmland, owning land close to military bases, said DeSantis who is a potential presidential rival for Trump. Meanwhile, The U.S. Department of the Air Force presented its view on a Chinese corn mill project located in Grand Forks, North Dakota, which is within 15 miles of a U.S. Air Force base that houses sensitive drone, satellite, and surveillance technology. While CFIUS [Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States] concluded that it did not have jurisdiction, the Departments view is unambiguous: the proposed project presents a significant threat to national security with both near- and long-term risks of significant impacts to our operations in the area, wrote Andrew Hunter, assistant secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics, to Sens. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) and John Hoeven (R-N.D.) in a Jan. 27 letter. As a result, Grand Forks Mayor Brandon Bochenski announced on Jan. 31 that he plans to stop the Chinese project. Eva Fu, Terri Wu, and Andrew Thornebrooke contributed to this report. Welcome to San Francisco: The New Gotham City Commentary Rampant crime and corruption. A deadly drug crisis. Unprecedented homelessness. Grossly overwhelmed and underfunded police departments. If that is not convincing enough, add a diminishing population that is all but powerless against a crime-infested city. Comic book fans might suggest these conditions are hauntingly reminiscent of Gotham Citya fictitious city in the all-American classic, Batman. To see Gotham City in real time, look no further than San Francisco, a place that was once considered the Golden City. A place that was governed by law and order. I faced Gotham City in real time last month when my car was broken into in the heart of San Franciscos most affluent area, the financial district. Making a quick stop at my law office after a long day in court, I decided to park my vehicle in front of the 345 California Street Building. Cheerfully greeted by the security guard on duty, I knew I had nothing to worry about as I made my way up in the elevator. Exiting the building 10 minutes later, I stopped short of bidding farewell to the nice young man who had greeted me. I was far too astounded by what I could see through the glass front doors of the building: shattered glass and fragments around my vehicle. At a closer distance, I noticed that someone had not only broken into my vehicle in broad daylight, but managed to steal my dry cleaning and my five-year-olds car seat. Looking to my left and right, I hoped to spot the culprit fleeing the scene. With no success, I reached for my phone and started to contact the local police department. Just before completing the 9-1-1 dial, I chuckled to myself and stopped the call. I knew the police would not take the matter seriously. To be fair, anyone who has been on the unfortunate end of a robbery or theft in San Francisco knows there are far too many similar reports for the underfunded police department to handle. These reports are shelved while police attend to more serious crimes. Criminals understand this and are no doubt emboldened by it. The reality is that, unlike in Gotham City, you wont find a savior in Bruce Waynes billionaire gadgets or Batmobile. We are left to rely on an unsupported police department, district attorneys who have cared far more about social justice and woke policies than maintaining law and order, and elected leaders who care more about reelection than safeguarding communities and victims. Today, San Francisco ranks high among the nations most crime-infested citiesjust shy of other cities controlled by leftist politics, like Chicago. Dont take my word for it. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigations Uniform Crime Reporting Program, San Francisco has 30 percent more occurrences of burglary, theft, and robbery than the average city. Beyond this, residents face a 1-in-16 chance of being victim to property or violent crimes. That makes the city more dangerous than nearly 99 percent of cities in the nation. A combination of political motives, relaxed sentencing laws, a refusal to prosecute, and unregulated early release programs have contributed to the daunting increase in crime. The results are unnerving. There are now more drug users in the city than high school students, according to the Hoover Institute. Beyond that, about 1,000 will die this year from a drug overdose, only to be replaced by 1,000 new addicts. Residents are not oblivious to this. In fact, more than 125,000 residents left the city of San Francisco from 2020 to 2021, according to the latest available census data. The Left will tell you that these conditions are the natural result of population growth, changing demographics, and a host of other factors that bear no direct relevance to the unmanageable crime crisis. Of course, not all residents are leaving. You wont find San Francisco residents like former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-S.F.), television personality Ellen DeGeneres, or bestselling novelist Danielle Steele leaving the city. They also dont have a 1-in-16 chance of being robbed. That is because they live in San Franciscos most prestigious and wealthy communities such as Presidio Heights, where the average home price is $2.5 million. You wont find a drug or homelessness crisis there either. It is a clear demonstration that money buys you protection in this city, not elected officials. To no ones surprise, last year, San Francisco Mayor London Breed decided it was time to crack down on crime, assuring the public that the rampant crime would no longer be tolerated. The reason behind this sudden shift in law and order went unspoken, but it was all too clear. For years, small businesses and larger economic institutions have urged San Franciscos elected officials to do something to address the resurgent crime. For years, these small businesses, chain stores, and institutions were relentlessly burglarized, robbed, and vandalized without consequences for the criminals. With last years questionable economic outlook, I suspect those institutions finally applied just enough pressure to convince San Franciscos leaders to act. Indeed, the old axiom money talks still rings loud and true for San Francisco. For years, the working poor, impoverished, and middle class were powerless to convince San Francisco to address crime. Until our elected leaders in San Francisco truly put the interests of working families first, the city will continue to breed a Gotham-like environment, completely devoid of big comic-book heroes. In San Francisco, big heroes have been replaced with big money. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. A worker conducts a prescribed fire at the Houston Arboretum. There will be another prescribed burn later this month. A man clears snow in front of a shrine amid heavy snowfall in Tottori, Japan in this photo provided by Kyodo on January 25, 2023. Photo handout via Reuters Vietnamese families in South Korea and Japan are struggling as water pipes freeze and heating costs skyrocket amid some of the worst cold spells to ever hit Northeastern Asia. "Blizzards caused several flights to be canceled, and vehicles have to constantly keep their lights on and move at very slow speed, because visibility is less than a meter long," said 28-year-old Nguyen Thi Bich Ngan, who lives in the northern city of Sapporo, famous for its Japanese beer brand. Chaos befell traffic across Japan last week, when temperatures in 46 out of 47 localities dropped below zero on January 25. Flight and train schedules were disrupted due to the weather. The cold weather has been further exacerbated by strong winds. Meteorological agencies in Rausu, Hokkaido have recorded wind speeds of over 130 kph at times. "Its very cold. The snow and the strong winds have formed blizzards, with temperatures always below minus 10 degrees Celsius," Ngan said. Quynh, 32, an office worker in Nara, said the area where she lives does not usually get snow during winter. But the cold period this year caused snow to fall for over two weeks, making every activity more difficult. "I usually go to work early on my bike, but the frozen roads are slippery, forcing all vehicles to go slowly," said Quynh, whos been living in Nara for 8 years. Quynh was forced to keep her heater on at all times, which has caused her energy bill to skyrocket. "The most expensive energy bill this fall was around 4,000 ($31). But this winter, no matter how much I try to save, the bills are never below 10,000," Hai said. Quynh also had to resort to other measures to stay warm, including sticking reflective surfaces onto glass windows to prevent heat from getting out. She said she didnt have to keep her fridges temperatures too low as "the freshness of the food is not affected much in this season." In South Korea, several Vietnamese have also been struggling in the shivering cold. Cao Ba Long, 24, who has lived in Gyeongju for five years, said winter came early this year and the cold period has also lasted longer. "The lowest temperatures last year were between minus 7 and minus 9 degrees, but this year, they fell to as low as minus 10 or minus 15 degrees, even minus 17 degrees... The moment I get home, I have to turn on the heater," Long said. Van Giang, who lives in Seoul, said her family's water pipes in the bathrooms were frozen, which was a great inconvenience. "We had to use boiling water and hair dryers to warm the pipes," she said, adding that her family sometimes had to shower and do laundry at neighbors houses. The family also had to let water faucets drip to keep the pipes from freezing again. Long said the South Korean government often provides subsidies so people can use heaters more liberally during the cold, but skyrocketing costs mean that energy bills still "nearly doubled" this year. Hai Yen, 25, who lives in Gyeonggi, said gas prices for cooking and heating during the winter amount to around 250,000-300,000 ($204-244) every year for her family of three. "But this year is too cold, and combined with gas price increases from the government, we predict next month's bills will go up to 600,000," Yen said. Ministry of Labour in town to promote foreign workers rights PHUKET: A delegation from the Ministry of Labour was in Phuket yesterday (Feb 1) to highlight and showcase a public relations initiative focused on protecting foreign workers rights. constructionimmigrationMyanmar By The Phuket News Thursday 2 February 2023, 02:58PM Inspector-General Nantachai Panyasurarit and his team from the Ministry of Labour visited the popular tourist attraction Phuket FantaSea in Kamala, which currently employs over 300 foreign workers. The visit is part of a nationwide roadshow by the Ministry to create awareness and ensure both employers and employees are clear on working legislation and rights. Mr Nantachai explained that the initiative is one being driven by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and the Labour Minister Suchart Chomklin, with a specific focus being afforded to the legal rights of workers from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam. A key focus is educating foreign workers who travel to Thailand to work so as to ensure a better understanding of their rights and to curb and ultimately eradicate human trafficking. Workers who are in the country legally will be protected and afforded the necessary benefits and welfare provisions as their Thai counterparts in line with appropriate human rights principles. Mr Nantachai highlighted data showing that as of January 2023 there were 57,804 workers registered or in the process of applying for work visas working for 12,452 different employers or establishments. The main industries employing these workers are construction, the service sector, the food, beverage and hospitality sector, homehelp, and workers in the wholesale and retail sectors. Mr Nantachai also confirmed that between Oct 1, 2022 to Jan 27 this year there were a total of 653 foreign workers inspected at 27 different businesses which led to 8 prosecutions and 6 workers uncovered who were forbidden to work. He concluded by saying the purpose of the roadshow was to emphasise the importance of employing legal workers which can assist with the recent shortage of labour on the island. It will also help promote a positive image of Phuket and Thailand as a country that adheres to and respects workers rights while strongly opposing illegal, forced labour and human trafficking of any kind. Phuket targets Saudi budget travellers, as Air China resumes direct flights PHUKET: The Phuket Tourism Association has held talks with low-cost Saudi airline Flynas in an effort to encourage more direct flights to the island, as Chinas national carrier officially returned to Phuket this week. Chinesetourism By The Phuket News Thursday 2 February 2023, 04:43PM A delegation from the Phuket Tourist Association led by President Thanet Tantipiriyakit met with Flynas executives on Jan 25 at the airlines headquarters in Saudi Arabia to deliver a presentation as to why Phuket is an ideal destination for the airline to schedule flights to directly. Mr Thanet met with Dr Anurag Kumar Jain, Chief Strategy and Planning Officer of Flynas and Fahad Adbulmohsen Al Mulhem, Vice President of KSA Sales. The Phuket Tourist Association was also represented by Kan Ekkavanich, Secretary General of the Association; Vice Presidents Nantida Atiset, Panachakorn Jaiyen, Woraporn Woratat and Napitra Jira Yous who were joined by Phuket Provincial Administrative Organization (PPAO) executive Kraiwut Koomban. Mr Kan and Ms Nuntida outlined the potential of Phuket as a destination market for Flynas, highlighting how the island is now almost fully rebounded from the COVID-19 pandemic and on track to attract its target number of global tourists this year. They also highlighted how popular a destination Phuket has been with Saudi nationals and other visitors from the Middle Eastern region since restrictions were relaxed and regular scheduled flights resumed from the region last year. The initial response from the Flynas team was positive, Mr Kan said, with the airline looking to acquire further aircraft and possibly commence direct flights in the middle of this year, which would coincide with the summer holiday period in their homeland, a time when many travel overseas. Flynas was formerly known as Nas Air and is Saudi Arabias first budget airline, headquartered in Riyadh. Meanwhile, Air China resumed direct flights to Phuket this week, ending an almost three-year absence due to travel restrictions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and Chinas subsequent ban on international travel. China Airlines flight CA821 from Beijing landed at Phuket International Airport at 5pm on Monday (Jan 30). It was not officially confirmed how many passengers were aboard. The flight between the Chinese capital and Phuket will now operate three times a week, with a 90-minute layover in Phuket each time before returning. The resumption of Air China flights is seen as a welcome boost for the tourism industry in Phuket which was so ravaged by COVID. Along with China Southern Airlines and China Eastern Airlines, Air China makes up what is referred to as Chinas Big Three major airlines. China Eastern Airlines also resumed direct flight service from Nanjing Lukou International Airport to Phuket this week as flight MU2813 touched down around 5pm yesterday with 141 passengers onboard. The arrivals were welcomed by Phuket International Airport Administrative Officer Chotiphat Detalay and ground staff at Gate 15 of the International Passenger Terminal. Despite the return of direct flights from mainland China, tourist numbers arriving in Phuket during the past week have not been majorly impacted. However, this is predicted to change as more flights and passengers start arriving from China, including mass tourist groups who will be permitted to travel overseas from next Monday (Feb 6). Policemen who stopped Taiwanese actress face bribery charges BANGKOK: Six policemen at Huai Khwang station face the charges of taking bribes in connection with alleged extortion of a Taiwanese actresss group at a checkpoint on Jan 4. corruptioncrimepolice By Bangkok Post Thursday 2 February 2023, 05:11PM The screenshot from the Facebook of Chuvit Kamolvisit shows a video call between him and Taiwanese actress Charlene An after the press conference of her Singaporean friend in Bangkok yesterday (Feb 1). Photo: Videograb via Bangkok Post The charges were brought against Pol Capt Yodrit Langdulsen, deputy inspector for crime suppression, Pol Capt Patiphan Sirichaiwatana, deputy inspector for general administration, Pol Sen Sgt Maj Krisada Khammana, Pol Sgt Chalermchai Siriwangso, Pol Sgt Wacharanont Khaoyong and Pol Sgt Nanthawat Suwanna, reports the Bangkok Post. The charges carry a potential sentence of life imprisonment and a fine of up to B400,000 under Section 149 of the Criminal Codes provisions on bribery. Another senior sergeant major who was assigned to the same checkpoint was spared from the bribery charges because he was responding to another incident at the time. Earlier the law enforcers were charged with dereliction of duty for failing to take legal action against the groups illegal possession of vapourisers. The bribery charges were laid after a Singaporean man told reporters yesterday that he paid B27,000 to the officers for the freedom of his group, which included Taiwanese actress Charlene An, from the checkpoint where police found his vaping devices. The 33-year-old actress posted a video clip today to thank whistle blower and former politician Chuvit Kamolvisit for standing by her side in this controversy. Mr Chuvit held a press conference at his hotel yesterday for the 29-year-old Singaporean man who identified himself only as Sky to speak about the incident at the police checkpoint in Huai Khwang district. Today Pol Maj Gen Theeradet Thammasuthee, investigative commander of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, said the six policemen who were additionally charged first confessed but later denied the wrongdoings. However, investigators had surveillance camera footage given by the private sector that could provide further evidence, he said. The commander confirmed that the tourists in the actresss group would not be charged with bribery because it was the case of extortion. Tourists extorted by police safe from prosecution for bribery BANGKOK: Tourists extorted by police will be safe from prosecution even though they paid a bribe, including holidaying Taiwanese actress Charlene An who alleged she was extorted for possession of an e-cigarette at a Bangkok checkpoint last month, a senior Bangkok police officer said yesterday (Feb 1). Thursday 2 February 2023, 09:30AM A security camera recording purportedly shows a Pattaya police officer extorting a Chinese tourist in Pattaya on Jan 28. Photo: Supplied via Bangkok Post The announcement also came after it emerged a police senior sergeant major has been transferred to an inactive post pending investigation after he was alleged to have demanded B60,000 from a foreign tourist for possession of an e-cigarette in Pattaya. Pol Maj Gen Atthaporn Wongsiripreeda, commander of Metropolitan Police Division 1, said interrogators would question witnesses in the case involving Ms An in Singapore and Taiwan to ensure their safety, reports the Bangkok Post. The tourists involved in the case would not be prosecuted for bribing police, and would be treated as witnesses because they were seen as the damaged party and were coerced by policemen, he said. Pol Maj Gen Atthaporn said 14 policemen set up vehicle checkpoints on Ratchadaphisek Road in front of the Chinese embassy in the early morning of Jan 4, and the group including Taiwanese actress Charlene An was stopped for a search. She later alleged she was forced to pay a bribe of B27,000 before they let her go. Pol Maj Gen Attaporn said seven policemen were at the checkpoint where Ms Ans taxi was stopped. These officers had initially been charged with dereliction of duty for failing to prosecute the actress, who allegedly had a vapouriser in her bag. If the questioning of the witnesses provides substantial evidence, police could additionally press extortion charges against the officers. Camera footage showed 6 or 7 officers approaching the damaged people and staying a long while, Pol Maj Gen Atthaporn said. Interrogators had pictures of the 14 police officers for the witnesse to identify, he said. Meanwhile, national police chief Pol Gen Damrongsak Kittiprapas has transferred the Huai Khwang station chief, Pol Col Yingyos Suwanno, to the post of chief of Nong Chok station. Pattaya cop allegedly extorted foreign tourist over e-cigarette A police senior sergeant major has been transferred to an inactive post pending investigation after he was alleged to have demanded 60,000 baht from a foreign tourist for possession of an e-cigarette. Elsewhere the police senior sergeant accused of demanding B60,000 from a foreign tourist for possession of an e-cigarette in Pattaya has been transferred, it has been confirmed. His transfer came after a news report and pictures on the Hone Krasae television programme aired on Channel 3 on Tuesday. A Chinese tour guide was said to have sent a message to other guides in his group saying that a tourist under his care was detained for having an e-cigarette by a policeman who demanded a fine of B60,000. After some bargaining, the sum was reduced to B30,000. Vaping devices are prohibited goods. This allegedly happened in Pattaya on Jan 28 or 29 this year. After hearing about the report, Pol Maj Gen Kampol Leelaprapakorn, the Chon Buri police superintendent, sent an urgent letter telling the chief of Pattaya police to investigate the matter. The investigation found that the policeman referred to in the report was Pol Sen Sgt Maj Noppakrit Pornwatanathanakij, a traffic officer at Pattaya police station. Pol Maj Gen Kampol on Tuesday transferred the officer away from Pattaya, to assist at the operations centre at Chon Buri police headquarters. A fact-finding committee has been set up to look into the alleged soliciting of a bribe. The committee was tasked with compiling all evidence, including examining recordings from surveillance cameras in the area where the alleged extortion occurred. Its report will be used for legal proceedings if there are grounds against the policeman. Pol Sen Sgt Maj Noppakrit reported to the Chon Buri police chief yesterday, as ordered. In a phone interview, he denied extorting money from ta Chinese tourist. He said he was ready to be investigated. The United States is offering a reward for information leading to the arrest or conviction of the terrorists that attacked a military base in Kenya three years ago. On January 5, 2020, thirty to forty insurgents belonging to the Jaysh Ayman unit of the al-Shabaab terrorist group, launched an attack on the Manda Bay Airfield in Kenya. The lengthy firefight that followed resulted in the deaths one U.S. soldier and two U.S. civilian contractors. On January 5, three years to the day after the attack, the U.S. Department of States Rewards for Justice, or RFJ program, administered by the Diplomatic Security Service, offered a reward of up to 10 million dollars for information leading to the arrest or conviction in any country of Maalim Ayman, the leader of al-Shabaabs Jaysh Ayman unit, or for any individual who was involved in the attack, helped to plan or support it, or otherwise aided or abetted the commission of the attack. Maalim Ayman was previously named by the Department of State as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist under Executive Order 13224, as amended. He was also designated by the United Nations Security Councils Somalia Sanctions Committee, pursuant to paragraph 8(a) of resolution 1844. If you or anyone you know has information on Maalim Aymans activities and whereabouts, or of others who are responsible for the 2020 attack on the Manda Bay Airfield in Kenya, please contact Rewards for Justice via Signal, Telegram, or WhatsApp at +1-202-702-7843 worldwide, or at +254 71 87 12 366 in Kenya and +252 68 43 43 308 in Somalia. All information will be kept strictly confidential. More information about this reward offer is located on the Rewards for Justice website. All credible reports will be investigated and the identity of all informants will be kept confidential. Ice fog coats the trees and bridge surface along Highway 20 just off L'Ile-Perrot on Wednesday morning. As if driving in from the off-island western suburbs of Montreal was not hard enough already with the L'Ile Aux Tourtes Bridge troubles, Wednesday mornings cold temperatures created ice fog and black ice on both bridges. Traffic was slowed to a crawl for the entire rush hour. The low Wednesday morning in Montreal was the coldest of the winter to date at -23.1C (-9.6F). The low was even colder at -29.1C (-20.4F) in Vaudreuil-Dorion. To promote accountability for the Iranian regimes human rights abuses, the United States, in coordination with the United Kingdom and the European Union, has imposed sanctions on 10 additional Iranian individuals, as well as one additional Iranian entity. The sanctioned individuals include Irans Deputy Minister of Intelligence and key commanders in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, the IRGC. In a statement, the U.S. Department of the Treasury called that entity, the IRGC Cooperative Foundation, a slush fund for the IRGCs personnel and their business interests. Five people who serve on the board were also designated. Todays action is the latest of numerous tranches of sanctions made in close consultation with our allies and partners and aimed at Iranian individuals and entities connected to Iranian authorities cruel and violent crackdown against peaceful protesters, said State Department Spokesperson Ned Price. Since the start of nationwide protests in September following the death in police custody of twenty-two-year-old Mahsa Amini, credible human rights groups estimate that over 19,000 people have been arrested in connection with the protests; more than 500 people have been killed by Iranian security forces; more than a dozen have been issued death sentences; and four people are known to have been executed. Among the individuals newly sanctioned by the United States are several senior leaders in the IRGC, a main actor in the current brutal crackdown. Secretary of State Antony Blinken noted in a statement that two of them, Mohammad Nazar Azimi and Karoush Asiabani, command IRGC units that have allegedly committed some of the worst acts by Iranian security forces since the beginning of the protests. Those acts include firing on unarmed demonstrators using live ammunition, and shelling vehicles attempting to deliver blood bags to the wounded in local hospitals. State Department Spokesperson Price said the new designations send a very clear message to the Iranian regime: That the world is watching, and the world is prepared to take action in response to the violence that Iranian officials are perpetrating against their own people If Iran continues to engage in these human rights abuses, declared Spokesperson Price, we will continue to apply even more pressure on Iran. As Secretary Blinken has said, the United States will keep standing with the brave Iranians who are standing up for their own basic rights, led by brave young women all of this in the face of extraordinary repression. Attleboro Community Theatre stages its productions at the Bates Masonic Lodge on North Main Street in Attleboro. (Sun Chronicle file photo) Ellison Ranching Co. President Ira T. Wines is pleased to announce the recent release of High Desert Empire: Ellison Ranching Company 1910-2020, a historical look at one of the few remaining family-owned ranching operations that once dominated the West. Written by Great Basin College professor emeritus Dr. Cyd McMullen in collaboration with Jan Petersen, a well-known Elko historian, and edited by Anne McMullen, the book chronicles the founding of what is today one of the top seven cow-calf operations and one of the top 25 landholders in the country. Wines said McMullen and Petersen did extensive and thorough research to provide accurate facts and background that detail the development of Ellison Ranching Company from 1910, when the first ERC ranches were purchased in Humboldt County, Nevada, to present day. During the intervening years, he noted, the company has coped with the ever-fickle climate of the Great Basin, two World Wars, the Great Depression, labor shortages, price fluctuations for beef and lamb, and federal regulation of agricultural lands. The project was commissioned by past-president and chairman of the board Peter K. Ellison to document the story of a company that is the sole survivor of these difficult times, testament to the tenacity and wisdom and foresight of founder E.P. Ellison and the hard work of family, directors and employees, Wines said. Today the company operates three historic ranches in the high desert of Northeastern Nevada: the Spanish Ranch, The Seventy-One and the PX. It is known for the high quality of the cattle and sheep it produces, for its innovative practices and for honoring the traditions of the past. Ellison Ranching Company has built an empire on positive values perseverance, fair dealing, pride in accomplishment that give it a place of honor in the history of ranching and the American West, McMullen said. Historians of the ranching west have often used the term Empire to refer to very large ranching operations of the past. In this sense, it conveys size and complexity, scope of operation, and geographical reach in a very large enterprise. Ellison Ranching Company belongs in this category. McMullen and Petersen gathered data from company minutes and conducted interviews with members of the Ellison family as well as past and present employees. Historical photographs and maps documenting much of the ranchs rich past are highlighted by contemporary photographs from acclaimed western photographers Kurt Markus, Adam Jahiel and John Langmore. The completed project was printed by Book Printers of Utah under the direction of Bryan Crockett and the book design was done by Maralee Nelson of M Graphic Design. This is Nelsons second Ellison family project. In 2005 she designed a detailed history of First National Bank of Layton, one of E.P. Ellisons earlier endeavors. Copies of the book can be purchased in Elko at the Cowboy Arts and Gear Museum, Western Folklife Center and Northeastern Nevada Museum or by contacting the Ellison Ranching Company offices at 775-753-8826. The authors will be available for book signings during the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering on Feb. 3 at 3 p.m. in the Elko Convention Center and Feb. 4, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Cowboy Arts and Gear Museum. ELKO The Elko County School District is seeking applications for two bus drivers for Spring Creek routes. A $2,000 signing bonus is also being offered for these roles. District bus drivers are full-time employees with benefits. Starting wage is now $24.20 per hour. While bus drivers are considered full-time employees, their work day is less than eight hours per day. Bus drivers can expect to work between 4-6 hours per day. Typically, their work day runs from 6:30 to 9:30 a.m. for mornings and 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. for afternoons. Additionally, bus drivers work 190 days out of the year and receive pay through the summer. The district also offers on-the-job, paid CDL training and employs a staff member to administer the CDL test. If you or someone you know is interested in applying for a bus driver position, apply by visiting the school districts Human Resources website at https://www.ecsdnv.net/Human-Resources. SEAN BERGEL, Wheeler, Baseball, Junior; Bergel struck out eight and allowed only five hits as Wheeler defeated Griswold in its season opener. Bergel walked just one batter and allowed two earned runs. CAMI BROWN, Stonington, Softball, Junior; Brown finished 11 for 16 in four games for the Bears. Brown doubled four times, tripled twice and drove in nine runs. CASEY MACERA, Westerly, Girls Lacrosse, Freshman, Macera scored five goals in a Division III win against Rocky Hill. Westerly ended a 15-game losing streak with the victory. ADAM CARPENTER, Chariho, Baseball, Sophomore; Carpenter pitched a two-hitter in his varsity debut as the Chargers beat East Providence. Carpenter carried a no-hitter into the sixth. He struck out 10 and did not walk a batter. Vote View Results As reported here on YWN, Hatzalah South Florida Supervisors were hard at work preparing for the massive influx of visitors to the South Florida area for the extended winter break period known as Yeshiva Week. HSF was already experiencing extraordinary growth, responding to over 4000 calls in the year 2022, up from 1500 calls annually, just two years prior. YWN contacted HSF Supervisors to inquire if indeed the call volume over the winter break period increased exponentially in this time period. HSF leaders reported that its dedicated volunteers responded to over 500 calls in the month of January, with over 250 calls coming in the period known as Yeshiva Week, a new record for HSF. With calls ranging from minor trauma & cuts and bruises to more serious calls like asthmatics difficulty breathing, chest pains, stroke, missing children, pedestrians struck, as well as three cardiac arrests including a dramatic SAVE of a drowning child BH!, the calls kept coming. The explosive call volume is truly unprecedented in South Florida. As the calls for help continue to rise with each passing month, HSF leadership expressed its gratitude to South Floridas many visitors and year-round residents who have previously contributed to help Hatzalah grow and obtain the extensive resources like ambulances, defibrillators, cardiac monitors and medical equipment needed for their ever-expanding life-saving operations. HSF is now launching its very first Shabbos Hatzalah, campaign this coming Shabbos Beshalach across South Florida and respectfully asks those that enjoy the sun and relaxation of South Florida, to partner with HSF as it continues to build its sophisticated communication and logistical operation across the region. From South Beach to Boca, callers can count on Hatzalah South Florida to answer their call for help anytime, day or night. Whether one is currently in South Florida or has returned home, Hatzalah now asks the public to answer their call for help. It is a worthy investment indeed. www.hsfems.org/Shabbos (YWN World Headquarters NYC) A man who was seen lighting a Molotov cocktail and throwing it at the front door of a New Jersey synagogue has been arrested, according to the FBI. The suspect, Nicholas Malindretos, a 25-year-old man from Clifton, is expected to face federal arson-related charges. The FBI was able to track Malindretos through video footage of his Volkswagen that was going to and from the synagogue located in Bloomfield, NJ, and license plate reader matching. When his vehicle was found, clothing that was similar to the ones seen in the video were discovered inside. According to officials familiar with the investigation, Malindretos is believed to have a history of emotional issues. The Temple Ner Tamid released a statement following the arrest, saying that police will be investigating the suspects ties to individuals or groups with hateful, violent, traitorous, or insurrectionist goals. No one was hurt in the attempted firebombing at the temple. The flaming bottle did not damage the temple as it broke on the shatter-resistant doors, which were installed as part of several security upgrades made over the years. Rabbi Marc Katz thanked the state Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness grant for the recent security enhancements. He stated that the synagogue will continue to do everything in their power to keep the community safe but he cannot convince the community not to grow despondent. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Hunter Bidens lawyers are demanding Fox News to correct some of its coverage about the presidents son or face a defamation lawsuit, according to the Washington Post. The lawyers also sent threatening letters to other individuals, including Steve Bannon and Rudy Giuliani. Biden became the subject of continuous coverage in conservative media after his infamous laptop was left at a Delaware repair store in 2019 and the repairman, John Paul Mac Isaac, made copies of the hard drive, which contained information about Bidens business dealings, as well as controversial photos and videos of Biden. The hard drive was later sent to Giuliani and made public. Abbe Lowell, one of Bidens lawyers, sent letters to the Justice Department and Delawares attorney general requesting investigations into the individuals involved in disseminating the data from the laptop. Another lawyer, Bryan M. Sullivan, sent a letter to Tucker Carlson and Fox News demanding that they correct falsehoods from a recent show or risk a possible defamation lawsuit. Lowell also wrote to the Internal Revenue Service challenging the nonprofit status of Marco Polo, a group run by conservative activist Garrett M. Ziegler, with 36 pages of evidence that the group is violating its nonprofit status by engaging in political activity. According to a source familiar with the legal strategy, Biden has had enough of the inaccurate coverage and is not going to sit quietly as media organizations spread lies and defame him. Bidens attorneys are alleging Fox News defamed him when Tucker Carlson claimed Biden funneled $50,000 to his father, Joe Biden, which was incorrect. Biden is seeking apologies from other Fox News commentators, including Sean Hannity. An attorney for Biden also sent a criminal referral for Mac Isaac to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of New York, claiming that Mac Isaac did not have consent to access the contents of the files in April 2019 or at any other time. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Four key suspects in the killing of Haitian President Jovenel Moise were transferred to the United States for prosecution as the case stagnates in Haiti amid death threats that have spooked local judges, U.S. officials announced Tuesday. The suspects now in custody of the U.S. government include James Solages, 37, and Joseph Vincent, 57, two Haitian-Americans who were among the first arrested after Moise was shot 12 times at his private home near the capital of Port-au-Prince on July, 7 2021. Also charged is Christian Emmanuel Sanon, an elderly pastor, doctor and failed businessman that authorities have identified as a key player. His associates have suggested he was duped by the real and still unidentified masterminds behind the assassination that has plunged Haiti deep into political chaos and unleashed a level of gang violence not seen in decades. The fourth suspect was identified as Colombian citizen German Rivera Garcia, 44, who is among nearly two dozen former Colombian soldiers charged in the case. Rivera, along with Solages and Vincent, face charges including conspiring to commit murder or kidnapping outside the U.S. and providing material support and resources resulting in death, the U.S. Justice Department said. Sanon is charged with conspiring to smuggle goods from the U.S. and providing unlawful export information. Court documents state that he allegedly shipped 20 ballistic vests to Haiti, but that the items shipped were described as medical X-ray vests and school supplies. It was not immediately known if the four suspects had attorneys who could comment on the development. The men are scheduled to appear in federal court Wednesday in Miami. A total of seven suspects in the case are now in U.S. custody. Dozens of others still languish in Haitis main penitentiary, which is severely overcrowded and often lacks food and water for inmates. The case has reached a virtual standstill in Haiti, with local officials last year nominating a fifth judge to investigate the killing after four others were dismissed or resigned for personal reasons. One judge told The Associated Press that his family asked him not to take the case because they feared for his life. Another judge stepped down after one of his assistants died under murky circumstances. Court documents state that exactly two months before Moise was killed, Vincent texted Solages a video of a cat reacting alertly to the sound of gunfire and that Solages laughed, prompting Vincent to respond: Thats the way Jovenel will be pretty much, but (sooner) if you guys really up to it! The document states that Solages responded that (this) cat will never come back, and trust me brother, we definitely working our final decision. Then in June, some 20 former Colombian soldiers were recruited to supposedly help arrest the president and protect Sanon, who envisioned himself as Haitis new leader. Rivera was in charge of that group, the documents state. The plan was to detain Moise and whisk him to an unidentified location by plane, but that plot fell through when the suspects couldnt find a plane or sufficient weapons, authorities said. A day before the killing, Solages falsely told other suspects that it was a CIA operation and that the mission was to kill the president, according to the documents. Shortly before the killing, authorities said, Solages shouted that it was allegedly a DEA operation to ensure compliance from the presidents security detail. About a year after the killing, U.S. authorities say they interviewed Solages, Vincent and Rivera while they were in Haitian custody and that they agreed to talk. The other suspects already in U.S. custody are Rodolphe Jaar, a former U.S. government informant and a Haitian businessman who was extradited from the Dominican Republic, where he was detained in January 2022. That same month, U.S. authorities arrested Mario Antonio Palacios Palacios, a former Colombian soldier who was deported by Jamaica after fleeing there from Haiti. While en route to Colombia, he was detained by U.S. officials in Panama during a layover. Also in January 2022, authorities arrested former Haitian Sen. John Joel Joseph, who also had fled to Jamaica. Alfredo Izaguirre, a Miami-based lawyer for Palacios, said Tuesdays arrival of the four other suspects will postpone the trial because they all have to be tried at the same time. He said Palacios had been prepared for the trial to begin in early March, but now it could be postponed for up to four months. Haiti police say other high-profile suspects remain at large, including a former Supreme Court judge who authorities say was favored to seize power from Moise instead of Sanon as originally planned. Another fugitive is Joseph Badio, alleged leader of the plot who previously worked for Haitis Ministry of Justice and the governments anti-corruption unit until he was fired, police say. Emmanuel Jeanty, an attorney for the presidents widow, Martine Moise, who was injured in the attack and flown to the U.S. for care, did not return a message for comment. In December, Martine Moise tweeted that her husband who also has been accused of corruption, which he denied had fought against it, which resulted in his assassination. Despite the blockages, 17 months later, the people are demanding #Justice, she wrote. (AP) By Azernews Laman Ismayilova President of the International Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation Gunay Afandiyeva met a delegation from the World Union of Young Turkic Writers. The delegation visited Baku as part of the project "From the Turkic world to Shusha-from Shusha to the Turkic world," Azernews reports. The delegation included incredibly talented poets and writers from Turkic-speaking countries, including Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkiye, and Uzbekistan. The sides discussed large-scale activities of the International Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, which are focused on studying, protecting, and popularizing the folklore, literature, and art of the Turkic world at the international level. Participants in the meeting praised the foundation's projects aimed at promoting the heritage of outstanding thinkers, and writers of the Turkic states, stressing the organization's major contribution to the preservation of the common Turkic culture. The important missions entrusted to the young Turkic writers to preserve and convey common Turkic values to future generations were emphasized as well. It was noted that the International Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation is always ready to support cooperation between poets and writers of the Turkic states, as well as the publication of their works. The foundation's president, Gunay Afandiyeva, presented the books published by the organization to the guests. The meeting continued with an assessment of the prospects for possible future joint projects. Chinas growing assertiveness and collaboration with Russia poses a threat not only to Asia but also to Europe, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Wednesday as he sought stronger cooperation and more friends for NATO in the Indo-Pacific region. Stoltenberg said China is increasingly investing in nuclear weapons and long-range missiles without providing transparency or engaging in meaningful dialogue on arms control for atomic weapons, while escalating coercion of its neighbors and threats against Taiwan, the self-ruled island it claims as its own territory. The fact that Russia and China are coming closer and the significant investments by China and new advanced military capabilities just underlines that China poses a threat, poses a challenge also to NATO allies, Stoltenberg told an audience at Keio University in Tokyo. Security is not regional but global. NATO needs to make sure we have friends, he said. It is important to work more closely with our partners in the Indo-Pacific. China is increasingly working with Russia and they lead an authoritarian pushback against the rules-based, open and democratic international order, he said. Stoltenberg said NATO does not regard China as an adversary or seek confrontation, and that the alliance will continue to engage with China in areas of common interest, such as climate change. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning defended China as a force for regional and global peace and stability and criticized NATO for labeling China a threat and for expanding its military ties to Asia. NATO has constantly sought to reach beyond its traditional defense zone and scope, strengthen military and security ties with Asia Pacific countries and played up Chinas threats, Mao said. I would like to stress that the Asia-Pacific is not a battlefield for the geopolitical contest and does not welcome the Cold War mentality and bloc confrontation. Stoltenberg and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida held talks Tuesday and agreed to step up their partnership in security in cyberspace, space, defense and other areas. Besides Japan, NATO is also strengthening practical cooperation with Australia, New Zealand and South Korea in maritime cybersecurity and other areas and stepping up participation of their leaders and ministers in NATO meetings, he said. Kishida on Tuesday announced Japans plans to open a representative office at NATO. Japan, already a close ally of the United States, has in recent years expanded its military ties with other Indo-Pacific nations as well as with Britain, Europe and NATO amid growing security threats from China and North Korea. Tokyo was quick to join in U.S.-led economic sanctions against Russias war in Ukraine and provided humanitarian aid and non-combative defense equipment for Ukrainians. Japan fears that Russian aggression in Europe could be reflected in Asia, where concerns are growing over increasing Chinese assertiveness and escalating tensions over its claim to Taiwan. Stoltenberg arrived in Japan late Monday from South Korea, where he called for Seoul to provide direct military support to Ukraine to help it fight off the prolonged Russian invasion. North Korea condemned Stoltenbergs visits to South Korea and Japan, saying that NATO was trying to put its military boots in the region to pressure Americas Asian allies into providing weapons to Ukraine. North Korea also criticized increasing cooperation between NATO and U.S. allies in Asia as a process to create an Asian version of NATO, saying it would raise tensions in the region. (AP) More than 1,000 people have pleaded guilty or have been convicted on federal charges of defrauding the myriad COVID-19 relief programs that Congress established in the early days of the pandemic. And more than 600 other people and entities face federal fraud charges. But thats just the start, according to investigators scheduled to testify Wednesday to a congressional committee as House Republicans mark the beginning of what they promise will be aggressive oversight of President Joe Bidens administration. The House Committee on Oversight and Accountability is holding its first hearing in the new Congress on fraud and waste in federal pandemic spending. Congress approved about $4.6 trillion in spending from six coronavirus relief laws, beginning in March 2020 when Donald Trump was president. We owe it to the American people to get to the bottom of the greatest theft of American taxpayer dollars in history, said Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., the committees chairman. The Government Accountability Office is expected to tell the committee that the number of cases of suspected fraud is certain to grow in the coming months. For example, the inspector general for the Small Business Administration has more than 500 ongoing investigations involving loan programs designed to help businesses meet operating expenses during the pandemic. The inspector general for the Labor Department continues to open at least 100 unemployment insurance fraud investigations each week. The GAO said the more than 1,000 convictions related to COVID-19 relief fraud are one measure of how extensive it was. How much money was lost to fraud? Thats unknown, the GAO said, but it reported in December that an extrapolation of Labor Department data would suggest more than $60 billion in fraudulent unemployment insurance payments during the pandemic. The GAO also warned that such an extrapolation has inherent limitations and should be interpreted with caution. Still, lawmakers are anxious to discern how much theft has occurred and what can be done to stop it in future emergencies. We must identify where this money went, how much ended up in the hands of fraudsters or ineligible participants, and what should be done to ensure it never happens again, Comer said. Some 20 inspectors general work collaboratively to investigate pandemic relief spending. Michael Horowitz, who chairs a committee Congress created in March 2020 to lead oversight of COVID-19 spending, is also scheduled to testify. In his prepared remarks, Horowitz said the committee issued a fraud alert this week regarding the use of more than 69,000 questionable Social Security numbers to obtain $5.4 billion in pandemic loans and grants. Also testifying is David Smith, an assistant director of the Office of Investigations at the U.S. Secret Service, who predicts that efforts to recover stolen assets and hold criminals accountable for pandemic fraud will continue for years to come. (AP) A court in Moscow on Wednesday sentenced a Russian journalist in absentia to eight years in prison on charges of disparaging the military, the latest move in the authorities relentless crackdown on dissent. Alexander Nevzorov, a television journalist and former lawmaker, was convicted on charges of spreading false information about the military under a law that was adopted soon after Russian President Vladimir Putin sent troops into Ukraine. The law effectively exposes anyone critical of the Russian military action in Ukraine to fines and prison sentences of up to 10 years. Nevzorov was accused of posting false information on social media about the Russian shelling of a maternity hospital in the Sea of Azov port of Mariupol. Moscow has fiercely denied its involvement. Nevzorov, who moved abroad after the start of the Ukrainian conflict, didnt have an immediate comment on the verdict. Prominent opposition politician Ilya Yashin was sentenced in December to 8 years in prison under the same law. Another leading opposition figure, Vladimir Kara-Murza, has been in custody facing the same charges. (AP) For the first time in the history of Israel Police, thousands of police officers and Border Guard officers throughout Israel stopped what they were doing to daven for the safety of the country. On the background of the delicate security situation in Israel, including the recent murderous attack in Neve Yaakov, the Rabbanim of the police, under the command of Police Rav Deputy-Chief Rav Rami Birchiyahu and Border Police Rav Cpl. HaRav Yitzchak Bleichbard, made a decision to hold a special tefillah. A main gathering took place in the shul of the Central District on Wednesday at 1 p.m. to daven for the safety of the soldiers and police who risk their lives night and day. Rav Barchiyahu said that he feels the great responsibility Israels security forces carry on their shoulders and the need to be mechazeik them. Am Yisrael owes a debt to officers who risk their lives every day and night and at every place in order to enable the existence of normal life throughout Israel. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) In his flailing attempts to shut down Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis presidential campaign before it even begins, former President Donald Trump swung at the popular conservative governor, calling him a globalist RINO. The broadside first began on Tuesday evening when Trump posted a snipped clip of DeSantis saying about five years ago that he could be like Paul Ryan on the national stage. Over the weekend, Trump also accused DeSantis of being disloyal for even thinking about running for president in 2024 and attacked him for attempting to rewrite history about his Covid-19 leadership. When asked about Trumps attacks, DeSantis took the high road, saying that the voters had made it clear that they liked the way he led his state, at the same time implying that voters didnt like Trumps leadership and dumped him in the 2020 election. The Florida governors comments appeared to have angered Trump, possibly because he is refusing to fight back; when fights turn into a mudslinging show, Trump always comes out on top, but DeSantis is refusing to take the bait. Remember, I was 233-20 in the Midterms, and got 1.2 Million Votes MORE than Ron DeSanctimonious in the Great State of Florida. Also, 12 Million MORE Votes in 2020 than in 2016, and Won! Trump wrote late Tuesday night. He then went on a spree of retruthing posts critical of DeSantis, adding in his own: The real Ron is a RINO GLOBALIST, who closed quickly down Florida and even its beaches. Loved the Vaccines and wasted big money on Testing. Interestingly, the lockdowns and the vaccines all happened while Trump was president, and in fact, Trump has always been very supportive of the vaccines, even stating repeatedly that his Operation Warp Speed to develop it may have saved 100 million lives. But now hes attacking DeSantis over supporting the vaccines too? Okay. A new poll from University of New Hampshire Survey Center poll finds that DeSantis is leading Trump nationally by 12 percentage points. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Shas chairman Aryeh Deri this week condemned the opposition for making false claims that the reform of the judicial system will harm Israels economy. Speaking at a Shas party meeting, Deri said: It doesnt happen to me all the time that I quote Yair Lapid. He said in the past: Be an opposition to the government but dont be an opposition to the state. I say to him and his friends: Okay, youre in the opposition. The public had its say. This is democracy, accept it with respect. Fight the government, dont destroy the State of Israel. Youre now carrying out actions like the worst of our enemies, the BDS and their friends in the world which harm Israel, the economy and the status of the state. I havent heard any argument yet why [Justice Minister] Yariv Levins reforms harm the economy. I actually hear other statements too much legal involvement harms the economy. I heard claims that the reforms harm academic freedom I have no idea why. I only know that due to excessive legal involvement some of the Chareidi public who want to obtain a masters degree and more advanced degrees dont do it because due to legal intervention, they cant study separately. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) The FBI searched President Joe Bidens vacation home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, on Wednesday without finding any classified documents, the presidents attorney said. Agents did take some handwritten notes and other materials relating to Bidens time as vice president for review. The search, disclosed by Bidens personal lawyer, was the latest discomfiting moment for a president who has sought to contrast his sensitivity to rule-following with that of his predecessor Donald Trump, who faces a criminal investigation into his handling of classified documents. Wednesdays search, the third for a Biden home or office, makes clear that an investigation that had simmered quietly for weeks was continuing rather than fading away as Biden, who has said he was surprised by an earlier records discovery, presumably hoped. The attorney, Bob Bauer, said FBI agents spent three and a half hours searching the home and that, No documents with classified markings were found. Bidens attorneys revealed last month that they had undertaken their search of the home without turning up classified materials. The fact the FBI did its own search reflected the Justice Departments determination to retrieve any and all possible classified items rather than rely on assurances that such documents had been located. In a statement disclosing the search, Bauer sought to portray the president and his team as fully transparent and cooperative. He described the search as planned and a further step in a thorough and timely DOJ process we will continue to fully support and facilitate. He did not mention Trump by name, but the statement seemed aimed at juxtaposing the Biden investigation with the Trump case, where months of fruitless Justice Department efforts to recover all the classified records taken to the former presidents Florida estate, Mar-a-Lago, culminated in an August search warrant and the removal of nearly three dozen boxes of documents and other items. Searches of Bidens former office and Delaware homes, by contrast, have all been done voluntarily and without a warrant. The latest search follows the FBIs 13-hour, top-to-bottom check of his Wilmington, Delaware, home, where agents located documents with classified markings from his time as a vice president and senator and also took possession of some of his handwritten notes. One week earlier, Bidens personal lawyers revealed that they had found a document bearing classified markings while searching the Wilmington property but said they had not found others during a separate inspection of the Rehoboth Beach home. The White House did not disclose the Justice Departments investigation until last month, when it acknowledged the Nov. 2 discovery of a small number of classified documents by Biden lawyers as they closed an office at the Penn Biden Center, a think tank affiliated with the Ivy League school. Though officials did not say so at the time, The Associated Press and other news organizations reported on Tuesday that the FBI had conducted a voluntary search of that office later in November. The Justice Department declined comment on the Wednesday search. Bidens lawyers have described the retention of the records as a mistake. The Justice Department has historically brought criminal charges related to mishandling of classified records only when it can establish, among other things, that a person acted knowingly in improperly removing or storing sensitive records. The Biden documents probe is being handled by a special counsel, Robert Hur, a former senior Justice Department official during the Trump administration who served as the top federal prosecutor in Baltimore. He is starting his work this week, inheriting a months-long investigation already undertaken by FBI agents and Justice Department prosecutors. Attorney General Merrick Garland had assigned the U.S. attorney in Chicago, John Lausch, to conduct an initial review before announcing Hurs appointment last month. In a separate effort that preceded the Biden probe, special counsel Jack Smith is investigating the retention by Trump of roughly 300 documents with classified markings that were taken from the White House to Mar-a-Lago. Agents last August obtained a search warrant to recover classified documents following what the Justice Department said were months of resistance by Trump and his representatives to return the records to the government. Investigators in the Biden case have already conducted interviews, including of Bidens former executive assistant who helped oversee the packing of boxes that went to the Penn Biden Center. It is not yet clear if and when the Justice Department might look to question Biden himself. The Bidens purchased their Rehoboth Beach home, which overlooks a state park adjacent to the beach, in June 2017, months after he left the vice presidency. (AP) A revised curriculum for a new Advanced Placement course on African American studies downplays some components that drew criticism from conservatives including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who had threatened to ban the class in his state. In the official framework made public on Wednesday, topics such as Black Lives Matter, slavery reparations and queer theory are no longer subjects to be taught. They are included only on a list of topics that states and school systems could suggest to students for end-of-the-year projects. The rejection of the course by DeSantis, a possible Republican presidential candidate in 2024, stirred new political debate over how schools teach about race. Florida officials last month issued a chart that said it promoted the idea that modern American society oppresses Black people, was inappropriate, and uses articles by critics of capitalism. A spokesperson for DeSantis on Wednesday said the state education department is reviewing the revised curriculum for compliance with Florida law. The course is currently being tested at 60 schools around the U.S., and the official framework is intended to guide the expansion of the course to hundreds of additional high schools in the next academic year. The College Board, which oversees AP courses, said developers consulted with professors from more than 200 colleges, including several historically Black institutions. The College Board has been taking input also from teachers running the pilot classes as the draft curriculum has gone through several revisions over the last year. Critics accused the organization of bending to political pressure. To wake up on the first day of Black History Month to news of white men in positions of privilege horse trading essential and inextricably linked parts of Black History, which is American history, is infuriating, said David Johns, executive director of the National Black Justice Coalition. The lives, contributions, and stories of Black trans, queer, and non-binary/non-conforming people matter and should not be diminished or erased. The course has been popular among students in schools where it has been introduced. At Baton Rouge Magnet High School in Louisiana, so many students were interested that Emmitt Glynn is teaching it to two classes, instead of just the one he was originally planning. Earlier this week, his students read selections of The Wretched of the Earth by Frantz Fanon, which deals with the violence inherent in colonial societies. In a lively discussion, students connected the text to what they had learned about the conflict between colonizers and Native Americans, to the war in Ukraine and to police violence in Memphis, Tennessee. Weve been covering the gamut from the shores of Africa to where we are now in the 1930s, and we will continue on through history, Glynn said. He said he was proud to see the connections his students were making between the past and now. For Malina Ouyang, 17, taking the class helped fill gaps in what she has been taught. Taking this class, she said, I realized how much is not said in other classes. Matthew Evans, 16, said the class has educated him on a multitude of perspectives on Black history. He said the political controversy is just a distraction. Any time you want to try to silence something, you will only make someone want to learn about it even more, he said. The College Board offers AP courses across the academic spectrum, including math, science, social studies, foreign languages and fine arts. The courses are optional. Taught at a college level, students who score high enough on the final exam usually earn course credit at their university. In a written statement Wednesday, College Board CEO David Coleman said the course is an unflinching encounter with the facts and evidence of African American history and culture. No one is excluded from this course: the Black artists and inventors whose achievements have come to light; the Black women and men, including gay Americans, who played pivotal roles in the Civil Rights movements; and people of faith from all backgrounds who contributed to the antislavery and Civil Rights causes. Everyone is seen, he said. In Malcolm Reeds classroom at St. Amant High School in Louisiana, where he teaches the AP class, he tries to be mindful of how the material and discussions can affect students. I give them the information and Ive seen light bulbs go off. I ask them, How does it affect you? How do you feel about learning this? he said. Its also new for me, and Im just taking it in stride. Were not just learning history, but were making history. (AP) The new top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee on Wednesday called for more information about the classified records discovered in the private possession of President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. Rep. Jim Himes of Connecticut was named the committees ranking member Wednesday by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Along with Ohio Rep. Mike Turner, the committees new Republican chairman, Himes will lead a panel that has been split by highly political fights in a break from its traditionally quieter oversight of the U.S. spy agencies. Turner and the leaders of the Senate Intelligence Committee have in recent weeks pushed the White House to share more in private about the classified material found. The U.S. Office of the Director of National Intelligence has declined to comment on its review of classified material, which is also the subject of multiple Justice Department investigations. Theres a strong bipartisan concern that Congress is not being briefed on even preliminary reviews of classified information that might have been exposed, Himes said in an interview Wednesday with The Associated Press. Thats wrong. Thats wrong as a matter of law. The intelligence committees already face several major tests this year, from multiple discoveries of top leaders keeping classified documents to the fight over whether to renew foreign surveillance powers used by the FBI, National Security Agency and other spy agencies. Himes succeeds Rep. Adam Schiff, who was Jeffries original pick to lead the Democrats but along with Rep. Eric Swalwell was denied a spot on the panel by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. McCarthy accused Schiff of lying to Americans when he led the Intelligence Committee during the first impeachment of Trump, who was accused of withholding military aid to Ukraine unless President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced an investigation of Biden and his son. And McCarthy alleged Swalwell was compromised based on his contact with a suspected Chinese spy. Both Schiff and Swalwell denied McCarthys allegations and accused him of taking political retribution. Himes said Republicans had wrongly accused Swalwell of being a security risk and said Schiff had been a strong leader of the panel. Its not that hypocrisy is a new thing to me, but in this case, it obviously removed some real institutional knowledge from the committee, so I was disappointed, Himes said. But Himes said he and Turner have a really good working relationship and noted that they traveled to Ukraine together last year to meet Zelenskyy. When you spend 12 hours on an overnight train together, you get to know each other a little bit, Himes said. Hes extremely knowledgeable on a lot of topics, so Im really looking forward to working with him. In the interview, Himes outlined his priorities for the committee as well as his views on Russia and China. He called on the Biden administration to supply Ukraine with the longer-range missiles it has long sought to fend off Russia, saying the U.S. must prevent the war from becoming a stalemate. Himes and others say the U.S. should grant Ukrainian requests for the Army Tactical Missile System, known as ATACMS, which use the same launchers as the HIMARS rockets that Kyiv has successfully used but have a range as much as three times greater. U.S. officials have been concerned that Ukraine could use longer-range missiles to strike targets inside Russia and possibly provoke a direct war between Washington and Moscow. Weve done a great job, but that we havent pressed the accelerator quite as much as we should have, he said. A stalemate is a Russian victory, and that cant be the ending. So we need to give the Ukrainians the tools they need to continue to push the Russians backwards. Himes also called for greater discussion of how a war between Beijing and Taiwan would damage American interests and particularly the U.S. economy, given Chinas ownership of U.S. sovereign debt and the business relationships between the two countries. He criticized a recent reported statement by Air Force Gen. Michael Minihan, who predicted in a memo that China and the U.S. could be at war in two years. Everybodys starting to listen to the drums of war and how do we arm and how do we fight, Himes said. Its time to really sober up and think harder about how we avoid a military conflict with China. (AP) Iran on Thursday formally blamed Israel for a drone attack that targeted a military workshop in its central city of Isfahan over the weekend, warning it reserves its legitimate and inherent right to retaliate. Irans mission to the United Nations, in a letter it published on its website, attributed the attack late Saturday to Israel. Early investigations suggest that the Israeli regime was responsible for this attempted act of aggression, the letter signed by Iranian ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani said. Israeli officials declined to comment. However, Israel has carried out a series of attacks targeting Irans nuclear program and other sites since the collapse of its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers. Details on the Isfahan attack, which happened around 11:30 p.m. Saturday, still remain scarce days after the assault. A Defense Ministry statement described three drones being launched at the facility, with two of them successfully shot down. A third apparently made it through to strike the building, causing minor damage to its roof and wounding no one, the ministry said. The state-run IRNA news agency later described the drones as quadcopters equipped with bomblets. Quadcopters, which get their name from having four rotors, typically operate from short ranges by remote control. Iranian state television later aired footage of debris from the drones, which resembled commercially available quadcopters. It remains unclear what the workshop produced. Iravanis letter to U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the Security Council warned Tehran could respond to the attack. The Islamic Republic of Iran reserves its legitimate and inherent rightto defend its national security and respond resolutely to any threats or wrongful actions by the Israeli regime, wherever and whenever deemed necessary, the letter read. (AP) "We will accelerate the development of the digital economy, further integrate it with the real economy, and build internationally competitive digital industry clusters," General Secretary Xi Jinping remarked in the report delivered to the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. In the new development stage, digital transformation has been listed among Henan's top 10 development strategies. Starting on January 11, we are launching the "Wonderful HenanHere We Are (Digital Henan)" series to show you the measures Henan will take during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25) to advance the building of national big data comprehensive pilot zones and accelerate the development of digital economy. The following is the 3rd story of the series: Building a digital government. 111 Click on the video NB: This is not a word-for-word transcript Building a Digital Government We will promote the digital transformation of government management services, enhance data-driven management and overall coordination, create a digital development ecosystem so as to improve government efficiency and to realize the value of data resources. China (Henan) Pilot Free Trade Zone/ Service Center in Zhengzhou. [Photo provided to dahe.cn] Promoting e-government information resource sharing We will strengthen the intensive building, integrated optimization and inter-connectivity of the government information system, and promote precise and efficient coordination of management and services across levels, regions, systems, departments and businesses. We will accelerate the building of the provincial big data center and better e-government extranet, promote the integration of cloud application and network, and build the provincial and municipal digital government cloud, enhance the functions of the provincial integrated online government service platform, promote the building of the integrated online supervision platform, and improve the provincial unified open platform for data sharing. We will strengthen the building of the government administration characterized by "Henan Affairs Handling" - a government service mobile terminal, and ensure that government services, social governance, and government data can all be managed in their respective comprehensive network. We will also promote electronization of the frequently needed certificates to realize information sharing and mutual recognition. State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation & Improvement in Henan. [Photo provided to dahe.cn] Strengthening the development, utilization and protection of data resources We will strengthen unified and standardized management of data resources and expand the orderly opening of basic public information data, promote greater synergy between public data and enterprise data, develop third-party big data service industries, explore new models for the fusion application of data resources from governments, enterprises and the society, and support the development of innovative consortia like open-source digital technology communities. We will build and improve the basic database of economic governance and the database of spatial and geographic information, and speed up the establishment of a mechanism for digital technologies to assist government decision-making. We will establish and improve the data property rights trading mechanism, foster standardized data trading platforms and market entities, and carry out application-oriented data exchanges and trading pilot programs. We will build a comprehensive defense system for data security, and strengthen data protection involving national interests, business secrets and individual privacy. Lens for 3D printing produced by Xinxiang Baihe O.E, an enterprise in Henan. [Photo provided to dahe.cn] Fostering a prudent and tolerant environment for digital development We will establish and improve the regulatory service system that allows digital development, strengthen guidance on planning, policy support and standardized management for digital development, promote the formation of digital economy industrial alliances, support the innovative application of digital technologies and new R&D institutions, encourage the development of new forms and models of digital economy, and promote the sound development of platform economy and sharing economy. We will guide internet enterprises to enhance their internal management and support their security net, establish and improve industry self-discipline and mutual discipline mechanisms, broaden channels for resource providers and the public to participate in management, explore a coordinating management mechanism that joins the efforts of government, internet enterprises, industry associations and the general public, and strengthen statistical monitoring of the digital economy. A special thanks goes to the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Henan Provincial Committee and the School of International Studies of Zhengzhou University for their support to the "Wonderful HenanHere We Are (Digital Henan)" bilingual series. Related stories Wonderful HenanHere We Are (Digital Henan)|A stronger digital economy | Wonderful HenanHere We Are (Digital Henan)|Building a digital society | Wonderful HenanHere We Are (Digital Henan)|Major projects to develop digital economy | One of Israels top lawyers, Attorney David Hodek, sparked outrage in Israel when he said that he wouldnt hesitate to use live fire against the government if it actualizes its plan for judicial reforms. Speaking at the annual conference of the Israel Bar Association in Eilat on Wednesday evening, Hodek said: I decided that I wont live under a dictatorship for even one day. If I have to fight for it with live fire, I will. Im speaking with my younger friends from army service. They dont understand how worked up the Israeli public is and the level of opposition to this destructive legislative plan. People are ready to take up arms. Everyone is horrified. What, how can you say such a thing? I say if we need to reach that point and if they drag me there, thats what Ill do. I wont leave Israel and I wont live under a dictatorshiptheyre proceeding full-force with it and well oppose it full-force and whatever will be will be. Unbelievably enough, Hodeks speech received a spatter of light applause. However, according to a Maariv report, some members of the audience opposed his statements and said that a complaint should be filed against him. Former MK Dr. Michael Ben-Ari filed a complaint against Hodek with the police on Thursday morning. I just filed a complaint with the police against Adv. Hodedk on incitement to violence, sedition, publication of sedition, threats, and organization of an illegal army. Im convinced that hell be interrogated just as they interrogated me for a thousandth of this and as they interrogated all those who clapped their hands at the hate wedding,' Ben-Ari sardonically concluded. Radio 103FM reported on Thursday morning that the police launched an investigation into Hodeks statements. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) A terrorist planning to imminently carry out a major terror attack inside Israel was arrested on Thursday morning in Jenin. Security forces operated covertly and the arrest was carried out quietly by undercover Border Police officers without the opening of gunfire. BChasdei Hashem, there were no injuries to Israeli security forces. The arrest was carried out at the completion of focused intelligence and operational efforts by the Shin Bet, the IDF, and the Border Police Following the arrest, the terrorist was transferred to the Shin Bet for questioning. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) The Republican-led House voted after raucous debate Thursday to oust Democrat Ilhan Omar from the chambers Foreign Affairs Committee, citing her anti-Israel comments, in a dramatic escalation after Democrats last session booted far-right GOP lawmakers over incendiary remarks. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy was able to solidify Republican support against the Somali-born Muslim woman in the new Congress although some GOP lawmakers had expressed reservations. Removal of lawmakers from House committees was essentially unprecedented until the Democratic ousters two years ago of hard-right Republican Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia and Paul Gosar of Arizona. The 218-211 vote, along party lines, came after a heated, voices-raised debate in which Democrats accused the GOP of targeting Omar based on her race. Omar defended herself on the House floor, asking if anyone was surprised she was being targeted, because when you push power, power pushes back. Democratic colleagues hugged and embraced their colleague during the vote. My voice will get louder and stronger, and my leadership will be celebrated around the world, Omar said in a closing speech. Republicans focused on six statements Omar has made that under the totality of the circumstances, disqualify her from serving on the Committee of Foreign Affairs, said Rep. Michael Guest, R-Miss. All members, both Republicans and Democrats alike who seek to serve on Foreign Affairs, should be held to the highest standard of conduct due to the international sensitivity and national security concerns under the jurisdiction of this committee, Guest said. The resolution proposed by Rep. Max Miller, R-Ohio, a former official in the Trump administration, declared, Omars comments have brought dishonor to the House of Representatives. Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York said Omar has at times made mistakes and used antisemitic tropes that were condemned by House Democrats four years ago. But thats not what Thursdays vote was about, he said. Its not about accountability, its about political revenge, Jeffries said. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, went took it one step further, saying that the GOPs action was one of the disgusting legacies after 9/11, a reference to he Sept. 11, 2001, attack the targeting and racism against Muslim-Americans throughout the United States of America. And this is an extension of that legacy. She added, This is about targeting women of color. Omar is one of the first two Muslim women elected to Congress. She is also the first to wear a hijab in the House chamber after floor rules were changed to allow members to wear head coverings for religious reasons. She quickly generated controversy after entering Congress in 2019 with a pair of tweets that suggested lawmakers who supported Israel were motivated by money. In the first, she criticized the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, or AIPAC. Its all about the Benjamins baby, she wrote, invoking slang about $100 bills. Asked on Twitter who she though was paying members of Congress to support Israel, Omar responded, AIPAC! The comments sparked a public rebuke from then House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other Democrats who made clear that Omar had overstepped. She soon apologized. We have to always be willing to step back and think through criticism, just as I expect people to hear me when others attack me about my identity, Omar tweeted. This is why I unequivocally apologize. Democrats rallied in a fiery defense of Omar and the experiences she brings to the Congress. Black, Latino and progressive lawmakers in particular spoke of her unique voice in the House and criticized Republicans for what they called a racist attack. Racist gaslighting, said Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo. A revenge resolution, said Rep. Primila Jayapal of Washington, the chair of the progressive caucus. Its so painful to watch, said Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., who joined Congress with Omar in 2019 the first two female Muslims elected to the House. To Congresswoman Omar, I am so sorry that our country is failing you today through this chamber, Tlaib said through tears. You belong on that committee. Omars previous comments were among several remarks highlighted in the resolutions seeking her removal from the Foreign Affairs Committee. The chairman of the committee, Rep. Michael McCaul of Texas, argued for excluding Omar from the panel during a recent closed-door meeting with fellow Republicans. Its just that her worldview of Israel is so diametrically opposed to the committees, McCaul told reporters in describing his stance. I dont mind having differences of opinion, but this goes beyond that. McCarthy has already blocked Reps. Adam Schiff and Eric Swalwell, both California Democrats, from rejoining the House Intelligence Committee once the GOP took control of the chamber in January. While appointments to the intelligence panel are the prerogative of the speaker, the action on Omar requires a House vote. Several Republicans skeptical of removing Omar wanted due process for lawmakers who face removal. McCarthy said he told them he would work with Democrats on creating a due process system, but acknowledged its still a work in progress. (AP) A New Jersey borough councilwoman was found shot to death in an SUV outside of her home, authorities said. Sayreville Councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour, 30, was found at around 7:20 p.m. Wednesday, according to the Middlesex County prosecutors office. She had been shot multiple times and was pronounced dead at the scene. Dwumfour, a Republican, was elected to her first three-year term in 2021, when she ousted a Democratic incumbent. Colleagues recalled her as a soft-spoken devout Christian who could maintain her composure in contentious situations. She was a 30-year-old woman. To have this happen in such a tragic way, I mean, our hearts are just broken and everybody wants an answer, said Karen Bailey Bebert, the local GOP chairwoman who served as her campaign manager. So were waiting with bated breath. Authorities have not made any arrests or said whether they believe the motive for the killing might be personal, political or a random act. In a 2021 campaign interview, Dwumfour described herself as a proud graduate of Newark public schools who earned a degree in womens studies at William Patterson University while working part-time as an EMT. She said she moved to Parlin, a section of Sayreville, after graduating because of the tremendous public safety work the community does. That interest fueled her run for council, where she served as a liaison to the police department now helping to investigate her death. She just wanted to make a better community for all our children, said Bebert, who served as her campaign manager. Dwumfour, who had a school-age child, announced at a fall council meeting that she had recently gotten married, Bebert said. She was active in her church in Newark, she said. Dwumfour worked in information technology, according to her LinkedIn page, where she posted last month that she was looking for a new opportunity. Her resume also said that she worked for six years with a religious nonprofit group. Her next-door neighbor, Chyann Brown, said she was arriving home Wednesday evening just as police were flying in the complex. She had no idea that Dwumfour, whom she described as kind and respectful, had been shot. When I came to park my car, there were shell cases everywhere. I (saw) the car was still rolling down the street, she said of Dwumfours vehicle. Brown said they had spoken over the past year, but she did not realize Dwumfour was involved in local politics. Shes a very nice woman. Shes always well-dressed, she said. I cant believe she would be involved in such a tragic incident, Brown said. Several high-ranking state leaders, including Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy, issued statements expressing their grief over her death. John Wisniewski, a former Democratic state Assembly member from Sayreville, had spoken to her at a few council meetings. Almost always her comments were about God, divine providence. She was a woman of faith, Wisniewski said. Bebert described Dwumfour as an outgoing person who always had that beautiful smile on her face that you see in her picture. Sayreville, a borough of roughly 45,000 people, is about 30 miles (about 48.2 kilometers) south of Manhattan. At the scene Thursday, another car in the parking lot had damage apparently sustained when Dwumfours car struck it. Bebert described Sayreville as a peaceful community and said Dwumfour lived in an attractive complex near an elementary school. She hopes to organize a vigil to celebrate what she called a life cut too short by such a heinous criminal act. She was so young, she said. Its just rippling through the town. (AP) Sponsored Content A WORD FROM OUR FOUNDERS: Kupas Yom Tov was founded 8 years ago before Pesach after Rl a double tragedy hit home for the yungerleit in Beis Medrash Govoha. Founded by a group of yungerleit with the goal of helping the beloved Kollel Yungerleit in Beis Medrash Govoha and the Kollelim around Lakewood. It started with extra financial assistance before Pesach and then Sukkos. BH over the past 8 years together we have grown astronomically to well over 1 million dollars per Yom Tov. Helping close to 1,400 families. There was always a tremendous desire to do more, to help the larger families. Many of them older Chashuve yungerleit who struggle throughout the year. We wanted to help them with assistance on a steady basis. Before Purim this past year Shela-He was born with this goal in mind. Based on the timeless words of Rabbi Akiva . To allow people to have a direct zechus in Limud hatorah on a daily basis. The idea was started with a group of post seminary girls who joined to give $1 a day which is combined together and sent to families of Talmidei chachamim on a steady basis. Since the start it has BH grown and many more girls, as well as Married women (and Men) have joined. As we are BH seeing the tremendous hatzlacha of the project we will now be taking the opportunity to take this to the masses. In accordance with our Das Torah we do not host any live-stream or virtual events and therefore we will be making an in person event on Feb 13 in Bell Works. Centrally located in Holmdel, New Jersey with easy access from the tri-state area. The event will be for Post Seminary girls and up. The theme of the event is embracing a life of connection to Torah with a phenomenal program. We will hear from The Lakewood Rosh Yeshiva Harav Malkiel Kotler Shlita, as well as Rebetzin Rena Tarshish. Plus a special musical panel presentation where we will be inspired from speakers who will share their personal outlook and meaning in how we can connect to and live a life of Torah. A powerful evening with a timeless message. An evening for YOU. Please join us, reserve your tickets today, and get early bird pricing which is expiring today. Be there to hear the message! This is our opportunity to reconnect, rejuvenate our neshamos and really focus on our lifelong desire: Embracing and living a life of connection to Torah. Please help spread the word and together we will have the opportunity to show Hashem our love for Him and His Torah and our deepest desire is to live a Torah Life! Sponsored Content Vacationing with her family in the Catskills, three year old, curly-haired Chava Willig suddenly fell ill. Her parents heard the dreaded diagnosis polio, as Chava was placed into an iron lung. After months of hospitalization, Chava was left paralyzed, requiring the use of a wheelchair. Nonetheless, her brilliant mind resulted in her love of books, music and writing. Like many families during that time, the Willigs were anxiously awaiting the release of the polio vaccine, what Chava now refers to as a nes hashamayim. The vaccine came out in April of 1955, just a few months before Chava got sick, but unfortunately, the vaccine did not get to her in time. When Dr. Jonas Salk, who developed the vaccine, announced that it was safe and effective, he was asked if he would pursue a patent for this life-saving measure. He replied, Patent? Can you patent the sun? This vaccine belongs to everyone! Now a mother and grandmother, Chava has dedicated herself to advocacy, writing, speaking and describing her extraordinary experience while living a life not with standing. Its easy to think that someone disabled by a vaccine-preventable disease might be bitter that a prevention exists now. However, Chavas trademark resilience and Ahavas Yisrael leave no room for such negativity. As I shared in my video, Welcome to My World, produced in collaboration with the Jewish Orthodox Womens Medical Association (JOWMA), the polio vaccine is nothing short of a neis min hashamayim. Its safe. Its effective, remarks Chava. On Yaakov Langers Inspiration for the Nation, Chava discusses her life and advocacy work for people with disabilities. She also advocates strongly for the polio vaccine expressing sadness that some parents are reluctant to give it to their kids. I know that these people love their children, but they havent seen polio up close. People who have polio now and have no paralysis now may find in 30 years that there are things they cant do, says Chava. To hear more of Chavas extraordinary journey about her lifelong battle with polio, listen to Yaakov Langers Inspiration for the Nation Episode. For more information about polio, visit jowma.org/polio or call 929-4-GEZUNT. GSK boss Dame Emma Walmsley received a shot in the arm after record sales of its shingles vaccine pushed up profits. The pharma giant also predicted strong growth for 2023 despite declining sales of its Covid treatments. For 2022, GSK reported profits of 8.2billion, up 26 per cent year-on-year, and sales rose 19 per cent to 29.3billion. The figures were boosted by sales of shingles vaccine Shingrix, up 72 per cent in the year to a record 3billion due to strong demand in the US and Europe. Double-digit growth was recorded in sales of medicines for diseases such as HIV. Healthy trade: For 2022, GSK, led by Dame boss Emma Walmsley (pictured) reported profits of 8.2bn, up 26% year-on-year, while sales rose 19% to 29.3bn GSK forecast 2023 profit growth of 10 to 12 per cent with sales rises of 6 per cent to 8 per cent. 2022 was a landmark year for GSK delivering the step change in performance we committed to... We enter 2023 with good momentum, underpinning confidence in our ambitious sales and profit outlooks, Walmsley said. Shares fell 0.3 per cent, or 3.8p, to 1419.6p. It is GSKs first annual figures since it split consumer healthcare business Haleon, maker of Sensodyne toothpaste, into a separate firm last year to focus on vaccines and new drugs. Some activist investors said it should have been sold and questioned Walmsleys ability. GSK has snapped up several drug developers and is racing to get regulatory approval for a vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus, a cold-like illness that can cause severe symptoms in infants and older adults. It is battling US rivals Pfizer and Moderna to be the first with a jab, with the market estimated to be worth billions. Walmsley said UK life sciences were at a tipping point and the right decisions had to be made urgently to ensure they continued driving growth, adding: Getting it right is whats going to make sure there is continued investment in the UK and not just from GSK, which remains committed to this country, but also from other multinationals.' The Government is set to scrap a 300million support package for British Steel if its Chinese owners axe jobs. Whitehall sources said the funding, expected to be announced within days, was dependent on Jingye promising to invest 1billion into Britains second-biggest steel maker and protect jobs until 2030. But the company is preparing to launch a consultation on around 800 redundancies, focusing mainly on the plant in Scunthorpe, which employs 3,500 of its 4,500 staff. British Steel has struggled over the past decade. Jingye became its third owner in four years when it bought it out of insolvency in 2020. Job cuts: British Steel's Chinese owner Jingye is preparing to launch a consultation on around 800 redundancies, focusing mainly on the plant in Scunthorpe But it now thinks it needs taxpayer funding to keep the doors open. Last month Chancellor Jeremy Hunt was said to be close to signing off a support package of 300million. Asked if that would be jeopardised by cuts, a Whitehall source said: It would, yes. British Steel said last month it would shut one of the sites two blast furnaces within weeks without support. Hunt was expected to tell it that the Government will pay the support package over the next few years. Severn Trent will make boardroom history by becoming the first FTSE 100 company to have women occupying the three key roles of chief executive, chair and chief financial officer. The watershed moment comes as finance boss James Bowling retires in July to be replaced by Helen Miles, who is the capital and commercial services director. She is to be appointed as chief financial officer designate in April, before taking full responsibility for the role from July 6 following a handover process. Miles joins boss Liv Garfield, who has led Severn Trent since 2014, and Christine Hodgson, who has chaired it since April 2020. Female first: Severn Trent boss Liv Garfield, who has led the company since 2014, is now working with a female finance boss and a female chairman I am truly sorry to see James retire. I want to thank him for everything hes done for Severn Trent and all the support he has given to me personally, Garfield said. She added: I am absolutely delighted that Helen will be his successor. Helen is a highly experienced and commercial CFO with a detailed understanding of the water sector and a proven track record of exceptional delivery. Severn Trent shares dipped 1 per cent, or 28p, to 2788p. Miles has previously served as chief financial officer of Openreach, the broadband arm of BT, and home repairs group Homeserve. Her appointment will bolster female representation in the boardrooms of Britains top firms, which were accused last year of an appalling lack of progress in promoting women to executive roles. In the FTSE 100, only eight companies have a female chief executive, while of the roughly 400 women on the boards of blue-chip firms, around 90 per cent are non-executive directors. The most notable among the female bosses include Alison Rose of NatWest, Dame Emma Walmsley of drugs giant GSK and Admiral chief executive Milena Mondini de Focatiis. Also on the list are Avivas Amanda Blanc, Taylor Wimpeys Jennie Daly and Jette Nygaard-Andersen, boss of Ladbrokes owner Entain. Meanwhile, Vodafone boss Margherita Della Valle is currently holding the position on an interim basis. Reshuffle: Helen Miles, left, who joined the group in 2014, is to become Severn Trent's new finance boss, while Christine Hodgson, right, has chaired the business since April 2020 At Severn Trent, Miles will have to grapple with how the company adjusts to the cost of living squeeze as it balances increases in bills with support for struggling customers. In November, the company extended its discounts to more customers on low incomes as it reported a 2.4 per cent rise in profits to 262million in the six months to the end of September. The industry is also coming under increased scrutiny from regulators amid growing anger about sewage discharges. Last year, Severn Trent was one of the few companies in the sector not to be punished by the regulator Ofwat for polluting rivers, with 11 suppliers being slapped with fines. General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and President of China Xi Jinping (R) and General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong. (Photo: VNA) The following is a translation of the letter: Thank-you letter To: Comrade Nguyen Phu Trong, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, Dear Comrade General Secretary, On behalf of the Chinese Party, State and people, I sincerely would like to thank you for sending a message of condolences over the passing of comrade Jiang Zemin and to convey the thank-you from comrade Jiang Zemins family to you. Comrade Jiang Zemin had joined hands with Vietnamese leaders to promote the normalisation of China-Vietnam relations and established the 16-world motto of "friendly neighbourliness, comprehensive cooperation, long-term stability, looking towards the future" which has had a deep and far-reaching impact on the development of the China-Vietnam relationship. Recently, comrade General Secretary had a very successful visit to China. We discussed major orientations for the development of the China-Vietnam ties and reached important common perceptions. I attach great importance to the development of the China-Vietnam relations and stay ready to work with you to promote the China-Vietnam comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership to a new height in the new era. I would like to send the best wishes to you./. * The Sanjiangyuan area, known as China's "water tower," contains the headwaters of the Yangtze, Yellow and Lancang rivers. At an average altitude of more than 4,700 meters, Sanjiangyuan National Park is the world's highest national park covering a total area of 190,700 sq km. * On Jan. 24, 2003, the State Council officially approved the establishment of the Sanjiangyuan National Nature Reserve in Qinghai. China began the pilot operation of Sanjiangyuan National Park in 2016, and in October 2021, the park received its official designation. * This year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Sanjiangyuan National Nature Reserve. After decades of painstaking exploration and practice, Sanjiangyuan embodies the historic reform and achievements of China's ecological civilization system. XINING, Feb. 1 (Xinhua) -- On a piercing cold day just after the Spring Festival holiday, Nyedo and six of his fellow villagers mounted their motorcycles to start an early morning patrol. Nyedo, a herdsman in Chumarle County, Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in northwest China's Qinghai Province, has been patrolling the headwaters of the Yellow River for more than seven years. Rangers patrol the core area of Sanjiangyuan National Park in Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Qinghai Province, April 21, 2022. (Xinhua/Zhang Long) "Although it's freezing now, it's a good time to patrol the wetland and grassland, which are inaccessible in summer and autumn," said Nyedo. The land Nyedo patrols was once the core area of the Sanjiangyuan National Nature Reserve, later designated as Sanjiangyuan National Park and now under strict protection. The Sanjiangyuan area, known as China's "water tower," contains the headwaters of the Yangtze, Yellow and Lancang rivers. At an average altitude of more than 4,700 meters, Sanjiangyuan National Park is the world's highest national park covering a total area of 190,700 sq km. This photo taken on June 28, 2020 shows the Sanjiangyuan National Park in northwest China's Qinghai Province. (Sanjiangyuan National Park Administration/Handout via Xinhua) This year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Sanjiangyuan National Nature Reserve. After decades of painstaking exploration and practice, Sanjiangyuan embodies the historic reform and achievements of China's ecological civilization system. ARDUOUS EFFORTS As an ecological conservator who grew up at the headwaters of the Yellow River, Nyedo has a keen understanding of the importance of ecology. "The ecological environment and grassland here deteriorated when I was a child. My family had to travel as far as 2 km to find drinkable water," said Nyedo. On Jan. 24, 2003, the State Council officially approved the establishment of the Sanjiangyuan National Nature Reserve in Qinghai. Two years later, the ecological protection and construction of the Sanjiangyuan area began. Over the following decade, China accelerated preparations for the establishment of a national park system. It began the pilot operation of Sanjiangyuan National Park in 2016, and in October 2021, the park received its official designation. This aerial photo taken on May 25, 2021 shows a view of Ngoring Lake at the Yellow River source area of the Sanjiangyuan National Park in northwest China's Qinghai Province. (Xinhua/Li Zhanyi) "The Chinese government attaches great importance to the ecological conservation of Sanjiangyuan," said Li Xiaonan, director of the Qinghai provincial forestry and grassland administration, who has witnessed every step of Sanjiangyuan's ecological construction. "The successful operation of Sanjiangyuan National Park provides an excellent model for the country's national park construction," said Li. Building up a national park means implementing the strictest protection for Sanjiangyuan's ecology. Qinghai Province has optimized the functions of protected areas within the Sanjiangyuan National Park, including nature reserves, wetlands, scenic spots and natural heritage sites. The management bureau of Sanjiangyuan National Park was set up to assume responsibility for ecological protection and management, which had previously been scattered between the departments of forestry, environmental protection, water conservancy, agriculture and animal husbandry, among others. A new ecological protection management system has been established in the four county-level areas where the national park is located, with the management bureau as the leader and the villages working under its guidance. Grassroots officials in the national park said the ecological conservation in Sanjiangyuan has been strengthened with improvements to the system. In this aerial photo, rangers patrol in the Sanjiangyuan National Park in Golog Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Qinghai Province, Oct. 20, 2021. (Xinhua/Zhang Long) Last year, the Sanjiangyuan National Park invested nearly 320 million yuan (about 47.41 million U.S. dollars) in ecological protection and restoration projects. From 2016 to 2021, with a total investment of 6.7 billion yuan, the park carried out a series of infrastructure construction, ecological protection and restoration projects, said Wang Xiangguo, director of the management bureau of Sanjiangyuan National Park. When delivering a government work report in January, Wu Xiaojun, governor of Qinghai, said that Qinghai has become the only province in China in which 100 percent of river sections show good water quality in national assessments. The share of days with good air quality has reached over 96 percent in the province, with the comprehensive vegetation coverage of grassland reaching 57.9 percent. WIN-WIN RESULTS The decades of arduous efforts have boosted local biodiversity as well as people's awareness of ecological protection. Deng Haiping welcomed the Chinese Lunar New Year with the Tibetan antelopes in the wildlife rescue center in Hoh Xil. As a staff member of Hoh Xil management office under the management bureau of Sanjiangyuan National Park, he volunteered to stay on duty this Spring Festival. It was his third New Year's Eve in Hoh Xil. This photo taken on April 20, 2021 shows Tibetan antelopes in the Sanjiangyuan area in northwest China's Qinghai Province. (Xinhua/Wu Gang) Deng and his colleagues start patrolling the park at about 8 a.m. every morning, protecting the wild animals in the national park from illegal hunting. Besides the daily patrols, Deng now has another routine job -- feeding the Tibetan antelope calves that have been saved and sent to the rescue center. "In the morning, we give them warm milk, and then patrol around the fence," said Deng. "Sometimes we hold the calves in our arms like a baby. We're really happy to see them thrive." During the 1980s and 1990s, due to poaching sprees, the population of Tibetan antelopes in Hol Xil dropped to less than 20,000. Thanks to the country's active anti-poaching and biodiversity protection efforts in recent years, Hoh Xil is now home to more than 70,000 Tibetan antelopes. The status of Tibetan antelopes in China has been downgraded from "endangered" to "near threatened." This photo taken on March 12, 2022 shows the view of Gyaring Lake at the Yellow River source area of Sanjiangyuan National Park in northwest China's Qinghai Province. (Xinhua/Lyu Xueli) Since 2016, the Sanjiangyuan National Park has also integrated ecological protection with improvements to local people's livelihoods. "As the ecology improves, our life will get better," said Samdrup, whose family has been herding cattle for generations in Namse Township of Yushu, through which the Lancang River flows. Starting in 2019, the township piloted a franchise business model for tourism. Some herders, including Samdrup, began serving as ecology guides, taking tourists to watch wild animals and experience life in pastoral areas. "With the ecological environment improved, wild animals, such as snow leopards and white-lipped deer, have often been recorded through the lens of cameras," Samdrup said. Last year, Samdrup's family received three groups of tourists, and earned more than 10,000 yuan in just three months. "In March, the first batch of visitors this year will come to my home. I have found some places where snow leopards often hang out. It will definitely be worth the trip for the shutterbugs," Samdrup said. (Video reporters: Lyu Xueli, Liu Zexing, Han Fangfang, Zhao Yuhe; Video editors: Jia Xiaotong, Luo Hui, Wang Houyuan) Editor: GSY Gunmen in north central Nigeria have killed eight people, including a divisional police chief, in the latest violence ahead of a presidential and parliamentary election later this month, police and a security source said on Wednesday. Insecurity is a big issue for voters in a country where armed gangs terrorise people in villages and on highways and carry out kidnappings for ransom. Police in Benue state responded to a distress call after gunmen blocked the Markudi-Naka road, forcing travellers to flee, Benue state police spokesperson Anene Sewuese Catherine said. The divisional police officer for Naka town, Mamud Abubakar, led a team of officers that engaged the armed gang in a gun fight, Catherine said in a statement. However, the DPO (divisional police officer) who led the team sustained gunshot injuries and was rushed to General Hospital Naka where he was eventually confirmed dead, Catherine said. A police source said two other police officers were shot and killed during the fight with the armed gang. When the gunmen retreated, they killed two children and three women in a nearby village, said the source, who declined to be named because he is not authorised to speak to the media. SOURCE: REUTERS The battle on the front lines in eastern Ukraine has become tougher as Russian forces push for gains that they could show on the first anniversary of their invasion on Feb. 24, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said in a sombre assessment. Russia, determined to make progress before Ukraine gets newly pledged Western battle tanks and armoured vehicles, has picked up momentum on the battlefield and announced advances north and south of the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut in Donetsk. Bakhmut and 10 towns and villages around it came under Russian fire, the Ukrainian military said late on Wednesday. Bakhmut has suffered persistent Russian bombardment for months. Avdiivka, another major Russian target, the nearby town of Maryinka and some neighbouring settlements were also hit, the military added. In Kramatorsk, about 55 km (34 miles) northwest of Bakhmut, a Russian missile destroyed one apartment building and damaged seven on Wednesday, killing at least three people and injuring 20, police said. Definite increase has been noted in the offensive operations of the occupiers on the front in the east of our country. The situation has become tougher, Zelenskiy said. The enemy is trying to achieve at least something now to show that Russia has some chances on the anniversary of the invasion, he added in an evening video address. Zelenskiy vowed more anti-corruption measures as authorities continued raids ahead of a meeting in Kyiv with more than a dozen top European Union officials on Friday, reflecting a determination to show that Ukraine can be a reliable steward of billions of dollars in aid. Ukraine sees the meeting as important to its hopes of joining the bloc, which can take years. Earlier, security officials searched the home of businessman Ihor Kolomoiskiy, a one-time Zelenskiy ally, in what media said was an investigation of suspected financial crime. Kolomoiskiy could not immediately be reached for comment. He has denied any wrongdoing. MISSILE HITS KRAMATORSK In Kramatorsk, police said a Russian Iskander-K tactical missile struck at 9:45 p.m. (1945 GMT). At least eight apartment buildings were damaged. One of them was completely destroyed, police said in a Facebook post. People may remain under the rubble. At least 44 people were killed in January when a Russian missile hit an apartment building in Dnipro city. In April 2022, Ukraine said 57 people died when a Russian missile hit the train station in Kramatorsk. Russia, which denies targeting civilians, said the missile was Ukrainian. A former commander of Russias Wagner mercenary group who fled to Norway in January told Reuters he wanted to apologise for fighting in Ukraine and was speaking out to bring perpetrators of atrocities to justice. First of all, repeatedly, and again, I would like to apologise, Andrei Medvedev, 26, said. Ukraine and its Western allies have accused Russian forces of war crimes. Russia rejects that. The Wagner group has been locked in a battle of attrition in Donetsk. WE NEED WEAPONS Donetsk and Luhansk, declared annexed by Russia in September following sham referendums, make up Ukraines industrial region of Donbas the target of Russian forces after a failed advance on the capital, Kyiv, early in the campaign. In the past 24 hours, Ukrainian forces repelled attacks on several centres in Donetsk, including Bakhmut, Krasna Hora, and Blahodatne, Ukrainian military analyst Oleh Zhdanov said. Russian forces said they took Blahodatne, just to the north of Bakhmut, on Tuesday. They were also pushing to the south of Bakhmut, using their superior troop numbers to try to cut it off from re-supply and force the Ukrainians out, Ukrainian military analyst Yevhen Dikiy said. This for us is the most difficult scenario, Dikiy told Espreso TV, referring to what he called a measure of success for Russian forces. The enemy is able to use its sole resource, which it has in excess, its men. Reuters could not confirm battlefield reports. Russia and Ukraine are both believed to be preparing new offensives and Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov said a Russian push could begin around the symbolically important date of Feb. 24. We keep telling our partners that we have to be ready for this, as quickly as possible. And thats why we need weapons, Reznikov, visiting Paris on Tuesday, told Frances BFM TV. Ukraine has secured pledges of weapons from the West offering new capabilities the latest expected this week to include rockets from the United States that would nearly double the range of Ukrainian forces. The Kremlin said that longer-range rockets from the United States would escalate the conflict but not change its course. President Vladimir Putin sent troops into Ukraine last year for a special military operation to demilitarise and denazify its neighbour but he now casts the campaign as a fight to defend Russia against an aggressive West. Ukraine and the West accuse Russia of waging an illegal war to expand its territory. SOURCE: REUTERS [February 01, 2023] ComEd, City of Chicago Announce Historic Energy and Equity Agreement, New Franchise Agreement Building on a strong, 100-year history, the City of Chicago and ComEd today announced that a deal has been reached on a pair of agreements for the future - an Energy and Equity Agreement and a new franchise agreement. These agreements, working together, will help Chicago support equitable access to cleaner energy; expand workforce development initiatives, including in under resourced communities; expand clean transportation options; and provide tools that empower Chicago families and businesses to reduce energy use and save money, while enabling ComEd to continue to provide industry-leading service to its customers in Chicago. The agreements also dovetail with ComEd's proposed multi-year plans designed to support broader economic, equity and environmental goals. Both agreements will extend for a term of 15 years plus the option of a five-year extension and are subject to approval by the Chicago City Council and Boards of ComEd and Exelon. "These agreements, which will work together, are a win-win for Chicago and its residents, as they will help advance the city's Climate Action Plan and invest in an equitable transition to a cleaner, healthier energy future for Chicago's families and businesses," said Gil Quiniones, CEO of ComEd. "ComEd greatly values our century-long partnership with the City of Chicago, and we look forward to continuing to provide Chicago and its residents with record-breaking reliability that supports equitable job creation and economic development." The Energy and Equity Agreement will support the city's goals of promoting clean energy, cleaner air, and a healthy environment for all Chicago residents and communities by enabling and investing in renewable energy and the electrification of transportation to bring the benefits of new energy technologies to as many people as possible. It provides, among other things, for the creation and funding of a new non-profit entity - the Clean Energy & Equity Collaborative - that will invest up to $120 million in neighborhood clean and equitable energy initiatives, to be paid for by ComEd shareholder - not customer - funds. "I am proud to announce this nation-leading Franchise Agreement and Energy and Equity Agreement, which will ensure the ongoing reliability of our electricity grid and accelerate an equitable transition to clean, renewable energy in all 77 communities," said Mayor Lori Lightfoot. "This is big win for Chicago, as the agreement includes up to $120 million in ComEd shareholder funds to support local climate action projects, a commitment to train more than 10,000 Chicagoans for careers in the energy sector, and meaningful improvements in coordination and local accountability with the utility." The agreements offer a variety of environmental, public health and financial benefits, some of which include: Investments to enable cleaner energy resources & combat climate change To expand access to renewable energy, ComEd will access state funding to place rooftop solar on up to 200 low-income homes in disadvantaged communities each year, for a total of up to 4,000 homes over the term of the agreement, at no cost to the customer through the Illinois Solar for All program. Participating homes will see an annual reduction in their electric bills and generate clean, green, and environmentally-friendly energy. To support the city's goal to achieve 100 percent clean renewable energy by 2035, ComEd will leverage its solar-ready site within the Bronzeville Community Microgrid footprint to allow the city to add up to 200kW of solar power to the city-owned renewable energy portfolio. Enhanced job training programs ComEd will seekapproval from its regulator, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC), to construct and operate a $32.5 million Clean Energy Training Hub, to be located on Chicago's West side, to prepare, train and re-skill 10,000 residents for careers at ComEd or other companies supporting the clean energy transition. Future eligible participants will receive tuition assistance and a stipend for wrap-around services like tools, transportation, housing and childcare. Under the agreement, ComEd will also ensure that Chicago residents will comprise 35 percent of future CONSTRUCT Infrastructure Academy classes. Over the last 10 years, CONSTRUCT has provided skills training to help more than 700 diverse participants prepare for careers in the skilled trades - with more than 70 percent of graduates placed into jobs. Additionally, ComEd will offer full scholarships to 10 CONSTRUCT graduates each year for 10 years to attend Dawson Technical Institute's Overhead Electrical Line Worker training program. Building on its collaboration with Chicago Public Schools (CPS), ComEd will invest $3.2 million in the Chicago Builds program, a two-year off-campus construction training program for CPS juniors and seniors interested in pursuing a career in construction after graduating high school. The funding will support the program's expansion to a second school on the west side of Chicago. ComEd will also provide 10 trades-related ComEd internships per year for 10 years to Chicago high school students. Local hiring and MWBE commitments Over the term of the agreement, each year, 35 percent of new entry-level field trades roles and 20 percent of new customer service roles at ComEd will be filled by Chicago residents from equity investment eligible communities (EIEC) or socio-economically disadvantaged area (SEDA) communities. This would equate to approximately 1,000 jobs over the term of the agreement based on historical ComEd hiring patterns. To support minority and women-owned businesses (MWBE), the agreement sets participation goals for the total contract value for the design, construction and/or rehab of ComEd utility facilities owned by ComEd in Chicago at 32 percent for minority-owned business and 10 percent for women-owned business contracts. The agreement also establishes a framework under which the city can elect to apply a local hiring requirement of 50 percent worker hours from Chicago residents to non-grid work for the Clean Energy Training Hub. For other large projects, the city may elect to apply to non-grid work a local hiring requirement of 20 percent worker hours from Chicago residents. Innovation to strengthen communities ComEd will seek federal funding to create a Community Resiliency Hub - a first-of-its kind pilot to promote and study new technologies to advance decarbonization. The hubs will explore elements of electric vehicle charging, battery storage, grid infrastructure upgrades, advanced communications network, community partnerships and workforce development, among other topics. Tools to help families and businesses reduce energy use and save money ComEd will invest $24 million in energy efficiency weatherization strategies that will lead to lower energy usage and lower energy costs for single-family and multi-unit households in under resourced communities. This funding is estimated to aid nearly 4,900 low to median income households; a typical household will save up to $941 each year. Over the life of the weatherization measures, approximately 460 million pounds of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions will be avoided. A pilot to provide affordable broadband access By leveraging hundreds of miles of its reserve capacity fiber assets, ComEd would enable internet service providers (ISPs) to bring fast, reliable, affordable broadband infrastructure to communities across Chicago that have limited access to high-speed internet. ComEd will work partner with the city to seek applicable federal, state and other sources of funding to advance broadband expansion efforts. Enhanced transparency and coordination Under the agreement, a City-ComEd Coordination Council will be created to enhance collaboration and communication to resolve critical infrastructure issues; coordinate electrification and decarbonization activities and investments; pursue federal, state and private funding sources to advance the Energy and Equity Agreement; monitor reliability and affordability data; and coordinate updates to the City Council. A community advisory panel would also be created to provide community feedback and input on the implementation of clean energy and electrification projects. The panel would include representatives from the city and ComEd along with local community, environmental and other stakeholder groups. Superior reliability and value Chicago residents receive superior reliability and value from ComEd, and the agreements will allow ComEd to continue to deliver this outstanding service. ComEd customers today enjoy record-breaking, nation-leading reliability because of prudent and necessary grid investments. Further, ComEd's average total monthly residential customer bill of $93 is among the lowest in the nation, and approximately 20 percent lower than the average in the 10 largest metropolitan areas. In addition, ComEd's historical grid investments have enabled ComEd to deliver a variety of programs that have delivered more than $8 billion in savings to customers by enabling them to use less electricity more efficiently. ComEd is a unit of Chicago-based Exelon Corporation (NASDAQ: EXC), a Fortune 200 energy company with approximately 10 million electricity and natural gas customers - the largest number of customers in the U.S. ComEd powers the lives of more than 4 million customers across northern Illinois, or 70 percent of the state's population. For more information visit ComEd.com and connect with the company on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230201006019/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 02, 2023] Gallagher Names JAGGAER a Best-in-Class Employer Gallagher, a global insurance brokerage, risk management and consulting services firm specializing in HR consultancy, has named JAGGAER a Best-in-Class Employer in recognition of its strategic investment in employee benefits, compensation, retirement and employee communication. JAGGAER was one of the 4,000 participating organizations in the 2022 Benefits Strategy & Benchmarking Survey, which forms part of Gallagher's influential U.S. Workforce Trends Report Series. The reports enable organizations to make informed decisions about total compensation packages based on benchmarking data from thousands of U.S. employers. The responses distinguish JAGGAER as an employer of choice in a competitive job market. "I am so honored that JAGGAER earned this designation from a recognized leader in HR consultancy," said Mihele Hamill, Chief Human Resources Officer at JAGGAER. "In addition to providing enhanced total reward benefits, we have been able to do this without passing any premium increases to the employees in the U.S. for more than five years." "We are working hard to win the award again in 2023. We owe it to our customers to invest in great talent and to do this we must offer market-leading benefits in terms of employee health, financial security, career growth and employee wellness," Hamill added. About JAGGAER: Autonomous Commerce JAGGAER is leading the Autonomous Commerce revolution, a self-governing B2B commerce experience between buyers, suppliers, things (IoT) and partners. Over $500 billion worth of goods flow frictionlessly through our Enterprise Commerce Network every year. Leveraging AI and machine learning, our intelligent procurement solutions provide enterprise buyers and suppliers smart-match recommendations that align buyer needs with supplier capabilities. Our solutions autonomously execute many of the repetitive, behind-the-scenes tasks required to facilitate enterprise commerce. We are Networked, Intelligent, Comprehensive and Extensible. We are over 1,200 employees strong, all focused on customer success. For more information, visit www.jaggaer.com About 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. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230202005269/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] This photo taken on Jan. 31, 2023 shows a container terminal of Ningbo Zhoushan Port in east China's Zhejiang Province. China's busiest port, the Port of Ningbo Zhoushan in the eastern province of Zhejiang, saw its cargo throughput exceed 1.25 billion tonnes in 2022, ranking first globally for a 14th consecutive year, according to the port. The port's container throughput hit 33.35 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) last year, ranking third globally. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi) This aerial photo taken on Jan. 31, 2023 shows a cargo ship docking at a container terminal of Ningbo Zhoushan Port in east China's Zhejiang Province. China's busiest port, the Port of Ningbo Zhoushan in the eastern province of Zhejiang, saw its cargo throughput exceed 1.25 billion tonnes in 2022, ranking first globally for a 14th consecutive year, according to the port. The port's container throughput hit 33.35 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) last year, ranking third globally. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi) This aerial photo taken on Jan. 31, 2023 shows a cargo ship docking at a container terminal of Ningbo Zhoushan Port in east China's Zhejiang Province. China's busiest port, the Port of Ningbo Zhoushan in the eastern province of Zhejiang, saw its cargo throughput exceed 1.25 billion tonnes in 2022, ranking first globally for a 14th consecutive year, according to the port. The port's container throughput hit 33.35 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) last year, ranking third globally. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi) This aerial photo taken on Jan. 31, 2023 shows a cargo ship unloading containers at Dapukou Container Terminal of Ningbo Zhoushan Port in east China's Zhejiang Province. China's busiest port, the Port of Ningbo Zhoushan in the eastern province of Zhejiang, saw its cargo throughput exceed 1.25 billion tonnes in 2022, ranking first globally for a 14th consecutive year, according to the port. The port's container throughput hit 33.35 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) last year, ranking third globally. (Xinhua/Xu Yu) This aerial photo taken on Jan. 31, 2023 shows a cargo ship docking at a container terminal of Ningbo Zhoushan Port in east China's Zhejiang Province. China's busiest port, the Port of Ningbo Zhoushan in the eastern province of Zhejiang, saw its cargo throughput exceed 1.25 billion tonnes in 2022, ranking first globally for a 14th consecutive year, according to the port. The port's container throughput hit 33.35 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) last year, ranking third globally. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi) Staff members board a container ship at Dapukou Container Terminal of Ningbo Zhoushan Port in east China's Zhejiang Province, Jan. 31, 2023. China's busiest port, the Port of Ningbo Zhoushan in the eastern province of Zhejiang, saw its cargo throughput exceed 1.25 billion tonnes in 2022, ranking first globally for a 14th consecutive year, according to the port. The port's container throughput hit 33.35 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) last year, ranking third globally. (Xinhua/Xu Yu) This aerial photo taken on Jan. 31, 2023 shows a cargo ship unloading containers at Dapukou Container Terminal of Ningbo Zhoushan Port in east China's Zhejiang Province. China's busiest port, the Port of Ningbo Zhoushan in the eastern province of Zhejiang, saw its cargo throughput exceed 1.25 billion tonnes in 2022, ranking first globally for a 14th consecutive year, according to the port. The port's container throughput hit 33.35 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) last year, ranking third globally. (Xinhua/Xu Yu) This photo taken on Jan. 31, 2023 shows a container terminal of Ningbo Zhoushan Port in east China's Zhejiang Province. China's busiest port, the Port of Ningbo Zhoushan in the eastern province of Zhejiang, saw its cargo throughput exceed 1.25 billion tonnes in 2022, ranking first globally for a 14th consecutive year, according to the port. The port's container throughput hit 33.35 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) last year, ranking third globally. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi) This photo taken on Jan. 31, 2023 shows a cargo ship docking at a container terminal of Ningbo Zhoushan Port in east China's Zhejiang Province. China's busiest port, the Port of Ningbo Zhoushan in the eastern province of Zhejiang, saw its cargo throughput exceed 1.25 billion tonnes in 2022, ranking first globally for a 14th consecutive year, according to the port. The port's container throughput hit 33.35 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) last year, ranking third globally. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi) Cranes and trucks work at a container terminal of Ningbo Zhoushan Port in east China's Zhejiang Province, Jan. 31, 2023. China's busiest port, the Port of Ningbo Zhoushan in the eastern province of Zhejiang, saw its cargo throughput exceed 1.25 billion tonnes in 2022, ranking first globally for a 14th consecutive year, according to the port. The port's container throughput hit 33.35 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) last year, ranking third globally. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi) This aerial photo taken on Jan. 31, 2023 shows the Dapukou Container Terminal of Ningbo Zhoushan Port in east China's Zhejiang Province. China's busiest port, the Port of Ningbo Zhoushan in the eastern province of Zhejiang, saw its cargo throughput exceed 1.25 billion tonnes in 2022, ranking first globally for a 14th consecutive year, according to the port. The port's container throughput hit 33.35 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) last year, ranking third globally. (Xinhua/Xu Yu) Staff members work at the control center of Beilun No. 3 Container Terminal Co., Ltd. of Ningbo Zhoushan Port in east China's Zhejiang Province, Jan. 31, 2023. China's busiest port, the Port of Ningbo Zhoushan in the eastern province of Zhejiang, saw its cargo throughput exceed 1.25 billion tonnes in 2022, ranking first globally for a 14th consecutive year, according to the port. The port's container throughput hit 33.35 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) last year, ranking third globally. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi) Cranes lift containers onto trucks at Dapukou Container Terminal of Ningbo Zhoushan Port in east China's Zhejiang Province, Jan. 31, 2023. China's busiest port, the Port of Ningbo Zhoushan in the eastern province of Zhejiang, saw its cargo throughput exceed 1.25 billion tonnes in 2022, ranking first globally for a 14th consecutive year, according to the port. The port's container throughput hit 33.35 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) last year, ranking third globally. (Xinhua/Xu Yu) Editor: GSY [February 02, 2023] UNIONPAY THAILAND - CHINESE TOURISTS SPEND JUMPED ALMOST 6X DURING CNY 2023 UnionPay's Payment volumes for Chinese tourists jumped almost 6X during CNY 2023, while UnionPay purchases at merchants in Thailand grew even faster at over 7X when compared to CNY 2022. BANGKOK, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Since 8 January 2023 when China first lifted its border controls, Thai businesses and tourism sector have eagerly anticipated the return of Chinese tourists. The travelers from Mainland China are returning - Over the 2023 Chinese New Year (CNY) period of 21 to 30 January, UnionPay's payment volumes from Chinese tourists jumped close to six times compared to 2022 CNY period. UnionPay purchases by Chinese travelers' at merchants in Thailand grew even faster at over seven times, compared to five times growth for ATM cash withdrawals at UnionPay ATMs in Thailand. The surge in spend from Chinese tourists is not surprising given that Trip.com reported in late December 2022 that Thailand was the second most searched destination when China's National Health Commission announced that inbound travelers to Mainland China would no longer need to quarantine upon arrival, ending a policy of nearly three years. Even before the pandemic hit in early 2020, Thailand was also the top travel destination for Chinese tourists based on outbound trips from Mainland Chin in 2019[1]. "We are pleased to see such healthy growth in payment volumes from Chinese travelers during this CNY period, and that they continue to choose to pay with UnionPay when visiting Thailand. We expect to see even stronger payment volumes when group tours from China start on 6 February 2023. In preparation for the return of visitors, UnionPay International (UPI) has continuously strengthened our merchant acceptance to provide a more seamless payment experience for these Chinese tourists. UnionPay is now widely accepted at close to 200K merchants in Thailand, covering many categories and sectors." said Michael Shang, Thailand Country General Manager of UPI. Over the 2023 CNY period, Chinese tourists spent most on Luggage and Leather goods, Lodging, and at Convenience/Department Stores. In terms of transaction frequency, Food & Beverage outlets, Supermarkets, and Convenience/Department Stores saw the most transactions. "With superb shopping, delightful cuisines, pristine beaches and wonderful hospitality, the Land of Thousand Smiles is a perennial favorite with Chinese tourists. We stand ready to meet the payment needs of increasing number of tourists traveling here." said Michael Shang. About UnionPay International UnionPay International (UPI) focuses on the international business of UnionPay, a global payment network that serves the world's largest Cardholder base. With over 70 million merchants accepting UnionPay in 181 countries and regions, and over 40 million merchants in 46 markets globally accepting UnionPay Quick Response (QR) Code, UnionPay is one of the fastest-growing payment networks in the world. As a company with a global acceptance network and a wide range of world-class payment services, UnionPay is committed to providing access to value and secure payment solutions that are tailored to the needs of the local market, to enable choice and ease of payment for consumers and businesses alike. In Southeast Asia, UPI has enabled ATM, POS acceptance, card issuance and e-wallets across all 10 countries. In Thailand, a wide range of UnionPay Cards and several apps are enabled to scan UnionPay QR Code, including Bewallet and K PLUS, the number one mobile banking app in Thailand. For more information on UnionPay Thailand, visit https://www.unionpayintl.com/th/. [1] https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201902/27/WS5c75c041a3106c65c34eb8ce.html SOURCE UnionPay International [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 01, 2023] Nidec Completes the Acquisition of the Shares of Italian Machine Tool Manufacturer PAMA and Its Affiliates Nidec Corporation (TOKYO:6594; OTC US:NJDCY) (the "Company" or "Nidec") announced today that, in accordance with its November 30, 2022 press release, "Nidec to Execute a Share Transfer Agreement on Italian Machine Tool Manufacturer PAMA and Its Affiliates," it has completed the acquisition of all the shares of PAMA S.p.A ("PAMA") on February 1, 2023. Accordingly, PAMA will become a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company as outlined below together with Nidec's business strategy going forward. 1. Outline of the New Subsidiary (1) Company name PAMA S.p.A. (2) Head quarter The city of Rovereto, Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy (3) Foundation 1926 (4) New management Director & Chairperson: Tatsuya Nishimoto (Newly appointed) Director & General Manager: Alessandro Batisti (Reelected) Director: Takeshi Motohashi (Newly elected) (5) Business bases Manufacturing and sales bases: Italy and China Sales bases: The US, Germany, India, and others (6) Affiliates Nine companies in China, the US, Germany, India, and others (7) Principal businesses Manufacturing and sale of machine tools (boring and milling machines and machining centers, among others) (8) Number of employees Approximately 430 (9) Sales Forecast as of the end of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 135.6 million euro (approximately 19.12 billion yen) 2. PAMA's Strengths A company, PAMA, with a broad product portfolio and high technological capabilities in the fields of 5-face milling machine, boring and milling machines, and large machine tools, boasts the world's largest market share as a boring and milling machine manufacturer, whose end users include major press machine, construction equipment, heavy machine for energy, earthmoving machine, shipbuilding and aerospace aircraft manufacturers. In addition, PAMA enjoys stable annual sales in Europe, North America, and China - the country where PAMA has been in business since 1988. 3. Creating Synergies with the Nidec Group Nidec Machine Tool Corporation and Nidec OKK Corporation, two Nidec Group companies whose main products are gear cutting machines, large machine tools and machining centers, have been in need of further developing the multitasking and 5-axis machining technology as well as expanding its lineup of boring and milling machines in the large machine tools space. Also, both companies' main sales area has been in Japan and, compared with other major Japanese machine tool manufacturers, the two companies have generated less sales from overseas markets such as European and American markets and Chinese market, where the future growth is expected. PAMA's joining the Nidec Group will enable the Company to pursue synergies in all the areas of sale, manufacturing, and product development, including: (1) expanding sales in the Asian, European and American markets based on a wide range of product lineup and cross selling; (2) developing new products and components by combining the three companies' technological expertise; and (3) reducing lead time for delivery and manufacturing cost based on a global production optimization in Europe, the US, and Asia. 4. What Nidec Aims to Accomplish with Its Machine Tool Business The annual sales of Nidec Machine Tool, Nidec OKK, and PAMA combined are approximately 87 billion yen. By generating synergies between these three companies and other Nidec Group companies, and implementing new M&As, the Company plans to achieve sales of more than 260 billion yen in its machine tool business in the fiscal year of 2025 (and 500 billion yen in the fiscal year of 2030). Nidec stays committed to actively investing in the industry of machine tools, which are dubbed as "machines of machine" or "mother machines," and contributing to the development of Japan's machinery sector. 5. Effects on Financial Performance for the Current and Next Fiscal Years The Stock Acquisition is expected to have no significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial performance for this fiscal year ending March 31, 2023. If necessary, the Company will make additional disclosure on a timely basis in accordance with the rules of the Tokyo Stock Exchange upon determination of further details. Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Information This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding the intent, belief, strategy, plans or expectations of the Nidec Group or other parties. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or events and involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those described in such forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, the risks to successfully integrating the acquired business with the Nidec Group, the anticipated benefits of the Transaction not being realized, changes in general economic conditions, shifts in technology or user preferences for particular technologies and changes in business and regulatory environments. The Nidec Group does not undertake any obligation to update the forward-looking statements contained herein or the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements except as may be required by law. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230201005454/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 01, 2023] DBS CONTINUES TO BE STUDIED AS A MODEL FOR DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION Harvard Business School is the latest academic institution to capture the bank's transformation journey in a case study that is being taught to its MBA students SINGAPORE, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- DBS continues to be studied as a transformation role model, with Harvard Business School (HBS) being the latest academic institution to capture the bank's digital transformation journey in a case study. The DBS case is being taught in HBS' Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme and its executive education courses by Professor Ranjay Gulati, Paul R. Lawrence MBA Class of 1942 Professor of Business Administration. Gulati was ranked as one of the top ten most cited scholars in Economics and Business over a decade by ISI-Incite. He is also the author of six bestselling books on strategy, organisational effectiveness and leadership in organisations[1]. Gulati said, "Businesses need to transform themselves in order to compete in today's fast-changing markets. I was interested in studying how DBS transformed itself successfully, and to find out what they did and how they executed it. Through my numerous conversations with the bank's executives, what came across very strongly were the digital and purpose-focused elements of the transformation and how these permeated every level of the organisation. The willingness from the leadership to resource the change enabled a building up of the workforce's innovation 'muscles' to create a startup culture quite a feat for an organisation of 33,000 people." DBS CEO Piyush Gupta said "Behaving like a startup meant shifting the bank's mindset from that of a mature multinational to one that is more nimble, more agile; one which is constantly learning, experimenting and innovating on the fly. To effect this change at scale, we had to teach our people how to use the tools of innovation and provide them with opportunities to apply these tools in an environment where it is safe to take risks. This effective culture shift created through a programme of 'culture by design' has been instrumental to our success so far, and will be key as we navigate the disruptions in our industry going ahead." The HBS case study was put together over a span of 15 months through a series of interviews between Gulati and DBS' leadership team. Learn more about the DBS case study t Harvard Business Publishing's repository here. Gupta was also interviewed on an episode of Gulati's newest podcast series "Deep Purpose" in December 2022. The conversation complements the case study and nicely sums up the development stages of the bank, digital transformation, building a technology company, being customer-centric and Gupta's leadership style. Both the recording and transcript are accessible here. In 2022, DBS was named "World's Best Bank" by US-based financial publication Global Finance. This makes it the seventh best bank in the world award it has won in the past five years. DBS was also the only Singapore-headquartered company to be recognised as one of the Top 100 Best Workplaces for Innovators by US-based Fast Company. Other institutions which have written case studies on DBS include INSEAD, the International Institute for Management Development (IMD), IESE, Singapore Management University and Nanyang Technological University. About DBS DBS is a leading financial services group in Asia with a presence in 19 markets. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, DBS is in the three key Asian axes of growth: Greater China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The bank's "AA-" and "Aa1" credit ratings are among the highest in the world. Recognised for its global leadership, DBS has been named "World's Best Bank" by Global Finance, "World's Best Bank" by Euromoney and "Global Bank of the Year" by The Banker. The bank is at the forefront of leveraging digital technology to shape the future of banking, having been named "World's Best Digital Bank" by Euromoney and the world's "Most Innovative in Digital Banking" by The Banker. In addition, DBS has been accorded the "Safest Bank in Asia" award by Global Finance for 14 consecutive years from 2009 to 2022. DBS provides a full range of services in consumer, SME and corporate banking. As a bank born and bred in Asia, DBS understands the intricacies of doing business in the region's most dynamic markets. DBS is committed to building lasting relationships with customers, as it banks the Asian way. Through the DBS Foundation, the bank creates impact beyond banking by supporting social enterprises: businesses with a double bottom-line of profit and social and/or environmental impact. DBS Foundation also gives back to society in various ways, including equipping communities with future-ready skills and building food resilience. With its extensive network of operations in Asia and emphasis on engaging and empowering its staff, DBS presents exciting career opportunities. For more information, please visit www.dbs.com. About Harvard Business School Founded in 1908 as part of Harvard University, Harvard Business School is located on a 40-acre campus in Boston. Its faculty of more than 200 offers full-time programmes leading to the MBA and doctoral degrees, as well as more than 70 open enrolment Executive Education programs and 55 custom programmes, and Harvard Business School Online, the School's digital learning platform. For more than a century, HBS faculty have drawn on their research, their experience in working with organisations worldwide, and their passion for teaching to educate leaders who make a difference in the world, shaping the practice of business and entrepreneurship around the globe. [1] Ranjay Gulati's website https://ranjaygulati.com/ and profile page on HBS' website https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/profile.aspx?facId=77265. SOURCE DBS BANK LTD [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 01, 2023] Prince Retail Transforms Its End-to-end Supplier Collaboration Process with Algonomy's Vendor Link BENGALURU, India, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Prince Retail, a chain of retail and wholesale stores based in Cebu City, Philippines, announced that they have successfully transformed data and process collaboration with their suppliers using Vendor Link , Algonomy's Supplier Collaboration platform. Prince Retail is leveraging Vendor Link to bring greater visibility into its supply chain processes - from ordering to delivery to payment. Prior to implementing the platform, these were done manually via phone calls, text messages, emails, or fax, often resulting in errors and inefficiencies. With Vendor Link, the vendors could access their POS data, which helped them gauge demand in the stores based on consumer sentiment, not just purchase orders. This helped them with their own forecasting to improve their assortment planning and stock availability. As a result, Prince Retail gets more efficient and profitable inventory/stock allocation across its stores and more relevant promoted packs and assortment. Prince Retail uses Vendor Link to improve collaboration between its vendors and merchandising teams for operational and transactional activities such as order management, scheduling, and payments. Further, the platform enables seamless data sharing to plan faster and more accurately for promotions and programs. p>"Our objective was to create greater transparency and improve process efficiency across the supplier ecosystem. Vendor Link has more than met our expectations. The platform has created a data-driven culture among our internal teams and suppliers, helping make better decisions on a day-to-day basis," said Rina Janine Go , Chief Merchandising, Marketing, and Distribution Officer at Prince Retail. Using Vendor Link, Prince Retail is able to save a lot of time on the ordering process and no longer faces issues wherein buyers forget to send all the purchase orders of all the stores. Manual and recurring mistakes have been eliminated, and more time is spent on value-adding activities. Payment visibility has been a huge plus for vendors who can track their payments better and improve their delivery schedule. Thanks to data sharing, most of the vendors' programs are now data-driven and more impactful, as they are able to track their performance and their competitors' performance with ease. Further, Prince Retail sees fewer resources wasted on promotions and programs, and less overstocked inventory on products that don't move as well or promotions that don't work as well. Improved stock availability is also seen with better visibility on payments. "Vendor Link is a comprehensive web-based collaboration platform that removes operational silos between vendors and retailers by automating and streamlining end-to-end operations," said Amit Agarwal, SVP of Business Development at Algonomy. "We're excited to help Prince Retail drive costs down, reduce wastage, and improve profitability." Prince Retail also solved issues in their order-to-pay cycle, especially with fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) vendors. Disputes on several aspects like actual quantity received, rebate deduction, and discounts were often reconciliation issues. Payment reconciliation often became the reason why the retailer's succeeding orders were not served, which resulted in poor stock availability in stores. Vendor Link served as a solution that enabled a faster and more efficient Accounts Payable (AP) process and provided better visibility of the order-to-pay cycle from when the suppliers delivered goods to the warehouses. As a result, fill rates rose and on-shelf availability improved. Furthermore, this helped Prince Retail significantly improve its relationship with suppliers. About Algonomy Algonomy (previously Manthan-RichRelevance) empowers leading brands to become digital-first with the industry's only real-time Algorithmic Customer Engagement Platform that unifies data, decisioning, and orchestration across marketing, digital commerce, and merchandising for the retail industry. With industry-leading retail AI connecting demand to supply with a real-time customer data platform as the foundation, Algonomy enables 1:1 omnichannel personalization, customer journey orchestration, merchandise analytics, and supplier collaboration. Algonomy is a trusted partner to more than 400 leading retailers and brands, QSRs, convenience stores, and more; with a global presence spanning over 20 countries. More at algonomy.com. SOURCE Algonomy [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 01, 2023] Accelerating Energy Efficiency Adoption, Deep-tech Startup KrossLinker Develops a Cost-effective Aerogel Insulation SINGAPORE, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- KrossLinker, an energy-efficiency-focused deep-tech advanced material startup, is designing and developing the world's most insulating nanomaterial, aerogel, that is low-cost, environmentally friendly, and scalable. Efficient and sustainable solutions for the most demanding insulation applications KrossLinker's first aerogel product, Cryar Aerogel Board, targets the cold-chain industry, where a positive market growth trend is expected. But this industry faces a USD$ 35 billion revenue loss annually due to temperature excursions. A 2020 report indicated that packaging costs account for around 30% of the total spending of pharmaceutical cold chain companies. KrossLinker's Cryar provides an effective solution to combat this billion-dollar loss. Cryar is a first-of-its-kind water-based, eco-friendly Si-Aerogel composite board developed through an energy-efficient process. The nano-porous structure of silica aerogel imparts Cryar with the best-in-class, and reliable thermal insulation performance, making it a safe, compact, and sustainable solution to transport valuable pharma products, including drugs, vaccines, cinical trial samples, and more. KrossLinker has collaborated with several specialty packaging, logistic companies, and hospitals to commercialize and accelerate the adoption of Cryar aerogel shippers. It has been building strategic partnerships with market leaders to co-develop aerogel products to tackle similar problems in vertical markets, such as e-mobility and energy infrastructure. The role of ADB Ventures ADB Ventures has remained one of KrossLinker's key investors and partners since 2022. Qiyong Cao, the Senior Investment Specialist at ADB Ventures, talked about KrossLinker's potential: "KrossLinker's proprietary patented aerogel platform technology (ASPIRE) addresses the lengthy research and development, high capital expenditure, and intensive energy consumption of traditional aerogel manufacturing processes. It allows for a significant disruptive impact, enabling affordable access to one of the best insulation materials for mainstream markets and unlocking tremendous market opportunities." What makes KrossLinker unique? Numerous things make KrossLinker stand out from the crowd. Recognized for Cryar's best-in-class insulation performance, long-term stability of properties, non-toxic, water-based, lightweight, and reusable, KrossLinker is also known for being: Sustainable in its core Solutional in energy-saving products Supportive of a greener supply chain Suitable for logistics cost reduction Innovative in product safety KrossLinker's Gayathri Natarajan, PhD., one of the company's founders, said, "The technology we developed from several years of research to produce our silica aerogel addresses all the challenges and major roadblocks of manufacturing aerogel traditionally. With faster production and low energy consumption of the novel drying technology, our aerogel is made at half the production and capital expenditure of traditional aerogel without compromising its performance. We have demonstrated this in our current pilot production line." A talented team of scientists, Dr. Elmira Soghrati, Ph.D., Gayathri Natarajan, Ph.D., and Mahesh Sachithanadam, Ph.D., founded KrossLinker in 2019. Now, a list of top-tier investors, including Seeds Capital, ADB ventures, She1k, Enterprise Singapore, Third Derivative, 500 Global, and Entrepreneur First, supports KrossLinker. KrossLinker has just opened for Series A funding and is looking for strategic investors to participate in scaling up commercial aerogel production for the cold chain industry and expanding R&D to build the best solution for insulation applications. Visit www.krosslinker.com for more information. About KrossLinker KrossLinker is a Singapore-based deep-tech Aerogel Solutions startup that develops energy-efficient thermally insulating nanomaterial, 'aerogel'. KrossLinker's technology has addressed several challenges that hinder traditional aerogel from broader adoption, such as high cost and limited production scalability. With its proprietary low-cost production platform, the company aims to make this world's best insulation material accessible and affordable across mainstream thermal insulation markets, enlivening innovative aerogel solutions for a better world. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/accelerating-energy-efficiency-adoption-deep-tech-startup-krosslinker-develops-a-cost-effective-aerogel-insulation-301736864.html [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 01, 2023] For the first time in the Middle East, The Sultanate of Oman hosts the International Semiconductors Executive Summit LONDON, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- To further enhance, strengthen and expand the global semiconductor ecosystem, the International Semiconductor Executive Summits (ISES) launches the International Semiconductor Executive Summits (ISES) Middle East will be held in Oman, Muscat on February 22nd-23rd. The International Semiconductor Executive Summits hosts Executive Leadership Platforms in Semiconductor Manufacturing in the regions of the United States of America, Taiwan, China, Europe and in South East Asia covering vital topics in Chip Design, Advanced Packaging, MEMS & Sensors, Memory Manufacturing, Automotive Electronics, 5G & 6G, IoT, Metaverse and more. The first Semiconductor event hosted in the GCC will take place in Muscat, Oman hosted by The Sultanate on February 22-23, 2023, combining an international executive audience, very important topics and exclusive access to incredible cultural highlights for all attendees. For more information and to register for the Summit, please visit https://isesglobal.com/events/ises-middle-east/ The Ministry is the responsible body for formulating and implementing the government digital strategies and programs in the Sultanate of Oman. Its main mission is to raise the level of efficiency in government performance, support innovation in service delivery, and enhance spending and economic growth through the use of information and communication technology. "Oman is the perfect hub for the creation of semiconductor design and infrastructure in the GCC. It is home to a young, prosperous and highly educated population. In the global and regional hunt for tech talent, Oman will become a primary destination for leading tech companies establishing global development centers, and for local champions expanding internationally. International Semiconductor Executive Summits (ISES) Middle East offers full membership benefits to both local and multinational companies within the country through this platform. International Semiconductor Executive Summits (ISES) Middle East members will have access to the rich, open dialogues with subject matter experts on the industry, technologies, markets, business practices and business models with personalized, local representation, advocacy and highly-curated events. DR. Ali bin Amer Al-Shidhani, Undersecretary for the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, said "This summit will be organized to implement Oman Vision 2040 aims according to the ministry interest to bring more investment projects in communications and information technology sector in the Sultanate of Oman and attract global companies in the semiconductors industry. This will enhance economic diversification and provide job opportunities to Omani youths'' "The International Semiconductor Executive Summits (ISES) advisory board members, members and community and I are committed to continually improving and reimagining how we expand to further serve and engage a more comprehensive value chain. In rapidly growing and emerging markets, like the GCC, we need to use our resources to stay ahead of the curve by delivering a valuable, neutral platform to maximize and grow the supply chain that the World desperately needs," said Salah Nasri, President of the International Semiconductor Executive Summits (ISES) Register today and secure your pass via: https://isesglobal.com/events/ises-middle-east/ About International Semiconductor Executive Summits (I.S.E.S.) I.S.E.S. is where decision makers in Semiconductor Manufacturing connect to inspire, collaborate and share ideas in a trusted network. A leading industry associated that consists of members from the entire Semiconductor ecosystem responsible for the innovations in Equipment & Materials Manufacturers, OSATs, Foundries, IDMs, IC Design Houses, Software and Services to the actual end user such as High Performance Computing, AI, Automotive Electronics, 5G/6G and etc. I.S.E.S. hosts its Summits annually in the following regions: United States of America, Germany, Italy, Taiwan, China, and Singapore. The MEMS World Summit EU, China and South East Asia are I.S.E.S. Strategic Communities. I.S.E.S. provides a unique industry platform dedicated for collaboration, where global leaders connect and innovate with peers, partners and customers to accelerate the semiconductor industry. Visit www.isesglobal.com to learn more, contact us, and connect with the International Semiconductor Executive Summits (I.S.E.S) on LinkedIn (hyperlink: https://www.linkedin.com/company/internationalsemiconductorexecutivesummit/), YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TjWccCFQfo) and WeChat. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/for-the-first-time-in-the-middle-east-the-sultanate-of-oman-hosts-the-international-semiconductors-executive-summit-301736720.html [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 01, 2023] No easy way to communicate risks of climate change, new research finds New research from the Singapore Management University shows that having individuals visualise the shock of future climate change failed to motivate them to change behaviour Research insights demonstrate the importance of customising communication strategies to different groups, from climate sceptics to individuals already living sustainable lives This research paper is newly published in PLOS Climate, an open-access journal that furthers understanding of climatic impacts and solutions SINGAPORE, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- There is no easy way to engage with the general public to communicate the risks of climate change, according to a new study. Contrary to the adage of 'seeing is believing', individuals who saw what the future impacts of climate change may look like were not positively motivated to make behavioural changes. This was particularly true for climate sceptics[1] and for individuals who already live more climate-friendly and sustainable lives. Led by Assistant Professor Terry van Gevelt from the College of Integrative Studies, Singapore Management University (SMU), this research investigated the use of immersive virtual experiences to communicate the risks of climate change to the general public, with a focus on coastal cities in Asia. This latest study, "Using virtual simulations of future extreme weather events to communicate climate change risk", is based on experimental survey data from 1,500 respondents in Hong Kong, conducted in 2021. Elaborating on the research methodology, Assistant Professor Terry van Gevelt said: "We created a completely feasible and rigorous model of an extreme weather event amplified by the expected impacts of climate change. This extreme weather event a super typhoon was then modelled to hit an Asian coastal city (Hong Kong, in this case) and we created a virtual simulation of the event. This virtual simulation was used as a risk communication vehicle, or a way to experientially communicate the future impacts of climate change." The authors underscored the importance of not overestimating the effectiveness of immersive visualisations to communicate climate risks. "Visualising the devastating impacts of climate change play out in the cities we live in should provide the wake-up call needed to modify individual behaviour and support costly climate adaptation and mitigation measures. Unfortunately, our results suggest that 'seeing is not believing', especially for climate sceptics," said Assistant Professor van Gevelt. "This goes to show that there is no easy solution to communicating climate change risk. Instead, we need to accept complexity and see highly targeted and contextual immersive experiences as one component within a comprehensive engagement strategy." These research findings were published on 1 February 2023 in PLOS Climate, a Californian-based non-profit and Open Access journal with a focus on collaborative, interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research to combat climate change. The research was conducted in collaboration with Duke University, Nanyang Technological University, University of Hong Kong, University of Macau, Hohai University and Sun Yat-sen University. This work was supported by the University Grants Committee of Hong Kong (ref: 17601221), the University of Hong Kong (ref: 104005971.101497.30100.301.01 and ref: 202009002) and an Epic Games MegaGrant. Ethical approval was granted by the Human Research Ethics Committee at the University of Hong Kong (Ref: EA200187). [1] Climate sceptics refer to individuals who do not think anthropogenic climate change is happening. SOURCE Singapore Management University [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 02, 2023] Artha Solutions helped Generali Thailand adapt Talend to Better Mitigate Risk and Stay Compliant HYDERABAD, India, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Talend, a global leader in data integration and data management and Artha Solutions, a premier data management solutions company, today announced that Generali Thailand, a subsidiary of Generali, one of the largest global insurance and asset management providers, partnered with Talend & Artha Solutions to create a more data-driven organization while mitigating risk and staying compliant. Leveraging the Talend platform for Generali's compliance initiatives allows the insurer to foster a data-driven culture by democratizing data with scalable control and governance across the organization. Generali Thailand provides a comprehensive range of products and services, including general and life insurance for individuals and corporate clients. With a focus on customer-oriented service and fair operating procedures, Generali Thailand is rapidly building its customer base with comprehensive financial solutions among Thai and foreign clients. For Generali Thailand, the data project started with compliance with the new international standard, IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts, which sets out the requirements a company should apply in reporting information about the insurance contracts it issues and its reinsurance contracts. This requirement provides transparent reporting about a company's financial position and risk and will be effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2023. "At Generali, we aim to place data at the heart of our organization to drive value and enable the delivery of our lifetime partner ambition and digital strategy," said Ms. Hyun Sook Ji, CIO of Generali Thailand. "By partnering with Talend and Artha, we achieved the implementation of our projects quicker and increased the productivity of our development team. We're building a data-driven organization that provides simple access, boosts data usage agility, and delivers improved and faster services to our stakeholders." This comprehensive project requires massive data transfer and transformation from all of Generali's policy management systems and other systems located in different countries, including Ital, Generali's home country. Talend and its partners, iZeno, a value-added reseller, and Artha Solutions, a system integrator, played a key role in the data integration and management of all these components to create this new data architecture and layer environment. Talend Data Management platform allows ingesting multiple external and internal data sources while ensuring healthy data is provided to the scalable and flexible data platform. "Insurance companies and other Financial institutions are facing a rapidly changing regulatory environment which requires complex and expensive data reporting and numerous regulatory disclosures obligations," said Jorawar Singh, Regional Sales Director at Artha Solutions. "With our deep Insurance vertical knowledge and the experience of supporting many global Insurance customers with various Data Management projects, Artha, with the support of Talend solutions, has not only helped the Generali Thailand team meet the current IFRS 17 project deadlines but has also helped focus on various strategic Data Management projects initiatives such as Big Data Analytics, Customer 360, Data Quality and Governance." Generali is also leveraging Talend Data Catalog as a component for implementing a data governance strategy across the organization as a support tool for the business function. Following compliance with IFRS 17, Generali will embark on a digital transformation project to become a new-generation company by building a single view of the customer through the development of a customer-based mobile application. "Given the rise in regulations, the lack of a comprehensive, consistent approach to data governance and quality is slowing processes further and resulting in significant risk exposure for insurers," said JJ Tan, Regional Vice President of Asia at Talend. "With Talend's capabilities for governance, integration, and integrity, Generali Thailand was able to balance its increased use of data while ensuring the quality and compliance of that data. We're looking forward to furthering the strength of our collaboration to create value from Generali's data organization-wide." For more details on Talend and its complete portfolio of solutions, visit www.talend.com. ABOUT ARTHA SOLUTIONS Artha Solutions is a premier data management solutions company focused on generating business value through data-driven business strategy and technology implementation. Artha brings experienced experts combined with best-in-class technology to solve complex business issues across a variety of industries including finance, healthcare, retail, utilities/telecom, hospitality, and more. Founded a decade ago, Artha excels in business and data consulting, data strategy, governance, MDM, and analytics. Artha, with its award-winning expertise in building big data solutions, on-premises and in the cloud, is unparalleled for a firm their age. Artha partners with several leading technology companies including Talend, Qlik, Pyramid Analytics, Jaspersoft, Cloudera, Snowflake, Kinaxis, Denodo, Amurta, Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure, and several other leading tool and technology providers to address customers' data-driven initiatives. For additional information, please visit Artha Solutions at https://www.thinkartha.com/. ABOUT TALEND Talend, a global leader in data integration and data management, is taking the work out of working with data. Talend offers the only end-to-end platform that combines enterprise-grade data integration, integrity, and governance capabilities to unify data across any cloud, hybrid, or multi-cloud environment. With Talend's no-code and low-code modules, data experts and business users actively collaborate to make data more discoverable, usable, and valuable organization-wide. Over 7,250 customers around the world rely on Talend for healthy data and a healthy business. Top analyst firms and industry media recognize Talend as a leader in data management software. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/artha-solutions-helped-generali-thailand-adapt-talend-to-better-mitigate-risk-and-stay-compliant-301737017.html [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 02, 2023] Pyramid Analytics Expands Germany Team With Appointment of Martin McDonald as New VP for the DACH Region Pyramid Analytics (Pyramid), a pioneering business analytics and decision intelligence provider, has appointed Martin McDonald as Vice President DACH. McDonald has held various management positions in global technology companies looking to enter the German (DACH) market, including FredHopper and CoreMetrics. He most recently was VP DACHEE, Southern Europe at customer data specialist Tealium. Key Points: Pyramid Analytics, the leading decision intelligence platform provider, hires experienced technology sector leader Martin McDonald to accelerate DACH growth. The new VP DACH brings more than 15 years of experience in business development for international companies looking to enter the German (DACH) market. Pyramid is expanding investment in DACH talent, sales and marketing, and partner expansion. Click here to schedule a demo of the Pyramid Decision Intelligence Platform. McDonald joins Pyramid after leading successful and innovative teams throughout the world in the enterprise software industry, and companies specializing in data and analytics. Prior to Pyramid, he was VP DACHEE, Southern Europe at customer data specialist Tealium. At Pyramid, McDonald will be responsible for developing and executing the regional strategy in the DACH market. This will include business operations and development, personnel development, key account management, growth of sales, and profitability in the region and, in turn, expanding Pyramid's market position across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. He will also supervise and expand Pyramid Analytics' DACH network of system integrators (SI), value-added resellers (VAR), distributors, global information services and consulting firms, and complementary technology companies. The partner program is an important part of Pyramid's growth strategy to bring its pioneering and transformative technology to customers worldwide. McDonald will spearhead Pyramd's SAP market strategy in the DACH region. SAP was founded in Germany and is the largest company by market capitalization in the country. For its thriving ecosystem of SAP enterprise users, Pyramid offers a unique value add to unlock the potential of SAP through self-service analytics directly on SAP BW and SAP HANA data. Taking Business Intelligence to the Next Level Today's data-driven businesses are making faster, more accurate decisions based on facts rather than perception. But to become truly data-driven, businesses need a platform that fully leverages all their data. Many organizations have discovered that their current business intelligence platforms are incomplete and not fit for purpose. This leaves them stuck in the past, making slow decisions, no decisions, or worse, bad decisions. The Pyramid Decision Intelligence Platform changes that. It empowers people with augmented, automated, and collaborative insights that simplify and guide the use of data in decision-making. It combines governed self-service analytics with artificial intelligence (AI) and brings data prep, business analytics, and data science together into one frictionless platform. Providing users with insights for timely and effective decision-making - that is Decision Intelligence. AI lowers the skills barrier by automating the highly technical work needed to prepare and analyze data and create and share reports and dashboards. By lowering the skills barrier, it empowers anyone - from the C-suite to the frontline - to integrate faster, more intelligent decision-making into their organization. Quotes: Omri Kohl, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, Pyramid Analytics: "We are delighted to welcome Martin to Pyramid. Martin has a strong track record of success within the technology industry, and his deep expertise on the value of data & analytics will be much appreciated by Pyramid's partners and customers. His extensive international leadership and experience will be essential as we further accelerate Pyramid's strong growth in the DACH region." Martin McDonald, Vice President DACH, Pyramid Analytics: "The Pyramid Decision Intelligence Platform is built for what's next in data and analytics. It's gratifying to represent the only complete, unified Decision Intelligence Platform and bring the power of business intelligence and advanced analytics to all enterprise decision makers. DACH is an exciting region for Pyramid, right at the heart of the European economy and home to world-leading organisations with their eyes set on advancing their use of data. DACH is also the home of SAP - a space where Pyramid has a powerful set of capabilities that I look forward to sharing with partners and customers in the months and years ahead. I am proud to join this team, full of the brightest minds in the industry, and look forward to expanding the business and its success in the DACH region." About Pyramid Analytics Pyramid Analytics is the next generation of business analytics. The award-winning Pyramid Decision Intelligence Platform empowers people with augmented, automated, and collaborative insights that simplify and guide the use of data in decision-making. The Pyramid Analytics platform provides direct access to any data, enabling governed self-service for any person, and meeting any analytics need in a no-code environment. It brings together data prep, business analytics, and data science into one frictionless platform, ready to empower anyone with the power of intelligent decision-making. This enables a strategic, enterprise-wide approach to business intelligence and analytics, from the simple to the sophisticated. Schedule a demo. Pyramid Analytics is incorporated in Amsterdam and has regional headquarters in global innovation and business centers, including London, New York City, and Tel-Aviv. Our team lives worldwide because geography should not be a barrier to talent and opportunity. Investors include H.I.G. Growth Partners, Jerusalem Venture Partners (JVP), Sequoia Capital, and Viola Growth. Learn more at Pyramid Analytics. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230202005123/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 02, 2023] Schulte Roth & Zabel Bolsters UK Tax Practice with Addition of Dan Roman LONDON, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Schulte Roth & Zabel (SRZ) today announced the addition of Dan Roman as a partner in the London office and a member of the Tax Group. Dan joins SRZ with extensive legal and financial experience. This encompasses a wide range of complex tax matters, including designing and managing fund structures, advising on cross-border asset management issues, Brexit restructurings and deferred compensation arrangements. He has also advised institutional asset management and investment firms on taxation issues through his roles as a partner at Deloitte and KPMG, and prior to that at Ernst & Young, where he handled tax issues relating to hedge funds and investment management more generally. He was most recently the Group Head of Tax and CFO for a sovereign wealth fund-backed energy insurance startup. "Dan's addition to the team will greatly expand our UK tax capabilities," said Josh Dambacher, co-head of the firm's London office. "At KPMG, Dan was pivotal in the launch of their hedge fund practice, and he has extensive experience managing credit and deferred compensation structures. Our clients look to us for strategic guidance to manage their complex credit and tax structures, and Dan will be a critical component of providing that counsel." "Dan's experience speaks directly to market opportunities and challenges, and we are looking forward to having him on board to advise clients in investment structuring and transactions," said Alan S. Waldenberg, o-head of the firm's Tax Group. "Working closely with Partner Nick Fagge, Dan will play an instrumental role in expanding our capabilities in tax and investment management." "Economic uncertainty is generating a unique set of challenges for investment managers in terms of corporate tax compliance. SRZ has market-leading capabilities across the full spectrum of private fund operations, and I look forward to working with my new colleagues to provide needed clarity and measurable value," said Dan. Dan received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy and Law from King's College, Cambridge University, attended the Inns of Court School of Law prior to qualifying as a barrister, and has an MBA from the European Institute of Business Administration (INSEAD). He is also proficient in Hungarian and Hebrew. About Schulte Roth & Zabel: Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP is a full-service law firm with offices in New York, Washington, DC and London. As one of the leading law firms serving the financial services industry, the firm advises clients on investment management, corporate and transactional matters, and provides counsel on securities regulatory compliance, enforcement and investigative issues. The firm's practices include: antitrust; bank regulatory; bankruptcy & creditors' rights litigation; blockchain technology & digital assets; broker-dealer regulatory & enforcement; business reorganization; complex commercial litigation; cybersecurity & data privacy; distressed debt & claims trading; distressed investing; education law; employment & employee benefits; energy; environmental; estate planning; estate & trust administration; environmental, social and governance (ESG); family law; finance & derivatives; financial institutions; hedge funds; insurance; intellectual property, sourcing & technology; investment management; litigation; litigation finance; mergers & acquisitions; nonprofits; philanthropic planning; PIPEs; private credit, distressed investing & direct lending; private equity; real estate; real estate capital markets & REITs; real estate litigation; regulated funds; regulatory & compliance; securities & capital markets; securities enforcement; securities litigation; securitization; shareholder activism; structured finance & derivatives; tax; trading agreements; and white collar defense & government investigations. Contacts: Stanton Mike Goodwin [email protected] 646-502-3595 Schulte Roth & Zabel Josh Epstein [email protected] 212-610-7539 View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/schulte-roth--zabel-bolsters-uk-tax-practice-with-addition-of-dan-roman-301736698.html [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Performers of Jin Opera apply makeup before a performance in Hohhot, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Feb 1, 2023. In recent days, the "Our Festival - 2023 Cultural Performance for the People" activity held by Hohhot Jin Opera Troupe was presented at the Hongyan Theater in Yuquan District, Hohhot, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The performance specially selected traditional Jin Opera classics such as "Calculating Grain and Entering the Hall" and "Shuangguan Gao". (Ding Genhou/Guangming Picture) Actors perform Jin Opera "Calculating Grain and Entering the Hall" in Hohhot, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Feb 1, 2023. In recent days, the "Our Festival - 2023 Cultural Performance for the People" activity held by Hohhot Jin Opera Troupe was presented at the Hongyan Theater in Yuquan District, Hohhot, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The performance specially selected traditional Jin Opera classics such as "Calculating Grain and Entering the Hall" and "Shuangguan Gao". (Ding Genhou/Guangming Picture) Editor: ZAD [February 02, 2023] Analytical Instrumentation Market to be Worth $70.09 Billion by 2030: Grand View Research, Inc. SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The global analytical instrumentation market size is projected to reach USD 70.09 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 3.53% from 2023 to 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Analytical laboratory instrumentation includes a broad range of instruments with the main purpose of quantitative and qualitative analysis of samples. Increasing research and development activities in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries and increasing adoption of analytical instrumentation for applications in precision medicine are key factors driving the industry. Governments from various countries are continuously investing in pharmaceutical R&D to support new drug development and improve healthcare in their regions. Key industry Insights & Findings from the report: The instruments segment held the largest share in 2022 owing to the presence of several companies offering different types of analytical instrumentation, such as mass spectrometers, chromatographs, and sequencing systems. The PCR technology segment accounted for the largest share in 2022due to the benefits offered by PCR technology, such as rapid amplification, the requirement of a small amount of sample, and utility for the detection of multiple analytes in a single sample. The life sciences research & development application segment dominated the market in 2022 owing to the rising R&D activities by various life sciences industries to develop and manufacture novel biologics, such as monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, and therapeutic proteins. North America held the largest revenue share in 2022due to the presence of a well-established healthcare system and pharmaceutical industry in the region, which has created a significant demand for analytical instrumentation for clinical and research purposes. Read 180 page market research report, "Analytical Instrumentation Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Technology (PCR, Spectroscopy), By Application (Forensic Analysis, Life Sciences R&D), By Product (Instruments, Services), And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030", published by Grand View Research. Analytical Instrumentation Market Growth & Trends For instance, in October 2020, the UAE government announced the provision of financial incentives to support Indian healthcare manufacturing companies with robust R&D capabilities. The announcement was made at the UAE-India Healthcare Conference 2020 and was intended to promote partnerships and collaborations between the two countries for pharmaceutical, healthcare, medical devices, and alternative medicine. Such initiatives will boost R&D activities, which, in turn, will support market growth. The COVID-19 pandemic led to a decrease in the sales of analytical instruments, such as spectroscopy and chromatography-related instrumentation, thermal analyzers, and others in 2020. This was due to the imposition of lockdown strictures, disruption of supply chains, and a decrease in clinical trial activities during the period. However, due to the pandemic, instrumentation related to a polymerase chain reaction (PCR), microarray, and sequencing technologies saw a significant rise in demand in 2021. Several new PCR products were launched to tackle the increasing COVID-19 cases during this period. For instance, in March 2022, Roche launched its new cobas 5800 system in the U.K. to increase testing volumes and enhance the operational efficiency of COVID-19 testing. Moreover, technological advancements are also leading to a reduction in analysis time and are increasing the medical applications of analytical instrumentation. For instance, in June 2021, Trivitron Healthare launched its NANO H5 & NANO H110 HPLC analyzers intended for the detection of HbA1c in less than 3 minutes. These HPLC-based HbA1c analyzers can also aid in monitoring hemoglobin variants, thalassemia, and diabetes. Furthermore, key players are launching novel analytical instrumentation for microplastic analysis. For instance, in October 2022, Agilent Technologies, Inc. launched its enhanced 8700 LDIR Chemical Imaging System with Clarity 1.5 software optimized for the analysis of microplastics in environmental samples. The advances in analytical instruments include enhanced spectral acquisition, speed of analysis, transformation, and library matching. These technological advancements can significantly aid in increasing the adoption of analytical instrumentation and fuel market growth. On the other hand, the high cost of analytical instrumentation may restrain the industry growth during the projected timeframe. Spectrometry has a high initial setup cost; the mass spectrometers, LC/MS systems, cost around USD 40,000 to USD 200,000, depending on the technology, requirement, and analysis. Such high costs may not be affordable for small- and medium-sized laboratories, which hampers the market growth. However, to overcome the cost-associated factors, various companies and organizations are undertaking initiatives to provide analytical instruments at affordable prices. For instance, Thermo Fisher Scientific offers Mass Spectrometer Price Affordability Programs in which the company helps buy mass spectrometry instruments at affordable prices. Analytical Instrumentation Market Segmentation Grand View Research has segmented the global analytical instrumentation market based on product, technology, application, and region: Analytical Instrumentation Market - Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030) Instruments Services Software Analytical Instrumentation Market - Technology Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030) Polymerase Chain Reaction Spectroscopy Microscopy Chromatography Flow Cytometry Sequencing Microarray Others Analytical Instrumentation Market - Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030) Life Sciences Research & Development Clinical & Diagnostic Analysis Food & Beverage Analysis Forensic Analysis Environmental Testing Others Analytical Instrumentation Market - Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030) North America U.S. Canada Europe U.K. Germany France Italy Spain Denmark Sweden Norway Asia Pacific Japan China India Australia Thailand South Korea Latin America Brazil Mexico Argentina Middle East and Africa (MEA) and (MEA) South Africa Saudi Arabia UAE Kuwait List of Key Players in Analytical Instrumentation Market Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. Waters Corp. Shimadzu Corp. Danaher Agilent Technologies, Inc. Bruker Corp. PerkinElmer, Inc. Mettler Toledo Zeiss Group Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. Illumina, Inc. Eppendorf SE F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG Sartorius AG Avantor, Inc. Check out more related studies published by Grand View Research: Process Analytical Technology Market - The global process analytical technology market is expected to reach USD 5.0 billion by 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc., expanding at a CAGR of 10.2% from 2022 to 2030. The rising R&D spending by pharmaceutical companies, government investment in emerging markets, growing adherence to reliability by design (QbD) principles, increasing emphasis on improving quality and manufacturing process efficiency, and technological developments in the analytical technology industry are the main drivers in the market. - The global process analytical technology market is expected to reach by 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc., expanding at a CAGR of 10.2% from 2022 to 2030. The rising R&D spending by pharmaceutical companies, government investment in emerging markets, growing adherence to reliability by design (QbD) principles, increasing emphasis on improving quality and manufacturing process efficiency, and technological developments in the analytical technology industry are the main drivers in the market. Spectrometry Market - The global spectrometry market size is expected to reach USD 24.5 billion by 2028, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 7.2% from 2021 to 2028. Key players offer technologically advanced spectrometry products for several healthcare applications and have collaborated with research institutes to develop novel products. - The global spectrometry market size is expected to reach by 2028, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 7.2% from 2021 to 2028. Key players offer technologically advanced spectrometry products for several healthcare applications and have collaborated with research institutes to develop novel products. Sample Preparation Market - The global sample preparation market size is expected to reach USD 10.6 billion by 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 6.4% from 2022 to 2030. The need to develop quick, inexpensive, and environment friendly sample preparation processes has prompted the development of novel approaches that eventually help to reduce the number of extraction steps, lower solvent usage, and automate the sample preparation system, which would further fuel the market. Browse through Grand View Research's Biotechnology Industry Research Reports. About Grand View Research Grand View Research, U.S.-based market research and consulting company, provides syndicated as well as customized research reports and consulting services. Registered in California and headquartered in San Francisco, the company comprises over 425 analysts and consultants, adding more than 1200 market research reports to its vast database each year. These reports offer in-depth analysis on 46 industries across 25 major countries worldwide. With the help of an interactive market intelligence platform, Grand View Research Helps Fortune 500 companies and renowned academic institutes understand the global and regional business environment and gauge the opportunities that lie ahead. Contact: Sherry James Corporate Sales Specialist, USA Grand View Research, Inc. Phone: 1-415-349-0058 Toll Free: 1-888-202-9519 Email: [email protected] Web: https://www.grandviewresearch.com Grand View Compass | Astra ESG Solutions Follow Us: LinkedIn | Twitter Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/661327/Grand_View_Research_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/analytical-instrumentation-market-to-be-worth-70-09-billion-by-2030-grand-view-research-inc-301737242.html [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 02, 2023] ODG by MCG to Release Updated Return-to-Work Benchmarks for 2023 ODG by MCG, an MCG Health company and part of the Hearst Health network, announces the release of updated datasets within the ODG Return-to-Work Guidelines that will support both prospective case management and retrospective benchmarking time away from work. The update, scheduled for release on February 3, 2023, will include revisions to the United States return-to-work (RTW) duration values and new RTW duration values for Canada across the workers' compensation and non-occupational disability (STD/LTD) markets in both countries. Updates to duration values for the Australian market are planned for later in 2023. The updated return-to-work benchmarks will be included in both the ODG for Workers' Compensation and ODG for Disability solutions. The analytics can be filtered by diagnosis and procedure, including ICD-9, ICD-10, CPT, and Super Topic groupers, with claims-specific modeling using comorbidities, demographics, and confounding factors. Another feature of the ODG solutions, the ODG Risk Assessment Scores, are derivatives of the ODG return-to-work benchmarks and will adjust automatically. ODG Managing Director, Phil LeFevre, shared, "With the acquisition and processing of millions of new workers' comp and disability claim from data-sharing partners, including Canadian carriers for the first time, I am looking forward to the release of these updated benchmarks." "This release continues ODG's efforts to help optimize timely return-to-work and accurate reporting, and it will provide great benefit to ODG customers. Now, they can proactively use data-driven tools like the ODG RTW Calculator to determine appropriate duration values for return-to-work specific to the U.S., Canada, and Australia by market segment," said LeFevre. "The best measure of post-injury success in workers' comp and disability cases is RTW. Our goal is to help organizations achieve optimal outcomes with accurate reporting using evidence-based RTW and treatment guidelines, putting injured workers at the center." For additional information or questions about this update, please contact an ODG representative at 1-800-488-5548 or [email protected]. About ODG ODG, an MCG Health company, (www.mcg.com/odg) provides unbiased, evidence-based guidelines that support payers, providers, employers, and auto insurers in their efforts to return people confidently and effectively to health. The clinical guidelines and analytical tools within ODG are designed to improve and benchmark return-to-work performance, facilitate quality care while limiting inappropriate utilization, assess claim risk for interventional triage, and set reserves based on industry data. About MCG MCG, part of the Hearst Health network, helps healthcare organizations implement informed care strategies that proactively and efficiently move people toward health. MCG's transparent assessment of the latest research and scholarly articles, along with our own data analysis, gives patients, providers and payers the vetted information they need to feel confident in every care decision, in every moment. For more information visit www.mcg.com or follow our Twitter handle at @MCG_Health. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230202005002/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 02, 2023] New School Foods Unveils Scalable Muscle Fiber and Scaffolding Technology for Whole-cut Meat Alternatives Today, plant-based seafood producer New School Foods publicly announced its proprietary, scalable technologies for the plant-based meat industry, capable of producing whole-cut fish alternatives that look and cook just like ordinary seafood. The company also announced $12 million USD in seed funding from global investors including Lever VC, Blue Horizon, Hatch, Good Startup, Alwyn Capital, Joyance Partners, as well as grants from multiple agencies, including Protein Industry Canada. For three years New School Foods CEO Christopher Bryson invested heavily in academic R&D projects with some of the world's leading Food Science Universities, and identified a scalable platform that delivers a number of firsts for the meat alternative industry: 1. Muscle fibers, made from plants: Replicates the diameter, length, strength and structure of fish muscle fibers to deliver the same texture & mouthfeel. 2. Whole-cut Scaffolding: Filets that combines directionally aligned muscle fibers with plant-based connective tissue, fats, colors, and flavors. 3. Raw-to-Cooked: Unlike nearly all other products in the market that are pre-cooked by production, New School Foods' cold-based processing technology creates a filet that starts raw and transforms like fish upon cooking. 4. Scalable by esign: Unlike many other new food processing technologies, New School Foods' process uses off-the-shelf equipment from adjacent industries, providing a superior ability to scale more globally. The alternative protein market at large has yet to tackle the biggest opportunity: whole cuts, which represent a majority of meat sales in North America. Whole cuts come with a host of complex challenges like texture, connective tissue, muscle fibers, and other macrostructures that exist in animal proteins. Whereas established production methods like High-moisture Extrusion use high temperatures that pre-cooks the food and denatures the proteins, New School Foods' technology uses a series of cold-based processes, yielding a product that is "raw" and transitions to cooked, keeping the cooking experience as close as possible to ordinary salmon. "The next frontier of meat alternatives is whole cuts, and from day one we understood that New School Foods needed to solve two heavily connected issues: the quality of the meat alternatives in-market, and the limited toolkit our industry uses to produce them," said Chris Bryson, CEO and founder of New School Foods. "What's generally available for consumers now are rubbery, ground, pre-cooked products that will not convince the average customer to change their lifelong habits." New School Foods will continue focusing on research and development, using the $12 million raised in seed funding to expand the team of food scientists, scale up its scaffolding technology, and build out a research and production facility. "We invested in New School Foods because they recognized that the existing production technologies in the plant-based meat industry are insufficient for creating a whole-cut product that consumers genuinely want to eat," said Nick Cooney, General Partner at Lever Ventures. "Their technology is unlike anything else we've seen in the industry in terms of truly mimicking the texture, mouthfeel, and experience of cooking and eating whole cuts of meat." New School Foods is also announcing the launch of a chef-only pilot program as they expect to launch their salmon alternative in numerous restaurants across North America in 2023. Chefs interested in joining can apply today at newschoolfoods.co. About New School Foods Founded in 2020 and based in Toronto, Canada, New School Foods Inc. develops whole-cut, plant-based seafood that emulates the same texture, taste, nutritional benefits and cooking experience of conventional seafood. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230202005290/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 02, 2023] CGI and National Bank of Canada expand their partnership Stock Market Symbols GIB (NYSE) GIB.A (TSX) cgi.com/newsroom CGI acquires National Bank's innovative financial planning IP solution, AdviceSuite, to expand its Wealth360 digital platform MONTREAL, Feb. 2, 2023 /CNW Telbec/ - CGI (NYSE: GIB) (TSX: GIB.A) and National Bank of Canada (the "Bank") (TSX:NA) announce today they are expanding their long-standing partnership, as CGI acquires the intellectual property of the Bank's in-house financial planning solution currently used by the Bank's financial advisors. CGI is also entering into a new, 10-year SaaS agreement for the delivery of the solution to the Bank, accelerating its development. This IP expand the capabilities of CGI's market-leading Wealth360 Digital Wealth Platform to bolster its end-to-end offering to clients. "CGI values deeply its partnership with National Bank of Canada," says Jamie Holland, Senior Vice-President, Industry Solutions. "For CGI, it's vital to work with our partners to drive forward digital transformation solutions and eet competitive market demands. CGI and the National Bank both share the long-term vision that advisory experience is at the heart of creating meaningful, long-term value, while enhancing the advisor and investor experience. This financial planning solution will become a multi-tenant SaaS offering and will contribute to accelerate a similar adoption across the remainder of our IP." This modern financial planning solution empowers advisors to build deeper relations with investors, through a transparent and dynamic platform that facilitates easy access to financial advice, while keeping the investors' life goals top of mind. "This partnership enables us to leverage CGI's expertise and capabilities to enhance product development in order to accelerate the delivery of a streamlined end-user experience for advisors and investors," says Eric-Olivier Savoie, President of National Bank Investment. "Our trusted and long-standing partnership with CGI helped pave the way for this 'win-win' opportunity." CGI is a valued partner to the banking, wealth management and capital markets industry by helping financial institutions improve end-to-end customer experience through digital strategies, channels and technologies - successfully executing transformative projects and ensuring market growth for clients as they take the lead in new digital territories. For more, visit CGI.com. About CGI Founded in 1976, CGI is among the largest independent IT and business consulting services firms in the world. With 90,250 consultants and professionals across the globe, CGI delivers an end-to-end portfolio of capabilities, from strategic IT and business consulting to systems integration, managed IT and business process services and intellectual property solutions. CGI works with clients through a local relationship model complemented by a global delivery network that helps clients digitally transform their organizations and accelerate results. CGI Fiscal 2022 reported revenue is $12.87 billion and CGI shares are listed on the TSX (GIB.A) and the NYSE (GIB). Learn more at cgi.com. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cgi-and-national-bank-of-canada-expand-their-partnership-301737201.html SOURCE CGI Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 02, 2023] Essent Enters into Agreement to Acquire Title Insurance Operations Essent Group Ltd. (NYSE: ESNT) announced today that it has entered into an agreement through its subsidiary Essent US Holdings, Inc. to acquire Agents National Title Holding Company ("Agents National Title") and Boston National Holdings LLC ("Boston National Title") from Incenter LLC, a subsidiary of Finance of America Companies Inc. (NYSE:FOA) for $100 million. Agents National Title, based in Missouri, is a title insurance underwriter with 44 state licenses, and issues title insurance products through a network of title insurance agents. Boston National Title is an independent title agency based in North Carolina that provides title and settlement services, with licenses in 40 states and the District of Columbia. "Title insurance is a natural complement to our MI business with relatively low and stable loss ratios historically," said Mark Casale, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Essent. "The acquisitions of Agents National Title and Boston National Title add a team of seasoned title professionals to Essent and provide a platform to leverage our capital position, lender network and operational expertise across an adjacent real estate sector as we continue to expan our franchise." The closing of this transaction is subject to regulatory approvals. Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC is acting as financial advisor to Essent. About the Company: Essent Group Ltd. (NYSE: ESNT) is a Bermuda-based holding company (collectively with its subsidiaries, "Essent") which, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Essent Guaranty, Inc., offers private mortgage insurance for single-family mortgage loans in the United States. Essent provides private capital to mitigate mortgage credit risk, allowing lenders to make additional mortgage financing available to prospective homeowners. Headquartered in Radnor, Pennsylvania, Essent Guaranty, Inc. is licensed to write mortgage insurance in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, and is approved by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Essent also offers mortgage-related insurance, reinsurance and advisory services through its Bermuda-based subsidiary, Essent Reinsurance Ltd. Essent is committed to supporting environmental, social and governance ("ESG") initiatives that are relevant to the company and align with the companywide dedication to responsible corporate citizenship that positively impacts the community and people served. Additional information regarding Essent may be found at www.essentgroup.com and www.essent.us. Source: Essent Group Ltd. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230202005413/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 02, 2023] telMAX - Canada's Fastest Internet Service Now LIVE in Newmarket! NEWMARKET, ON, Feb. 2, 2023 /CNW/ - Fibre internet service provider, telMAX today announced that they have connected their first customer to Canada's fastest internet service in the Town of Newmarket. telMAX, a locally based company headquartered in York Region, serves the communities of Brooklin, Stouffville and now Newmarket offering internet, TV, and phone service. Residents may have seen construction crews laying fibre lines in their neighbourhoods within the Town during the past two months. This brand new telMAX infrastructure will enable Newmarket customers to receive 100 percent pure fibre with synchronous speeds up to 10 Gbps delivered to their homes. "We are truly delighted with the relationship we have built with the Town of Newmarket as we work towards our goal of bringing 100% pure fibr to neighbourhoods and residents throughout the town," said Stuart Roberts, CEO of telMAX. "Whether you're working from home, staying connected with loved ones, or just being entertained, we understand how important it is to have fast, reliable, high-speed internet. We look forward to establishing more economic and cultural partnerships as we bring Canada's fastest internet service to all of Newmarket." telMAX, recognized by PC Magazine as the fastest internet service provider (ISP) in Canada, recently acquired ENVI - Newmarket's community-owned Internet Service Provider (ISP) . "We are committed to our future Smart City aspirations and dedicated to providing universal, reliable, and high-speed broadband services to all the constituents in the Town of Newmarket," said Newmarket Mayor John Taylor. "Today's announcement further supports our goal of ensuring affordable high-speed broadband for Newmarket businesses and residents." About telMAX telMAX is building a 100% pure fibre network across underserved communities across Ontario. For the past 2 years, telMAX has built its own fibre optic network in Brooklin, Stouffville and Newmarket. Using the latest technology, the telMAX network is capable of delivering synchronous speeds up to 10 Gbps. telMAX is based in Stouffville with an additional office hub in Newmarket and offers Fibre Broadband internet, TV and home phone services. It proudly employs staff from the communities where it operates and is committed to supporting the local communities they serve. In June 2022, an independent assessment, by PC Magazine, recognized telMAX as the fastest internet service provider in Canada. telMAX is owned by Nova Infrastructure fund and QAI Capital. SOURCE telMAX [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 02, 2023] Digital Realty Invests in Photovoltaics in Germany Through a Power Purchase Agreement with ENGIE The Power Purchase Agreement agreed between Digital Realty and ENGIE supports the development of a 154 megawatt (MW) solar park in Germany FRANKFURT, Germany and COLOGNE, Germany, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital Realty (NYSE: DLR), the largest global provider of cloud- and carrier-neutral data center, colocation, and interconnection solutions, and the global energy company ENGIE, today announced an agreement that will drive the expansion of renewable energies in Germany. Digital Realty and ENGIE have signed a 10-year power purchase agreement (PPA) for a 116 megawatts (MW) share of a new 154 MW ground mounted solar photovoltaic project. Digital Realty's offtake commitment, estimated at 120 gigawatt hours (GWh) per year, supports the construction of the new solar park to be built by CEE Group, an infrastructure fund specializing in renewable energy projects. Located in Brandenburg in the northeast of Germany, the solar park is scheduled to start operation in late 2023. "The climate challenge is one of the critical issues facing society today. As an industry-leader, Digital Realty focuses on supporting the evolving needs of our global customer base, helping them deliver growth, while supporting net-new renewable energy projects where we operate," says Volker Ludwig, Managing Director Germany, Digital Realty. Ludwig continues, "Digital Realty is committed to powering its data centers with renewable energy and supporting new and sustainable domestic energy sources. We're working hard to make the switch to renewable power across our entire portfolio and support the development of renewable energy projects like this new solar power plant as our business continues to expand. This project will further improve the quality and impact of our renewable portfolio by reducing our reliance on existing renewable resources and supplanting them with Guarantees of Origin (GoOs) from this new solar park." Digital Realty has achieved 100% renewable energy coverage for its entire European portfolio and its U.S. colocation portfolio, and is carbon neutral in France (Scopes 1 and 2), resulting in 64% renewable energy coverage across its global portfolio in 2021, representing an increase of 14% from 2020. In 2022, Digital Realty further expanded its renewable portfolio and added green assets t the energy grid, contracting for 490 MW of solar and wind to support its global data center portfolio. As the interface between CEE and Digital Realty, ENGIE worked to match the supply with the demand for renewable energy, as well as design a flexible PPA tailored to the needs of Digital Realty. "We are pleased to support Digital Realty's efforts to add new renewables in markets where the company operates. As a major player in renewable PPAs, we have the opportunity to match suppliers and buyers of green power, even in a highly volatile market environment. This transaction supports the development of new renewable energies in Germany and enhances the continued sustainable operation of Digital Realty's data centers" said Katrin Fuhrmann, Head of Origination, ENGIE. In 2020, Digital Realty set aggressive science-based carbon emissions targets with the Science-Based Target initiative (SBTi), becoming the first global data center organization of its size and scale to do so. The business has committed to reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 68% and Scope 3 emissions by 24% by 2030. About Digital Realty Digital Realty brings companies and data together by delivering the full spectrum of data center, colocation and interconnection solutions. PlatformDIGITAL, the company's global data center platform, provides customers with a secure data meeting place and a proven Pervasive Datacenter Architecture (PDx) solution methodology for powering innovation and efficiently managing Data Gravity challenges. Digital Realty gives its customers access to the connected data communities that matter to them with a global data center footprint of 300+ facilities in 50+ metros across 27 countries on six continents. To learn more about Digital Realty, please visit digitalrealty.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter. About ENGIE Our Group is a global reference in low-carbon energy and services. Together with our 101,500 employees, customers, partners and stakeholders, we are committed to accelerating the transition to a CO 2 -neutral world by reducing energy consumption and providing greener solutions. Inspired by our corporate purpose ("raison d'etre"), we balance economic performance with a positive impact on people and the planet by building on our core businesses (gas, renewables, services) to offer competitive solutions to our customers. Our sales in 2021 amounted to 57.9 billion euros. The Group is listed on the Paris and Brussels stock exchanges (ENGI) and is represented in the main financial indices (CAC 40, Euronext 100, FTSE Eurotop 100, MSCI Europe) and non-financial indices (DJSI World, DJSI Europe, Euronext Vigeo Eiris - Eurozone 120/ Europe 120/ France 20, MSCI EMU ESG screened, MSCI EUROPE ESG Universal Select, Stoxx Europe 600 ESG, and Stoxx Global 1800 ESG). engie.com For Additional Information Digital Realty Media Contact Will Reynolds +44 7469 695775 [email protected] Investor Relations Jordan Sadler / Jim Huseby +1 737 281 0101 [email protected] ENGIE Alexa Schroder Bereichsleiterin Unternehmenskommunikation ENGIE Deutschland +49 30 915810-250 [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/digital-realty-invests-in-photovoltaics-in-germany-through-a-power-purchase-agreement-with-engie-301737094.html SOURCE Digital Realty [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 02, 2023] David Nicholas of Nicholas Wealth Management named to the 2023 Atlanta Magazine 500 Most Powerful Leaders ATLANTA, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- President and Founder of Nicholas Wealth Management, David Nicholas has been named one of the Top 500 Most Powerful Leaders in Atlanta by Atlanta Magazine. Other notable names include Raphael Bostic, President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, Ted Decker, Chair, President, and CEO of Home Depot, Andrew T. Cathy, CEO of Chick-fil-A, and Derek Schiller, President and CEO of the Atlanta Braves. The print publication is available at newsstands around Atlanta and can be viewed online at atlantamagazine.com/atlanta-500. The list includes dozens of leaders that the magazine has deemed "Legends". The Atlanta 500 includes corporate CEOs, leading eductors, entrepreneurs, researchers, artists, nonprofit leaders, and individuals shaping public policy. "CEOs of our city's largest corporations or firms' top producers were likely candidates, but we also looked to see if those achievers were plugged into the cityserving on nonprofit boards, spearheading programs for their communities, and creating opportunities for their employees," said Betsy Riley, Editor in Chief of Atlanta magazine. "What makes our list unique is that it is not just about business, but also about creatives, teachers, health care providers, essential workers, and visionaries, all of the people who help make Atlanta the city we love." David founded Nicholas Wealth Management, an investment advisory and retirement planning firm in Atlanta, Georgia in 2012. Nicholas Wealth specializes in building custom solutions to help their clients build long-term, risk-managed portfolios tailored to meet their unique financial goals. David hosts a weekly financial radio show in Atlanta and is a sought-after commentator on financial and economic matters. His features include Fox Business, Fox & Friends, CNN, CNBC and CBS News. "It's an honor to be added to this list alongside so many incredible leaders in Atlanta. This recognition is a testament to the service we provide for our clients as well as the dedication of our talented team at Nicholas Wealth." Securities are offered through World Equity Group, Inc., member FINRA and SIPC. Investment Advisory Services are offered through Nicholas Wealth Management and BluePath Capital, LLC. Nicholas Wealth Management and BluePath Capital, LLC are separate entities and are not owned or controlled by World Equity Group, Inc. Related Links http://www.nicholaswealth.com View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/david-nicholas-of-nicholas-wealth-management-named-to-the-2023-atlanta-magazine-500-most-powerful-leaders-301736765.html SOURCE Nicholas Wealth Management [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 02, 2023] Puls launching a first of it kind Generative AI to empower homeowners with their home care LIVERMORE, Calif., Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Puls , the innovative home services and warranty solutions provider, is excited to announce today the launch of the Generative AI assistant, a cutting-edge artificial intelligence tool, revolutionizing the home care industry. Generative AI is driving 10X higher homeowners satisfaction with our warranty product. Using natural language processing, the assistant understands and responds to users' home care questions and concerns in real-time, providing personalized guidance and support, plus price and work times estimates. This eliminates hours spent scouring the intenet or flipping through manuals to find the relevant information, instead guiding them to select the best possible solution. "We are thrilled to use Generative AI technology as a tool to provide additional service and assistance that boosts the value of our home warranty programs for our members as they care for their homes,'' said Gabi Peles, CEO of Puls. "This will give homeowners the confidence and knowledge to tackle their own home maintenance projects and reduce their uncertainty when a home system or appliance breaks.'' In addition to providing instructions and advice, the assistant will share the information with the relevant Puls technicians. They'll get an accurate description of the service call request, eliminating the need for multiple visits and long wait times for parts. With a growing number of millennial and Gen Z homeowners who have a lower affinity for DIY and minimal home care knowledge, our assistant is democratizing that knowledge and supporting them in their home ownership journey. About Puls: Puls is serving the dynamic needs of the modern homeowner keeping their home at its best by providing a wide array of quality, fast, and reliable home services delivered via a value-added home care and warranty plans. Puls tech-enabled platform provides local home repair technicians the work and software to build and grow a repair business and solve for a global shortage of skilled workforce. Media Contact: [email protected] View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/puls-launching-a-first-of-it-kind-generative-ai-to-empower-homeowners-with-their-home-care-301736371.html SOURCE Puls Technologies Inc [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 02, 2023] Leidos to Participate in the Cowen 44th Annual Aerospace/Defense & Industrials Conference Live Audio Webcast Available on Feb. 15, 2023, from 2:05 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. ET RESTON, Va., Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Leidos (NYSE: LDOS), a FORTUNE 500 science and technology leader, will participate in the Cowen 44th Annual Aerospace/Defense & Industrials conference being held in Arlington, VA. Roger Krone, Chief Executive Officer, will engage in a question and answer "fireside chat" on February 15, 2023, at 2:05 p.m. ET. A live audio webcast of the event will be available on the Leidos Investor Relations website at http://ir.leidos.com. A replay of the webcast will be available following the presentation at the same link listed above for 30 days afterward. About Leidos Leidos is a Fortune 500 technology, engineering, and science solutions and services leader working to solve the world's toughest challenges in the defense, intelligence, civil, and health markets. The company's 44,000 employees support vital missions for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $13.7 billion for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com. CONTACTS: Media contact: Investor Relations: Melissa Lee Duenas Stuart Davis 571.526.6850 571.526.6124 [email protected] [email protected] View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/leidos-to-participate-in-the-cowen-44th-annual-aerospacedefense--industrials-conference-301737136.html SOURCE Leidos The "Beautiful China -- Ecological Environment Painting and Calligraphy Exhibition" sponsored by the Ministry of Ecology and Environmentis on at the National Museum of China, attracting a large number of visitors. Photo taken on Jan 31, 2023 shows people taking photos of Liu Chun's "Lotus Flower". (Chen Xiaogen/Guangming Picture) The "Beautiful China -- Ecological Environment Painting and Calligraphy Exhibition" sponsored by the Ministry of Ecology and Environmentis on at the National Museum of China, attracting a large number of visitors. Photo taken on Jan 31, 2023 shows people viewing the oil painting "Xiongan in Progress II -- Rise" by Fan Di'an. (Chen Xiaogen/Guangming Picture) The "Beautiful China -- Ecological Environment Painting and Calligraphy Exhibition" sponsored by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment is on at the National Museum of China, attracting a large number of visitors. Photo taken on Jan 31, 2023 shows people viewing the painting "Six Screens of Flowers and Birds" by Gao Jiwen. (Chen Xiaogen/Guangming Picture) Editor: ZAD [February 02, 2023] Top Security Execs from Levi Strauss & Co. and Deloitte Join Inspira Enterprise's Advisory Board Industry leaders bring decades of cybersecurity and privacy experience to Inspira bench DALLAS, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Inspira Enterprise, Inc. ("Inspira"), a global cybersecurity services organization, today announced that Steve Zalewski, former chief information security officer (CISO) at Levi Strauss & Co, and Mark Ford, former security and privacy expert with Deloitte, have joined the company as strategic advisors. Zalewski brings 40 years of enterprise and cybersecurity experience and serves as an advisor to a multitude of security organizations and venture capital firms. He most recently served as CISO at Levi Strauss & Co. and has held security leadership positions at Pacific Gas & Electric and Kaiser Permanente. He has multiple patents in data protection technology in addition to holding security certifications in CISSP, CISM and CRISC. Zalewski also co-hosts the CISO Series Defense-in-Depth Podcasts and is a frequent keynote speaker and panel moderator for industry webinars and events. Ford brings over 30 years of experience in the cybersecurity industry, providing consulting services to enterprises ranging from startups to large-scale operations. After serving nine years as a U.S. Army intelligence officer, he held three major leadership roles with Deloitte, overseeing the identity & access management business, the firm's healthcare cyber risk consulting practice and the risk consulting practice for the higher education sector. He also served as the risk services partner for Deloitte's State of Michigan account team, leadin the first enterprise-wide identity management and single sign-on solution known as MI Login. Zalewski's and Ford's breadth of experience and understanding of an array of industries will be paramount to furthering Inspira's mission of providing outcome-based cybersecurity products and services. As advisors, they'll be crucial to serving key verticals and will advise on furthering innovative risk management solutions, prioritizing growth initiatives, improving operations and developing long-term strategies to improve the cybersecurity industry. Additionally, Zalewski and Ford will focus on balancing mission-critical data with digital technology to positively impact the public sector and communities as a whole. Steve Zalewski, strategic advisor, Inspira Enterprise, said: "Enterprise CISOs are encountering significant hurdles when it comes to selecting simplified, measurable and adaptive security capabilities to achieve cyber resilience. Inspira's ability to provide tailored consultancy services, strategize a clear course of action for clients and deliver proven results is exactly what organizations need to heighten their cyber maturity. I look forward to working with the Inspira team to build a safer digital world for all." Mark Ford, strategic advisor, Inspira Enterprise, said: "I am truly 'inspired' to work with my long-time colleagues as they take on the exciting opportunity to bring Inspira Enterprise to the North American market. In my previous career, I learned early how the amazing talent from India can make a significant impact in our market. I know Inspira is positioned well to succeed in North America, and I'm excited to be part of it." Lalit Ahluwalia, CEO and Global Cybersecurity Head, Inspira Enterprise, said: "The state of cybersecurity today demands that organizations collaborate with industry leaders with a diverse background to solve the most complex problems that our Nation is currently facing. The addition of Mark and Steve to our team of industry experts will enable us to continue driving positive outcomes for our customers." About Inspira Inspira Enterprise is a global Cybersecurity Risk Management & Digital Transformation service provider across the Americas, Asia Pacific, Middle East, India and Africa regions. Inspira offers end-to-end cybersecurity services spanning advisory, transformation and operations powered by its proprietary iSMART2 (Intelligent |?Simplified | Measurable | Adaptive | Risk Based | Threat Centric | Tailored) framework to mitigate cyber threats and risks. Inspira's cybersecurity?services enable cyber resilience by offering deep cyber expertise, global delivery network capabilities, advanced analytics, managed security services, and secure cloud services. Inspira is the unique service provider that offers iSMART2 packaged security offerings such as Security-in-the-Box, Vulnerability Management-in-the-Box and Integrated Cyber Threat Management for the clients that are looking for Security as a Service. Connect with Inspira to build a flexible framework for IT orchestration and strengthen core business security with best-in-class cybersecurity solutions. Read more: www.inspiraenterprise.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/top-security-execs-from-levi-strauss--co-and-deloitte-join-inspira-enterprises-advisory-board-301736919.html SOURCE Inspira [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 02, 2023] Netwrix 1Secure: New SaaS Auditing Solution Tailored for Managed Service Providers (MSPs) Netwrix's new product empowers MSPs to secure and support clients from a single console FRISCO, Texas, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Netwrix, a cybersecurity vendor that makes data security easy, announces the launch of a new multi-tenant, software-as-a-service (SaaS) auditing solution Netwrix 1Secure designed to meet the needs of MSPs. Its lightweight cloud architecture helps MSPs ensure the security and compliance of their clients' systems and data from a single console. Netwrix 1Secure empowers MSPs with the following: Accelerated incident detection and response Netwrix 1Secure provides continuous auditing of critical changes across Active Directory (AD), Azure AD and Windows Server; clear visibility into threat details via an interactive, Google-like search; and security incident alerts customized for each client's needs. Netwrix 1Secure provides continuous auditing of critical changes across Active Directory (AD), Azure AD and Windows Server; clear visibility into threat details via an interactive, Google-like search; and security incident alerts customized for each client's needs. Easy security management of numerous tenants A unified, actionable dashboard that provides a bird's-eye view of the state of their clients' IT environments. A unified, actionable dashboard that provides a bird's-eye view of the state of their clients' IT environments. Profit maximization Netwrix 1Secure uses a transparent pricing model in which MSPs pay per managed AD user, the same way they charge their own clients. Netwrix 1Secure uses a transparent pricing model in which MSPs pay per managed AD user, the same way they charge their own clients. Quick reporting for both auditors and clients A wide range of easy-to-read predefined reports are available in a few clicks and can be branded with the name and log of the MSP. A wide range of easy-to-read predefined reports are available in a few clicks and can be branded with the name and log of the MSP. Enriched ecosystem of professional services automation (PSA) tools Netwrix 1Secure integrates seamlessly with ConnectWise and ServiceNow. "With the Netwrix 1Secure auditing solution, we can enhance each client's security posture regardless of their size, without the headache and costs of any on-prem hardware or cloud infrastructure setup," said Brian Ludwigson, Senior Project Manager at SOHO Solutions, Inc. "Netwrix Auditor has been helping organizations around the world become safer from cyber threats for seventeen years. We have now adapted its core functionality to meet the specific requirements of MSPs," said Steve Dickson, CEO of Netwrix. "With Netwrix 1Secure, MSPs can easily audit the IT environments of multiple clients, both on premises and in the cloud. As a result, they can promptly spot suspicious activity and respond to threats in time to prevent serious damage." If you want to stay competitive in today's market and differentiate your offering with advanced security services, join the Netwrix MSP Partner Program. About Netwrix Netwrix makes data security easy. Since 2006, Netwrix solutions have been simplifying the lives of security professionals by enabling them to identify and protect sensitive data to reduce the risk of a breach, and to detect, respond to and recover from attacks, limiting their impact. More than 13,000 organizations worldwide rely on Netwrix solutions to strengthen their security and compliance posture across all three primary attack vectors: data, identity, and infrastructure. For more information, visit www.netwrix.com. CONTACT: Erin Jones Avista PR for Netwrix P: 704.664.2170 E: [email protected] Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/631922/Netwrix_Corporation_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/netwrix-1secure-new-saas-auditing-solution-tailored-for-managed-service-providers-msps-301737364.html [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 02, 2023] Broadvoice Names Sean Johnston New VP of Channel Partnerships and Alliances Channel Veteran Brings UCaaS and CCaaS Leadership to Partnership Strategy LOS ANGELES, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Broadvoice, a provider of hosted voice, unified communications as a service (UCaaS), omnichannel contact center as a service (CCaaS) and SIP Trunking services for small and mid-market businesses, has named cloud communications channel veteran Sean Johnston as its new Vice President of Channel Partnerships and Alliances. In this role, Johnston will lead Broadvoice's channel strategy as the company grows and scales its partner-led go-to-market approach. He will focus initially on building awareness and driving partner sales for the Broadvoice GoContact omnichannel cloud contact center solution, which was rolled out to partners and customers in North America in January. "Broadvoice is known for its partner-friendly channel program, which helps partners grow their cloud communications business by giving them tools to attract and retain customers. We've invested in flexible proprietarycommunications platforms to meet customer needs, and we have an award-winning customer success program that's unrivaled in the market. On top of that, we offer the training, sales support and incentives that partners need to be successful," said Kim McLachlan, Senior Vice President of Sales for Broadvoice. "With the launch of GoContact, we can meet the UCaaS and CCaaS needs of ever-larger customers through our partnerships with agents, VARs and MSPs across North America. Sean's experience working with partners in the U.S. and Canada makes him a great fit for our expanding Broadvoice channel team." In less than 10 years, Johnston has earned industry recognition as an award-winning channel manager and director. Most recently, he was National Channel Director at 8x8, where he supported strategic partners and received the AVANT Communications Hustle Award. Previously, Johnston rose through the ranks at Mitel from Agent Channel Account Manager to Channel Account ManagerUCaaS to Senior Channel Account Manager for their CDW account. He also served as Mitel's Canada Cloud Team Lead and earned a Telarus Coin of Excellence. "I'm excited to join the Broadvoice team and continue to expand its successful partner program," said Johnston. "Partners want to join the Broadvoice program because we have the best solutions for their customers and the support and resources they need to build their businesses. It sets Broadvoice apart from the competition." About Broadvoice Broadvoice simplifies communications for small and mid-market businesses with cloud communications solutions that deliver enterprise-class features as an affordable managed service. Broadvoice's unified communications as a service (UCaaS) and GoContact omnichannel contact center as a service (CCaaS) solutions are built on proprietary technology platforms, giving the company complete control to meet customers' evolving needs. Broadvoice is also known for its industry-leading installation, support and the award-winning Broadvoice Success Program. With network assets and customers spanning four continents, Broadvoice drives collaboration and commerce across the globe. For more information, visit www.broadvoice.com. Media Contact: Kimberly Way Senior Manager, Marketing Operations Broadvoice 970.289.0854 [email protected] Khali Henderson Senior Partner BuzzTheory (for Broadvoice) 480.999.5297 [email protected] View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/broadvoice-names-sean-johnston-new-vp-of-channel-partnerships-and-alliances-301737397.html SOURCE Broadvoice [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 02, 2023] LambdaTest Launches Digital Experience Testing Cloud to Accelerate Digital Transformation for Enterprises LambdaTest, the leading continuous quality testing cloud platform, has announced the launch of digital experience testing cloud for enterprises. The offering will enable enterprises to accelerate their digital transformation by providing a best-in-class, 360-degree test execution and orchestration platform coupled with insightful test analytics and customizable deployment options. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230202005474/en/ LambdaTest's digital experience testing cloud will enable enterprises to test for omnichannel experiences on custom-designed, robust, and scalable infrastructure (Graphic: Business Wire) According to Forrester's Best Practice Report titled 'Optimize Your Digital Experience To Compete For Customers', "No matter how embedded your brand is in customers' lives today, if you stop meeting their expectations, it's easy for them to switch to a competitor tomorrow. As the ratio of digital to nondigital customer interactions continues to increase, both digital customer experiences and the data that firms collect about them will evolve in ways that will challenge and reward insights-driven, customer-led organizations." Enterprises across the globe are striving to cater to the growing needs of digital-native customers. This translates to developers constantly working to provide a high-quality experience to customers while applications are undergoing continuous change. Such a high-pressure scenario demands quick developer feedback to enable faster release velocity. However, test execution ends up being the roadblock because enterprises depend on legacy cloud-based test execution platforms that are slow, brittle, and flaky or on in-house infrastructure that is hard to mintain, grow, and scale. With LambdaTest's digital experience testing cloud, enterprises can pick and choose across cross-browser testing (live and automated), real devices testing (live and automated), visual regression testing, and OTT app testing, thereby ensuring coverage across the entire gamut of omnichannel options. Moreover, the smart workflows like auto-grouping, auto-retry, and fail-fast techniques, offered by the testing cloud will do the heavy lifting, allowing testers/developers to concentrate on test creation. Enterprises can decide their mode of deployment-multi-tenant, dedicated cloud, or on-premise. To top it off, enterprises will have access to centralized test analytics and observability that will unify all test execution data and enable informed decision-making. The digital experience testing cloud will seamlessly fit into the CI/CD pipeline with 120+ integrations across categories like communication, bug tracking, test management, test authoring, and automation. Also, LambdaTest is SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001, ISO 27017, and ISO 27701 standard certified, and GDPR, CCPA, and HIPAA-ready compliant. "According to Gartner's Market Guide for Digital Experience Monitoring, 'By 2026, at least 60% of I&O leaders will use Digital Experience Monitoring to measure application, services and endpoint performance from the user's viewpoint, up from less than 20% in 2021'. This clearly points to how central digital experience has become for enterprises. The LambdaTest digital experience testing cloud platform provides a comprehensive solution for modern enterprises to evolve their testing experience and thereby enhance the usability and performance of web and mobile applications to help deliver a best-in-class digital experience to their digital-native customers," said Asad Khan, Co-Founder & CEO, LambdaTest. "What we promise enterprises is straightforward and simple-our hyper-scalable digital experience testing cloud will be the digital highway for test execution and will reduce developer interrupts/friction, ensure faster feedback, and positively impact release velocity and go-to-market speed. This is bringing test execution to the digital era!" he added. Recently, Satya Nadella, Chairman & CEO of Microsoft, delivered the keynote address at the Microsoft Future Ready Technology Summit 2023, Bengaluru, where he said that "LambdaTest is doing for test automation what Kubernetes did for container orchestration - creating that next level of efficiency around test automation so that people can actually focus on testing versus test orchestration." To know more, visit: https://www.lambdatest.com/enterprise About LambdaTest LambdaTest is a leading digital experience testing cloud that helps developers and testers ship code faster. Over 10,000+ enterprise customers and 2+ million users across 130+ countries rely on LambdaTest for their testing needs. The LambdaTest platform provides secure, scalable, and insightful test orchestration for customers at different points in their DevOps (CI/CD) lifecycle: Browser & App Testing Cloud allows users to run both manual and automated tests of web and mobile apps across 3000+ different browsers, real devices, and operating system environments. HyperExecute helps customers run and orchestrate test grids in the cloud for any framework and programming language at blazing-fast speeds to cut down on quality test time, helping developers build software faster. For more information, please visit: https://lambdatest.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230202005474/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 02, 2023] LiveOak Fiber Set to Acquire Alma Telephone Company's Fiber Network Assets in Glynn and Camden Counties LiveOak Fiber, a regional service provider building and operating a world-class broadband network, announces its intent to acquire Glynn and Camden Counties fiber network assets from Alma Telephone Company (ATC) Broadband, a Telecommunications Company based in Alma, Georgia. The strategic acquisition of ATC's fiber network assets in these two counties allows LiveOak to strengthen its service delivery capabilities throughout the Golden Isles of Georgia's Southeast coastline in Glynn and Camden County Georgia and will bring great advantages to residents and businesses in these underserved counties. Residents and Businesses can expect packages that start at 500Mbps and go up to 10 Gbps, include premium managed Wi-Fi with no contracts and no data caps. LiveOak is disrupting the market with its next-generation high-speed fiber broadband, offering internet the way it should be. "Over the past several years, ATC has recognized the need for reliable residential broadband services in Glynn County and Camden County," says Teddy Solomon, Chief Executive Officer of ATC Broadband. "This acquisition is a boon to the community. We are confident that LiveOak Fiber has the local resources, experience, and enthusiasm to take our network and expand it in a way that ensures both communities gain access to the best possible broadband experience." "The acquisition of this ATC Broadband fiber asset reinforces our commitment to serve the Golden Isles and enables LiveOak Fiber to expedite our timeline for buildout in Glynn County and expands our service area to include the businesses and residents of Camden County. We will build upon the great work of ATC by offering the highest quality Internet services and speeds in the region, coupled with superior local customer service," adds Jody Craft, President at LiveOak Fiber. The network assets LiveOak is acquiring from ATC were built to provide high-speed fiber network services to medical and business communities throughout Glynn and Camden Counties. Over its decades of telecommunications service experience, ATC's robust network and pristine customer service has successfully competed against national service providers in South Georgia for many years. ATC looks forward to maintaining a portion of their customers and interests in this space and continuing to harness the healthy relationships that have made them who they are today. LiveOak is committed to investing in the communities they serve by delivering the digital infrastructure needed for students, teachers, remote workers, residents, office workers, entrepreneurs, and local organizations that drive economic growth and support thriving communities. Residents and business owners can visit the LiveOak website to check availability in their neighborhoods. Learn more about LiveOak Fiber's services and receive updates on the company's network construction plans and employment opportunities: www.liveoakfiber.com About LiveOak Fiber: LiveOak Fiber is building a world-class fiber network to deliver the fastest broadband internet to homes and businesses. The company is committed to investing in the communities they serve by delivering modern digital infrastructure needed to improve the quality of life and drive economic growth. Learn more about our investments in quality of life at www.liveoakfiber.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook. Q Advisors, a leading global TMT investment bank, acted as the exclusive financial advisor to LiveOak in connection with this transaction. Sterling Business Law is the general counsel for LiveOak and was the legal advisor for the transaction. Womble Bond Dickinson, a transatlantic law firm with more than 1,100 lawyers based in 30 UK and US office locations serving clients across every business sector, provided legal and regulatory services in connection with this transaction. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230202005231/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 02, 2023] Fluence Selected as LED Technology Partner by Major Cannabis Cultivators in Growing Portuguese Market Fluence, a leading global provider of energy-efficient LED lighting solutions for commercial cannabis and food production, is supporting widespread expansion of pharmaceutical-grade medical cannabis cultivation operations in Portugal. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230202005215/en/ Fluence LEDs in action at the Key Leaves facility in Portugal (Photo: Business Wire) Portugal's cannabis laws are among the most progressive in the world, and its established licensing system is ahead of most other European countries. Portugal decriminalized personal cannabis use in 2001 and legalized medical use in 2018. Since then, 20 official licenses for medical cannabis production, processing, import, export or a combination of categories have been issued, and Fluence has been chosen to provide lighting for over half of them. Key Leaves, a medical cannabis market leader in Portugal, is one of the 20 companies to have received a medical cannabis license from the Portuguese government. The company is focused on delivering premium quality medicinal cannabis products that adhere to the Good Agricultural and Collection Practice (GACP) and Good Distribution Practices (GDP) wholesale standards, along with all relevant Portuguese regulations. As a fully indoor facility dedicated to research and development, Key Leaves depends on sole-source lighting for its success-completing more than 20 full cultivation cycles using Fluence LED technology. Fluence's LEDs have helped Key Leaves optimize production and cultivation light cycles, increase plant yield, uniformity and decrease energy consumption. "To achieve our business objectives using the most effective and efficient production processes possible, we've invested in the world-class technologies and partnerships available," said Alessandro Radici, CEO at Key Leaves. "Fluence's market-leading LED technology and the on-call support of its research and horticulture teams allow us to cultivate with maximum efficacy, deliver a highly standardized product and guarantee constant supply for our clients." Fluence provides LED lighting solutions to 10 other licensed Portuguese medical cannabis producers-including Bathera, Curaleaf International and Clever Leaves, and pre-lcensed AceCann-as well as several additional companies that are currently seeking licensing. Bathera, a German company, recently began producing its own medical cannabis and decided to construct its indoor cultivation and manufacturing facility near Lisbon. The site, currently in progress, houses 6,000 square meters of rooms dedicated to cultivation and 3,000 square meters of space for supporting areas, such as a GMP zone, six drying rooms and space for hand trimming and manual packaging. "Because of the great Portuguese weather, outdoor cultivation is, of course, possible. We performed rigorous research and analysis with every construction decision and, after looking at the various options, we decided that cultivating indoors is the only way to ensure stable, high-quality products," said Boris Agababov, founder and CEO of Bathera. Curaleaf International focuses on advancing the therapeutic value of cannabis used for medicinal purposes to develop products that meet the needs of patients across Europe. The company's commitment to accessibility, research and data-led product excellence brought it to Fluence when a lighting partner was needed for its Portuguese operations. "Fluence's goal is to help our customers grow smarter and build efficient economies of scale," said Jorg Meyer-Brenken, lead account manager of cannabis in EMEA at Fluence. "We are led by science, and the collaborative approach we take to provide our partners with tailored lighting solutions, knowledge and experience has proven irreplaceable, especially for those in emerging medicinal cannabis markets." Portuguese native Andre Lagareiro, Fluence's dedicated account manager for Portugal, works closely with Fluence's Portuguese customers to help them identify the right lighting solutions to optimize plant growth and facility operations. "Helping companies to innovate and advance medical cannabis operations within Portugal's legislative environment requires a deep understanding of both cannabis cultivation and European regulatory standards," said Lagareiro. "The unmatched top-of-the-line product, market expertise and quality of service provided by Fluence's in-house research and development team is the deciding factor for the many Portuguese cannabis companies that have chosen Fluence as their lighting technology partner." For more information on Fluence, visit www.fluence.science. About Fluence Fluence Bioengineering, Inc. (Fluence) creates powerful and energy-efficient LED lighting solutions for commercial crop production and research applications. Fluence is a leading LED lighting supplier in the global cannabis market and is committed to enabling more efficient crop production with the world's top vertical farms and greenhouse produce growers. Fluence global headquarters are in Austin, Texas, with its EMEA headquarters in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Fluence operates as a business unit within Signify's Digital Solutions division. For more information about Fluence, visit www.fluence.science. About AceCann AceCann is a Portuguese medical cannabis company that has a cost-efficient, scalable and superior quality organic indoor cultivation and extraction facility near Lisbon. AceCann is focused on the development of new medical delivery forms for cannabis, joining efforts with local and international universities and operating on a flexible structure capable of making fast decisions to scale according to market demands and needs. About Key Leaves Key Leaves is a Portuguese-founded company established in 2015 and licensed by Infarmed for the cultivation, import and export of cannabis products. With a multicultural and diversified international team, Key Leaves is proud to be working with some of the most renowned professionals and experts in the medicinal cannabis field. About Bathera Bathera is a vertically integrated medical cannabis company with operations in Germany and Portugal. In addition to its state of the art indoor medical cannabis growing facility in Portugal, Bathera, operates two independent wholesalers and importers for medical cannabis in Germany. About Curaleaf Curaleaf International (formerly EMMAC Life Sciences Group) is Europe's largest vertically integrated cannabis company, bringing together pioneering science and research with cutting-edge cultivation, extraction and production. With a unique supply and distribution network throughout Europe, Curaleaf International's vision is to bring the life-enhancing potential of cannabis to the people who need it. EMMAC Life Sciences was acquired by Curaleaf Holdings in March 2021. For more information about Curaleaf International, please visit www.curaleafinternational.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230202005215/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 02, 2023] Marelli wins a global contract to supply Battery Management Systems for electric vehicles to a major carmaker The system, a key technology for energy management in electric vehicles, will be developed and produced in-house by Marelli to be on the market in 2026 DETROIT, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Marelli has been awarded an important contract to supply its Battery Management System (BMS) a core component of electric vehicles design, also regarded as the "brain" of the battery for the future BEV (Battery Electric Vehicles) small-medium cars of a major global carmaker, from 2026. Within the project, Marelli will provide both the hardware and the boot loader software of the Battery Management System for segment A, B, and C full electric vehicles. The supply represents a significant achievement in terms of production volumes. "We are glad of this relevant assignment, particularly as this is for a technology which has a key role for energy management in electric vehicles." said Hannes Prenn, President of Marelli's Electric Powertrain division. "This further reinforces our collaboration with global carmakers and recognizes the consolidated experience achieved by Marelli over the years in the development f BMS with different architectures, to fit the specific needs of our customers and co-create with them the vehicles of tomorrow." The awarded Battery Management System will be developed and tested by Marelli Electric Powertrain teams in Italy and Japan. The start of production is planned for 2026, supplying various plants of the carmaker. The BMS will be based on a distributed architecture, requiring reduced harness. The system which in brief has the role to monitor and control the battery incorporates all the lithium battery cell related hardware on a Cell Module Controller (CMC), that is placed directly on the cell module that is being monitored. This solution alleviates the bulk of the cabling, which are limited to a few sensor wires and communication wires between adjacent CMC modules. Consequently, each CMC is more self-contained, and handles measurements and communications as required. Within its main tasks, the Battery Management System manages the stored power and the capacity of the battery to deliver energy to the vehicle, while checking and delivering information on the battery operating conditions and status, ensuring as well the monitoring, optimization and protection of the battery, all of which are fundamental functions in an electric vehicle. Leveraging established capabilities in the development of BMS and all other key technologies for electrification including e-motors, power electronics, integrated e-axles systems coupled with an extensive know-how in thermal design, Marelli's technological portfolio offers a complete range of solutions to control, manage and optimise the energy balance in electric vehicles. About Marelli Marelli is one of the world's leading global independent suppliers to the automotive sector. With a strong and established track record in innovation and manufacturing excellence, our mission is to transform the future of mobility through working with customers and partners to create a safer, greener, and better-connected world. With around 50,000 employees worldwide, the Marelli footprint includes 170 facilities and R&D centres across Asia, the Americas, Europe, and Africa, generating revenues of 1,380 billion JPY (10.6 billion EUR) in 2021. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1994965/Marelli_Battery_Management_System.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/marelli-wins-a-global-contract-to-supply-battery-management-systems-for-electric-vehicles-to-a-major-carmaker-301737414.html SOURCE Marelli [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 02, 2023] Pamela Dawson Named Recipient of the 2023 Music Educator Award, Presented by the Recording Academy and GRAMMY Museum GRAMMY Museum: WHO: Pamela Dawson of DeSoto High School in DeSoto, Texas, is the recipient of the 2023 Music Educator Award presented by the Recording Academy and GRAMMY Museum. In addition, nine music teachers have been announced as finalists for the award. Initial nominations were submitted from 47 states. A complete list of the recipients is below. Music Educator Award Winner School City State Pamela Dawson DeSoto High School DeSoto Texas Finalists School City State Phil Aguglia Kenmore East High School Tonawanda New York Ernesta Chicklowski Roosevelt Elementary Tampa Florida Antoine Dolberry P.S. 103 Hector Fontanez School Bronx New York Jack A. Eaddy, Jr. Western Carolina University Cullowhee North Carolina Marisa Frank Explore! Community School Nashville Tennessee Trevor Nicholas Senn Arts at Nicholas Senn High School Chicago Illinois Matthew Shephard Meridian Early College High School Sanford Michigan Tony Small Pallotti Arts Academy Laurel Maryland Alice Tsui New Bridges Elementary Brooklyn New York WHAT: The Music Educator Award recognizes current educators who have made a significant and lasting contribution to the music education field and demonstrate a commitment to the broader cause of maintaining music education in the schools. The recipient will be recognized during GRAMMY Week 2023. The award is open to current U.S. music teachers, and anyone can nominate a teacher - students, parents, friends, colleagues, community members, school deans, and administrators. Teachers are also able to nominate themselves, and nominated teachers are notified and invited to fill out an application. Each year, one recipient is selected from 10 finalists and recognized for their remarkable impact on students' lives. They will receive a $10,000 honorarium and matching grant for their school's music program. The nine additional finalists will receive a $1,000 honorarium and matching grants. The remaining 15 semifinalists will receive a $500 honorarium with matching school grants. The matching grants provided to the schools are made possible by the generosity and support of the GRAMMY Museum's Education Champion Ford Motor Company Fund. In addition, the American Choral Directors Association, National Association for Music Education, NAMM Foundation, and National Education Association support this program through outreach to their constituencies. Nominations and applications for the 2024 Music Educator Award are now open via www.grammymusicteacher.com. ABOUT PAMELA DAWSON Pamela Dawson began studying music at the age of 7 on the piano. She continued in music throughout her education and was greatly influenced by her God-Sister, Dorothy Ashby, a well renowned jazz harpist. She graduated from Cass Technical High School as a vocational music major and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications & Theater with an emphasis in music from Eastern Michigan University. She began her teaching career in 1995 in Detroit, Michigan and was the Head Choral Director at several schools in the metropolitan area. Dawson is currently in her 27th year of teaching and her 16th year in Texas at DeSoto High School. Choirs under her direction have consistently earned numerous sweepstake ratings in Contest and Sight-Reading, Best in Class, and Outstanding Performance awards at festivals on the local, state, national, and international levels, including a tour and performance in London. Dawson is an active member of the American Choral Directors Association, American Harp Society, Texas Choral Directors Association, Texas Music Educators Association, and has previously served as the Chair for the DeSoto Arts Commission for six years. Dawson was previously a finalist for the Music Educator Award in 2021. In 2022, she was inducted into the DeSoto School ISD Hall of Honors for special achievements and honors in her career, for making an impact in the community and the district, and for her service to education and the DeSoto ISD. ABOUT THE GRAMMY MUSEUM The GRAMMY Museum is a nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating and exploring music from yesterday and today to inspire the music of tomorrow through exhibits, education, grants, preservation initiatives, and public programming. Paying tribute to our collective musical heritage, the Museum values and celebrates the dynamic connection in people's diverse backgrounds and music's many genres, telling stories that inspire us, and creative expression that leads change in our industry. For more information, visit www.grammymuseum.org, "like" the GRAMMY Museum on Facebook, and follow @GRAMMYMuseum on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok. ABOUT THE RECORDING ACADEMY The Recording Academy represents the voices of performers, songwriters, producers, engineers, and all music professionals. Dedicated to ensuring the recording arts remain a thriving part of our shared cultural heritage, the Academy honors music's history while investing in its future through the GRAMMY Museum, advocates on behalf of music creators, supports music people in times of need through MusiCares, and celebrates artistic excellence through the GRAMMY Awards - music's only peer-recognized accolade and highest achievement. As the world's leading society of music professionals, we work year-round to foster a more inspiring world for creators. For more information about the Academy, please visit www.grammy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, follow @RecordingAcad on Twitter, "like" Recording Academy on Facebook, and join the Recording Academy's social communities on Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn. ABOUT FORD MOTOR COMPANY FUND As the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company, Ford Fund's mission is to strengthen communities and help make people's lives better. Working with dealers and nonprofit partners in more than 60 countries, Ford Fund provides access to opportunities and resources that help people reach their full potential. Since 1949, Ford Fund has invested more than $2 billion in programs that support education, promote safe driving, enrich community life, and encourage employee volunteering. For more information, visit www.fordfund.org or join us at @FordFund on Facebook and Twitter. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230202005226/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 02, 2023] Crewe Capital Advises on Private Equity Partnership for Barefoot Mosquito & Pest Control Crewe Capital (Crewe), an independent investment banking, securities, and mergers and acquisitions firm, is pleased to announce it advised on the partnership between Incline Equity Partners (Incline), a Pittsburgh-based private equity firm, and Barefoot Mosquito & Pest Control (Barefoot or the Company), a leading provider of environmentally conscious pest control services, headquartered in Austin, TX. As the exclusive advisor to Barefoot, Crewe successfully managed the transaction between Incline and the Company, which will continue to give residents in Texas and beyond an effective and natural solution to mosquito and pest control. "We are enthusiastic about our partnership with the Barefoot team," said Brad Phillips, Managing Director at Incline. "Joseph and Jason have built a strong platform in a mosquito-friendly region, where demand is recurring and non-discretionary. There is a significant opportunity to enter new geographies and explore additional service offerings through a combination of strategic M&A and greenfield penings." Barefoot has established a trusted brand given its effective, natural pest control treatment solutions and best-in-class customer service. Barefoot was founded in 2011 by Joseph Barclay and Jason Revill, who bring decades of experience in the pest control industry. "We were looking for a partner with experience growing exterior service companies that culturally aligned with our team, and Incline was the perfect choice for our next phase of growth," said Jason Revill, Co-CEO of Barefoot. "We look forward to making investments in our marketing capabilities to expand our loyal customer base. Additionally, Incline's resources will enable us to enhance our technician recruiting and training programs to maintain our standard of service as we grow. With the help of the Crewe team, we were able to find the right partner that we are excited to work with. I found Crewe's professionals to be incredibly dedicated, proactive, professional, expert, caring, and considerate of our needs," added Jason Revill. Michael Bennett, Founder and Managing Partner of Crewe Capital said, "We are very pleased about the partnership between Incline and Barefoot. Joe and Jason have created an incredible business, and now have the opportunity to continue to build upon their success with an experienced partner in Incline." Joseph Barclay, Co-CEO of Barefoot said, "I am very grateful to Crewe Capital for guiding us through the most impactful business decision of our lives. The Crewe team exhibited professionalism and competency while facilitating every stage of our new partnership with an excellent private equity firm." Crewe Capital is proud to support Barefoot Mosquito & Pest Control in the continued growth of its brand and mission to offer more natural and effective pest control solutions that are safer for individuals and communities. About Crewe: Crewe Capital offers investment banking and M&A advisory through Crewe Capital, LLC, a registered broker-dealer with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (www.sec.gov), a member of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (www.SIPC.org), and a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (www.finra.org). For more information about Crewe Capital please visit http://www.crewe.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230202005635/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 02, 2023] Automated Financial Systems, Inc. to Sponsor and Join Panel in Bank Automation Summit US 2023 in March A proud sponsor of the Bank Automation Summit US 2023, March 2-3, 2023, Automated Financial Systems, Inc. (AFS) is pleased to announce the participation of John Dubil, Chief Technical Officer and Senior Vice President, AFS, in the Advanced Technology Track panel, "At the Core: Strategies for addressing legacy core systems." "AFS has always been focused on innovating commercial lending through forward-focused technology, and we are excited to share how AFS can help financial institutions modernize their systems through commercial lending automation with the attendees at the upcoming Bank Automation Summit," said John, "personally, I am looking forward to participating in this panel with exceptional colleagues on the topic of how to address outdated legacy core systems, which I know is top of mind for clients when I speak with them." John will be joined by experts fom BankUnited, TD Bank, and Arvest Bank for "At the Core: Strategies for addressing legacy systems" on Thursday, March 2 at 2:15 PM. About Bank Automation Summit The Summit will take place March 2-3, 2023 at the Westin Charlotte in Charlotte, N.C., and brings together U.S.-based industry experts to discuss banking automation and technology topics. The event will feature the brightest minds from across financial services on intelligent automation strategies and deployment. Set up in a casual environment, the Summit will host an exclusive audience with an intimate networking vibe. https://bankautomationsummit.com/ About AFS AFS is the global leader in providing real-time, end-to-end lending solutions to the world's top-tier institutions as well as regional and de novo clients. Solely dedicated to the financial industry, AFS is uniquely positioned to support our client's business and technology transformation, evidenced by our solutions processing more than $3 trillion in small business, commercial, CRE, wealth management, and syndicated loans daily. AFS clients have achieved measurable results in customer expansion, revenue increases and efficiency gains that outpace their competition. AFS is headquartered in Exton, Pennsylvania, with an office in Brussels, Belgium. For more information, please visit www.afsvision.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230202005201/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Ukraine expects extension of duty-free trade with EU for another two years PM Ukraine expects significant progress in integration into the EU internal market and the extension of duty-free trade with the European Union until the end of 2024. As reported on the government portal on Thursday, this was discussed during a meeting between Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal and Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko with the Executive Vice-President of the European Commission Valdis Dombrovskis. The Prime Minister said integration into the EU internal market and further deepening of trade relations is vital for Ukraine's ability to resist Russian aggression. "In particular, it is important to maintain the duty-free import of our goods to the European Union until the end of 2024," the head of government said. He thanked for the powerful macro-financial assistance of the European Union, in particular, for the support program worth EUR 18 billion, of which EUR 3 billion has already been received by Ukraine. "It is important that financial resources arrive predictably and rhythmically. In order to do this, we created the 'financial Ramstein' platform," Shmyhal said. [February 02, 2023] Sense real-time home intelligence will be available as an application for Itron's next generation smart meters Collaboration will expand real-time insights through the Sense app to millions of consumers across the country CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Sense , the leader in real-time home energy intelligence, announced it has joined forces with Itron, which is innovating the way utilities and cities manage energy and water, as a distributed intelligence (DI) partner. The Sense application runs on Itron's DI-enabled smart meters and takes advantage of Itron's DataHub, a secure, scalable, cloud-based platform that will allow consumers to seamlessly utilize the Sense mobile app without purchasing additional hardware. Sense's mission is to reduce global carbon emissions by making homes smarter and efficient. The Itron announcement builds on Sense's existing partnerships with industry leading smart meter and hardware manufacturers. By embedding intelligence as updatable software, these core components of energy infrastructure can adapt over time and connect to the evolvig set of smart devices that consumers are adopting, all without replacing hardware. "Sense was built to make homes safer and more efficient. We've always known that the fastest path to market adoption is to put our core technology into the infrastructure of homes. We're thrilled to collaborate with Itron and leverage their innovative DI-enabled smart meters to empower consumers with real-time data and the engaging consumer applications they need to manage household energy, lower their energy bills and accelerate greater efficiencies and electrification of their homes," said Mike Phillips, Sense CEO. "With over 65 million-meter upgrades expected by 2027, Sense is poised to grow to more than a quarter of the residential homes across the US." Led by pioneers in machine learning, Sense's mission is to reduce global carbon emissions by making homes smart and more efficient. Sense uses high-resolution waveform data, machine learning, and AI to provide real-time, engaging consumer applications that give people insights into how energy is used in their homes and will increasingly be used for automation as appliances in the home become connected. By integrating this technology with meters, Sense is for the first time allowing utilities to provide a real-time detailed view of energy use across all customers. Itron's robust DI platform allows innovators to build open, interoperable, value-driven applications on Itron's secure platform which evolve with market and consumer demands. To date, Itron has shipped more than 5 million DI-enabled meters integrated with Itron's DI platform. The Sense application will be available on Itron's DI platform by the end of Q3 2023. The rapid adoption of next generation smart meters will build intelligence into millions of homes. According to Guidehouse , the global penetration of smart meters will climb from approximately 44% at the end of 2020 to 56% by the end of 2028, resulting in over 1.2 billion devices globally. Investments in inside-the-meter analytics will grow at a CAGR of 13.3%, and solutions for demand-side management and energy efficiency will grow from approximately $1.6 billion in 2021 to nearly $5.4 billion in 2030. About Sense Sense's mission is to reduce global carbon emissions by making homes smarter and efficient. We empower people to care for their homes and families while contributing to a cleaner, more resilient future. Founded in 2013 by pioneers in speech recognition, Sense uses machine learning technology to provide real-time insights on device behavior, even for those devices that are not "smart." Customers rely on Sense for a wide range of uses including monitoring their home appliances, determining whether they left appliances running and identifying how to reduce their energy costs. Sense is headquartered in Cambridge, Mass. To make sense of your energy, visit: https://sense.com . View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sense-real-time-home-intelligence-will-be-available-as-an-application-for-itrons-next-generation-smart-meters-301737589.html SOURCE Sense [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 02, 2023] Rolebot's Passive Talent HR Platform Now Available on SAP Store By integrating with SAP SuccessFactors Recruiting, Rolebot's passive talent platform helps empower recruiters to engage candidates and improve candidate experience LOS ANGELES, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Rolebot Inc. today announced that its Rolebot passive talent platform is now available on SAP Store , the online marketplace for SAP and partner offerings. Rolebot frees individuals from the burden of actively searching for jobs and empowers recruiters to spend their time engaging candidates and improving the candidate experience. Rolebot integrates with SAP SuccessFactors Recruiting marrying the latest advancements in AI with the digital footprint of individuals, delivering passive talent autonomously. "Rolebot removes manual sourcing and lets the role take the lead in surfacing qualified talent." "Rolebot removes manual sourcing and lets the role take the lead in surfacing qualified talent," said Shane Bernstein, Rolebot CEO. "Passive talent, those who aren't actively searching for a new role but would consider one if the right opportunity presented itself, make up 75 percent of the workforce. We help businesses access this untapped talent." Since Rolebot launched in 2018, the business has been disrupting an otherwise antiquated industry. Rather than recruiters being bogged down performing manual searches, combing through profiles and conducting outreach, Roebot takes on that preliminary work so hiring managers can simply give a thumbs up/thumbs down from a daily list of top profiles matching the client's provided job qualifications. As a result, companies can source and scale with minimal effort. Additionally, Rolebot's US Government Census and gender-based DE&I Standard ensures that a minimum of 33 percent of candidates surfaced are diverse across every roleno excuses. "Working in the recruitment industry for 17 years, I saw the barriers to hiring were the resume and the job description, neither of which are particularly useful," Bernstein said. "I also noticed that hiring more recruiters didn't scale financially. Rolebot is the product of modern AI models and a desperate need to shake things up in a stagnant field." Rolebot's AI creates an ideal look-alike of your best employees and delivers an instant pipeline of diverse candidates daily to your inbox. With no job descriptions, no resumes, and no job postings, organizations can reduce time to hire, achieve workplace diversity, scale and make better hires. Notable customers include Snowflake, American Red Cross, Dentsu and Randstad. SAP Store, found at store.sap.com , delivers a simplified and connected digital customer experience for finding, trying, buying and renewing more than 2,300 solutions from SAP and its partners. There, customers can find the SAP solutions and SAP-validated solutions they need to grow their business. And for each purchase made through SAP Store, SAP will plant a tree. Rolebot Inc. is a partner in the SAP PartnerEdge program. The SAP PartnerEdge program provides the enablement tools, benefits and support to facilitate building high-quality, disruptive applications focused on specific business needs quickly and cost-effectively. Rolebot is part of the Future of Work program at SAP.iO Foundry Berlin. This program accelerates startups to constantly expand the SAP ecosystem and helps customers increase the value of their workforce. About Rolebot Rolebot, Inc. is Pioneering Passive Talent. Rolebot's AI finds the most promising talent ready for a new opportunity by creating an ideal look-alike of your best employees and delivering an instant pipeline of candidates. The system guarantees that one-third of candidates are diverse and reverses the bias inherent in the traditional hiring system. The company is headquartered in Los Angeles. Copyright 2023 Rolebot, Inc. SAP and other SAP products and services mentioned herein, as well as their respective logos, are trademarks or registered trademarks of SAP SE in Germany and other countries. Please see https://www.sap.com/copyright for additional trademark information and notices. All other product and service names mentioned are the trademarks of their respective companies. For more information: Website: https://www.rolebot.io/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rolebot/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/rolebot_io CONTACT: Ashley Sava, [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rolebots-passive-talent-hr-platform-now-available-on-sap-store-301737004.html SOURCE Rolebot [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 02, 2023] Via Scientific, Inc., A New Cambridge Based Technology and AI Company Emerges from Stealth and Launches Groundbreaking Multi-Omics Analytics Platform CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Via Scientific, Inc., a new Cambridge based technology and AI company, is proud to announce the launch of Foundry, a multi-omics accelerator platform focused on significantly shortening the path to scientific breakthroughs. Via Scientific, Inc., A New Cambridge Based Analytics Company Launches Groundbreaking Multi-Omics Analytics Platform. The Foundry platform was originally developed at UMass Chan Medical School; Via Scientific has exclusive commercial rights to the platform. Founders of the company are Melissa J. Moore, PhD Chief Scientific Officer Emeritus at Moderna, Alper Kucukural, PhD co-director of the Bioinformatics Core at UMass Chan Medical School and CTO of Via Scientific, Manuel Garber, PhD, co-director of the Bioinformatics Core at UMass Chan Medical School, Jim Crowley, local technology and AI entrepreneur and Janet Kosloff, founder of the health care analytics company InCrowd, Inc. Foundry automates the complex data and analytical work associated with multi-omics research. Featuring a powerful drag-and-drop pipeline and meta data building functionality that eliminates the need to write code, plus full process orchestration and customizable analytics, Foundry is a force multiplier for biomedical researchers. Furthermore, the platform ensures that all data and analytics are shareable, reusable, and reproducible. This frees up time and resources for both investigators and bioinformaticians to concentrate on generating core scientfic insights and therapeutic breakthroughs. "We are thrilled to introduce Foundry to the market," said Melissa Moore. "As both an academician and CSO at Moderna, I saw firsthand the need for a powerful and adaptable tool like Foundry. Scientists are consistently challenged to keep up with our ability to ask questions and imagine possibilities. Foundry transforms 'process time' into 'scientific time', so scientific teams can focus on unlocking the underlying science that results in new insights and breakthroughs." "Multi-omics analytics is maddingly difficult, and we have made it our mission to simplify this vital research domain," added Jim Crowley, CEO of Via Scientific. "Scientists should not have to spend their time wrangling data, writing code, and coordinating dev. op. tasks just so they can get to the point where they can begin to ask their questions. Foundry changes all of that as scientists will now spend their time where it is intended - interrogating experimental results, shaping insights, and advancing understanding." Via Scientific is focused on supporting the analytical needs of biotech, pharmaceutical, research institutes and academic universities, and on further developing the Foundry platform and amplifying its AI capabilities. About Via Scientific: Via Scientific, Inc., is a Cambridge, Massachusetts-based bioinformatics and analytics technology company. The Company was founded in 2022 and was publicly launched in February 2023 after a year in stealth mode. The company's Foundry platform, available both on Cloud and as an on-premises solution, radically simplifies enterprise scale multi-omics and analytics. Via Scientific is rapidly growing and individuals with extraordinary engineering, AI and bioinformatic skills can reach the Company at [email protected]. Learn more at www.viascientific.com. About UMass Chan Medical School UMass Chan Medical School, one of five campuses of the University of Massachusetts system, comprises the T.H. Chan School of Medicine; the Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; the Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing; Commonwealth Medicine, a public service consulting division; and MassBiologics, the only nonprofit, FDA-licensed manufacturer of vaccines, biologics and viral vector gene therapies in the United States. UMass Chan's mission is to advance the health and wellness of our diverse communities throughout Massachusetts and across the world by leading and innovating in education, research, health care delivery and public service. In doing so, it has built a reputation as a world-class research institution and as a leader in primary care education, perennially ranked in the top 10 percent of medical schools for primary care by U.S. News and World Report. UMass Chan attracts more than $300 million annually in research funding, placing it among the top 50 medical schools in the nation. In 2021, the Medical School received a $175 million donation from The Morningside Foundation and was renamed UMass Chan Medical School. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/via-scientific-inc-a-new-cambridge-based-technology-and-ai-company-emerges-from-stealth-and-launches-groundbreaking-multi-omics-analytics-platform-301737370.html SOURCE Via Scientific, Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 02, 2023] Major Milestone in North Country Growers Greenhouse Project The North Country Growers (NCG) project has achieved its initial funding milestone that will enable NCG to continue its forward momentum. NCG is expected to complete construction by this fall and begin operations in Q4 2023 in a market yearning for fresh and affordable produce. This project has strong state and local support and is expected to bring 83 full time jobs to the area once 20 acres of greenhouses are in operation. Jack Daley, Project Manager for the Berlin, NH facility, says "We are extremely pleased to have completed this round of funding as it allows us to purchase all the materials and equipment needed to complete construction of the first greenhouse in 2023. This past fall we finished site preparation and installed the foundations of the steel substructure, and we are anxious to resume construction this spring and begin growing fresh produce in Q4." This $37.5 million project will leveage Combined Heat and Power (CHP) technology, using natural gas to create electricity on site while capturing waste heat and carbon dioxide. Heat from the CHP system is expected to save ~11,700 MMBtu per acre each year in heating, and the use of supplemental carbon dioxide in the greenhouse will boost yields by 30%. At the same time, these systems will provide NCG with a lower delivered cost per pound of salad greens compared to standard indoor farming operations. Mike O'Mara, President of Ozone Capital Markets, LLC who is assisting NCG in this project commented: "Food security has become a major issue in the Northeast. Most of the produce consumed in this region is transported from the West Coast. A number of factors, including higher diesel and fertilizer prices, has contributed to making healthy produce unaffordable to many. Large industrial greenhouses, located in colder climates, leveraging CHP technology is likely the most efficient option to solving food security issues." Ozone Capital Markets LLC is an independent consulting firm helping individuals, family offices, and other institutional investors identify and connect with Qualified Opportunity Zone (QOZ) projects. As the number and diversification of QOZ funds increase, Ozone Capital Markets looks to serve as a resource to help educate and navigate the space. For further questions about this project contact: View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230202005538/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 02, 2023] Girl Scouts of Greater Mississippi and Enviva Announce New Partnership to Support and Promote Forest Restoration and Reforestation Enviva Inc. (NYSE: EVA), the world's leading producer of sustainably sourced woody biomass, along with Girl Scouts of Greater Mississippi (GSGMS), announced a collaborative partnership to assist the council with programs related to climate change, tree planting and conservation initiatives, and other STEM/natural resources-related education opportunities planned by the GSGMS and Enviva. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230202005677/en/ Enviva, Mississippi Forestry Association, Wildlife Mississippi, The Longleaf Alliance, consultants, and numerous state agencies gather to discuss restoration plans for Girl Scouts of Greater Mississippi. (Photo: Business Wire) As an official partner, Enviva will provide financial support to facilitate the long-term forest management and revenue generation plans for two GSGMS owned camps - Camp Iti Kana (Stone County, MS) and Camp Wahi (Rankin, MS). In collaboration with The Longleaf Alliance - a non-profit dedicated to ensuring a sustainable future for the longleaf pine ecosystem - Enviva will help coordinate reforestation activities at both Camp Iti Kana and Camp Wahi as part of the Girls Scouts' national Tree Promise Program, which aims to plant five million trees in five years across the U.S. Starting in 2023, Enviva, GSGMS, and the Longleaf Alliance will begin planting 40,000 trees at Camp Iti Kana, a hstoric longleaf pine ecosystem that was converted to a loblolly tree farm. "We are proud to partner with Enviva to help restore and replant trees on both Girl Scout camps in Mississippi," said Becky Traweek, Chief Executive Officer of Girl Scouts of Greater Mississippi. "This partnership will help empower our girls to continue to be environmental stewards of the land, and through educational and hands-on programming, will continue to inspire, through action, the leaders of tomorrow." Girl Scouts offer young women the unique opportunity to identify and support issues that are important to them, from partnerships with other people, businesses, and organizations, to creating sustainable projects that change the world around them. As it relates to Mississippi, Camp Iti Kana and Camp Wahi experienced a large financial loss due to damage from tree loss and tree removal after a tornado hit the area on March 30, 2022, and from Hurricane Katrina in 2005. In an effort to restore the land and generate future revenue for the GSGMS council, GSGMS, Enviva, and The Longleaf Alliance, amongst others, will coordinate traditional thinnings and timber harvests at both sites, following the restoration plans developed by Legacy Land Management Consultants, LLC. "Enviva and Girl Scouts of Greater Mississippi have shared synergies around the importance of valuing our natural resources, forest health, and climate change mitigation," said Enviva's Chief Sustainability Officer, Brandi Colander. "Creating markets for forest products, with a commitment to sustainability, further incentivizes forest landowners to invest in and keep their land as forests. We are thrilled to partner with GSGMS to teach and mentor young women. We recognize that females are a minority within the forestry field, and we are committed to investing in and providing the necessary skillsets to succeed and thrive." Enviva is working to expand its partnership with Girl Scouts of the USA across its operating footprint. To learn more about this partnership and/or to coordinate a similar program in your region or state, email [email protected]. If you are interested in joining and/or supporting the Girl Scouts of Greater Mississippi, please email [email protected]. About the Girl Scouts of Greater Mississippi The Girl Scouts of Greater Mississippi are on mission to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. Through programs from coast to coast, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges-whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their first best friends. About Enviva Enviva Inc. (NYSE: EVA) is the world's largest producer of industrial wood pellets, a renewable and sustainable energy source produced by aggregating a natural resource, wood fiber, and processing it into a transportable form, wood pellets. Enviva owns and operates ten plants with a combined production capacity of approximately 6.2 million metric tons per year in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and Mississippi, and is constructing its 11th plant in Epes, Alabama. Enviva is planning to commence construction of its 12th plant, near Bond, Mississippi, in 2023. Enviva sells most of its wood pellets through long-term, take-or-pay off-take contracts with primarily creditworthy customers in the United Kingdom, the European Union, and Japan, helping to accelerate the energy transition and to decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors like steel, cement, lime, chemicals, and aviation fuels. Enviva exports its wood pellets to global markets through its deep-water marine terminals at the Port of Chesapeake, Virginia, the Port of Wilmington, North Carolina, and the Port of Pascagoula, Mississippi, and from third-party deep-water marine terminals in Savannah, Georgia, Mobile, Alabama, and Panama City, Florida. To learn more about Enviva, please visit our website at www.envivabiomass.com. Follow Enviva on social media @Enviva. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230202005677/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 02, 2023] Dr. Marisela Marrero Becomes Steward Health Care's First Leader of DEI and Health Care Equity Steward Health Care today announced the appointment of Marisela Marrero, M.D., as Senior Vice President (SVP) for Health Care Equity and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) for its national health system. In this position, Dr. Marrero will report directly to Steward Chairman and CEO Dr. Ralph de la Torre and Steward's new Board-level DEI committee. Steward today also announced the appointment of Paul Smith as President of their flagship hospital, St. Elizabeth's Medical Center (SEMC) in Boston. Mr. Smith is replacing Dr. Marrero, who served as the interim President of SEMC. Speaking of Dr. Marrero's new role, Dr. de la Torre stated, "Steward's model of care has always depended on assisting underserved communities who are suffering from economic and ethnic challenges. The COVID epidemic exposed these fault lines in our national health care system, and Dr. Marrero's appointment as our first leader of DEI and Health Care Equity underscores our commitment to correct these systemic injustices. This is a top priority for us." A graduate of Yale University and Harvard Medical School, Dr. Marrero has dedicated her career to engaging and partnering with communities of color, including her own, to provide vital health information and care. She regularly appears on Spanish-language television to provide expertise on many important health care topics. "As a Latina doctor, this work is incredibly personal and important to me, and I'm excitedto help grow Steward's efforts on health care equity and DEI across our national health system," said Dr. Marrero. "I want to help ensure that we are a truly diverse organization ready to tackle the difficult barriers to equity in the communities we serve. I have experienced access issues, payer inequity, and the struggles of diverse communities, and I am committed to addressing them. I'm grateful for this opportunity and ready to get to work on behalf of our patients and staff." In Dr. Marrero's stead, Mr. Smith joins Steward from Tenet Health Care system where he served as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Saint Vincent Hospital and Tenet's Massachusetts market. Previously, Mr. Smith had spent seven years at Steward in various capacities including COO of St. Elizabeth's Medical Center and Vice President (VP) of Operations at Holy Family Hospital. "We are delighted that Paul is re-joining the Steward family," said Dr. Mark Girard, President of Steward's North Region. "Paul has exceptional operating skills, intimately understands our model of value-based care, and has been a respected colleague for years. He will have a big impact on SEMC as it moves toward becoming an advanced tertiary care institution," he stated. About Steward Health Care Nearly a decade ago, Steward Health Care System emerged as a different kind of health care company designed to usher in a new era of wellness. One that provides our patients better, more proactive care at a sustainable cost, our providers unrivaled coordination of care, and our communities greater prosperity and stability. As the country's largest physician-led, tax paying, integrated health care system, our doctors can be certain that we share their interests and those of their patients. Together we are on a mission to revolutionize the way health care is delivered - creating healthier lives, thriving communities and a better world. Steward is among the nation's largest and most successful accountable care organizations (ACO), with more than 5,500 providers and 43,000 health care professionals who care for 12.3 million patients a year through a closely integrated network of hospitals, multispecialty medical groups, urgent care centers, skilled nursing facilities and behavioral health centers. Based in Dallas, Steward currently operates 39 hospitals across Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and Utah. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230202005670/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 02, 2023] Agtonomy Unveils Groundbreaking TeleFarmer Solution for Specialty Crop Farmers New technology platform enables farmers to precisely plan and execute labor-intensive field tasks SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Agtonomy, an ag tech software company with a focus on developing climate-smart solutions for specialty crop farmers, announces its new TeleFarmer Solution. TeleFarmer empowers farmers to remotely execute labor-intensive field tasks such as weeding, spraying, mowing and transporting. The solution is a game changer for many specialty crop farmers who are battling crippling labor shortages and associated rising costs. TeleFarmer empowers farmers to remotely execute labor-intensive tasks, allowing them to supplement and uplift labor. The global market for specialty crops, like grapes and almonds, is projected to reach $1.8 trillion by 2026.1 The U.S. is the world's top producer of these crops with 184,000 of these farming operations covering 10.4 million acres, according to the USDA. But while these operations have the potential for high margins, they come with greater risk to the farmer as they are beholden to the availability of necessary labor to perform many critical field tasks. TeleFarmer puts more control back into the hands of the farmer, allowing them to supplement and uplift labor. "As a farmer myself, I founded Agtonomy to use technology as a means to give farmers more control over the economics of their operation," said Tim Bucher, CEO and co-founder of Agtonomy. "Our new TeleFarmer solution is a suite of products that delivers farmers a remotely operated fleet to accomplish many of the most labor-intensive tasks on their farm and reduce dependency on the availability of labor." The TeleFarmer Solutin from Agtonomy is comprised of three powerful components: TeleFarmer Software: A tele-guidance software system that turns tractors into remotely operated vehicles. Equipped with proprietary TrunkVision , these tractors safely and accurately navigate within centimeter-level precision of any specialty crop. A tele-guidance software system that turns tractors into remotely operated vehicles. Equipped with proprietary TrunkVision , these tractors safely and accurately navigate within centimeter-level precision of any specialty crop. TeleFarmer Service: An app that puts unprecedented control in the hands of the operator. Farmers can plan and implement tasks such as in-row spraying, open-field mowing and transporting of harvested crops. The service also provides monitoring notifications and other key information needed for farmers to resolve issues as they arise remotely or dispatch someone to the field for larger issues. An app that puts unprecedented control in the hands of the operator. Farmers can plan and implement tasks such as in-row spraying, open-field mowing and transporting of harvested crops. The service also provides monitoring notifications and other key information needed for farmers to resolve issues as they arise remotely or dispatch someone to the field for larger issues. TeleFarmer Reference Tractor: A fully electric reference tractor that precisely accomplishes labor-intensive field tasks even in the toughest terrain or at night. "With TeleFarmer, farmers can essentially clone themselves to plan and perform tasks in multiple locations and even troubleshoot those tasks from wherever they are", said Bucher. "Using the app, they can follow along, track progress, check the health of equipment in the field and review reports to make changes for maximum efficiency on subsequent tasks." The TeleFarmer solution will be on display at World Ag Expo, Feb.14-16 in Tulare, Calif. Bucher, along with additional members of the Agtonomy executive leadership team, will be available for interviews and live product demonstrations throughout the show in South Exhibits, booth #DS73-74. For high-res images, click here. 1Specialty Crops Global Market Trajectory & Analytics (October 2022). Global Industry Analysts, Inc. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220609005478/en/Global-Specialty-Crops-Market-to-2026---Mounting-Food-Security-Concerns-Improve-Market-Prospects---ResearchAndMarkets.com About Agtonomy Agtonomy , based in south San Francisco and Sonoma County, is a hybrid autonomy and tele-guidance service platform with the venture backing of GV, Toyota Ventures, Grit Ventures, Flybridge, Momenta, Village Global, Cavallo Ventures, Mirae Asset Venture Investment and many other prestigious investors. The platform will give local agriculture and land maintenance operators the ability to solve the skilled labor shortage with autonomous equipment and greatly increase their efficiency. The executive team consists of veterans from the AI, EV, cloud service and agriculture industries with extensive experience at companies like Amazon, Apple, Google, CNH Industrial, Microsoft, Uber, and Kittyhawk as well as lifelong farming experience at Northern California agriculture operations such as Trattore Farms. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/agtonomy-unveils-groundbreaking-telefarmer-solution-for-specialty-crop-farmers-301737588.html SOURCE Agtonomy [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 02, 2023] LSI and MedtechWomen Strengthen Partnership with New Member Additions Partnership adds four LSI team members to MedtechWomen and elevates the 501(c)(3) organization as a sponsor of LSI USA '23 HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif., Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Life Science Intelligence (LSI), the Medtech Market Intelligence company, today announced an expanded partnership with MedtechWomen, the leading organization dedicated to highlighting and connecting women leaders in medtech. With the partnership, the following four LSI team members officially become members of MedtechWomen: Kelly Williams , Vice President of Business Development , Vice President of Business Development Maricela Almonte , Director of Operations , Director of Operations Rebekah Murrietta , Director of Media , Director of Media Amber Hatchell , Operations Associate MedtechWomen was founded in 2010 by medtech executives to connect, educate and inspire fellow medtech women by creating an ongoing content-driven, solutions-oriented dialogue on the future of the medtech industry. The 501(c)(3) organization is dedicated to highlighting and promoting underrepresented medtech leaders, inclusive of all races, ethnicities, and gender identities. "I'm honored to join the distinguished MedtechWomen community and am eager to continue connecting with like-minded women in our industry," said Williams. "MedtechWomen is a unique forum for women in our industry to be exposed to diverse perspectives, celebrate and learn from each other's wins, and serve as role models for future leaders. Our partnership with MedtechWomen reinforces LSI's core belief that we rise by lifting others. Together, we will promote and advance the careers of women in this dynamic industry and continue to shape the future of medtech." "It's my pleasure to welcome these four leaders to our organiation and deepen our relationship with LSI," said Jessica Richter, Member of the Board of Directors at MedtechWomen and Executive Vice President, Regulatory, Clinical & Quality Systems at Veranex Solutions. "LSI's commitment to showcasing diverse leaders, paired with their global community, world-class events, and opportunities for thought partnership make them valuable allies in our mission to connect, educate, and inspire women in medtech. We look forward to continuing to work together to advance our shared goals and create a brighter future through medtech." The announcement comes ahead of "LSI USA '23," LSI's flagship partnering event held annually in Dana Point, California. The event will bring together more than 1,000 top innovators, investors and strategics and 250 vetted presenting companies at the world-class Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach. MedtechWomen will be an official sponsor of LSI USA '23. Event attendees can meet the organization's leadership team and hear how they are advancing healthcare at the MedtechWomen sponsored networking breakfast on March 21st at 7:00am (open to all registered attendees). Registration for LSI USA '23 is open, with limited spots still available. To view the agenda and register, visit www.ls-intel.com. About Life ScIence Intelligence (LSI) LSI helps medtech leaders build businesses that save lives. With LSI's ecosystem of market research, media, and partnering events, medtech leaders can access the community, capital, and insights that enable growth. For over 15 years, medtech's global leaders have trusted LSI to cultivate world-class partnering experiences and provide trusted market research and advisory. Based in Huntington Beach, California, LSI is building an enduring company to impact millions of people's health. For more information, visit www.ls-intel.com and follow Life Science Intelligence - LSI on LinkedIn . About MedtechWomen MedtechWomen is a 510(c)(3) educational nonprofit organization dedicated to highlighting and connecting women leaders in medical devices and diagnostics. The organization was founded in 2010 when a group of women acted on their vision of bringing together sector leaders and policymakers to discuss real-world solutions to the most challenging issues in the medical technology industry today. They enlisted the support of their mentors and a broadening circle of colleagues to bring this vision to reality, resulting in the inaugural MedtechVision conference in 2011. Founders and organizing members of MedtechWomen are innovators from across the U.S. in varied aspects of the medtech sector including business leaders, financial investors, researchers, physicians and experts in new product commercialization. For more information please visit www.medtechwomen.org. Press Inquiries Maricela Almonte [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lsi-and-medtechwomen-strengthen-partnership-with-new-member-additions-301736839.html SOURCE Life Science Intelligence [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 02, 2023] Aircraft Performance Group Awarded Flight Operations Solutions Contract with Vista Flight Support Aircraft Performance Group (APG), the leading global provider of proprietary flight operations software solutions, announced today the signing of a new 3-year agreement with the Vista Global group. APG will continue its long-standing relationship with Vista, the number one on-demand charter company in the world, providing a complete software solution for flight feasibility, runway analysis, and weight & balance. Vista will use APG's isFlightPossible API complemented by the class-leading iPreFlight Genesis iPad application, with plans for Vista to upgrade to iPreFlight Genesis PRO over the coming months. These applications are used across the entire Vista Members' fleet of over 360 aircraft. Vista has expanded its business rapidly, reporting double-digit growth in the first half of 2022, accelerated new client memberships, and has expanded across all markets globally, particularly in the United States. The group includes the leading brands VistaJet, XO and Apollo Jets; its operating partners' network extends further to XOJET Aviation, GMJ Air Shuttle, Red Wing Aviation, and Talon Air. The groups recently supported the growing demand for its services through the acquisition of Air Hamburg in Germany and Jet Edge in the United States. "APG is a leader in aircraft performance software for dispatchers and pilots. This, coupled with its excellent and responsive customer support, allowed us to make the very easy decision to continue our relationship," said Cliff Berrington, Director of Operations at VistaJet. "We look forward to seeing how iPreFlight Genesis PRO can improve the optimization of our fleet management over the coming years." "APG is delighted to continue our longstanding relationship with Vista. This contract is a significant step in our commitment to support Vista as they expand globally with outstanding flight operations solutions that allows operators to be safe, efficient and compliant," stated Mark Stevens, APG Head of Sales - EMEA. "Additionally, we are thrilled to broaden our relationship with Vista with expansion into our newest iPreFlight Genesis PRO product line. We look forward to working closely with Vista and its companies over the coming years." About Aircraft Performance Group Aircraft Performance Group (APG) is a leading global provider of business and corporate aviation flight operations software solutions. For more information, visit www.flyapg.com. About RocketRoute, an APG Company RocketRoute, an APG Company, is a leading software platform simplifying route planning and flight plan submissions to air traffic controllers. RocketRoute solutions span private, business and commercial aviation, and are the backbone of many air rescue operations in Europe. www.rocketroute.com About Vista Vista Global Holding's (Vista) subsidiaries provide worldwide business flight services. A global group headquartered at the DIFC in Dubai, Vista integrates a unique portfolio of companies offering asset light services to cover all critical aspects of business aviation: guaranteed and on demand global flight coverage, subscription and Membership solutions; and cutting-edge technology. The Group's mission is to lead the change to provide clients with the most advanced flying services at the very best value, anytime, anywhere around the world. Vista's knowledge and understanding of all facets of the industry deliver the best end-to-end offering and technology to all business aviation clients, through its VistaJet and XO branded services and duly licensed carriers. Vista is not a direct air carrier and does not operate or charter flights. More Vista information and news at www.vistaglobal.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230202005389/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 02, 2023] Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Health Oro Health announces the release of an AI-Powered triage and recommendation tool MONTREAL, Feb. 2, 2023 /CNW Telbec/ - Oro Health, one of the "Top 10 Most promising Canada Tech Startups in 2022" in MedTech has announced the launch of its DermSmart, a tool designed to accurately classify skin types and common skin diseases. For three years now, Oro Health has been running its deep learning algorithm on a proprietary dataset of more than 80,000 clinical images classified by two canadian board-certified dermatologists with the ultimate goal of offering it to non-specialized health professionals as a clinical decision support tool to enhance front-line dermatological care. The tool is trained to evaluate the condition and type of skin of the patient, proposing perfectly adapted rutines and product recommendations.DermSmart was created to provide assistance to first-line health care providers so that they can provide tailored care for skin ailments. As such, aesthetic centers and pharmacies are great use cases as the technology allows them to offer over-the-counter intervention plans, perfectly adapted to the patient's skin type. The company also has an asynchronous telehealth technology that is used in multiple specialties other than dermatology. It is currently in the process of obtaining its medical device certification for the DermSmart AI tool. "The medical device certification will allow Oro Health to offer the tool to primary health care professionals to help them quickly identify the patient's skin disease. As such, the first-line treatment plan will be more successful. We believe that DermSmart could significantly reduce the number of referrals sent to dermatologists and as such help decrease waiting lists." Dr. Emilie Bourgeault, B.Sc, M.D., Dermatologist (FRCPC), Chief Executive Officer of Oro Health. Incorporating these algorithms into clinical workflows with existing EMRs and virtual clinic networks is also a priority. ''We built DermSmart to perform in a real-life setting with user-taken pictures. We also focus on minor skin conditions that make up almost 25% of all primary care consultations. Clinical relevance is our major focus.. We've built a tool using a simple API that can easily be integrated in existing systems. It is time to use technology to enhance health care..'' Bruno Morel, CTO at Oro Health.me About Oro Health Oro Health offers artificial intelligence-based solutions for medical clinics that want to harness the full potential of technology improving access and quality of care. Patients can receive reliable, rapid and secure care at a time and place of their choosing. For more information, please visit orohealth.me SOURCE ORO Health [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Ukraine counts on adoption of priority action plan for enhanced implementation of FTA with EU in 2023-2024 Shmyhal Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal has said that Ukraine counts on the adoption of a priority action plan for the enhanced implementation of a free trade area agreement between Ukraine and the European Union for 2023-2024. "Based on the results of the summit, we expect significant progress in the issue of approaching the EU internal market. We are talking about the adoption of a priority action plan on enhanced implementation of the free trade area between Ukraine and the EU for 2023-2024," he said at a joint meeting of the Ukrainian government and the European Commission in Kyiv on Thursday. Also, according to the prime minister, Ukraine is counting on the extension of the EU regulation on the liberalization of transportation. In addition, the head of government emphasized that the internal market regime should be introduced before the start of negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU. Shmyhal also noted the priority of Ukraine's early accession to the EU roaming space and the introduction of an "industrial visa-free regime." [February 02, 2023] Mental Health Association of Maryland Announces the Release of Virtual Skills Training Platform The Mental Health Association of Maryland, in association with its national non-profit initiative, Engage with, today announced the availability of a new evidence-based live virtual skills training program, Engage with Older Adults. Engage with Older Adults addresses the growing need for skills training within the long-term care workforce and allows caregivers to build and enrich their careers and their job satisfaction, leading to better outcomes for caregivers and seniors alike. "Our mission is to improve the lives of older adults by empowering today's caregivers to provide better care," said Dr. Stephen B. Goldberg, MD, CEO and Chief Medical Officer, Engage with. "The shortage of caregivers has reached a crisis point and our rapidly aging population is outpacing the resources we have available," said Goldberg. "Engage with was created to tackle this issue head-on and provides the critical training that will help employers retain their workforce while improving the skills of both professional and family caregivers." Engage with Older Adults Skills Training platform offers caregivers nationwide a live, virtual learning experience that allows them to participate from any device with an Internet connection capable of video streaming. Each training is conducted in real-time by a licensed mental health professional and the evidence-based curricula is designed specifically around the core competencies required by those who ork with, support and care for older adults. Through practical, engaging and skills-based training, caregivers can develop and refine the skills necessary for effectively supporting older adults while being empowered to maximize their caregiving potential. "The future of caregiving has arrived," said Goldberg. "We firmly believe that the Engage with Older Adults Skills Training platform will set a new standard for properly preparing caregivers to successfully address the care needs of our growing older adult population." About Engage with Skills Training Programs Engage with Skills Training Programs are virtual, live, interactive, skills-based trainings led in real time by a licensed mental health professional. The programs use an innovative gamification approach in a virtual environment to teach practical skills to both professionals and lay people. The skills trainings have a behavioral health focus and cover topics such as mental health conditions, substance use and medication misuse, neurocognitive disorders, traumatic brain injury (TBI), aggression and de-escalation, as well as suicide risk identification. To learn more, please visit: www.engagewith.org About the Mental Health Association of Maryland The Mental Health Association of Maryland (MHAMD) is over 100 years old and is Maryland's only volunteer, nonprofit organization that brings together consumers, families, professionals, advocates, and concerned citizens for unified action in all aspects of mental health and mental illness. MHAMD envisions a just, humane, and healthy society in which all people are accorded respect, dignity, and the opportunity to achieve their full potential free from stigma and prejudice. Engage with Skills Training Programs is a national non-profit initiative of MHAMD. To learn more, please visit: www.mhamd.org. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230202005718/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 02, 2023] DSM - delivery of shares This is a press release by Koninklijke DSM N.V. (Royal DSM), pursuant to the provisions of Sections 13 paragraphs 1 and 2 of the Dutch Decree on Public Takeover Bids (Besluit openbare biedingen Wft) (the Decree) in connection with the public offer by Danube AG (to be renamed DSM-Firmenich AG) for all the issued and outstanding ordinary shares in the capital of DSM (the Exchange Offer). This press release does not constitute an offer, or any solicitation of any offer, to buy or subscribe for any securities. This press release is not for general release, publication or distribution, in whole or in part, in or into, directly or indirectly, the United States or any other jurisdiction where such release, publication or distribution would violate applicable laws or regulations. HEERLEN, Netherlands, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Following the Offering Circular published on 22 November 2022, Royal DSM is required to announce transactions relating to the ordinary shares in its capital in accordance with the Dutch public offer rules. This includes the delivery of treasury shares to employees in view of settling the vesting of share units or the exercise of stock options. Pursuant to commitments entered into prior to issuing the Offering Circular, DSM has on 2 February 2023, delivered 210 ordinary shares to employees in view of settling the exercise of an equivalent number of stock options granted under the respective DSM Incentive Plan (average exercise price 92.71). On the date hereof, the total number of issued and outstanding DSM ordinary shares is 173,083,910. As a consequence of the delivery included herein, the number of outstanding DSM ordinary shares increased by 0.0001%. DSM Royal DSM is a global, purpose-led company in Health, Nutrition & Bioscience, applying science to improve the health of people, animals and the planet. DSM's purpose is to create brighter lives for all. DSM's products and solutions address some of the world's biggest challenges while simultaneously creating economic, environmental and societal value for all its stakeholders customers, employees, shareholders, and society at large. The company was founded in 1902 and is listed on Euronext Amsterdam. More information can be found at www.dsm.com. Or find us on: LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/3108 Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/DSM Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DSMcompany YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/dsmcompany For more information DSM Media Relations Gareth Mead tel. +31 (0) 45 5782420 email [email protected] DSM Investor Relations Dave Huizing tel. +31 (0) 45 5782864 email [email protected] Forward-looking statements This press release may contain forward-looking statements with respect to DSM's future (financial) performance and position. Such statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections of DSM and information currently available to the company. DSM cautions readers that such statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and therefore it should be understood that many factors can cause actual performance and position to differ materially from these statements. DSM has no obligation to update the statements contained in this press release, unless required by law. The English language version of the press release is leading. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/329419/dsm_logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/dsm---delivery-of-shares-301737749.html [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 02, 2023] CBIZ ACQUIRES FIFTH-LARGEST INDIANAPOLIS ACCOUNTING FIRM SOMERSET TO ADD $55 MILLION TO CBIZ REVENUE CLEVELAND, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- CBIZ, Inc. (NYSE: CBZ) ("the Company"), a leading provider of financial, insurance and advisory services, announced today that it has acquired the non-attest assets of Somerset CPAs and Advisors ("Somerset") of Indianapolis, IN, effective February 1, 2023. Concurrent with this transaction, Mayer Hoffman McCann P.C., a national independent CPA firm that works closely with CBIZ, announced the acquisition of the attest assets of Somerset CPAs and Advisors. Somerset has been providing accounting, tax, and financial advisory services to clients in a wide array of industries for more than 60 years. With additional offices in Michigan City, and Fort Wayne, IN, as well as Nashville, Tennessee, Somerset is the fifth-largest accounting service provider based in Indianapolis, with 250 employees and approximately $55 million in revenue. Jerry Grisko, President and CEO of CBIZ, said, "We are excited to enter the Indianapolis financial services market with an established partner that has a reputation for providing outstanding client service and possesses the size and scale to accelerate growth and bring added value to our collective clients. Together, we will now be able to provide our combined clients with an expanded breadth of services backed by a national network of professionals. Somerset's depth of expertise across numerous industries also creates strategic opportunities to better serve our current clients and attract new ones. We look forward to welcoming the Somerset team to CBIZ." Regarding the transaction, Ben Kimmerling, President of Somerset, stated, "We are very excited to join CBIZ. Being a part of a premier national accounting prvider will ensure our clients continue to receive best-in-class service and solutions to help them grow their businesses successfully. Our shared vision of building relationships and delivering results make this a perfect combination, and will also provide our employees with additional training, development, and career growth opportunities." The Koltin Consulting Group advised both firms on the transaction. Allan D. Koltin, CEO of Koltin, said, "The combination of CBIZ and Somerset presents a unique opportunity for growth in the solid and expanding Indianapolis market. CBIZ and Somerset share a remarkable commitment to building meaningful client relationships and providing a broad array of services to meet their clients' needs and the benefits of this transaction will be immediately evident to their combined clients and their team members." About CBIZ CBIZ, Inc. is a leading provider of financial, insurance, and advisory services to businesses throughout the United States. Financial services include accounting, tax, government health care consulting, transaction advisory, risk advisory, and valuation services. Insurance services include employee benefits consulting, retirement plan consulting, property and casualty insurance, payroll, and human capital consulting. With more than 120 Company offices in 33 states, CBIZ is one of the largest accounting and insurance brokerage providers in the U.S. For more information, visit www.cbiz.com. Forward-Looking Statements Forward-looking statements in this release are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risk that the anticipated benefits and perceived advantages of an acquisition may not be achieved; the impact of COVID-19 or governmental rules related to public health issues on the Company's business, operations and clients; the Company's ability to adequately manage and sustain its growth; the Company's dependence on the trend of outsourcing business services; the Company's dependence on the services of its CEO, other key employees, producers and service personnel; the effects of any potential cyber-attacks; competitive pricing pressures; general business and economic conditions; and changes in governmental laws or regulation affecting the Company's clients, business, business services operations, or business models. A more detailed description of such risks and uncertainties may be found in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cbiz-acquires-fifth-largest-indianapolis-accounting-firm-somerset-to-add-55-million-to-cbiz-revenue-301737790.html SOURCE CBIZ, Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] A result of recent budget talks with the community regarding funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. Here are the basics and something that MIGHT make life in this cowtown just a bit better . . . "University Health will receive one million dollars to fund ongoing efforts to fight the fentanyl and opioid epidemic. The remaining one million will divided between Samuel Rodgers Health Center, Heartland Center for Behavioral Health, Mattie Rhodes Center, and Footprints Inc. - to support countrywide behavioral health and drug rehabilitation services, and programs to assist the homeless population." Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Click the image or this link for a bigger/better view. Developing . . . In this post we take a quick look at local crime reporting that includes urban core gunfire this evening and developing stories from across the metro. UPDATE ON THE STANDOFF: "Officers made entry into the residence and took one subject into custody without incident. The investigation into the aggravated assault continues." As usual, we include news about community outreach near the end of the compilation . . . Check TKC news gathering . . . Kansas City police engaged in standoff with suspect accused of firing shots inside home KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Kansas City, Missouri, police engaged in a standoff on Wednesday after shots were fired at someone coming to check on their deceased relative's house. The police department said officers were called to the 500 block of Wallace at about 3:30 p.m. after gunshots were heard. KCPD investigates double shooting near 34th & Chestnut KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - The KCPD is investigating after a Wednesday night shooting left two people injured. It happened just after 8 p.m. at a home near E. 34th Street and Chestnut Avenue, which is on the city's eastern side. KCPD investigating life-threatening shooting at 40th and The Paseo Police in Kansas City are investigating a life-threatening shooting. The shooting happened shortly after 5:40 p.m. in the area of 40th Street and The Paseo. There's no suspect information at this time, according to police. The victim was transported to a local hospital with critical injuries. This is a developing story. Kansas City brothers charged with murder in Oak Park double shooting that killed one Jackson County prosecutors have charged two Kansas City men, identified in court documents as brothers, with murder in a double shooting that unfolded early Friday in the city's Oak Park Northwest neighborhood. Lavert R. Bowman, 45, and Lamonte D. Bowman, 49, are accused of killing 31-year-old Mark Young in a residence in the 3400 block of Chestnut Avenue. Family mourns after 19-year-old is found dead in KCK KANSAS CITY, Kan. (KCTV) - A family of refugees from South Sudan, who now lives in Kansas, is grappling with losing a family member to what they call a senseless crime. Kansas City, Kansas, police said 19-year-old Adhel Deng was the victim of a homicide. Raytown man sentenced in drug conspiracy case, fraud scheme that used stolen IDs of Johnson County employees A Raytown, Mo, man was sentenced in federal court Wednesday for his role in a fraud scheme that utilized the stolen identities of Johnson County, Kansas, government employees to make fraudulent purchases and his role in a $10 million conspiracy to distribute over 1,000 kilograms of meth. Michael B. Police looking for missing, endangered 9-year-old in Kansas City KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - First responders have asked the public for help in finding a girl that was reported missing Wednesday morning. Kansas City police stated that 9-year-old Naomi Slayten, a biracial girl 4 feet 3 inches tall, was last seen in the area of 99th Street and Richmond Drive about 9 a.m. KCPD Chief Stacey Graves addresses issues with south KC residents New Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves appeared before a packed house January 16 at South Patrol and opened the floor to whatever anybody wanted to talk about. 'Racism, excessive force, I'm open," she told the meeting of the South Kansas City Alliance. Developing . . . Pretty sure this 80s Wrangler commercial is either an intro to a soft-core scene OR possibly grounds for assault. Either way . . . Here's a peek at local fashion news from dead-tree media . . . Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Ben Spurr has been the Toronto Star's transportation reporter since April 2016. He covers public transit, the politics of transportation, road safety, and other related issues Andrew Palamarchuk is a reporter with Metroland Media Toronto and toronto.com. He has been covering the crime beat since 2002 and has a passion for giving a voice to those affected by tragedy and looking at societal issues that may have contributed to it. Advocates for ideas and draws conclusions based on the interpretation of facts and data. 'The aunt I never had': a 75-year-old English man's search of his family roots leads to unmarked grave in Toronto Violet Bird,9, had just arrived in Scarborough, Ontario with her family in 1929 when she died of scarlet fever, writes Robin Bird Tier and Dott have been selected by the city of Lyon to each operate 2,000 e-scooters in Lyon, France for the next four years. Shared micro mobility has been widely adopted by the people of Lyon. In 2022, there were 456,000 unique users in the city of Lyon. Committed to supporting the development of low-carbon mobility and acting to improve the sharing of public space, the municipality launched in 2022 a high-demanding tender based on four key issues: orderliness in public spaces, safety, environmental leadership and social justice. ') } // --> ') } else { console.log ('nompuad'); document.write('') } // --> ') } else { console.log ('nompuad'); document.write(' ') } // --> ') } else if (width >= 425) { console.log ('largescreen'); document.write('') } else { console.log ('nompuad'); document.write('') } // --> Shared e-scooters are a key element in the transition of mobility, offering solutions to residents and visitors. The two operators selected will offer comprehensive services with particular attention paid to the safety of users and non-users, the organization of public space and the durability of the vehicles. I am delighted with their commitment to creating sustainable employment, also through partnerships for professional integration, said Valentin Lungenstrass, deputy mayor of Lyon, responsible for mobility, uban logistics and public spaces. We thank the city of Lyon for its renewed confidence. We are proud to be able to continue to work for the development of a more sustainable mobility landscape in the capitale des Gaules, says Franck Guerniou , city manager Lyon at Tier. With a new authorization extended to four years, the city reaffirms the usefulness of our service as an essential lever of creating a more sustainable environment, in particular to reach its objective of climate neutrality in 2030. Our local team is doing its utmost to support and accelerate this transition by delivering the best level of service to the people of Lyon. I would also like to emphasize the quality of the exchanges and collaboration with the city of Lyon, our privileged partner. Over the last day, as a result of shelling of settlements in Donetsk region, three people were killed, some 22 were injured, according to Head of the regional local administration Pavlo Kyrylenko said. "During February 1, the Russians killed three residents in Kramatorsk. Another 22 people were injured in the region," he said on his Telegram channel on Thursday morning. Earlier, the State Emergency Service of Ukraine said the number of people killed in a missile attack on a residential multi-storey building in Kramatorsk reached three people, 18 were injured, eight of them were hospitalized,. "As of 07:00 on February 2, as a result of shelling by the State Emergency Service units, the bodies of three dead were cleared and two people were rescued. Some 18 people were injured (eight of them were hospitalized)," the service said in a Telegram message on Thursday. The State Emergency Service said as a result of a missile strike, from the fourth to the first floors of a four-story residential building were destroyed within one entrance, followed by the ignition of parked cars. It is noted the ignition of cars is eliminated. Deployed a heating point of the State Emergency Service. Some 183 people and 18 units of equipment were involved in rescue work, including 60 people and 11 units of equipment from the State Emergency Service. As reported, on Wednesday evening, February 1, the Russian invaders launched a missile attack on the center of Kramatorsk. The missile hit one of the apartment buildings. The police said: "the Russian military hit the residential sector of the city with an Iskander-K missile. At least eight apartment buildings were damaged, one of them was completely destroyed. message on the agency's Facebook page on Thursday night. The police said the enemy attack occurred at 21:45. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has signed a decree granting Presidential Awards 2023 for Youth. According to the decree, Presidential Awards for Youth are granted to people particularly distinguished in science, education, culture, youth policy, youth work, social activities, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The College of Commissioners of the European Commission headed by President Ursula von der Leyen has arrived in Kyiv to hold a joint meeting with the Ukrainian government. This follows from the statement that von der Leyen made on her Twitter page on Tuesday. "Good to be back in Kyiv, my fourth time since Russia's invasion. This time, with my team of Commissioners. We are here together to show that the EU stands by Ukraine as firmly as ever. And to deepen further our support and cooperation," she said. The statement is accompanied by a photo from the platform of the railway station in Kyiv, where she is met by Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna, Head of the EU Delegation to Ukraine Matti Maasikas. Former Police Commissioner Gary Griffith tells Tv6 News that the businessman who was killed during a car-jacking on Wednesday was among many who had received provisional approvals for a Firearm User's Licence but after 18 months had not received a permit to carry a licensed firearm. This, as the National Security Minister told the Express newspaper that the new Police Commissioner informed him that, a "robust and thorough assessment" of FUL applications was necessary. The Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) conducts first aid training for National Police officers in Zhytomyr. "We train first aid officers of the National Police of Ukraine. In Zhytomyr, instructors from the Ukrainian Red Cross Society conduct first aid training for police officers," the URCS said on its official Facebook page. The URCS said that such knowledge is very important for the police since they are the first to be at the scene of traffic accidents, incidents, or emergencies. "Their ability to qualitatively and correctly provide first aid before the arrival of doctors can save the lives of the victims," the URCS said in the report. The country's authorities are discussing the issue of Poland's F-16 jets supply to Ukraine with NATO allies. Warsaw does not publicly reveal the details of its security assistance to Ukraine. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland Zbigniew Rau said this at a joint press conference with foreign ministers of the Baltic states in Riga, answering questions about Poland's F-16 jets supply to Ukraine, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. As the Polish minister noted, all of Poland's supplies to Ukraine are carried out "in close coordination and agreement with NATO allies." "As you know, the issue of aircraft is being discussed with our partners," Rau emphasized. He noted that the Polish government does not publicly reveal details of such sensitive issues as the types and amount of weapons, equipment, and ammunition sent to Ukraine. However, he noted that Poland is happy to help Ukrainians protect their countrys sovereignty and territorial integrity in accordance with the UN Charter. Rau added that Poland will organize the supply of battle tanks to Ukraine, the decision announced by the country's government a few weeks ago. As reported, the day before, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said that if a decision to send F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine is made, Poland will act in "full coordination" with its allies. Ukraine seeks to obtain modern fighters F-16 or F-15 of the US Air Force or their European analogs German Tornado or Swedish Gripen to replace its Soviet-era aircraft. Recently, the Polish authorities announced the transfer of a company of Leopard 2 tanks (14 units) and 60 modernized tanks, including 30 PT-91 Twardy, to Ukraine. ol Israel is considering sending air defense systems to Ukraine, including the Iron Dome system. According to an Ukrinform correspondent, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said this in an interview with CNN. "Well, I'm certainly looking into it," Netanyahu said when asked whether Israel can send air defense systems to Ukraine. He also confirmed that the United States had moved artillery ammunition stocks from the territory of Israel to Ukraine. "The United States took a significant part of Israeli ammunition and sent it to Ukraine," he said. Netanyahu added that his country is also helping Ukraine by preventing the production of weapons in Iran. "I will not go into details, but Israel is acting in a certain way against Iran's production of weapons that are used against Ukraine," he said. Since the outset of the full-scale invasion, Ukraines Defense Forces have eliminated nearly 129,030 Russian invaders, including 610 in the past day alone. Thats according to the latest estimates provided by the General Staff of Ukraines Armed Forces, Ukrinform reports. In addition, the Ukrainian troops destroyed 3,211 enemy tanks (+2 in past day), 6,382 (+0) armored combat vehicles, 2,212 (+5) artillery systems, 458 (+0) multiple rocket launch systems, 222 (+1) anti-aircraft systems, 293 (+0) warplanes, 284 (+0) helicopters, 1,951 (+0) operational and tactical-level UAVs, 796 (+0) cruise missiles, 18 (+0) warships/cutters, 5,064 (+3) trucks and tankers, and 200 (+0) units of specialized equipment. The incoming data is being verified. As reported by Ukrinform, last day Ukrainian defenders repelled Russian attacks in the areas of 14 settlements across Luhansk and Donetsk regions. In the doctored photo, Russian propagandists did not even care to replace the signature of the former finance minister with that of the current one Pro-war Telegram channels are circulating a photo of what is claimed to be a certificate allegedly issued to military servicemen of Ukraine instead of allowances for their service in the amount of two million hryvnias. Russian propagandists claim that such "documents" would ensure that the soldiers receive their pay no earlier than February 2, 2026. This is a fake report as such a certificate never existed. The signature at the bottom of the document does not belong to the current Minister of Finance Serhiy Marchenko. Other documents that are easy to find online have his real signature. The forged signature is that of the former Minister of Finance, Oleksandr Shlapak, who held his position from February 27 to December 2, 2014. Propagandists simply photoshopped images that freely available online. Currently, a military bond in Ukraine is worth UAH 1,000. Individuals and legal entities may voluntarily buy them to support the Army. Last year, almost UAH 600 billion was raised through military bonds. Military servicemen who defend Ukraine receive decent monetary compensation, consisting of two parts a monthly monetary allowance (depending on the position, rank, service history, etc.) and an additional monetary reward established for the wartime period. For those servicemen who are not directly involved in hostilities, the additional remuneration stands at approximately UAH 1,000 per day, while those who participate in battles receive approximately UAH 3,000 per day. Andriy Olenin In Belarus, joint aviation exercises of the Russian and Belarusian armed forces have ended. However, the return of enemy aircraft to their base airfields has not been recorded. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said this in an operational update as of 18:00 on February 2, Ukrinform reports. According to the General Staff, throughout the day, Russian troops launched two missile strikes on the civilian infrastructure of Kramatorsk city, Donetsk region. The Russian shelling damaged 13 two-story buildings, 3 four-story buildings, a children's clinic, a school, garages, and cars. There were victims among the civilian population. The invaders carried out 3 air strikes and more than 15 attacks using multiple launch rocket systems. In particular, they struck civilian objects in the village of Komyshany, Kherson region, injuring four civilians, including a five-year-old child, whose condition is moderate. In addition, the Russians damaged the civilian infrastructure of Ochakiv city, Mykolaiv region. It is emphasized that the threat of enemy air strikes and missile attacks remains high throughout the territory of Ukraine. "The enemy continues to conduct active reconnaissance and preparations for an offensive in certain directions, taking measures to strengthen its troops. Offensive operations are ongoing in the Lyman, Bakhmut, Avdiivka and Novopavlivka directions," the General Staff said. It has been established that Russian troops are suffering heavy losses. "At the same time, joint exercises of the aviation component of the regional grouping of the armed forces of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus have ended. The return of enemy aircraft to base airfields has not been recorded," the General Staff noted. During the past day, the Ukrainian Air Force launched four strikes on the areas of concentration of Russian troops. In addition, Ukrainian defenders destroyed a Russian Merlin drone. Units of the missile forces and artillery of Ukraines Defense Forces, for their part, struck three areas of concentration of enemy manpower and a command post. As reported by Ukrinform, as of February 2, 2023, the Armed Forces of Ukraine eliminated about 129,030 Russian invaders. Several memoranda of understanding in the fields of energy and environmental protection were signed in the presence of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky and President of the Republic of Austria Alexander Van der Bellen in Kyiv. In particular, Minister of Energy of Ukraine German Galushchenko and Minister of Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology of Austria Leonore Gewessler signed a Memorandum of Understanding to launch a partnership in the field of energy transition and renewable energy sources, the Presidents Office informs. The signing of the Memorandum will lay the basis for in-depth cooperation between the countries in the format of energy partnership. The document provides for the exchange of best practices in the energy transition (energy system planning, state support schemes, etc.); introduction of innovative technologies in the field of renewable energy sources; demand management and development of distributed generation; acceleration of the deployment and use of renewable hydrogen, etc. The Memorandum also provides for the possibility of establishing a joint working group, in particular to address organizational issues and plan further cooperation. In addition, Minister of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine Ruslan Strilets and Leonore Gewessler signed a Memorandum of Understanding in the field of environmental protection. The document will create favorable conditions for the development and establishment of bilateral cooperation between Ukraine and Austria in the environmental field, taking into account the current challenges caused by armed conflicts that have devastating consequences for the environment, ecosystems and human health. The Memorandum will serve as an impetus to draw attention to environmental protection and sustainable use of natural resources, which will allow expanding and strengthening relations between the two countries to curb and mitigate environmental impact, taking into account the need for timely response to armed conflicts and recovery from them. This is another step in the implementation of the EU acquis and Ukraine's movement towards EU membership. ol On February 1, the Bulgarian National Assembly approved a resolution recognizing the Holodomor of 1932-1933 in Ukraine as genocide. According to The Sofia Globe, in the 240-seat National Assembly, the vote was 134 in favour, 26 against, with no abstentions. In particular, the pro-Kremlin Vuzrazhdane party voted against the resolution, while those few Bulgarian Socialist Party MPs present in the House did not vote. The Bulgarian Parliaments decision declared that every final Saturday of November will be a Day of Honour and Remembrance for the victims of the Holodomor. According to the resolution, any denial, justification and belittling of the genocide is a dishonour to the memory of the millions of people who died in the Holodomor. In the course of debate, several MPs who spoke in favour of adopting the resolution referred to atrocities in Russias current war in Ukraine. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky thanked the Parliament of Bulgaria for recognizing the Holodomor of 1932-1933 as genocide of the Ukrainian people. I am thankful to the Bulgarian Parliament for recognizing the 1932-1933 Holodomor as a genocide of the Ukrainian people. This step commemorates millions of Holodomor victims and restores historical justice. Bulgarias gesture of solidarity will always be remembered in Ukraine, Zelensky wrote on Twitter. As reported, on November 28, 2006, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted the Law "On the Holodomor of 1932-1933 in Ukraine", which recognized the Holodomor as genocide of the Ukrainian people. On December 15, 2022, the European Parliament adopted by a majority of votes a resolution on the 90th anniversary of the Holodomor in Ukraine, which recognizes the terrible events of the 1930s as the genocide of the Ukrainian people. As of December 2022, 23 countries officially recognized the Holodomor as genocide of the Ukrainian people. iy The delegation of 15 European Commissioners, led by President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, arrived in Kyiv on Thursday, February 2. This is said in a statement published on the European Commissions website, Ukrinform reports. Accompanying President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen for this visit are Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice-President for a Europe Fit for the Digital Age; Valdis Dombrovskis, Executive Vice-President for an Economy that Works for People; Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President for a Stronger Europe in the World; Maros Sefcovic, Vice-President for Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight; Vera Jourova, Vice-President for Values and Transparency; Margaritis Schinas, Vice-President for Promoting our European Way of Life; Nicolas Schmit, Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights; Paolo Gentiloni, Commissioner for Economy; Janusz Wojciechowski, Commissioner for Agriculture; Didier Reynders, Commissioner for Justice; Ylva Johansson, Commissioner for Home Affairs; Janez Lenarcic, Commissioner for Crisis Management; Oliver Varhelyi, Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement; Virginijus Sinkevicius, Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries; Mairead McGuinness, and Commissioner for Financial Services, Financial Stability and Capital Markets Union. The visit of the College is a strong symbol of the Commission's support for Ukraine in the face of Russia's unprovoked and unjustified aggression. The meeting between the Commission and the Ukrainian Government will be an opportunity to exchange on the many areas of cooperation between the EU and Ukraine, and discuss the upcoming reconstruction as well as the country's European path. It is also an opportunity to deepen further cooperation with Ukraine, the statement says. As reported, today, February 2, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, together with a team of EU Commissioners, arrived in Kyiv to hold talks with the Ukrainian government. A meeting of members of the College of EU Commissioners with the Ukrainian government will take place in Kyiv today. The topics for discussion will include the support for Ukraine in the fight against Russian aggression, the coordination of efforts to restore Ukraine, the continuation of key reforms and Ukraine's path to membership in the European Union. On Friday, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Council Charles Michel will meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky. On February 3, Ukraine will host the 24th EU-Ukraine summit. iy The World Federation of Hungarians, which organized an anti-Ukrainian rally in Budapest, accusing Ukraine of allegedly forcible mobilization, is, in fact, a fringe organization, influenced by the Russian Federation. This was stated in a comment to Guildhall by Attila Ara-Kovacs, Member of the European Parliament and a member of the committees on security and foreign affairs. The so-called World Federation of Hungarians is behind the anti-Ukrainian demonstration organised in Budapest on 30 January 2023. To understand the real political nature of the demonstration, it is important to know: in the 90s, even the Hungarian nationalists considered this organisation as a creature of the former Romanian communist secret service, the MEP said. The World Federation of Hungarians, he added, is made up of a bunch of elderly, far-right extremists who are spiritual descendants of the former Hungarian fascist movement, and Moscows influence on them is more than evident. This insignificant grouping often justifies the efforts of Viktor Orban's government, which are rejected by everyone in Europe and indeed in the entire civilised world, the lawmaker concluded. As reported earlier, January 28, 2023, the World Organization of Hungarians organized a rally outside the Ukrainian Embassy in Budapest, accusing Ukraine of allegedly forcibly mobilizing Hungarians for military service to repel the Russian invasion. facebook like button Tweet tweet button for twitter Published February 2, 2023 WHAT: ULM FAFSA Open House WHEN: Tuesday, February 7, 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. WHERE: Sandel Hall, 4020 Northeast Dr., Monroe WHO: High school and transfer students MONROE, LA The University of Louisiana Monroe is hosting a free event to help high school and transfer students fill out their FAFSA applications. Students are encouraged to come to the lobby of ULMs Sandel Hall, 4020 Northeast Dr. in Monroe, on Tuesday, February 7, any time between 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Staff from ULMs Recruitment and Financial Aid departments will be on hand to help students navigate the form. FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Completing the form allows high school students to know what types of financial aid for which they qualify. Completing the FAFSA is also a requirement for Louisiana students to be eligible for TOPS. The FAFSA can be so overwhelming and confusing, and thats why we are hosting FAFSA day, said Kaitlin Arnett, ULM Director of Recruitment. We want to help students and parents fill out the FAFSA and answer any questions about financial aid they may have, she added. Students can pre-register online at ulm.edu/money or they can simply show up at the door. Each student will need to bring their FSA ID information for themselves and their parent or guardian, 2021 tax return and W-2 information for the student and their parent or guardian. Students and parents are also welcome to bring any questions they may have. ULM wants to make sure that no student leaves any money on the table, said Erica Hopko, ULM Associate Director of Customer Service and Outreach. We will help you fill out the FAFSA so that college can be more affordable, she said. Snacks and popcorn will be provided. For more information about the FAFSA, visit studentaid.gov. Some 15 European Commissioners headed by President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen have arrived in Kyiv to participate in a joint meeting with the Ukrainian government. The entire list was released by the European Commission on Thursday. Thus, the delegation included Executive Vice-President for Europe Fir for the Digital Age Margrethe Vestager; Executive Vice-President for Economics Valdis Dombrovskis; High Representative Josep Borrell; Vice-President for Values and Transparency Vera Jourova; Vice-President for Promoting European Way of Life Margaritis Schinas; Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights Nicholas Schmit; Commissioner for Economy Paolo Gentiloni; Commissioner for Agriculture Janusz Wojciechowski; Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders; Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson; Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarcic; Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi; Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries Virginijus Sinkevicius; Commissioner for Financial Services, Financial Stability and Capital Markets Union Mairead McGuinness. "The visit of the College is a strong symbol of the Commission's support for Ukraine in the face of Russia's unprovoked and unjustified aggression. The meeting between the Commission and the Ukrainian Government will be an opportunity to exchange on the many areas of cooperation between the EU and Ukraine, and discuss the upcoming reconstruction as well as the country's European path. It is also an opportunity to deepen further cooperation with Ukraine," the European Commission said. | By Jena Frick Albert Einstein once said, The hardest thing in the world to understand is the income tax. While this may have been the case during Einsteins time, today, filing and understanding income tax does not have to be rocket science for Maryland residents thanks to the CASH Campaign of Maryland. CASH stands for creating assets, savings, and hope. This acronym encapsulates the essential service provided by the nonprofit organization, which is to provide free tax preparation services to low- to moderate-income Marylanders. On Jan. 27, the CASH Campaign of Maryland celebrated its annual kickoff event at the University of Maryland, Baltimores (UMB) Community Engagement Center (CEC). The UMB CEC is just one of many locations across the state where Maryland taxpayers who earned $60,000 or less in 2022 can get help filing both federal and state taxes. With an appointment, eligible taxpayers can speak with an IRS-trained volunteer who will help them file on time, maximize their tax refund, and receive their earned income tax credit (EITC). Here in Maryland, we are lucky enough to have the most generous EITC in the country, said Robin McKinney, the CEO and co-founder of CASH Campaign of Maryland. Were working to ensure that almost half a million taxpayers, including more than 50,000 in Baltimore, have a fighting chance for financial freedom and to move out of poverty. The University of Maryland, Baltimore's Community Engagement Center hosts the 2023 kickoff to the CASH Campaign of Maryland. It was only fitting that the CASH Campaign of Marylands kickoff was held on Jan 27, which is also National Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day. It was also the first time the event was held in person since the COVID-19 pandemic. Many elected officials came out to help celebrate including newly elected Maryland Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman. This is an important day to make sure that people understand this process so they can seize their economic future and take control of it, said Lierman. We are at the start of tax season, and we want you to know that you can reach out to any of us for help during this time. The CASH Campaign is all about creating savings and hope and assets. We support this mission, and we want to help, too. Over the past 22 years, the CASH Campaign of Maryland has prepared and filed more than 248,900 tax returns free of charge, putting almost $361 million in refunds and tax credits into the pockets of families and individuals in Baltimore. These efforts have saved taxpayers an estimated $39 million in unnecessary filing fees by filing with the CASH Campaign free. This tax season, the CASH Campaign of Maryland hopes to put more than $30 million back into the pockets of hardworking Marylanders. Aliya Kingwood, a young Baltimore resident, used the CASH Campaigns services last tax season and plans to use them again. Kingwood says she was surprised to see how much money she was eligible for on her tax return last year and was able to use those funds to invest in her future. I was able to pay for a course to invest in my career, and now, I work for a law firm in the intellectual property sector, she said. I'm excited that I'm able to use this opportunity to better myself. In fact, next year, I won't be able to qualify, but thats a good thing because I am moving up. Kingwood continued to say that she encourages everyone who qualifies for tax prep services from the CASH Campaign to take advantage of the opportunity. Many taxpayers have the potential to get thousands of dollars back on their tax refunds, which is why this kickoff event was so important for spreading the word about the CASH Campaign of Maryland. Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott summed up this message. As our forever Congressman Elijah Cummings would say, We want to go out and tell Lottie, Dottie, and everybody. By spreading the word, we are helping our residents who work extremely hard for their money, keep that money that they deserve, because they earned it. The CASH Campaign of Maryland will be available by appointment for eligible Marylanders through April 18. Appointments are available Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and can be made on the UMB CEC CASH Campaign website or by calling 410-541-5086. B. Afeni McNeely Cobham appointed first associate vice chancellor and vice provost for equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging at UNCSA B. Afeni McNeely Cobham has been named the first associate vice chancellor and vice provost for equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging (EDIB) at UNCSA, Chancellor Brian Cole has announced. She will join the university on April 3. B. Afeni McNeely Cobham A native of East New York, Brooklyn, McNeely Cobham has served in higher education for 31 years as a senior administrator, faculty member, curator and consultant. As a practitioner-scholar-activist, she has seen her work benefit student engagement units in academic advising, residential life, judicial affairs, campus activities, career services, enrollment management, multicultural affairs and more. Last year, she launched J.E.D.I. TIP (Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion), a consultant group that offers contemporary and authentic approaches to diversity, equity and inclusion practices that sustain organizational growth. I am thrilled to welcome Afeni as our universitys first-ever associate vice chancellor and vice provost for EDIB, said Chancellor Cole. We are very fortunate that such a highly qualified and enthusiastic leader is joining our team. Afenis experience and success in moving institutions forward in EDIB is exactly what we need at UNCSA. While we realize that the work of EDIB cannot fall to one person alone, Afeni will work alongside senior leadership and community members who are energized to invest the resources, time and energy needed to address EDIB issues at the university and within the arts. The new position was identified as a key component of EDIB efforts at UNCSA as part of a framework developed in 2020 that outlines the explicit and continual process of identifying and dismantling systems and practices of bias, exclusion and oppression. EDIB is also now a pillar of UNCSA Forward: Our 2022-27 Strategic Plan. McNeely Cobham was identified after a nationwide search and was one of three finalists chosen to present to the campus earlier this month. She will report to Chancellor Cole. McNeely Cobham was the inaugural chief equity and inclusion officer at Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC), serving from 2018-22. She was instrumental in moving the institution toward an overhaul of its strategic plan, centering principles of equity through the core pillars. She also developed the purpose, vision and values for the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in partnership with campus and community stakeholders. Also at GRCC, McNeely Cobham curated and launched programming and training initiatives such as the Cultural Competence Institute, J.E.D.I. Series and the Feminist Colloquia; developed a Social Justice and Equity Resources list to reinforce training and professional development sessions; and galvanized faculty, staff and students to launch the LGBTQ+ Think Tank, a brave space that promotes awareness, agency and advocacy. Under her leadership, some of the worlds most influential leaders were featured during events sponsored by her office. They include: Jordan Marie Brings Three White Horses Daniel, an activist for Indigenous rights and representation; Austin Channing Brown, author of Im Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness; Nikole Hannah-Jones, the creator of The 1619 Project; John Leguizamo, Tony Award recipient and cultural critic; and Bun B, hip-hop artist and entrepreneur and faculty member at Rice University. Michigans first community college, GRCC enrolls more than 12,000 students annually. Prior to GRCC, McNeely Cobham served as an associate dean at Connecticut College, associate provost of student life and affiliate faculty at the University of Denver, and assistant dean at Brown University. She also taught at Salem State University in Massachusetts, Metropolitan State University (MSU) of Denver, and Indiana University, among others. In 2010, she was the first faculty member at the University of Denver to teach a course on hip-hop culture titled The 21st Century Minstrel Showdown: Hip Hop Culture vs. Rap Music and the Commodification of Social Identities. That same year, she transitioned to the Department of African American Studies at MSU Denver to amplify the work of the course by curating the Sankofa Lecture Series, a hip-hop cultural literacy conference. The synergy between my student affairs work, faculty experience, and interdisciplinary scholarship provided an opportunity to transition into a senior leadership position at GRCC, said McNeely Cobham. I have the experience and acumen to support the leadership team in developing and facilitating EDIB initiatives that shape the culture and impact of UNCSA. I look forward to joining the Fighting Pickle family! McNeely Cobham is a member of Delta Sigma Theta sorority, the Order of the Eastern Star (Lone Star Chapter No. 1), and several academic honor societies. Her honors include being chosen as a member of the Inner Circle, West Michigans Most Accomplished and Admired Women, while her Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion was presented with the Grand Rapids Area Black Businesses Collaboration Award for its work with MuseGR, an urban art gallery and community incubator for social justice through artistic expression, and was a finalist for the Ally to Accomplice Award at the inaugural Prism Awards presented by the Grand Rapids Pride Center, all in 2022. McNeely Cobham has a Bachelor of Arts from Marist College, a Master of Education from the University of Georgia and a Doctor of Philosophy in higher education administration from Indiana University. In 2000, she made history there by becoming the first recipient of the Master of Arts in African American and African Diaspora Studies. Contact Media Relations Get the best news, performance and alumni stories from UNCSA. SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTERS(OPENS IN NEW TAB)(OPENS IN NEW TAB)(OPENS IN NEW TAB)(OPENS IN NEW TAB)(OPENS IN NEW TAB)(OPENS IN NEW TAB)(OPENS IN NEW TAB)(OPENS IN NEW TAB) Bamyan province is the highest region in Afghanistan, and one of the coldest. But many families are struggling to afford food or fuel to heat their homes. UNHCR/Caroline Gluck Fatima* nurses her youngest child in her lap, as her two other children scamper around excitedly in the confines of their small living space. Shes too exhausted and consumed by worry to react. Her family was displaced to another district around 100 kilometres away when conflict intensified in Bamyan province in Afghanistans mountainous Central Highlands region two years ago. By the time Fatima returned, she had divorced her husband, who was a drug addict, her mother and brother were living as refugees in Iran, and it was up to her alone to find a place to live with her children. For the past eight months, that place has been a centuries-old cave in a hillside near where the ancient Bamyan Buddhas once stood two monumental sixth-century sculptures that were destroyed in 2001. The cave is small but offers shelter from the bitter winter. We had nowhere else to go, she explained. We couldnt afford to pay any rent. "There are scorpions in the summer ... They come day and night." She has tried to make the place cosy with cushions, a carpet donated by a departing neighbour and a small stove but living there is not easy. There are scorpions; in the summer there are a lot and Im scared for the children, she said. They come day and night. A monitoring team with UNHCR, the UN Refugee agency, found the family living in dire conditions in July 2022 and provided urgent cash assistance. Recently, Fatima received another grant to help her through the winter and some blankets. The family is being assessed for eligibility for other types of cash, livelihood and shelter assistance provided by UNHCR. Everything you see here, I have bought with the money UNHCR provided, said Fatima, pointing around her. If I didnt get this help, my situation would be terrible. See also: Afghan women affected by Taliban bans on work and study fear for their futures But without regular assistance or an income, she has had to make some agonizing decisions to ensure her familys survival. At one of her lowest moments, before she received UNHCRs help, she decided to give her youngest son a twin to her brother who was childless and now lives in Iran. At the time, I was in a terrible situation; it was hard to feed the kids and the children were sick. I thought this was my only solution. But now, as a mother, I cannot tell you how much I suffer. It was the worst decision I ever made, she said. Maybe my son has a better chance, a better future with my brotherbut it pains me so much. Divorced mother Fatima* was displaced two years ago. When she moved back to Bamyan with three of her children, she had no money for rent and moved into a cave. UNHCR/Caroline Gluck Fatima has tried to make the cave more comfortable with cushions and a donated rug. UNHCR/Caroline Gluck The cave where Fatima lives with her children is built into cliffs where two giant sixth-century Buddha statues once stood. UNHCR/Caroline Gluck Cash support from UNHCR is helping Fatima and her children get through winter. UNHCR/Caroline Gluck Afghanistan is experiencing its coldest winter in over a decade and the highlands of Bamyan are one of the coldest areas. UNHCR/Caroline Gluck Mother of six, Nekhbakhd, with her three daughters, who collect animal manure to burn in the stove so the family can stay warm. UNHCR/Caroline Gluck The brutal weather has come as millions of Afghans are already suffering. Some two-thirds of the population are expected to need humanitarian assistance in 2023. UNHCR/Caroline Gluck Winter cash assistance allowed widow and mother of six, Sara, to buy a wood-burning stove for cooking and heating the family's one-room home. UNHCR/Caroline Gluck Sara was two months pregnant when her husband died a year and a half ago. UNHCR/Caroline Gluck She is not alone in having to make difficult decisions. People living in Bamyan province the highest region in Afghanistan and one of the coldest are used to harsh winters. But this year has been the coldest in over a decade, and the brutal weather has hit the poorest and most vulnerable like Fatima hard, coming as millions of Afghans are already suffering. Aid agencies predict that a record 28.3 million people some two-thirds of the population will need humanitarian assistance in 2023, with 6 million of those already perilously close to famine. With Afghanistans economy in freefall and food prices sky-rocketing, many desperate families have taken loans or borrowed from neighbours, and the slightest setback can plunge them deep into debt. In the village of Surkhqul, 30-year-old mother-of-six Nekhbakhd and her family borrowed 600,000 Afghanis (US$6,730) for her father-in-laws hospital treatment in Kabul before he died. They have also taken out a loan with a local bakery. Her husband is a casual labourer and often struggles to find work, especially during the lean winter season. Im very worried because we have big loans and I dont see how we can repay them, she said. The family received cash assistance from UNHCR two months ago, but their top priority was to buy food. It meant we could eat. It also helped us buy heating materials like coal and wood. It was very important for us. But now the money is finished, she said. I will never force my girls to marry young ... but we might have to start thinking about sending the children to work, although right now they are too young. Now, my daughters collect animal manure to burn [in the stove] so we can stay warm. Sometimes we eat, but sometimes we go hungry and have to skip meals. We are struggling. "This winter is colder than other winters." UNHCRs cash-based programmes can help the most vulnerable families avoid resorting to dangerous or harmful decisions; and give them the dignity and choice to prioritize their most urgent needs. Mother-of-five Sara was two months pregnant when her husband died a year and a half ago. She now depends on charitable assistance and UNHCR for her familys survival. Seasonal support provided by the agency meant that she was able to buy a traditional bukhari a wood-burning stove, used for cooking and heating, and around which the whole family sleep at night in their one room. This winter is colder than other winters. But now we have this stove, we have charcoal and wood and we are all warm. If the help from UNHCR hadnt arrived it would be so difficult. I would have to beg from others in the community. UNHCR help is a lifeline, she said. *Name changed for protection reasons The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine strongly protests the inhumane treatment of Ukrainian citizen Mikheil Saakashvili, who is behind bars in Georgia. "In the worst traditions of the NKVD of the USSR, the Georgian authorities use psychological and physical violence against Mikheil Saakashvili, deny him urgently needed medical care, deliberately creating an immediate threat to his life. A gross violation of human rights in relation to a Ukrainian citizen runs counter to Tbilisi's declared course of gaining EU membership, and indicates the curtailment of democracy in Georgia," the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. Thus, Ukraine calls on the Georgian authorities to immediately stop mocking Saakashvili and hand him over to Ukraine. "Don't play with a person's life for political revenge. We also appeal to foreign governments and international organizations to stand publicly in defense of a Ukrainian citizen, the former president of Georgia, whose life was in danger due to political repressions by the Georgian authorities," the ministry said. On February 1, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appealed to the Georgian leadership to release Ukrainian citizen and former Georgian President Saakashvili. During a press conference with the head of Austria, Alexander von der Bellen, Zelensky showed journalists the photographs of the emaciated former president of Georgia that he had received and expressed confidence that the Georgian leadership intended to kill Saakashvili. The EUR 25 million humanitarian demining program in Ukraine will be launched by the efforts of the European Union, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said after a meeting with the European Union's High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy Josep Borrell. "Before the Ukraine-EU summit in Kyiv, we checked the clock with High Representative of the European Union Josep Borrell... There is an agreement that the EU will launch a humanitarian demining program worth EUR 25 million. This is an important component of our recovery, which will allow us to return normal life to those de-occupied from terrorist communities," Shmyhal said on Telegram on Thursday. The prime minister also noted the importance of continuing pressure on the Russian economy and introducing the tenth package of European sanctions, which, in particular, should include the nuclear sector and the state-owned company Rosatom. (@ChaudhryMAli88) Australia will remove the British monarch from its banknotes, replacing the late Queen Elizabeth II's image on its $5 note with a design honouring Indigenous culture, the central bank said Thursday Sydney, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 2nd Feb, 2023 ):Australia will remove the British monarch from its banknotes, replacing the late Queen Elizabeth II's image on its $5 note with a design honouring Indigenous culture, the central bank said Thursday. The decision to leave her successor King Charles III off the $5 note means no monarch would remain on Australia's paper currency. The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) said it would consult Indigenous people on a new design that "honours the culture and history of the First Australians". Queen Elizabeth's death on September 8 last year was marked by public mourning in Australia, but some Indigenous groups also protested against the destructive impact of colonial Britain, calling for the abolition of the monarchy. Australia is a constitutional monarchy, a democracy with King Charles III as its head of state. A referendum proposing a switch to a republic was narrowly defeated in 1999. The central bank said its decision was supported by the centre-left Labor government of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who favours an eventual move to an Australian republic. The new banknote would take "a number of years" to be designed and printed, it said, with the existing $5 note remaining legal tender even after the new design is in people's hands. - 'No longer justifiable' - The RBA's move was hailed by the nation's republican movement, which noted that Indigenous people predated British settlement by 65,000 years. "Australia believes in meritocracy so the idea that someone should be on our currency by birthright is irreconcilable, as is the notion that they should be our head of state by birthright," said Australian Republic Movement chair Craig Foster. "To think that an unelected king should be on our currency in place of First Nations leaders and elders and eminent Australians is no longer justifiable at a time of truth-telling, reconciliation and ultimately formal, cultural and intellectual independence." The Australian Monarchist League said the decision was "virtually neo-communism in action". "Before a referendum is held on whether the people want to retain the King as sovereign or opt for a President, this government has arbitrarily moved to discard the King's head from Australia's five dollar note," it said in a statement. "It is certainly not Australian democracy." A British monarch has featured on Australian banknotes since 1923 and was on all paper bills until 1953, the year of Elizabeth II's coronation. The queen's face adorned the 1-pound banknote and then the new $1 note from 1966. - Rock paintings - That first $1 banknote also included imagery of Aboriginal rock paintings and carvings based on a bark painting by Indigenous artist David Malangi Daymirringu. The queen's face has peered up at Australians from the polymer $5 note since 1992. But the central bank's governor Philip Lowe announced three months ago that it had begun talking with the government about whether to forego replacing the queen's image with a portrait of King Charles III. Australian coins, which are issued by the Royal Australian Mint, currently feature an image of the queen. MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 02nd February, 2023) China has already begun to reduce its dependence on Western financial mechanisms, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said. "These positive features (of globalization) don't exist anymore. ... We were not as deeply immersed in this system as China. At least in terms of the volume of US securities that China, in my opinion, has purchased by one and a half trillion. Therefore, the depth of China's immersion in the current system is, of course, incomparable with ours. But the fact that China will inevitably begin to reduce this dependence, and by the way, it has already begun to reduce this dependence, for me there is undoubtedly all the evidence in this regard, and China, it will take longer to create parallel tools, mechanisms that. .. they will protect him from the arbitrariness of the United States, as the main administrator of the world Currency, financial and trading system at this stage," Lavrov said in an interview with Rossiya 24 and RIA Novosti. The minister added that new mechanisms and tools will need time to update in order to avoid serious economic shocks, given the interdependence estimated in trillions between the economies of the US and China. "But the process is not just a discussion, but also a search for ways to form new mechanisms, it has started. And it goes in the direction of, one might say, fragmentation of global mechanisms, because while global mechanisms are associated with the United States and its satellites, they are no longer global, they serve one group of states," Lavrov said. MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 02nd February, 2023) Kiev needs another $10 billion in international financial assistance from other countries and organizations to cover its budget deficit and ensure stable economic development, Ukrainian Deputy Finance Minister Olga Zykova said. "Currently, the Ukrainian Government has confirmation of financing from the EU and the US of about USD 30 billion for 2023. However, there is still a need for another USD 10 billion. And here we count on help from other countries and international financial organizations, in particular the IMF (International Monetary Fund)," Zykova told an international business forum in Luxembourg dedicated to the Rapid Recovery of Ukraine, as quoted by the Ukrainian Finance Ministry. The Ukrainian official added that despite optimizing a number of areas of budget expenditures and increasing tax and customs revenue, Kiev still needed a significant monthly financial assistance of around $3 billion. Earlier in the week, the chairwoman of the Ukrainian parliament's Committee on Budget, Roksolana Pidlasa, said that the Ukrainian government hoped its Western donors would pledge $10 billion at the March meeting of the G7-led multilateral financial facility to help the country cover its state budget deficit of around $38 billion. Last week, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said that the G7 countries had created a multi-donor coordination platform dubbed Financial Ramstein. According to him, the platform will operate in three main areas: continuous short-term and long-term support to Ukraine, international financing and coordination of reforms, and development of the private sector. ABU DHABI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 02nd Feb, 2023) A local newspaper has commended a string of new laws regarding family matters in recent months, saying that the UAEs strength is that it is a nation whose residents are comprised of some 200 nationalities. In an editorial on Thursday, the National said that the new laws in recent months including yesterdays announcement that a civil family court system piloted in Abu Dhabi will be rolled out across the Emirates give further clarity to people about their legal rights and responsibilities. The new rules for non-Muslim residents cover matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance and child custody. The paper continued, The overhauled procedures provide people with an accessible civil legal framework that offers a clear path ahead when it comes to these critical moments that many of us face, sooner or later. Based on the reforms popularity in Abu Dhabi thus far, it is likely they will be welcomed by millions of foreign residents across the country. Last August, The National reported that Abu Dhabi's Civil Family Court registered 2,200 marriages from January that year a rate of about 25 a day. Although 12 percent of the 5,000 civil marriages registered in the emirate between December 2021 and December 2022 were between couples visiting from abroad, most involved at least one partner with residency clearing the way for them to quickly sponsor their new spouse. It is not just new arrivals who will benefit from these smoother legal and social services. For those who already have residency here, this weeks news that they can reactivate their visa even if theyve been outside the Emirates for six months or more will offer reassurance and allow them to plan for the future, the daily noted. For those faced with the difficult experience of losing their job, the UAEs unemployment scheme for the public and private sectors that came into effect on 1st January offers an important lifeline for those who want to continue living here. This pragmatic approach to family law, residency and social support comes at a time when more and more people are choosing to put down roots in the UAE. This week, The National reported on the rising number of Chinese citizens choosing the Emirates, the number living here having doubled to 400,000 since 2019. The Abu Dhabi-based daily concluded by saying, "They, and the rest of the countrys foreign residents, will contribute to the economy and society, yes, but importantly they will do so knowing that a set of modern and progressive rules are there to help them in good times and bad." Riyadh, , Feb 2 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 2nd Feb, 2023 ) :His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the French Republic, Catherine Colonna, currently on an official visit to the Kingdom on Wednesday. During the meeting, the bilateral relations between the two countries and ways of enhancing them in various fields were reviewed, in addition to discussing the latest regional and international developments and the efforts exerted regarding them. The meeting was attended by Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Energy; Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs; the Minister of State, Cabinet's Member and National Security Advisor, Dr. Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban, and the Saudi Ambassador to the Republic of France, Fahd Al-Ruwaili. From the French side, it was attended by the French Ambassador to the Kingdom Ludovic Pouille, and a number of officials. EU to announce further EUR 400 mln aid package to Ukraine to support reforms The EU will announce a further EUR 400 million aid package to Ukraine to support the reform process, Bloomberg said citing European Budget Commissioner Johannes Hahn. According to him, soon the EU will also propose to continue the suspension of all tariffs and trade protection measures regarding Ukrainian imports. It will also be proposed to suspend Ukraine's financial contributions to EU programs for as long as financial problems remain in the country. As reported, on Thursday, some 15 European commissioners arrived in Kyiv led by President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen to participate in a joint meeting with the Ukrainian government. On February 3, the 24th Ukraine-EU summit will take place in Kyiv. Helsinki, Feb 2 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 2nd Feb, 2023 ) :A majority of Finns want to go ahead and join NATO even if Sweden's membership is delayed, a poll suggested Thursday, after Turkey said it could accept Finland without Sweden. More than half of respondents, 53 percent, replied negatively when asked "whether Finland should wait for Sweden" even "if it takes longer to ratify Sweden's accession, for example because of opposition from Turkey". Only 28 percent believed Finland should wait for Sweden and enter the US-led military alliance together. The poll by Taloustutkimus, published by Finnish daily Ilta-Sanomat, surveyed 1,021 Finns between January 30 and February 1. Finland and Sweden dropped decades of military non-alignment and applied to join NATO in May last year in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. But Turkey has so far refused to ratify the two countries' membership bids, primarily because of Sweden's refusal to extradite dozens of suspects that Ankara links to outlawed Kurdish fighters and a failed 2016 coup attempt. The Finnish government has so far stressed that its priority is still to join the alliance together with its Nordic neighbour. "Our strong desire in Finland has been, and still is, to join NATO together with Sweden," Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto told reporters on Monday. "Sweden is our closest ally in defence and foreign policy," he said. Denpasar, Indonesia, Feb 2 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 2nd Feb, 2023 ) :Donning yellow "Bali" hats featuring a surfer as the last letter, Chinese tourists walked along the Indonesian backpacker hotspot's pristine blue waters, forgetting three years of Covid-19 misery. Exploring "turtle island", taking day trips to neighbouring Lombok and hitting Bali's famed beaches, the world's biggest-spending tourists were back after the Lunar New Year kicked off and Beijing reopened to the world last month. "I am especially happy to travel because, before the pandemic, I was someone who liked to travel a lot, going all over to see the sights, experience different cultures and people," Li Zhao-long, a 28-year-old internet company worker from Kunming in southwest Yunnan province, told AFP. "Three years on, being able to come from China to Indonesia, I am extremely happy and overjoyed." Chinese holidaymakers have endured years of lockdowns and travel restrictions driven by Beijing's fervent pursuit of its "zero-Covid" policy, followed by a sudden reopening and accompanying spike in infections. Now a lucky few armed with selfie-sticks and clad in tropical shirts and straw hats are on long-awaited getaways to the "Island of Gods". In recent years Chinese visitor numbers to Bali plunged after both countries closed their borders at the height of the pandemic. But Indonesia's tourism minister said Jakarta was aiming for a massive rebound from those lows and estimated the country would welcome 253,000 Chinese tourists this year. Balinese officials are even more bullish, hoping for the return of two-thirds of the 1.2 million Chinese visitors who came to the island pre-pandemic -- making them the second biggest group of tourists behind Australians. Though only several hundred Chinese tourists have arrived so far on a once-weekly flight from Shenzhen, the Indonesian government says four more airlines have applied to fly regularly to Bali from China. Officials are anticipating a return to normal Chinese tourist levels -- which once amounted to a fifth of all visitors -- on the island by 2025. The government also plans to ramp up its marketing of Bali as a paradise destination, according to the tourism minister. At a mall in the Balinese capital Denpasar, Dong Yi was one of those who didn't need to be persuaded, vowing to return to Indonesia now mainlanders could travel back and forth. "From the moment I stepped off the plane, I could feel the passionate hospitality of the Bali islanders. I really like it here," said the 47-year-old finance worker. "In the future, I will come here often to travel"Li said the pandemic was a "tough period" for him and his compatriots, and after the agonising three-year wait, "just being able to leave the country is a happy occasion". Kinshasa, Feb 2 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 2nd Feb, 2023 ) :Pope Francis on Thursday urged tens of thousands of young people in the Democratic Republic of Congo to work towards a better future and shun corruption in the deeply Catholic country, which is plagued by violence in its east. The 86-year-old pontiff arrived at Martyrs' stadium in the capital Kinshasa on his popemobile, offering blessings to an ecstatic crowd, who roared and danced in the stands. Young people started to flock to the 80,000-capacity stadium overnight. On Thursday, organisers put the size of the crowd at 65,000, on the third day of the Argentine's visit to Africa's biggest Catholic country. About 60 percent of the central African nation of roughly 100 million people are under the age of 20, according to UN figures. As well as conflict, young people face persistent unemployment. Addressing the stadium, the pope urged the crowd to build a better future for the church and their country. "You are part of a greater history, one that calls you to take an active role as a builder of communion, a champion of fraternity, an indomitable dreamer of a more united world," he said. "Never give in to the persuasive but poisonous temptations of corruption," he said in Italian. The pope also asked the crowd to chant "no to corruption" after him. Some of the youngsters chanted slogans hostile to Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi. - 'Worldly comfort' - Francis later on Thursday met Congolese Prime Minister Sama Lukonde at the Apostolic Nunciature in Kinshasa, the Holy See's diplomatic delegation. He then met priests at the city's Notre-Dame du Congo cathedral and warned them against the "temptation of worldly comfort". About 40 percent of the country's population is Catholic, according to official statistics, and the church retains huge influence despite secularism being enshrined in the constitution. On Wednesday, the pope hosted a mass at Kinshasa's airport that organisers said drew about a million people, some of whom had camped out all night to get a spot. He later met victims of conflict in the DRC's mineral-rich east, some of whom had suffered appalling violence. His face grave, Francis called for mercy from God. "May he convert the hearts of those who carry out brutal atrocities, which bring shame upon all humanity," he said. He said the conflict was being driven by greed and called on combatants to lay down their arms. "Listen to the cry of their blood," the pope said, alluding to a verse from the Book of Genesis. Scores of armed groups roam eastern DRC, many of them a legacy of two wars at the end of the 20th century that sucked in countries from around the region. - 'Economic colonialism' - The DRC is replete with minerals, timber and fresh water, yet remains one of the poorest countries in the world where corruption is entrenched. On Tuesday, the pope -- speaking before an audience of Congolese politicians and other dignitaries -- said the DRC had been hamstrung by a long history of exploitation. "Political exploitation gave way to an economic colonialism that was equally enslaving," he said. "As a result, this country, massively plundered, has not benefited adequately from its immense resources." Many Congolese warmly welcomed the pope's message, and some hoped it would bring change. On Friday morning, Francis will address Congolese bishops in Kinshasa before boarding a plane for South Sudan, where he will stay for three days. The pontiff is expected to arrive at 3:00 pm local time (1300 GMT). He is due to greet the country's political leaders before making an address at the presidential palace. Born in 2011 after gaining independence from Sudan, the nation has been battered by a civil conflict that left around 380,000 dead. The visit to the two countries was initially scheduled for 2022 but had to be postponed because of the pope's problems with his knee -- an affliction that has made him dependent on a wheelchair. It is his 40th foreign trip since he ascended to the papacy in 2013. LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 2nd Feb, 2023 ) :Punjab Institute of Mental Health (PIMH) will hold a patient-audit and health of patients will be examined and steps will be taken to discharge recovered patients to their homes. Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi issued directions to hold a patient-audit during a meeting held here. The Caretaker CM directed to complete the patient-audit work at the earliest and submit a report in this regard. Discharging the recovered patients to their homes is a responsibility and it is not at all appropriate to continue keeping healthy patients with other patients at the hospital, he said and added Punjab government has decided to hold a patient-audit in view of this objective. The recovered patients had made a request to discharge them to their homes during a recent visit of the caretaker CM to the Punjab Institute of Mental Health (PIMH). The Caretaker CM said that the PIMH board will be reorganized and all out efforts will be made to improve the affairs of the institution. The CM was informed during the briefing that approximately 1000 patients are admitted at PIMH as few patients fully recovered but their family members do not take them to their homes. He was further apprised that there is a shortage of doctors in OPD and night shift. Industrialist Gohar Ijaz, Provincial Minister for SHC&ME Dr. Javed Akram, Provincial Minister for P&SHC Dr. Jamal Nasir, Provincial Information Minister Amir Mir, Dr. Saad Malik, Secretary SHC&ME, Secretary P&SHC, CCPO Lahore Bilal Kamyana and concerned officials attended the meeting. The Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) on Thursday organised a cleanup and birds watching activity to create awareness among the masses on World Wetlands Day's importance and protection of wild ecosystems for human sustainability ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 2nd Feb, 2023 ) :The Islamabad Wildlife Management board (IWMB) on Thursday organised a cleanup and birds watching activity to create awareness among the masses on World Wetlands Day's importance and protection of wild ecosystems for human sustainability. World Wetlands Day is celebrated every year on February 2 and this year's theme was "it's time for wetlands restoration". The IWMB team, volunteers, and local community schools at Kinara Park near Rawal Lake gathered for the cleanup drive, in which more than 50 trash bags were filled by some 65 volunteers and students who were later engaged in birds watching activity. Wetlands are land areas that are saturated or flooded with water either permanently or seasonally that are of three different types namely inland wetlands, coastal wetlands, and man-made wetlands. According to the UN, World Wetlands Day also marks the anniversary of the Convention on Wetlands, which was adopted as an international treaty in 1971. The Day was declared after on August 30, 2021, the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution that established February 2 as World Wetlands Day. It also underlined that almost 90% of the world's wetlands had degraded since the 1700s, and were further depleting three times faster than forests. "The wetlands are critically important ecosystems that contribute to biodiversity, climate mitigation and adaptation, freshwater availability, world economies, and more. It is urgent that we raise national and global awareness about wetlands in order to reverse their rapid loss and encourage actions to conserve and restore them.,"The World Wetlands Day awareness campaign is organized by the Secretariat of the Convention on Wetlands. Contracting Parties of the Convention on Wetlands have been celebrating World Wetlands Day since 1997 when it was first established. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, today launched a one-time cash assistance scheme for some 1.3 million Afghan refugees in Pakistan affected by the devastating 2022 floods as well as the prevailing economic situation ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 2nd Feb, 2023 ):UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, today launched a one-time cash assistance scheme for some 1.3 million Afghan refugees in Pakistan affected by the devastating 2022 floods as well as the prevailing economic situation. The assistance is being provided, in collaboration with the Government of Pakistan, to reach refugees who are not eligible to access social safety nets available to Pakistani citizens. The initiative is modelled on the Government's emergency cash programme for vulnerable Pakistani families affected by floods. Registered Afghan refugees will receive up to PKR 25,000, adjusted depending on the family size. The Minister for State and Frontier Regions (SAFRON), Muhammad Talha Mahmood, and Habib Bank Limited's Chief Representative, Mr Mohammad Ali Syed launched the scheme on Thursday with UNHCR's Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, Mr Indrika Ratwatte. Representatives from different donor countries also attended the event. "We are honoured to work together with our long-standing partner, the Government of Pakistan, through its SAFRON Ministry, as well as Habib Bank Limited for the first time to support Afghans affected by the devastating floods and who remain in difficult economic circumstances. This support comes in addition to UNHCR's emergency flood response for Afghan refugees and affected Pakistani host communities," said Mr Ratwatte. He added "the partnership is UNHCR's first private sector engagement with the country's banking system and is a great example of the commitment of the Government and private sector in the country to find innovative approaches to support vulnerable Afghans. I hope this partnership is something we can build on further, including in the lead-up to the Global Refugee Forum later this year." UNHCR continues working with Pakistan as it recovers from the aftermath of last year's devastating floods, with a special focus on areas hosting refugees. Some 800,000 refugees live in areas that were impacted by the devastating monsoon. Muhammad Talha Mahmood, the Minister of SAFRON, welcomed ongoing international support for Afghan refugees and host communities in Pakistan. "We have generously supported Afghan refugees in our country for over four decades. Even as we face our challenges, we remain committed to our promise to help. But we cannot do it alone and call for additional international support at this time in line with the global commitment to share responsibility for refugees made under the UN Refugee Compact." Habib Bank Limited's Chief Representative, Mr Mohammad Ali Syed welcomed the opportunity to team up with UNHCR and the Government of Pakistan to deliver cash assistance. "Our bank is committed to high standards of delivery and accountability. We are proud to do our part and to demonstrate how our advanced banking system can efficiently deliver this important humanitarian cash assistance to refugees in Pakistan. Sustained international support for Pakistan is required to find solutions for Afghan refugees, particularly within the framework of the Support Platform for the Solutions Strategy for Afghan Refugees. For more information: https://ssar-platform.org/ Realmes First Coca-Cola Edition Smartphone will be Available on February 10th Lahore (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 02nd Feb, 2023) The worlds fastest growing smartphone brand, realme, announced its collaboration with Coca-Cola and introduced its first Coca-Cola edition smartphone, the realme 10 Pro 5G Coca-Cola Edition, which will be launched on February 10th, 2023. This customized edition of the smartphone features Coca-Colas classic design elements with a Red&Black collision. The 70/30 asymmetrical back design highlights the Coca-Cola logo with three points of black and seven points of red, making the classic logo instantly recognizable. Coke red gives a positive, youthful, and energetic feeling. With a bold twist to a classic logo, the cropped Coca-Cola logo brings a new energy to the smartphone experience. The matte imitation metal process provides the elegant touch of brushed aluminum while remaining resistant to scratches and fingerprints. In terms of configuration, realme 10 Pro 5G Coca-Cola Edition features the segment-leading Snapdragon 695 5G processor, a 5000mAh massive battery, and realme UI 4.0 out of the box. Moreover, it also provides 8GB+8GB dynamic RAM and up to 1TB of external memory, so consumers can hold on to more memories. realme 10 Pro 5G Coca-Cola Edition will start free bookings on realmes official website. With 6,000 limited units to be booked on February 3rd, consumers will gain a customized and unique limited number card. Come and be the special one. ANKARA (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 03rd February, 2023) Technical delegations of the defense ministries of Turkey, Russia and Syria will hold meetings in the coming days as a continuation of the trilateral format of talks on normalization between Ankara and Damascus, Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said. The first talks in 11 years between the Turkish and Syrian defense ministers were held in Russia in December. In 2011, a civil war broke out in Syria. Turkey, which before this conflict maintained close relations with Damascus, took the side of opponents of Syrian President Bashar Assad. Since then, Turkey's relations with Syria have remained difficult. However, in recent weeks, both sides, as well as some media outlets, have been talking about the possibility of a gradual normalization. "In the coming days, our technical delegations will hold meetings in continuation of those negotiations (in Moscow). We are doing everything possible to achieve results," Akar said, as quoted by his press service. (@ChaudhryMAli88) ANKARA (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 03rd February, 2023) Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said on Thursday that Sweden had not yet fulfilled its obligation to extradite terrorists to Turkey, in this regard, Ankara cannot approve the application for NATO membership. "The extradition of terrorists to Turkey as part of the fight against terrorism is a natural consequence of this memorandum of understanding (for the membership of Sweden and Finland in NATO, signed in Madrid). Everyone should see this, we are waiting for implementation. As long as terrorists are supported, obligations are not fulfilled, and (weapons) export restrictions continue, every sane person sees that Turkey cannot say yes in any case, and they should see it too. Unfortunately, not enough specific steps have been taken on these issues so far, especially by Sweden," Akar said, as quoted by his press service. The Council of the European Union on Thursday announced additional 545 million euro ($597 million) in military assistance for the Ukrainian armed forces under the European Peace Facility (EPF) ahead of the EU-Ukraine summit MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 02nd February, 2023) The Council of the European Union on Thursday announced additional 545 million euro ($597 million) in military assistance for the Ukrainian armed forces under the European Peace Facility (EPF) ahead of the EU-Ukraine summit. "Ahead of the summit between the European Union and Ukraine, the Council today adopted assistance measures under the European Peace Facility (EPF) that provide further military assistance to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. These consist of a seventh package worth 500 million, and a new 45 million assistance measure supporting the training efforts of the European Union Military Assistance Mission (EUMAM Ukraine)," the statement read. Together with the seventh package, the total EU contribution to Ukraine under the EPF will reach 3.6 billion Euros, according to the statement. The new assistance for the Ukrainian army trained under EUMAM Ukraine will provide Kiev with non-lethal equipment and other supplies, as well as services to support training activities, the statement read. Previous EPF aid measures for Ukraine were agreed in the months of February to July and in October 2022. In mid-November, the EU officially launched EUMAM Ukraine in support of Ukraine, designed to train at least 15,000 Ukrainian soldiers, and agreed on additional funding to enhance the country's armed forces. Earlier on Thursday, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell vowed to double EU's training mission for Ukraine to 30,000 soldiers. The European Commission, in turn, agreed on a new 400 million euro assistance package to Kiev, including 145 million euro in humanitarian assistance, to support internal reforms in preparation for the summit. High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, arriving in Kyiv on Thursday, announced the training of another 15,000 Ukrainian military as part of the already functioning European Union Military Assistance Mission. "Russia brought war back to Europe, but Ukraine keeps fighting back. Glad to announce to PM Denys Shmyhal that EU Military Assistance Mission EUMAM will train additional 15,000 Ukrainian soldiers, taking the total number of EUMAM trained personnel to 30,000," he said on Twitter. The head of European diplomacy also told the Prime Minister the EU will provide EUR 25 million to support demining efforts in endangered areas. "Protecting civilians and their livelihood is a priority," he said. (@ChaudhryMAli88) Israel intercepted a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, the Israeli military said, just days after Palestinian militants in the enclave and the Israeli army traded fire Jerusalem, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 2nd Feb, 2023 ):Israel intercepted a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, the Israeli military said, just days after Palestinian militants in the enclave and the Israeli army traded fire. "One rocket was fired from the Gaza Strip. The rocket was intercepted" by Israel's aerial defence system, an army statement said. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the rocket fire from the Palestinian enclave, an AFP journalist in Gaza City said. The Israeli army said sirens sounded in the city of Sderot and other areas close to Gaza. There were no immediate reports of casualties from the incident, which came just days after Palestinian militants fired a flurry of rockets at Israel. The military responded on Friday with retaliatory strikes. Gaza is governed by the militant group Hamas and the enclave's 2.3 million residents have been under an Israeli-led blockade for more than 15 years. The cross-border fire last week followed 10 Palestinians being martyred in an Israeli military raid Thursday in Jenin, in the occupied West Bank. Israel launched air strikes on the Gaza Strip early Thursday, which Palestinian fighters reacted to by firing rockets in the latest bout of unrest in the region Gaza City, Palestinian Territories, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 2nd Feb, 2023 ):Israel launched air strikes on the Gaza Strip early Thursday, which Palestinian fighters reacted to by firing rockets in the latest bout of unrest in the region. The overnight attacks -- which Israel's army confirmed in a statement at 02:41 am (0041 GMT) -- come hours after the army intercepted a rocket fired from the Palestinian territory. Emergency services reported no immediate casualties on either side. According to local security sources and witnesses, the first round of strikes -- at least seven -- hit a training centre of the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas. The centre is in the Al-Maghazi refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip. Another round of air strikes hit the al-Qassam Brigades' training centre southwest of Gaza City. A statement by the Israeli army said fighter jets had "struck a production site for raw chemical material production, preservation and storage along with a weapon manufacturing site" belonging to Hamas. The strikes came "in response to the rocket launch from the Gaza Strip into Israel earlier" Wednesday. After the strikes, AFP reporters and witnesses saw new rounds of rockets fired from Gaza, and fresh explosions could be heard from Gaza City around 3:15 am (0115 GMT). The unrest comes after cross-border rocket fire from the Gaza Strip last week in retaliation to a deadly Israeli raid in the occupied West Bank, and a shooting attack outside a synagogue in annexed east Jerusalem on Friday that killed seven civilians. That attack on the Jewish Sabbath was the deadliest targeting Israeli civilians in more than a decade and was celebrated by many Palestinians in Gaza and across the West Bank, where bloodshed is also rising. Last week, Israeli forces killed 10 people from the Jenin refugee camp in their deadliest raid in the West Bank in nearly two decades. Israel said Islamic Jihad militants were the target of the operation. Gaza, densely populated with 2.3 million people, has been under an Israeli blockade since Hamas took power in 2007. The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) -- a secular Palestinian armed group -- claimed Thursday after the air strikes to have carried out "a barrage of rockets... in response to the Zionist aggression on the Gaza Strip". Warning sirens sounded in Sderot, a town in southern Israel close to the Gaza Strip, according to the army. Earlier Wednesday, firebrand Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said the recent bout of rocket fire was due to his decision to close two makeshift bakeries operated by Palestinian militants in Israeli prisons. He called the bakeries part of the unwarranted "benefits" that "terrorists" were subject to. "The launch from Gaza won't weaken my resolve to continue working toward changing the summer camp conditions of murderous terrorists," the minister said. The escalating violence has affected much of the West Bank, with 2022 the deadliest year there since the United Nations started tracking fatalities in the occupied territory in 2005. Some 235 people died in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict last year, with nearly 90 percent of the fatalities on the Palestinian side, according to AFP figures. In January alone, Israeli forces killed 35 Palestinians, including attackers, militants and civilians, while the Friday attack in east Jerusalem killed six Israelis, including a child, and one Ukrainian. The regional Palestinian governor on Wednesday accused Israel of putting Jericho -- a tourist destination near Jerusalem in the West Bank -- under "siege" after a Saturday shooting at a restaurant, which had no casualties. "This is the fifth day of the siege on Jericho," governor Jihad Abu al-Assal told AFP. Israel's army told AFP it had boosted its forces in the area and "inspections were increased at the city's entrances and exits". An AFP correspondent said cars were backed up at entrances to the city, with checks to get in and out of the city often taking hours. During a recent visit to the region to meet Israeli and Palestinian leaders, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called for both sides to take "urgent steps" to restore calm. Washington has no contact with Hamas, which it considers a terrorist organisation. The Islamic Jihad said it would send a delegation led by the militant group's leader Ziad al-Nakhala to Cairo on Thursday at Egypt's invitation. The delegation would meet with head of Egypt's intelligence service to discuss "how to restore calm, especially after the last escalation, including the aggressions against prisoners", said Daoud Shihab, a senior Islamic Jihad member in Gaza. (@ChaudhryMAli88) Czech president-elect Petr Pavel, a former NATO general, said Thursday there should be "no limits" on military aid to war-ravaged Ukraine, urging allies to show more courage Prague, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 2nd Feb, 2023 ) :Czech president-elect Petr Pavel, a former NATO general, said Thursday there should be "no limits" on military aid to war-ravaged Ukraine, urging allies to show more courage. Pavel, who led the NATO military committee from 2015-2018, won his country's presidential ballot over the weekend and will be sworn in next month. In an interview with AFP, the 61-year-old said the West should provide Ukraine with all types of weapons except nuclear arms as it battles Russia's invasion. "When it comes to conventional weapons, I really can see no reason for any limits," Pavel said. "Ukraine cannot fight a tough opponent like this without armoured technologies, unmanned aerial vehicles, artillery and longer-range rockets, but maybe also supersonic aircraft," he added. Western allies have been providing Ukraine with substantial military aid since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022. But Pavel said more courage was needed as "some countries have a bit of a reserved stance" on shipping over modern weapons. "If we take a single standpoint, it gives us the best chance of success. We should act in unity on these issues," he told AFP - 'All means' - "We should provide Ukraine with all means to help it push the Russian army out," he said. A day after the election, Pavel spoke on the phone with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky to assure him of the Czech Republic's support. He also said he was planning to visit Ukraine with his Slovak counterpart Zuzana Caputova in the spring. "It is important to show continuing support to Ukraine, highlight all the good things and the will to continue our initiative. I think that's what Ukraine needs to hear," said Pavel. The Czech Republic, an EU and NATO member of 10.5 million people, has so far provided Ukraine with military aid worth $217 million, the defence ministry told AFP. Pavel also endorsed Ukraine's bid to join the EU and NATO once the war ends. "If we perceive NATO and the EU as a zone of stability, cooperation, good relations, then we should allow another large European country to join," he said. "Not only does it deserve to join, but we will also benefit from this, and so will Russia once it's able to re-establish normal relations with the West." (@FahadShabbir) MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 02nd February, 2023) The United Kingdom is very unlikely to re-join the European Union as the process "would be a total disaster," Francis John Cole, a former European Commission civil servant and British political expert, told Sputnik. Tuesday marked the three-year anniversary of the UK's exit from the EU, though the country remained in the single market until the end of 2020. Now, being faced with the cost of living crisis, more and more Britons start to regret Brexit. "It is impossible and totally out of question to get back to the EU... Re-applying to the EU would be a total disaster and nobody thinks seriously about that," Cole, who was a close adviser to Nigel Farage, the leader of the Reform UK right-wing party advocating a no-deal Brexit, said. The expert noted that "a huge economy such as Britain would "take ages" to re-join the EU, pointing to the Balkan candidate countries, which either took years to join the bloc or are still in the process of gaining EU membership. "Britain has regained its sovereignty, and must still sever the ties with the European Courts of Justice," Cole told Sputnik. Even though a majority of the UK population voted to leave the EU, followers of the "Regrexit" movement are gaining momentum amid the tough global situation, but their numbers are not significant enough to consider rejoining the union, Cole said. "On June 23, 2016, 52% of the Brits voted for Brexit. It is normal that many complain today, but 45% of the population thinking that the situation is worse rather than better is not such as strong rejection of Brexit and the crisis we all go through cannot be attributed to Brexit, or to Brexit alone," the expert added. In a recent poll by the Statista statistics portal, 54% of the Brits said that leaving the EU was a mistake, while only 34% thought Brexit was the right decision. In June 2016, 51.8% of UK citizens voted for terminating the country's membership in the EU, against 48.1% of those who voted for London to stay in the union. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Thursday discussed bilateral relations with French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna RIYADH, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 2nd Feb, 2023 ):Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Thursday discussed bilateral relations with French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna. Their meeting in the capital Riyadh came at the start of the top French diplomat's first Gulf tour. After the crown prince received Colonna, they "reviewed bilateral relations between the two countries and ways to enhance them in various fields," the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported. The two officials also discussed "regional and international developments and the efforts exerted towards them." Late on Wednesday, Colonna arrived at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and was received by Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Walid Al-Khereiji, according to SPA. The French Foreign Ministry announced in a statement on Wednesday that Colonna will visit Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates on Feb. 1-3 and "discuss basic bilateral, regional and international files with her counterparts."France 24 quoted an unnamed source as saying that this visit is Colonna's first to the Gulf. The talks will tackle developments on Iran's nuclear program and the situations in Lebanon and the Palestinian territories. (@ChaudhryMAli88) South Korea and the United States conducted a joint air exercise involving fighters and a strategic bomber, South Korean media reported on Wednesday MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 01st February, 2023) South Korea and the United States conducted a joint air exercise involving fighters and a strategic bomber, South Korean media reported on Wednesday. One B-1B strategic bomber and several F-22 and F-35B stealth fighters of the US Air Force alongside South Korean F-35A fighters took part in the drills over the Yellow Sea, the Yonhap news agency reported, citing the South Korean Defense Ministry. "The combined air drills this time show the U.S.' will and capabilities to provide strong and credible extended deterrence against North Korea's nuclear and missile threats," the ministry was quoted as saying by the media. It was the first military exercise of this type this year, Yonhap added. On Tuesday, South Korea and the United States agreed to further expand and bolster the level and scale of their joint exercises this year. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said that Washington "stands firm in its extended deterrence commitment," adding that Pyongyang had carried out an "unprecedented number" of provocative actions in 2022. WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 02nd February, 2023) Head of the Office of Sanctions Coordination James O'Brien met with leading gold industry companies to discuss the importance of the Russia sanctions implementation, the US State Department said in a press release. "Yesterday, Ambassador James O'Brien, Head of the Office of Sanctions Coordination, led an interagency discussion with leading companies and associations across the gold sector. The meeting focused on the importance of the gold industry's robust implementation of Russia-focused sanctions and of applying broader due diligence standards, including to Russia-backed actors, such as the Wagner Group, around the globe," the release said on Wednesday. The participants of the meeting also discussed the role gold plays in supporting "regimes of concern" in Latin America and Africa, and illicit networks, the release said. In January, the US Department of the Treasury imposed sanctions on the Wagner group for its criminal activities, including in the Central African Republic, where the organization allegedly controls numerous gold and diamond mines. Bloomberg reported in August that the Russian private security firm Wagner was trying to exploit instability in the Central African Republic to take control of its gold mines. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the ministry took note of the US publication, the latest in a string of Western efforts to stir controversy about Russia in Africa. If Ukraine wants to join the EU, it must guarantee the rights of national minorities on its territory, this idea is also supported by the presidents of Austria and Italy, Hungarian President Katalin Novak said on Thursday BUDAPEST (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 02nd February, 2023) If Ukraine wants to join the EU, it must guarantee the rights of national minorities on its territory, this idea is also supported by the presidents of Austria and Italy, Hungarian President Katalin Novak said on Thursday. "If Ukraine's goal is EU membership, it is necessary to guarantee the rights of minorities. There is a common position in this case, because those who have an idea about the problem, including the presidents of Austria and Italy, support the cause of the Transcarpathian Hungarian minority," Novak was quoted as saying at a meeting with Bulgarian counterpart, Rumen Radev by the MTI news agency. WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 02nd February, 2023) US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy said that he did not discuss President Joe Biden's classified documents scandal with him during a meeting between them on the debt ceiling at the White House. "I did not talk to (Biden) about the classified documents," McCarthy said during a press briefing on Wednesday. McCarthy and Biden met to discuss raising the debt ceiling to avoid a looming default and address the US government's high spending-to-revenue ratio. Earlier on Wednesday, Biden's personal attorney announced that the US Justice Department conducted a search of the president's residences in Rehoboth, Delaware, but found no sensitive materials. The search was conducted as part of a probe into potential mishandling of classified documents by Biden, following the discovery of sensitive materials at multiple locations, including a think-tank office and Biden's garage. The US House Oversight Committee is also looking into Biden's handling of classified documents as it relates to their investigation into potential influence peddling by the Biden family, particularly Hunter Biden. USMs Multi-Arts Celebration Revelry Returns this Month Thu, 02/02/2023 - 10:53am | By: Ivonne Kawas The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) School of Performing and Visual Arts (SPVA) is now announcing its fifth annual Revelry, a multi-arts celebration that boasts more than 40 events from Feb. 16 - March 4 on the Hattiesburg campus. Revelry brings the universitys finest talents to the Hattiesburg community by showcasing the best in art and design, dance, and theatre. Performances, exhibitions, guest artists, lectures, panel discussions, master classes, and workshops across SPVA will be featured in this years event. For a complete schedule of events, visit artdesign.usm.edu/revelry-2023/. Graphic design professor and associate director, Jacob Cotton, has been an active part of Revelry for five years and shared that he is excited as it is a one-of-a-kind event in Mississippi. Cotton also noted that It [Revelry] is the only place you are going to see art and design, dance and theatre coming together in one place at this magnitude. The 40+ events in this festival are a perfect opportunity for our community to see what amazing things we do in SPVA." Revelry kicks off with headlining events including Southern Miss Theatres The Miser on Feb. 16; the 2023 National Poster Show (currently on exhibit) with a juror and visiting artist lecture by Ann Willoughby on Feb. 23; and the 2023 Dance Gala on March 3. Several interdisciplinary collaborations will also be taking place for individuals to enjoy such as: Full Radius Dance concert on Feb. 17; the Sands of Time, ceramics and a dance form called Sama on Feb. 24; and the Womens Work, a sculpture and dance event on Feb. 27. "I recently joined Southern Miss, so Im beyond excited for my first Revelry experience, said Meg Brooker, director of SPVA. Our school is uniquely situated to innovate across all our art forms, and this year's festival includes some old favorites, such as the well-loved Ink Wars, as well as new collaborations across disciplines. This years Revelry Community Day will be held on Feb. 25, and will be filled with engaging activities for community members of all ages. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in bookmaking, an artist relief casting workshop, and more! These events are free and available to the public, but there will be a limited capacity on participants for each event. We look forward to opening our creative spaces to the Southern Miss campus and the Hattiesburg community, added Brooker. We are also grateful for the Mr. and Mrs. James Simrall, Jr. Arts Endowment's support of our featured guest artists, as well as the continued support for our programs from Partners for the Arts. Additionally, the Full Radius Dance residency, by the Atlanta-based dance company in the field of physically integrated dance, is funded in part by a grant from South Arts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the Mississippi Arts Commission. The European Commission will assist Ukraine in launching the reform of the child care and protection system, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has said. "We agreed with Ms. Ursula that the European Commission will help us start the reform of the child care and protection system," Zelensky said at a press conference with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Kyiv on Thursday. According to him, the reform will involve the replacement of the existing system of children's boarding schools in the country with a system of family-type orphanages. The president also said it is planned to open a special office for the development of this large and important reform for Ukrainian orphans. "This is not only an institutional change to which the war is pushing us. Civilizational change is important for Ukraine: the right attitude towards families and society as a whole," he said. Later, first lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska will discuss the details of this and other areas of humanitarian cooperation with the head of the European Commission. Russia is increasing the pace of adaptation to European sanctions, this needs to be corrected, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said during a press conference with head of the European Commission Ursula von del Leyen in Kyiv on Thursday. "Now we see that the pace of sanctions in Europe has slowed down a bit. The terrorist state, on the contrary, increases the pace of adaptation to sanctions. And we need to change it. We believe that we can do this with you," Zelensky said, addressing the President of the European Commission. Also, according to him, one of the most important pan-European tasks in terms of sanctions policy against Russia is to reduce the ability of the Russian Federation to circumvent already implemented sanctions. "This is a panEuropean task - to reduce Russia's ability to circumvent sanctions. The faster and better this task is carried out, the closer we will be to losing the aggression of the Russian Federation," he added, noting that he discussed with Ursula von der Leyen the work on the 10th package of sanctions against Russia. As reported in the media, the European Union will present the 10th package of sanctions against the Russian Federation in approximately two weeks, by the anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Ukraine insists on introducing restrictions on the Russian industry for the production of missiles and drones, the banking system and the nuclear industry, in particular, against the Rosatom corporation. Amid ongoing tensions between the bordering nations, Bishops from DRC and Rwanda come together during Pope Francis' Apostolic Visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo. By Andrea Tornielli "Together, we believe that Jesus always gives us the possibility of being forgiven and starting over, but also the strength to forgive ourselves, others and history!" Christ "wants to anoint us with His forgiveness" to "give us the peace and courage to forgive in turn, the courage to grant others a great amnesty of the heart." When Pope Francis spoke these words in his homily at Mass at the Ndolo Airport in Kinshasa, celebrating the Eucharist with him were the Bishops of countries, with warring militias and rebel groups, that have been, and are, the scene of unspeakable violence and wars, fuelled not only by external forces, but also from forces within. Together with their brethren from the Democratic Republic of Congo, at the altar and then at a shared meal, were the Bishops of Rwanda, Burundi and Congo Brazzaville. Before departing for their respective countries, some of them gathered around a table in a hotel and recounted this experience to Vatican Media, explaining how their presence in the DRC, and episcopal communion, can help the peace processes. "We are living a special moment, a kairos. We must not let politics divide us, but see what we can do together," Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, the Archbishop of Kinshasa, told us. The Pope's message was very powerful. While politicians sow hatred between peoples, instrumentalize xenophobia, and feed mistrust among the people, the Bishops and the Church are called to walk a different path. They must not enter into this logic. Cardinal Ambongo thanked his brothers from Rwanda "for coming here to Kinshasa. It took courage to do so, the courage to carry out a common mission." His sentiment was echoed by Rwandan Cardinal Antoine Kambanda, Archbishop of Kigali, who recalls Pope Francis' desire to also go to Goma, on the border with Rwanda, a journey that was not possible because of the violence and clashes that are ongoing in that region. We Bishops, six out of eight, came here. The message of peace that the Pope came to bring to us concerns us all. It touches us all. It touched me personally. With emotion, the Cardinal recalled the genocide that took place in his country in 1994, when in 100 days, at least 800,000 people were killed because of an ethnic-political conflict. "It was not a genocide caused by others, from outside. It was perpetrated by Rwandans. By people living together on the same hills. Each hill had its own tragedy. And we can ask ourselves today: how do you live together after going through a genocide?" he asked. Forgiveness is a grace from God Cardinal Kambanda's answer echoed the one just given by the Pope: "Forgiveness is the way to coexistence. To coexist, one must forgive oneself. Forgiveness is the key. Forgiveness is a grace from God, and concerns everyone: individuals, individual offenders, but also families.' The road to forgiveness, the Rwandan Cardinal added, "is compassion, realising that the other person also suffers and that my suffering is connected to his. This is the pedagogy of the Cross". The lived experience of his country, "we share it with our brothers in the episcopate. Forgiveness also allows for a pacification of memory". "Reconciliation is the key to living together," says the Archbishop of Gitega, Bonaventure Nahimana, President of the Burundi Bishops' Conference. It is the key to resolving religious, ethnic and political conflicts. This is precisely what the synod process of the Burundian Churches is focused on. "All the dioceses got involved. We must live in forgiveness to truly have open, welcoming, fraternal communities. Open also in welcoming the other as a brother, even when he is a foreigner. We have many Congolese refugees in Burundi. We will be credible through the way we live this." Impact of Pope's visit "We are here with a large delegation, not just of Bishops, but of people," explained the Archbishop of Brazaville, Bienvenu Manamika, President of the Congo Brazaville Bishops' Conference. "The Pope's visit will have a great impact in the region," he said. "Although our country is not directly affected by the conflicts, we are nevertheless involved. There is a saying that 'if the Democratic Republic of Congo coughs, we in Congo Brazzaville sneeze and catch the flu'." "We all need peace," he added, "The ongoing conflict in the east of the DRC does not leave us calm. It is reminiscent of war traumas already experienced." We must take Pope Francis' words seriously, a message from which a de-escalation of the war can arise. Archbishop Manamika noted that the mere presence of the Successor of Peter brings hope and concerns everyone. "I hope that his words are also heard by the multinational companies behind the extractive industry. There are peoples who suffer from this situation. Without justice, without dignity, there is no peace." Internal conflicts, he concluded, "depend on wider interests. But when elephants fight it is the grass that suffers. And the grass is the people. That is why we must all work and pray for peace". The need to learn to forgive and cultivate peace "We must all build peace. With forgiveness, with the rediscovery of the community that unites us and the mission that we have,' emphasised the Archbishop of Kisangani, Marcel Utembi Tapa, president of the Episcopal Conference of the Democratic Republic of Congo. "We must convince ourselves that personal and institutional forgiveness are linked. As baptised, children of God, brothers and sisters, we must learn to forgive each other. The Pope is well aware of all that goes on here, and how what goes on here is a threat to peace, a problem that affects the entire sub-continental region. He invited us to develop an awareness of the fraternity that unites us and that affects not just one country but the entire region. We are all called to be missionaries of peace. His was a strong appeal to states, civil society, the Church, pastors." The courage of these Bishops, united together with the Successor of Peter, is a small great sign of hope for these tormented lands, where ethno-political conflicts involve Christians on both sides. Pope Francis said in his homily at Ndolo Airport: "May it be a good time for all of you in this country who call yourselves Christians but engage in violence." Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, Archbishop of Kinshasa, tells Pope Francis at the end of Mass that his visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo is a "sign of love" for the people of the DRC and an encouragement to hold "free, transparent, inclusive, and peaceful elections" later in the year. By Fr. Jacques Ngol, SJ During the Mass celebrated by Pope Francis on Wednesday at the N'dolo airport in Kinshasa, Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, Archbishop of Kinshasa, expressed his joy at welcoming the Holy Father and conveyed to him the joy of all the Christian faithful. Encouragement and hope for a just Congo "You are visiting us in a particular and unique context of our people's history," the Cardinal said. "Congo is a potentially rich country; Its mostly young population is predominantly Christian," he said. "The Congolese people are facing a multifaceted crisis, armed conflicts, especially in the east of the country, economic crisis and social misery" and are a "people who suffer in body and soul." However, he reassured, despite this "unjust suffering, the Congolese remain a confident and hopeful people." Cardinal Ambongo expressed his hopes that Pope Francis' visit, beyond being "the expression of consideration and attachment to a people, its land and its culture," will bring "encouragement and comfort" this people weakened by the multiple conflicts. It also shows that "we are present in your prayers, in your thoughts and in your heart"; and this spiritual closeness, reassured the Archbishop of Kinshasa, "touches us in our very depths." The Pope's visit, he continued, comes as general elections are scheduled for 20 December 2023, which he added risk becoming "a source of political and social tension in this country." This message brought by the Holy Father - "All reconciled in Christ" - is therefore a reason for hope for the holding of a "free, transparent, democratic, inclusive and peaceful election." Holy Father's visit a reason for joy Continuing his address, Cardinal Ambongo reiterated the joy of the Christian faithful in welcoming the Pope to their land. Through this visit and this Eucharistic celebration, everyone feels visited and strengthened in their faith, he added. This celebration is a sign of hope, he insisted, and the people will be able to obtain the grace of a true and lasting peace so desired for our country. "I nourish the hope that this Eucharist that you have just presided over will dedicate us more to Christ in whom we are all reconciled," concluded Cardinal Ambongo. Amid increasing tensions between Israel and Palestinians, U.S. President Joe Biden hosted King Abdullah II of Jordan for a private lunch Thursday, the second White House meeting between the leaders in less than a year and the third since Biden took office. The president affirmed his strong support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and recognized the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordans crucial role as the custodian of Muslim holy places in Jerusalem, citing the critical need to preserve the historic status quo at the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount, the White House said in a statement after the meeting. Under a 1994 peace treaty with Israel, Jordan is recognized as the custodian of the Temple Mount, also known as Haram al-Sharif, al-Aqsa Mosque compound, the most contentious religious site in Jerusalem, revered by Jews and Muslims. The 5-week-old coalition under Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, seen as the most right-wing government in that countrys history, has kindled heightened sensitivity centered around the holy sites. Last month Amman summoned Israels ambassador to protest Israeli police obstruction of a visit by Jordans envoy to al-Aqsa. Israeli police said the envoy arrived at the site without prior coordination. The White House said Biden and Abdullah discussed opportunities and mechanisms to reduce tensions, particularly in the West Bank, where the bloodiest violence in years has ensued. At least 35 Palestinians were killed in clashes with Israeli troops in recent weeks and seven civilians were shot dead by a Palestinian attacker in Jerusalem outside a synagogue last Friday. While there are no specific deliverables from the meeting, just as when the king visited the White House in May, Bidens public reiteration of Jordans role as custodian of the Temple Mount was seen as key to maintaining stability. Responding to VOAs question on whether Biden shares Jordanian concerns that the Israeli government is threatening the status quo of the holy sites and escalating violence with Palestinians, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that Netanyahu has repeatedly emphasized that he will set the policy for his government, referring to the Israeli leaders efforts to allay fears that far-right members of his coalition will drive Israels political trajectory. Amid the tension, on Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken shuttled between Israel and the West Bank. While he reasserted Washingtons ironclad commitment to Israel, in a rare criticism Blinken called out Israeli settlement expansion and its demolitions of Palestinian homes as detrimental to the two-state solution. Israeli-Palestinian tensions Keeping Israeli-Palestinian tensions from bubbling over is high on both Abdullahs and Bidens agenda, said Brian Katulis, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute. Jordan is directly in the crosshairs whenever there's tensions between Israelis and Palestinians, he told VOA. Meanwhile, Katulis added, as Washington focuses on pushing back Russian aggression in Ukraine and strategic competition with China, it has little bandwidth to deal with escalation in the Middle East. There really isn't a coherent U.S. strategy for the region that's proactive, Katulis said. It's one of just tactical crisis management, not really finding a clear pathway forward. Also Thursday, Abdullah delivered a speech at the national prayer breakfast and met with Vice President Kamala Harris and Blinken separately, following meetings with congressional leaders including House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and heads of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Armed Services Committee and the Appropriations Committee, thanking them for U.S. financial aid to Jordan. The U.S. is Jordan's single largest provider of bilateral assistance, providing more than $1.65 billion in fiscal 2021. These meetings signify the importance Washington attributes to Jordan, said Aaron David Miller, a former U.S. diplomat who advised on Arab-Israeli negotiations and is now a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Despite its small size and lack of regional influence, Jordan is viewed as a key U.S. Middle East ally; and despite its increasing intolerance for domestic protest and dissent, a force of moderation in a turbulent region, he told VOA. A spokesperson for the White House National Security Council said the leaders also addressed the global impact of Russias invasion. Jordans economy has been hit by spillovers of multiple regional conflicts including wars in Iraq and Syria, and now by rising energy and grain prices because of the war in Ukraine. EU to approve tenth package of sanctions against Russia before Feb 24 European Commission president The European Union will approve the tenth package of sanctions against Russia before February 24, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen has said. The EU will make Russian President Vladimir Putin pay for this brutal war, and it will adopt the tenth package of sanctions before the anniversary of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, she said at a joint press conference with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on Thursday. According to the president of the European Commission, a new price cap for Russian oil is being prepared together with G7 partners. She also said that Russia must pay for the destruction caused by its aggression against Ukraine. Russia will have to give its assets for the restoration, von der Leyen said, adding that the EU is deciding how this would be implemented. Twelve African countries on Wednesday spelled out plans for ending AIDS in children by 2030 through an array of HIV testing, treatment and prevention programs. The 2030 goal, which was announced by UNAIDS last year, was unanimously backed by representatives from the 12 nations gathered in Tanzania's Dar es Salaam. "All of us in our capacities must have a role to play to end AIDS in children," Tanzanian Vice President Philip Mpango told the conference. "We must not remain complacent; 2030 is at our doorstep." The Dar es Salaam Declaration was announced at the first ministerial meeting of the Global Alliance to end AIDS in Children, which brings together the 12 countries with UNAIDS and other health agencies. The 12 nations are Angola, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, DR Congo, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Every five minutes UNAIDS said that a child dies from AIDS-related causes every five minutes. Just half of the children living with HIV worldwide are receiving antiretroviral treatments that can stave off AIDS, compared with three-quarters of adults with HIV, it said. The new plan includes early testing for children, increasing treatment for pregnant women with HIV, preventing infections among breastfeeding women, and addressing rights and gender barriers that hinder access to services. 'A winnable fight' UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima told the meeting "it fills me with hope that all of us in this room have committed" to the 2030 goal. "It's a winnable fight," she said. "It's a fight for our children." World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told the ministers "your leadership is crucial." "We have all the tools needed to make this a reality," he said, "but we need your commitment and action." President Joe Biden's administration said on Wednesday it would support a scaled-back version of ConocoPhillips' planned $6 billion Willow oil and gas drilling project in Alaska but has not yet made a final decision on the contentious proposal. The Willow project's fate is being closely watched by both the oil and gas industry and environmental groups as Biden seeks to balance his goal of fighting climate change with calls to increase domestic fuel supplies to keep prices down. The Willow project area holds an estimated 600 million barrels of oil, or more than the amount currently held in the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve, the country's emergency supply. The project is important to Alaska's elected officials, who are hoping it will help offset oil production declines in a state whose economy relies heavily on the drilling industry. Meanwhile, extreme weather across the globe has intensified calls from activists to move rapidly away from burning fossil fuels because of their contribution to warming the planet. Biden vowed during his 2020 election campaign to end federal oil and gas drilling as part of a pledge to decarbonize the U.S. economy by 2050. But that plan faced lawsuits from drilling states and pressure to boost production as Russia's invasion of Ukraine caused a spike in energy prices.' 'A viable path forward' The U.S. Bureau of Land Management published the project's final environmental review, selecting a "preferred alternative" that would include three drill sites and less surface infrastructure than originally proposed. ConocoPhillips had initially wanted to build up to five drill sites, dozens of kilometers of roads, seven bridges and pipelines. According to BLM's analysis, the design it endorsed would reduce the project's impact on habitats for species like polar bears and yellow-billed loons. Alaska officials and ConocoPhillips backed that option in letters submitted to the agency in recent months. In a statement, ConocoPhillips said the design represented "a viable path forward" for Willow and said it was ready to begin construction immediately upon approval. The company said the project would deliver up to $17 billion in revenue for federal and state governments and local Alaska communities. The release of the document comes after a string of actions by the administration in recent weeks to protect wilderness areas from development, including Alaska's Tongass National Forest and Bristol Bay, and the Boundary Waters area in Minnesota. 'Closer to the edge' Environmental groups criticized the analysis and called on Biden to reject the project. "Our window to act is rapidly closing to avert catastrophic climate change, and this plan only takes us one giant step closer to the edge," Kristen Miller, executive director of Alaska Wilderness League, said in a statement. BLM's parent agency, the Interior Department, said in a statement that the selection of the preferred alternative was not a final decision on approval of the project, adding that it had "substantial concerns" about Willow's impact on greenhouse gas emissions and wildlife. A final decision will be made no sooner than 30 days after the review's publication, the department said. Willow would be located inside the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska, a 93 million-hectare area on the state's North Slope that is the largest tract of undisturbed public land in the United States. It was initially approved by the Trump administration, but a federal judge in Alaska in 2021 reversed that decision, saying the environmental analysis was flawed. Despite Chinas insistence it is designed for meteorological research, the United States Defense Department said Friday a high-altitude Chinese balloon sailing over the U.S. is there for surveillance in violation of U.S. airspace and international law. At a Pentagon news briefing, Defense Department press secretary Air Force Brigadier General Pat Ryder told reporters he could not go into specifics, but that U.S. defense officials know it is a surveillance balloon and have conveyed their displeasure to Chinese officials on multiple levels. Ryder said they continue to monitor the balloon closely, and while he would not give its specific location, said it was over the center of the continental U.S. and moving eastward. He said it does not present a military or physical threat to people on the ground at this time. U.S. defense officials discovered the balloon Wednesday over the northwestern state of Montana, which houses one of the three U.S. Air Force bases that operate and maintain intercontinental ballistic missiles. Air traffic out of the Billings, Montana, airport briefly came to a halt Wednesday as the U.S. mobilized fighter jets to track the balloon. Earlier Friday, a China foreign ministry spokesperson confirmed the balloon did, in fact, belong to China. The spokesperson said it was civilian airship used mainly for meteorological research and had deviated from its planned course. The spokesperson said China regrets the unintended entry into U.S. airspace and will continue communicating with the U.S. about the matter. Shortly after confirmation that the balloon belonged to China, U.S. officials told reporters on background that U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken had postponed a trip to China just hours before he was set to depart. The officials said Blinken did not want the incident to dominate discussions. The scheduled visit was the first for Blinken as secretary of state. In an interview with VOAs Mandarin Service, the RAND Corporations Timothy Heath said the use of such balloons is considered a relatively outdated mode of collecting intelligence as most nations use satellites to collect such data. But Heath said new technologies allow balloons to be more easily controlled, and they are often harder to detect by radar. He said the balloon, which is roughly the size of three school buses, also can hover over an area for longer periods of time. In a separate interview, the Hudson Institutes Patrick Cronin told VOAs Mandarin Service the balloon is a clumsy act of intelligence gathering by the Chinese, and said the U.S. should prepare an appropriately sharp response to the action. Experts say both the U.S. and the Soviet Union used similar surveillance balloons during the Cold War. Spy balloons usually operate at 80,000 to 120,000 feet, far above the operating levels of commercial airline traffic and fighter jets. Some information for this report came from The Associated Press and Reuters. Canada is touting the arrival of a record number of new permanent residents in 2022, consolidating its status as one of the most welcoming countries for families and individuals seeking to make a new life in a foreign land. That image is reinforced by polling showing that, not only do Canadians strongly support high levels of immigration, but despite its relatively harsh climate, the country ranks second only to the United States as a desirable destination for would-be emigrants. Canada admitted more than 437,000 new permanent residents in 2022, according to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, the responsible federal agency. That figure represents more than 1.1% of the countrys total population. This represents the largest number of people ever welcomed in a year, in Canadian history, the agency said in an emailed statement to VOA. Prior to setting a new record for admissions in 2021, the last time Canada welcomed such a large numbers of newcomers was in 1913 with 400,870 permanent resident admissions. The U.S., by comparison, is estimated to have admitted around 1 million new permanent residents last year despite having a population almost nine times larger than Canadas. The need for new workers Canadas eagerness for new immigrants is partly driven by an acute labor shortage attributed in part to a rapidly aging population. The state-funded Canadian Broadcasting Corporation recently described labor shortages as the new normal. That has colored the thinking of business owners and entrepreneurs like Mylene Despres, the founder of La Station Workspace, a hub for creatives and entrepreneurs in Moncton, New Brunswick. "Im very happy that Canada is welcoming so many people," Despres told VOA. "Its what makes the country vibrant and interesting." That view is widely shared, according to Julie Ray, a senior consultant and managing editor for world news at the Gallup polling organization. Our studies just a few years ago found that Canada led the rest of the world on our Migrant Acceptance Index, she said, noting that 95% of respondents told the organization they saw migrants living in their neighborhoods as a good thing. What opposition to immigration exists is largely focused on frustration over rapidly rising real estate prices, which saw the cost of an average home rise more than five times between 1996 and 2021 from $148,613 (US $198,150) to $821,564 (US $1,095,419). Few politicians are willingly to publicly speak out against immigration, but one former politician told VOA on the condition of anonymity that they hear concern from their old constituents that increased immigration has driven real estate prices too high. Amid the strongest backers of increased immigration is a nonprofit called the Century Initiative, which is led by senior staffers in the Liberal Party of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau but also supported by former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, a stalwart of the opposition Conservative Party. Among its policy recommendations, the Century Initiative has argued that the country should aim to boost its population through immigration from the current 38.25 million to 100 million by 2100. Our population is aging, were having fewer children, and our workforce is shrinking. If we stay the course, Canadas annual GDP growth will decline, along with our influence on the world stage, the organization says on its website. Growing our population to 100 million by 2100 would mean more skilled workers, innovation, and dynamism in the Canadian economy. That target is not as far-fetched as it might seem, according to polling shared with VOA by Gallup. Ray cited a global survey showing that 8% of individuals who are interested in moving to another country would make Canada their first choice. While the 8% might not sound like much, that translates into about 74 million people who would consider Canada as their next home, Ray said. Canadas still the No. 2 most desired destination in the world, after the United States. Officials say most member states in the Central African Economic and Monetary Community, CEMAC, have failed to honor a ban on raw timber exports that was enacted last year to conserve forests and create jobs by locally processing wood. The six member countries of the Central African bloc agreed to ban raw timber exports starting in January 2022. The ban is aimed partially at combating climate change by protecting forests from excessive logging. However, an online meeting of CEMAC forestry and finance ministers Thursday found that only Gabon and the Republic of Congo have suspended the timber exports to China and other Asian countries. Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Chad and Equatorial Guinea have not. Cameroon's finance minister, Luis Paul Motaze, said Cameroon needs the tax money from the exports, which earned the country $127 million last year. He said a study conducted in 2022 by CEMAC shows if central African states stop raw timber exports, they will lose one percent of their gross domestic product. That is not healthy for a community that wants to develop, Motaze said, adding that local industries do not have the equipment for transforming timber into a variety of finished products. The deadline for implementing the ban was initially pushed back to January 2023 to give the CEMAC countries more time to comply. Motaze suggested the bloc push back the deadline again to 2025 so countries have more time to invest in wood processing equipment and in training workers. The Republic of Congo and Gabon have already made some investments toward that goal and say their timber exports are now restricted to only semi-finished or finished wood products. Samuel Nguiffo, director of the Yaounde-based Center for Environment and Development, told Cameroon's state broadcaster that central African states should not fear lost revenues from banning logging exports. He said banning raw timber exports will reduce deforestation, protect central Africa's declining forests, spur local wood processing, stimulate growth and create jobs. In the long run, he added, CEMAC member states will generate more revenue from local sales and exports of processed timber products. Nguiffo said exporting raw timber means most of the profits go to processing industries in China and other Asian countries with high demand for raw materials. A 2021 Central Africa Forest Observatory report says since 2011, most of Central Africa's 4.2 million tons of exported wood has gone to markets in Asia. During that time, the report says, annual timber exports to Europe dropped in value by more than half to $600 million. The EU banned the sale of illegally harvested timber and timber products in 2012, and in 2021 restricted products suspected of contributing to deforestation. The United Nations says climate change and overlogging are threats to Central Africa's forests, the second largest moist tropical forests in the world after South America's Amazon. A U.S. appeals court on Thursday declared unconstitutional a federal law making it a crime for people under domestic violence restraining orders to own firearms. The decision by a three-judge panel of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals is the latest victory for gun rights advocates since a Supreme Court ruling last June granting a broad right for people to carry firearms outside the home. That ruling, New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, announced a new test for assessing firearms laws, saying restrictions must be "consistent with this nation's historical tradition of firearm regulation," and not simply advance an important government interest. In Thursday's decision, Circuit Judge Cory Wilson said banning people under domestic violence restraining orders from owning firearms "embodies salutary policy goals meant to protect vulnerable people in our society." But the judge, appointed by President Donald Trump, said the Bruen ruling made such a consideration irrelevant, and that from a historical perspective the ban was "an outlier that our ancestors would never have accepted." The court threw out the guilty plea and six-year prison sentence for Zackey Rahimi, who admitted to possessing guns found in his Kennedale, Texas, home after prosecutors said he participated in five shootings in December 2020 and January 2021. Rahimi had been under a restraining order since February 2020, following his alleged assault of a former girlfriend. A federal public defender representing Rahimi did not immediately respond to requests for comment. U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland, in a written statement disagreed with the 5th Circuit's ruling and said the Biden administration would appeal. "Whether analyzed through the lens of Supreme Court precedent, or of the text, history, and tradition of the Second Amendment, that statute is constitutional," Garland said. "Accordingly, the Department will seek further review of the Fifth Circuits contrary decision. The 5th Circuit is based in New Orleans, and its decision applies in Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi. It had upheld the federal law last June 8, just over two weeks before the Bruen decision, but withdrew its opinion and ordered additional briefing. The embassies of Britain, Norway, and the United States have expressed grave concerns about possible new fighting in South Sudan's Upper Nile State. The warning by the so-called Troika Embassies comes just days ahead of Pope Francis' first visit to South Sudan on Friday for what the Vatican is calling a pilgrimage of peace. Serious security alarms have been sounded barely 24 hours before Pope Francis arrives in South Sudans capital for what is seen as an attempt by Vatican to find a lasting peace in the war-torn nation. Already, foreign embassies have sent out warnings of a possible outbreak of war in parts of the country. The U.S., UK and Norway, who are also peace guarantors for South Sudans revitalized transitional government, said violence may break out in Upper Nile, the northeastern state that borders Ethiopia and Sudan on the north. U.S. Ambassador to South Sudan Michael Adler told reporters in Juba that the Troika Embassies will always stand with those who call and work for peace in South Sudan. In that regard, we note with grave concern indications of preparation for renewed fighting in Upper Nile State. South Sudanese transitional leaders and political actors in Juba have a responsibility to act to prevent this and to find peaceful and sustainable solutions. Michael English of UNMISS, the U.N. peacekeeping mission in South Sudan, said he is concerned about reports of a military buildup in an area under the control of a militia group the Agwelek forces. The group is under the command of former South Sudanese army general turned rebel, Johnson Olony. Agwelek, a militia perceived to be friendly to the national army, has denied these allegations. Last year, the militia group signed an agreement with the national government to integrate part of their forces into the national army. Paul Achot is head of the Agwelek delegation to Juba, where hes talking with government officials about implementing the agreement signed between Agwelek and the army in January 2022. There is no preparation of any sort, from our side, to go and attack anybody, he said. So I was surprised myself to hear the UNMISS, who is supposed to be neutral, pointing fingers against us, saying that we are preparing to go and attack other forces." In 2022, fighting between Agwelek and other militias displaced over 60,000 people. The South Sudanese army says it is ready to defend the population in case of renewed clashes. Meanwhile, the government said Thursday that it will deploy over 5,000 security personnel in Juba to ensure calm during the popes visit. Pope Francis is coming to Juba to deliver a message of peace and reconciliation in a country still struggling with inter-communal violence. This will be a continuation of a process that began in 2019 when the pope hosted then-political foes President Salva Kiir and opposition leader Riek Machar at the Vatican. Pope Francis will be accompanied on the ecumenical visit by the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Moderator of the Church of Scotland. Russia launched new airstrikes on residential areas in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk on Thursday, even as top European Union officials gathered in Kyiv in a new show of support for Ukraines fight against Russias nearly year-long invasion. An attack on Kramatorsk late Wednesday killed at least three people and injured another 21, authorities said, with a search underway for at least one more victim thought to be under the debris caused by a missile strike. "Kramatorsk again shattered by explosions the Russians made two more rocket strikes," regional Governor Pavlo Kyrylenko wrote in a Telegram post. He said at least five civilians were wounded in the latest strikes that hit residential buildings as well as a children's clinic and a school in the heart of the city, a major hub for the Ukrainian military in the east. Russia has frequently struck apartment buildings in the war that it launched last February 24, while denying it is targeting residential structures. The Ukrainian presidential office said overall in the last day, Russian shelling in Ukraine had killed at least eight civilians and wounded 29 others. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met in Kyiv with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen ahead of what officials described as a summit on Friday. We are here together to show that the EU stands by Ukraine as firmly as ever. And to deepen further our support and cooperation, the EU leader tweeted. EU foreign policy chief Joseph Borrell said the delegation was in Kyiv to convey the EUs strongest message of support to all Ukrainians defending their country. He added that the EU has stood with Ukraine since the start of Russias war and will still stand with you to win and rebuild. EU and Ukrainian leaders are set to meet at a summit Friday to discuss the EUs response to the conflict, reconstruction and relief efforts, global food security, and Ukraines application to join the EU. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his nightly address Wednesday that Russia is trying to achieve some battlefield gains to show on the first anniversary of the war on February 24. In such circumstances, we all need to be especially united, especially focused on the national interest, and, as a result, especially resilient, Zelenskyy said. I am confident that we will stay like that. He noted what he called an increase in Russias offensive actions in eastern Ukraine, saying the situation is becoming even more severe. Russian forces have been trying to secure control of Bakhmut, in Donetsk province, for months. In nearby Kramatorsk, rescuers searched for survivors after a Russian missile destroyed an apartment building. The attack killed at least three people and wounded 20 others. US sanctions The United States on Wednesday blacklisted more business officials linked to Russias war on Ukraine, targeting an arms dealer, his son and a group of proxy companies across Asia, Europe and the Middle East for trying to help Moscow obtain more weapons for its nearly year-long fight. The U.S. Department of the Treasury unveiled sanctions against Russian arms dealer Igor Zimenkov, his son Jonatan and companies connected to the Zimenkov network in Singapore, Cyprus, Bulgaria and Israel, among other countries. Russias desperate attempts to utilize proxies to circumvent U.S. sanctions demonstrate that sanctions have made it much harder and costlier for Russias military-industrial complex to resupply Putins war machine, Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo said, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Treasury named 22 people and organizations it said were linked to the sanctions evasion network supporting Russias military-industrial complex. Over the last year, Treasury said it had sanctioned more than 100 people and entities engaging in activities to circumvent international sanctions and export controls imposed on Russia. The blacklisting blocks any U.S. accounts they may own and prohibits them from doing business in the United States and with Americans. Targeting proxies is one of many steps that Treasury and our coalition of partners have taken, and continue to take, to tighten sanctions enforcement against Russias defense sector, its benefactors, and its supporters, Adeyemo said. Some information for this report came from The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is heading to China as Washington seeks to put guardrails on ties with Beijing amid rising tensions. But as State Department Bureau Chief Nike Ching reports, expectations are low for Blinkens trip to reset the fraught relationship between the two countries. Contributor: Yihua Lee, VOA Mandarin Vice President Kamala Harris paid her respects Wednesday at the funeral of Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man who died last month after a brutal beating by Memphis police officers. Activists say more needs to be done to strengthen laws to prevent police brutality, which disproportionately affects people of color. VOAs Anita Powell reports from the White House. Azerbaijani and Ugandan Foreign Ministers Jeyhun Bayramov and Jeje Abubakhar Odongo respectively discussed on the phone prospects of bilateral relations between Baku and Kampala as well as issues of cooperation within the framework of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), Azernews reports with reference to the Foreign Ministry. Minister Jeyhun Bayramov referred with satisfaction to the existence of an effective cooperation agenda between the two countries within the framework of the NAM and other international platforms. In this regard, the opposite side was given detailed information about the preparations for the March 2023 meeting of the Contact Group on the fight against COVID-19 in Baku. Azerbaijan's successful chairmanship of the movement since 2019, as well as its global initiatives in contributing to the development of the movement, was recalled with satisfaction. In this regard, the importance of sharing the experience of Azerbaijan's successful chairmanship of the NAM with Uganda as the next chairman of the movement was noted. Simultaneously, the parties discussed the issues of preparation for the XIX Summit of the NAM scheduled to be held in Kampala, Uganda, in December 2023. The national Red Cross Societies of Canada and Ukraine have inspected the implementation of their joint assistance programs for the Ukrainian population affected by Russian aggression. "The national Red Cross Societies of Ukraine and Canada monitored the implementation of their joint assistance programs for the war-affected population. The colleagues made several visits to Lviv, Kyiv, and Cherkasy regions for this purpose," the Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) said on its Facebook page. Representatives of the Canadian Red Cross and the URCS examined the implementation of the following joint programs: psychosocial support for those injured at the Unbroken Lviv Rehabilitation Center, supply of stoves to heat invincibility points and residents of Hostomel and Borodianka districts in Kyiv region, and services of mobile medical teams of the URCS in Cherkasy region. They also visited the shelters for internally displaced persons, where repairs are being carried out in order to improve living conditions. "We are thankful to the Canadian Red Cross and all Canadians who make donations to help Ukraine, for their support for overcoming a humanitarian crisis in our country," the URCS said. A European Union summit will begin on Friday in Kyiv to show support for Ukraine as the weapons discussion turns to jets. Plus, a conversation with a former Ambassador to Kyiv about the future of the conflict and the story of a daring rescue of a child from Bakhmut. The Republican-led House of Representatives voted after raucous debate Thursday to oust Democrat Ilhan Omar from the chamber's Foreign Affairs Committee, citing her anti-Israel comments, in a dramatic escalation after Democrats last session booted far-right Republican lawmakers over incendiary remarks. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy was able to solidify Republican support against the Somali-born Muslim woman in the new Congress, although some Republican lawmakers had expressed reservations. Removal of lawmakers from House committees was essentially unprecedented until the Democratic ousters two years ago of hard-right Republican Representatives Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia and Paul Gosar of Arizona. The 218-211 vote, along party lines, came after a heated, voices-raised debate in which Democrats accused Republicans of targeting Omar based on her race. Omar defended herself on the House floor, asking if anyone was surprised she was being targeted, "because when you push power, power pushes back." Democratic colleagues hugged and embraced their colleague during the vote. "My voice will get louder and stronger, and my leadership will be celebrated around the world," Omar said in a closing speech. Republicans focused on six statements Omar has made that, "under the totality of the circumstances, disqualify her from serving on the Committee of Foreign Affairs," said Representative Michael Guest, a Mississippi Republican. "All members, both Republicans and Democrats alike who seek to serve on Foreign Affairs, should be held to the highest standard of conduct due to the international sensitivity and national security concerns under the jurisdiction of this committee," Guest said. The resolution proposed by Republican Representative Max Miller of Ohio, who was a Trump administration official, declared, "Omar's comments have brought dishonor to the House of Representatives." 'Political revenge' Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York said Omar has at times "made mistakes" and used antisemitic tropes that were condemned by House Democrats four years ago. But that's not what Thursday's vote was about, he said. "It's not about accountability, it's about political revenge," Jeffries said. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a New York Democrat, went one step further, saying that the Republicans' action was one of the "disgusting legacies after 9/11," a reference to the September 11, 2001, attack "the targeting and racism against Muslim Americans throughout the United States of America. And this is an extension of that legacy." She added, "This is about targeting women of color." Omar is one of the first two Muslim women elected to Congress. She is also the first to wear a hijab in the House chamber after floor rules were changed to allow members to wear head coverings for religious reasons. She quickly generated controversy after entering Congress in 2019 with a pair of tweets that suggested lawmakers who supported Israel were motivated by money. In the first, she criticized the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, or AIPAC. "It's all about the Benjamins baby," she wrote, invoking slang about $100 bills. Asked on Twitter who she thought was paying members of Congress to support Israel, Omar responded, "AIPAC!" The comments sparked a public rebuke from then House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other Democrats who made clear that Omar had overstepped. She soon apologized. "We have to always be willing to step back and think through criticism, just as I expect people to hear me when others attack me about my identity," Omar tweeted. "This is why I unequivocally apologize." Democrats rallied in a fiery defense of Omar and the experiences she brings to the Congress. Black, Latino and progressive lawmakers in particular spoke of her unique voice in the House and criticized Republicans for what they called a racist attack. "Racist gaslighting," said Representative Cori Bush, a Missouri Democrat. A "revenge resolution," said Democratic Representative Primila Jayapal of Washington state, the chair of the progressive caucus. "It's so painful to watch," said Michigan Democratic Representative Rashida Tlaib, who joined Congress with Omar in 2019 as the first two female Muslims elected to the House. "To Congresswoman Omar, I am so sorry that our country is failing you today through this chamber," Tlaib said through tears. "You belong on that committee." Her 'worldview of Israel' challenged Omar's previous comments were among several remarks highlighted in the resolutions seeking her removal from the Foreign Affairs Committee. The chairman of the committee, Representative Michael McCaul, a Texas Republican, argued for excluding Omar from the panel during a recent closed-door meeting with fellow Republicans. "It's just that her worldview of Israel is so diametrically opposed to the committee's," McCaul told reporters in describing his stance. "I don't mind having differences of opinion, but this goes beyond that." McCarthy has already blocked Representatives Adam Schiff and Eric Swalwell, both California Democrats, from rejoining the House Intelligence Committee once the GOP took control of the chamber in January. While appointments to the intelligence panel are the prerogative of the speaker, the action on Omar required a House vote. Several Republicans skeptical of removing Omar wanted "due process" for lawmakers who face removal. McCarthy said he told them he would work with Democrats on creating a due process system, but acknowledged it's still a work in progress. The United Nations says its humanitarians will not leave Afghanistan and will continue delivering lifesaving aid despite Taliban restrictions on Afghan womens work for nongovernmental organizations. The humanitarian community does not go on strike, Martin Griffiths, a top U.N. official for humanitarian affairs, told representatives of member states on Wednesday. The announcement comes as some international aid agencies have suspended their operations in Afghanistan to protest a December 24, 2022, order by the de facto Taliban government banning local women from working for NGOs. The Taliban say the restrictions on womens work and education are temporary until they figure out how this can be done within religious confines. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation, an intergovernmental body of 48 majority Muslim countries, and many Muslim scholars have condemned the Talibans restrictions on women as inherently against Islamic values. Griffiths, who traveled to Afghanistan last week urging Taliban officials to reverse the ban, said some immediate exceptions have been offered for women to work in the health and education sectors. Where exceptions exist, we will work, he added. "This year, the U.N. has appealed for $4.6 billion in humanitarian response to the crisis in Afghanistan. The funding, if provided by donors, will be used to assist 28 million Afghans, 6 million of whom are close to famine, Griffiths said. Last year, donors met nearly 60% of the $4.4 billion the U.N. requested for the Afghanistan appeal. Despite the U.N.s readiness to continue operating in the country, it is unclear how donors will respond to providing funding to a country under a system that womens rights groups have called gender apartheid. Donors dilemma The United States, European countries and other donors have refused to recognize the Taliban government. They have imposed sanctions and have warned that there would be costs for the groups misogynistic policies. Over the past 18 months, the United States has given about $2 billion in humanitarian assistance to U.N. agencies and other relief organizations to feed and assist millions of Afghans who have been pushed to extreme poverty. The Taliban regimes institutionalized abuse of women raises the important question for policymakers of whether the United States can continue providing aid to Afghanistan without benefiting or propping up the Taliban, the U.S. Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction said in a report on Thursday. Taliban authorities extract revenue from aid money to Afghanistan in the form of tax, license fees and administrative expenses, SIGAR said. Germany, another major humanitarian donor to Afghanistan, has voiced concerns about whether aid can be delivered without violating humanitarian principles. It is clear to us that if women cannot continue to work and cannot participate in the implementation of humanitarian aid, then very fundamental humanitarian principles are being violated, principles that must be adhered to in the allocation of humanitarian aid, German Foreign Ministry spokesperson Andrea Sasse told reporters in Berlin on Wednesday. The measures by the Taliban violate all of these principles. As the federal government, we are discussing how to respond to this behavior on the part of the Taliban, Sasse said. Sweden, which gave roughly $32 million in humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan in 2022, may provide a similar amount this year but a decision will be made in March. We still hope that the edict will be rescinded, since it presents a serious obstacle to the delivery of principled humanitarian aid, Rebecca Hedlund, a spokesperson for Swedish representation at the U.N., told VOA. The State Department did not respond to written questions about whether Washington is considering reducing or ending humanitarian aid to a Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. Condemning the Talibans ban on women, the United States this week announced additional visa restrictions on unnamed Taliban officials and members of their families. We continue to coordinate closely with allies and partners around the world on an approach that makes clear to the Taliban that their actions will carry significant costs and close the path to improved relations with the international community, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement on Wednesday. Activists have questioned the effectiveness of U.S. visa restrictions on Taliban leaders, saying most Taliban officials are already under a U.N. travel ban. An Indian journalist held in custody for more than two years without trial walked free on Thursday after being granted bail in a money laundering case. Siddique Kappan was arrested in October 2020 in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, where he had traveled to report on a high-profile gang rape case. He and three others were accused of belonging to an Islamist fundamentalist group and eventually charged with conspiracy to incite violence. Kappan has maintained his innocence and says that he had only traveled from his home state of Kerala to do his duties as a journalist. He was bailed in the case in September last year but remained behind bars for months longer because of a separate money laundering case against him. "I will continue my fight against draconian laws. They kept me in jail even after I got bail," he told NDTV news network after his release from jail in the city of Lucknow. "These two years were very tough, but I was never afraid." India has slipped 10 places in the Reporters Without Borders press freedom ranking to 150 out of 180 surveyed countries since the Hindu nationalist government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office in 2014. Critical reporters often find themselves behind bars and hounded on social media by supporters of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Nine other journalists are currently in Indian prisons, according to Reporters Without Borders. Israeli forces carried out airstrikes early Thursday in the Gaza Strip, hours after Israeli air defenses intercepted a rocket fired from Gaza. Israels military said the airstrikes targeted a rocket production facility used by the militant group Hamas. There were no reports of casualties. Following Wednesdays rocket intercept, Israels National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir tweeted that he would go forward with plans to toughen conditions for Palestinian prisoners. The rocket attack and airstrikes come amid an increase in violence that included a Palestinian gunman killing seven people near a synagogue in East Jerusalem and Israeli forces killing 10 Palestinians during a raid in a West Bank refugee camp last week. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged calm between the two sides as he visited the region earlier this week. Some information for this report came from The Associated Press and Reuters. For full coverage of the crisis in Ukraine, visit Flashpoint Ukraine. The latest developments in Russias war on Ukraine. All times EST. 10 p.m.: Poland believes it will be possible to build a coalition of about 40 countries, including the U.S., Britain and Canada, by Feb. 10 supporting the call to block Russian and Belarusian athletes from the 2024 Olympics, a Polish minister said Thursday. The Baltic nations and Poland earlier Thursday called on international sports bodies to ban Russian and Belarusian athletes from competing in the Olympics and other events while the war in Ukraine continues. "I'm convinced that a meeting that is planned for Feb. 10 will reach a conclusion of over 30 or maybe 40 sports ministers including those from the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia and Japan to decisively reject the idea to allow athletes from Russia and Belarus to take part in the Games," Poland's Sport and Tourism Minister Kamil Bortniczuk told Reuters. "Considering this I don't think we will face tough decisions before the Olympics and, if we were to boycott the Games, the coalition we will be a part of will be broad enough to make holding the Games pointless." The International Olympic Committee announced last week that athletes from the two countries, banned from competing in Europe, might be allowed to earn slots for the Paris 2024 Games through Asian qualifying, although the IOC later said it was standing by sanctions imposed against Russia and Belarus. 9:29 p.m.: An Italo-French SAMP/T air defense system will be up and running in Ukraine within the next two months, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said on Thursday, according to Reuters. "I believe it will be operational within seven to eight weeks," Antonio Tajani, who is also deputy prime minister, told a TV show in remarks confirmed by his spokesman. The system can track dozens of targets and intercept 10 at once. It is the only European-made system that can intercept ballistic missiles. Kyiv has asked its Western allies for more air defense systems and specifically requested the SAMP/T, known as Mamba, in November. 8:22 p.m.: President Vladimir Putin evoked the spirit of the Soviet army that defeated Nazi German forces at Stalingrad 80 years ago to declare on Thursday that Russia would defeat a Ukraine supposedly in the grip of a new incarnation of Nazism, Reuters reported. In a fiery speech in Volgograd, known as Stalingrad until 1961, Putin lambasted Germany for helping to arm Ukraine and said, not for the first time, that he was ready to draw on Russia's entire arsenal, which includes nuclear weapons. "Unfortunately we see that the ideology of Nazism in its modern form and manifestation again directly threatens the security of our country," Putin told an audience of army officers and members of local patriotic and youth groups. "Again and again we have to repel the aggression of the collective West. It's incredible but it's a fact: we are again being threatened with German Leopard tanks with crosses on them." Russian officials have been drawing parallels with the struggle against the Nazis ever since Russian forces entered Ukraine almost a year ago. Ukraine - which was part of the Soviet Union and itself suffered devastation at the hands of Hitler's forces - rejects those parallels as spurious pretexts for a war of imperial conquest. 7:26 p.m.: The European Union's ban on imports of Russian refined oil products, including diesel and jet fuel, will disrupt global flows once it takes effect on Sunday and could hurt Moscow more than an embargo on crude oil, Reuters reported. Although Western sanctions could force Russia to cut crude production and refining runs, which would further tighten global supplies, some analysts said the ban on products may ultimately have little impact on overall availability. "Barrels will get out and find a market, logistical challenge but not a supply challenge," senior research associate Ian Moore at global brokerage firm Bernstein. The bigger issue could be for Russia in finding alternative buyers as China and India, which have proved keen to snap up its discounted crude oil, have plenty of their own refining capacity and are exporters of fuel products. "While the ban would leave Russia with more crude to export, there may not be enough destinations to export the surplus to, and hence Russia may need to cut production by 5%-10%," said DBS Bank energy analyst Pei Hua Ho. To try to compensate for an absence of European buyers, Russia ramped up diesel supplies to African and Mediterranean ports in January. But a lack of tankers to carry these products and a potential lack of demand could make it more challenging for Russia to divert refined fuels to third party markets. 6:29 p.m.: The European Union announced new military assistance for Ukraine ahead of the historic EU-Ukraine wartime summit, according to The Kyiv Independent. The Council of the European Union adopted additional assistance measures under the European Peace Facility (EPF) to provide Ukraine with further military assistance. It consists of a seventh package worth $546 million and a new $49 million assistance measure supporting the Ukrainian military training efforts. Ukraine should get all the military equipment and training needed to defend their territory and their people from Russias war of aggression, Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said. Total EU military support for Ukraine under the EPF is $3.9 billion. Borrell, who visited Kyiv with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Council President Charles Michel, announced that the EU would double the number of Ukrainian soldiers to be trained this year to 30,000. 5:30 p.m.: The European Union should extend a target to cut gas demand in response to lost supply from Russia by at least six months to October this year to ensure there is enough for next winter, think tank Bruegel said on Thursday, according to Reuters. EU countries agreed last year to reduce natural gas demand by 15% between August 1, 2022, and March 31, 2023, compared with the average of the same period in the previous five years. This demand-reduction target should be extended, Bruegel, which provides analysis to policymakers in the EU, said. These cuts would contribute to achieving an EU gas storage target requiring tanks to be 90% full by October 1 this year, the Bruegel analysts said. EU gas storage is currently at an unusually high level of 71% full and is unlikely to be fully depleted by the end of this winter (2022/23), they added. "Assuming limited Russian exports continue, and weather conditions are typical, demand up to October 1, 2023, must remain 13% lower than the previous five-year average," Bruegel said. 4:16 p.m.: After the recent German announcement of tank supplies to Ukraine, 96 mothballed Leopard 2 tanks set for decommissioning in neutral Switzerland are back in the public eye. Shipping them to Ukraine is out of the question, because of Swiss neutrality, but mainstream Swiss politicians are now calling for the Leopards to be sold for as little as one symbolic franc to Poland, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic, replacing the tanks that their governments plan to send to Ukraine, Euromaidan Press reports, citing Bloomberg. 3:19 p.m.: Finland and Sweden remain committed to joining NATO at the same time despite Turkey's opposition to the Swedish candidacy, the two countries' prime ministers said in Stockholm on Thursday, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reported. Turkey has said it could approve Finland's NATO membership application ahead of Sweden's, but the Finnish president and foreign minister have both rejected this idea, arguing that the security of the two Nordic countries is mutually dependent. "I don't like this atmosphere, position, where Sweden is presented as a sort of trouble child in the classroom. I don't think this is the case," Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin said. 2:30 p.m.: 2:10 p.m.: A Ukrainian court has ordered the detention of a former deputy defense minister suspected of corruption, the State Bureau of Investigation said on Thursday, according to Reuters. The SBI did not name the former official but said he was suspected of involvement in ministry purchases of food at inflated prices and low-quality equipment for the military, which is fighting Russia's invasion. The SBI statement follows the resignation of deputy defense minister Vyacheslav Shapovalov last month after a media report alleging that the defense ministry had purchased food at inflated prices. Shapovalov and the ministry denied wrongdoing but he said he had resigned because doing so would help maintain public trust in the ministry. Shapovalov could not immediately be reached for comment on Thursday. 2:00 p.m.: 1:45 p.m.: The Baltic nations and Poland on Thursday called on international sports bodies to ban Russian and Belarusian athletes from competing in the Olympics and other events while the war in Ukraine continues, Reuters reported. The International Olympic Committee announced last week that athletes from the two countries, banned from competing in Europe, might be allowed to earn slots for the Paris 2024 Games through Asian qualifying, although the IOC later said it was standing by sanctions imposed against Russia and Belarus . "Any effort by the International Olympic Committee to bring back Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete, even under a neutral flag, should be rejected," sports ministers representing Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and Poland said in a statement. "Efforts to return Russian and Belarusian athletes to international sports competitions under the veil of neutrality legitimize political decisions and widespread propaganda of these countries," it added. 1:30 p.m.: The United States says Russia is violating the New START Treaty, the last remaining nuclear arms treaty between the two countries. In August, Russia suspended inspections of its nuclear facilities as required by the treaty. VOA's Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports. 1:15 p.m.: Kazakh rights activists sent Ukraine fresh bundles of aid this week including clothing, medicines - and three huge round multi-colored yurts - a not-so coded message of support from the citizens of a country traditionally close to Moscow, Reuters reported. The folkloric nomad tents sent to give Ukrainians a place to keep warm are part of a steady stream of donations from Kazakh civic groups that has angered Moscow and tested the Kazakh government's so far guarded stance on Russia's invasion. "To us, the yurt is a symbol of a hearth, home, warmth, comfort, providing shelter to the one who needs it... They asked us for tents and we decided to bring yurts," said activist Togzhan Kozhaliyeva. She and fellow activists praise the Astana government for refusing to support Moscow's military operation, and believe that as private citizens they can go further and openly support Kyiv. Last month Kazakhstan snubbed a demand from Russia that it repudiate such initiatives. 1:00 p.m.: The U.N. World Health Organization (WHO) said Thursday that there have been hundreds of attacks on health care centers in Ukraine since the war began almost a year ago. 12:50 p.m.: British defense minister Ben Wallace said there was "no magic wand" that could help Ukraine in its fight against Russia, when asked on Thursday about the possibility of supplying British fighter jets to be used by Ukrainian forces, Reuters reported. Wallace did not rule out the possibility of sending jets but said fighter aircraft were not what Ukraine needed right now and that there were practical issues to consider, such as the many months it would take to train Ukrainian forces to use them. "There is no magic wand in this horrendous conflict," Wallace told reporters at Portsmouth in southern England, home to a naval base. He was speaking at a news conference of British and Australian foreign and defense ministers following a meeting on trade and security. 12:35 p.m.: 12:20 p.m.: A former commander of Russia's Wagner mercenary group who fled to Norway told Reuters he wanted to apologize for fighting in Ukraine and was speaking out to bring the perpetrators of crimes to justice, Reuters reported. Andrei Medvedev, who crossed the Russian-Norwegian border on Jan. 13, said he witnessed the killing and mistreatment by Wagner of Russian convicts taken to Ukraine to fight for the group. "Many consider me to be a scoundrel, a criminal, a murderer," Medvedev, 26, said in an interview. "First of all, repeatedly, and again, I would like to apologize, and although I don't know how it would be received, I want to say I'm sorry. "Yes, I served in Wagner. There are some moments (in my story) that people don't like, that I joined them at all, but nobody is born smart." Medvedev added he had decided to speak out "to help to ensure that perpetrators are punished in certain cases, and I will try to make my contribution, at least a small bit". He cited one incident in which he said he witnessed two people who did not want to fight being shot dead in front of newly released convicts who had been enrolled in Wagner. 12:05 p.m.: The U.N. Childrens Fund (UNICEF) is collaborating with Ukrainian households to mitigate the danger of home fires caused by the use of alternative heating and lighting sources, in the absence of electricity. 11:55 a.m.: The Hungarian foreign minister accused the United States ambassador to Budapest on Thursday of trying to interfere in Hungarys internal affairs, amid a growing diplomatic rift between the U.S. and the Central European country, The Associated Press reported. At a news conference in Budapest, Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto lashed out at comments in Politico this week in which Ambassador David Pressman referred to Hungarys approach to the war in neighboring Ukraine as pushing policies endorsed by (Russian President Vladimir) Putin. Szijjarto said it is completely irrelevant what (Pressman) or any other ambassador thinks about the domestic political process in Hungary, because it has nothing to do with him. It is not his place to interfere in Hungarys internal affairs, Szijjarto said. Pressman, an appointee of the Biden administration who earlier served as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations for Special Political Affairs, has faced significant headwinds since taking office in Hungary in August last year. Local media loyal to the right-wing government of populist Prime Minister Viktor Orban have accused the diplomat of meddling in Hungarys judiciary, and of pushing American colonialism. Since taking office, Pressman has been vocal about a growing wave of anti-American sentiment in Hungary, and on the reluctance of Orbans government to join the European Union in imposing sanctions on Moscow for its war in Ukraine. 11:40 a.m.: 11:25 a.m.: Sweden said on Thursday it would tighten laws covering membership of terrorist organizations months after an agreement with Turkey on fighting terrorism aimed at overcoming its objections to Swedish NATO membership, Reuters reported. The new law, which the government hopes will come into force in June, will give authorities much wider powers to detain and prosecute individuals who support terrorist organizations, either through financing or other means. "We are talking about extremely far-reaching criminalization," Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer told reporters. Until now it had been hard to prosecute people unless their actions could be coupled to a specific terrorist act, Strommer said. The new law would cover all forms of participation. Strommer said that the need for tighter laws had been highlighted by the attack in central Stockholm in 2017 in which a man mowed down pedestrians on a busy shopping street, killing five. 11:10 a.m.: 10:50 a.m.: European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said on Thursday that an international center for the prosecution of the crime of aggression in Ukraine would be set up in The Hague, Reuters reported. "It will coordinate the collection of evidence, it will be embedded in the joint investigation team which is supported by our agency Eurojust," von der Leyen said during an official visit to Kyiv along with over a dozen other senior EU officials for two days of high-level talks. An act of aggression is defined by the United Nations as the "invasion or attack by the armed forces of a state (on) the territory of another state, or any military occupation". The International Criminal Court, also based in The Hague in the Netherlands, is already investigating alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in connection with Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The ICC can prosecute genocide in Ukraine but has no jurisdiction over alleged crimes of aggression by Russia there. 10:35 a.m.: High-ranking officials from the European Union are visiting Ukraine with the aim of enhancing ties and laying the foundation for its eventual membership in the EU. The German news agency DW shared on Twitter excerpts from a joint press conference Thursday between European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. 10:20 a.m.: Global energy giant Shell said Thursday that its annual profits doubled to a record high last year as oil and natural gas prices soared after Russias invasion of Ukraine, The Associated Press reported. London-based Shell Plc posted adjusted earnings of $39.9 billion for 2022 in its financial results for the final three months of the year. Adjusted earnings in the fourth quarter, which exclude one-time items and fluctuations in the value of inventories, rose by 50%, to $9.8 billion, from the same period a year earlier. Shell is the latest oil company to report bumper profits, which risks reigniting public anger that the fossil fuel industry do more to offset high energy bills for households and small businesses as well as cut climate-changing carbon emissions. U.S.-based Exxon Mobil also posted record annual profits days earlier, while U.K. rival BP and Frances TotalEnergies reported huge quarterly profits last year. The results demonstrate Shells capacity to deliver vital energy to our customers in a volatile world, new CEO Wael Sawan said in a statement. Its the first earnings report presented by Sawan since he took over as chief executive at the start of the year, replacing Ben van Beurden, who stepped down after nine years. Sawan also has reorganized the companys core business units. 10:05 a.m.: 9:55 a.m.: Ukraine urged the European Union on Thursday to impose more sanctions on Moscow, as some of the bloc's top officials visited Kyiv in a show of solidarity that offered no quick path to membership during Russia's invasion, Reuters reported. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen led a delegation of more than a dozen officials that promised military, financial and political aid before the first anniversary of the February 24 invasion. "Europe has been by Ukraine's side since day one because we know the future of our continent is being written here... this is a fight of democracies against authoritarian regimes," von der Leyen told a news conference in Kyiv. "Today, we are proposing to Ukraine to join key European programs - this will give Ukraine benefits close to those of membership in many areas," von der Leyen said, without committing to any dates. Zelenskyy, who greeted von der Leyen with kisses on the cheek, said they had discussed a 10th EU sanctions package against Russia. "We can see that the pace of Europe's sanctions has slightly slowed down while the terrorist-state, on the contrary, is increasing its pace of adapting to sanctions," he said, standing beside von der Leyen. 9:40 a.m.: Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre of Norway said Thursday that the oil-rich Scandinavian country will become one of the worlds top donors to Ukraine when his two-party center-left government presents another planned military and civilian aid package, The Associated Press reported. Norways profits from oil will finance the additional aid, and there will be a temporary increase in the use of oil money, Gahr Stre told the Norwegian parliament. He did not reveal how large the contribution will be, but he said the government would make it soon. We are in a situation where we have room for action due to extraordinary income from the petroleum sector, said the prime minister, who leads Norways Labor Party. He said the aid would be arranged in a way that has very little impact on the level of activity in the Norwegian economy. Norway is one of Europes largest fossil-fuel exporters, and the conflict in Ukraine has boosted its gas revenues. However, Norway has fended off accusations that its profiting from the war in Ukraine. Last year, the country gave Ukraine more 10 billion kroner ($1 billion) in civilian and military aid. We are now stepping up this aid. We will contribute even more to the repair and reconstruction of damaged infrastructure, Gahr Stre said. 9:25 a.m.: 9:10 a.m.: Ukraine has restarted several repaired power units at thermal power plants damaged in Russian missile attacks, easing the country's power shortages, Reuters reported, quoting the energy ministry. Russian attacks on energy facilities have led to widespread power shortages and blackouts for millions of people. Officials have said about 40% of the system has been damaged. "The expected deficit at the evening peak will be about 19% of demand," the ministry said on Telegram messaging app on Thursday. The power shortage reached 25% at the end of January. The ministry said warm weather could also help reduce demand on the strained power system. 8:50 a.m.: Damian Duda is a military paramedic from Poland who has volunteered to save lives on the front line near the eastern Ukrainian city of Soledar. He volunteered to work in Ukraine in 2014 and returned in 2022. Sometimes, injured Russian soldiers end up in his vehicle. Current Time, a co-production of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and VOA, has this report. 8:35 a.m.: President Vladimir Putin was expected to use an event on Thursday to mark the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in Stalingrad 80 years ago to rally Russians around his military campaign in Ukraine, Reuters reported. He was due to give a speech during the afternoon in Volgograd, the city in southern Russia which until 1961 was called Stalingrad. It was the location of the bloodiest battle of World War Two when the Soviet Red Army, at a cost of over 1 million casualties, broke the back of advancing German forces. The commemoration came as Russian forces in Ukraine are making incremental gains in the east as Moscow tries to step up what it calls its "special military operation" in the face of fierce Ukrainian resistance. Thousands of people lined Volgograd's streets on Thursday to watch a victory parade as planes flew overhead and modern and World War Two-era tanks and armored vehicles trundled by. 8:20 a.m.: 8:05 a.m.: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Thursday that Russian forces would respond to the delivery of longer-range Western weapons to Kyiv by trying to push Ukrainian forces further away from its borders to create a safe buffer zone, Reuters reported. Lavrov told state TV that everybody wanted the conflict in Ukraine - which Moscow calls a "special military operation" - to end, but that the West's support for Kyiv was playing an important role in how Russia approached the campaign. Two U.S. officials told Reuters on Tuesday that Washington was preparing a new package of military aid worth $2.2 billion which is expected to include longer-range rockets for the first time. "We see how the whole of NATO is waging war against us," Lavrov said. "We're now seeking to push back Ukrainian army artillery to a distance that will not pose a threat to our territories," he added. "The greater the range of the weapons supplied to the Kyiv regime, the more we will have to push them back from territories which are part of our country." 7:45 a.m.: 7:30 a.m.: Ukraine's military says there are clear signs that Russian forces are getting ready for a major push in the east, where a stalemate continues despite months-long heavy fighting and intensive daily shelling by Moscow's troops, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reported. The shelling killed at least three people and wounded 20 others in Kramatorsk late on Wednesday. The head of the Donetsk regional military administration, Pavlo Kyrylenko, said a Russian rocket struck a residential building in Kramatorsk. "The enemy is actively conducting reconnaissance, preparing for an offensive in certain directions," Ukraine's General Staff said in its daily report early on Thursday. "Despite heavy losses, it continues to attempt offensive actions in the Lyman, Bakhmut, Avdiyivka, and Novopavlivka areas [of Donetsk region]," the General Staff said. Russian forces launched six missile strikes on Ukrainian targets during the past 24 hours, four of which hit the civilian infrastructure in Slovyansk, Kramatorsk, and Druzhkivka in Donetsk, as well as four air strikes and 73 salvoes from multiple rocket launchers, the military said. The situation on the front line has become more difficult, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Wednesday. "A definite increase has been noted in the offensive operations of the occupiers on the front in the east of our country. The situation has become tougher," Zelenskyy said in his evening video address. Zelenskyy said the Russians were trying to make gains that they could show on the first anniversary of the war on February 24. 7:15 a.m.: 7:00 a.m.: Rescuers combed debris in a city in eastern Ukraine on Thursday, where an overnight Russian missile strike destroyed an apartment building and damaged nine others, killing at least three people, Reuters reported. The police force said the apartments in the city of Kramatorsk were hit by an Iskander-K tactical missile at 9.45 pm local time (1945 GMT). Earlier reports had described it as an attack with a rocket. Ten apartment buildings were damaged, one partially collapsed. Search and rescue work, which continued all night, is still under way, police said in a statement. The dead include a husband and wife and a 61-year-old pensioner, whose daughter was still believed to be missing. Eighteen people were also wounded. The city is close to the front line in eastern Ukraine and many residents have fled or regularly hide in cellars, which may have saved lives compared to similar attacks elsewhere. 6:50 a.m.: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on Thursday for more punitive measures against Russia by the European Union and said he had discussed a new EU sanctions package with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, according to Reuters. Zelenskyy, speaking at a joint news conference in Kyiv with von der Leyen, said the speed of the EU sanctions campaign against Russia had "slightly slowed down" and should be stepped up. 6:40 a.m.: 6:35 a.m.: The Austrian government says it has ordered four diplomats based in Vienna, including two at Moscows mission to United Nations agencies in the city, to leave the country, The Associated Press reported. The Foreign Ministry said in a brief statement on Thursday that two diplomats the Russian Embassy had engaged in acts incompatible with their diplomatic status and two at the permanent mission to the U.N. in Vienna committed acts incompatible with the Headquarters Agreement. It didnt elaborate. The diplomats were given a week to leave Austria. Western European nations and Russia have expelled each others diplomats on several occasions since Moscows invasion of Ukraine started nearly a year ago. 6:20 a.m.: Over a dozen top European Union officials visited Kyiv on Thursday to promise military, financial and political aid and show support for Ukraine before the first anniversary of Russia's invasion, Reuters reported. But unwilling to admit a country at war, the EU is set to dash Ukraine's hopes of being swiftly allowed membership, underlining the need for more anti-corruption measures. It is the first gathering of members of the EU's executive European Commission in Kyiv since the war began last February 24 and follows new Western pledges of arms deliveries to help Ukraine resist an expected new Russian offensive. Moscow has criticized the pledges, saying new weapon deliveries will escalate the conflict but not change its course. EU officials said talks would include discussion of more arms and money for Ukraine as well as more access for Ukrainian products to the EU market, helping Kyiv cover energy needs, sanctions on Russia, prosecuting Russia's leadership for the war and extending an EU no-roaming mobile calls zone to Ukraine. "It is a very strong signal that we are in Kyiv during the war. It's a signal to the Ukrainian people. It's a signal to Russia. It's a signal to the world," said a senior EU official. 5:33 a.m.: Russians' deposits with non-resident banks increased by about 2.5 times between January and November last year to around $82 billion according to the exchange rate at the time, Reuters reported Wednesday, citing the central bank. The bank said this did not mean that foreign currency deposits were necessarily flowing from Russian banks to foreign ones, however, as some deposits were converted into rubles or used to buy real estate. Deposits held abroad by Russians have been on the rise since Moscow launched what it calls a "special military operation" in Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, with hundreds of thousands choosing to emigrate. According to the central bank's monthly statistics, the biggest inflow of deposits to foreign banks was recorded in September last year at more than $9 billion, the month when Moscow launches a partial mobilization of troops. 5:04 a.m.: Imprisoned Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny said in a social media post published Wednesday that prison authorities have placed him in a one-person cell for six months, a move his lawyer described as part of authorities' efforts to damage Navalny's health, The Associated Press reported. Navalny, 46, said on Instagram that he had been denied the opportunity to visit with his family for the past eight months. The move to solitary confinement means he will not see his wife and children for another half a year, he said. "Even maniacs and serial killers serving life sentences have the right for meetings, but I do not," he said. "When such thing happens to you, you understand even more acutely how important it is to fight this unscrupulous government, how important it is to do at least something to free Russia from the yoke of these scoundrels from Russia and dispel the dope with which they have enveloped the heads of millions." Navalny, who exposed official corruption and organized massive anti-Kremlin protests, is serving a nine-year fraud sentence in a maximum-security prison 250 kilometers east of Moscow. 4:15 a.m.: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Kyiv on Thursday for meetings intended to highlight support for Ukraine as the first anniversary of Russia's invasion nears. "Good to be back in Kyiv, my 4th time since Russia's invasion. This time, with my team of Commissioners," she wrote on Twitter under a photo of her arriving at a Kyiv railway station. "We are here together to show that the EU stands by Ukraine as firmly as ever. And to deepen further our support and cooperation." Members of the executive European Commission will meet members of the Ukrainian government Thursday. On Friday, von der Leyen and the chairman of the 27 European Union national leaders, Charles Michel, will meet President Volodymyr Zelenskiyy. 4:06 a.m.: The latest intelligence update from the U.K. defense ministry said that Russia's invasion of Ukraine has taken a toll on its business as an arms exporter. Russia will almost certainly make supplying its own troops its top priority, and "a shortage of components is likely affecting the production of equipment for export, such as armoured vehicles, attack helicopters, and air defense systems," the update said. 3:05 a.m.: The Institute for the Study of War, a U.S. think tank, said in its latest Ukraine assessment that Russian forces continued ground attacks northeast and southwest of Bakhmut along with limited ground attacks to regain lost positions on the Svatove-Kreminna line. Russian forces are also continuing to carry out unsuccessful disruption missions on islands in the Dnipro River delta in Kherson Oblast in an effort to prevent Ukrainian forces from gaining ground on the islands. 2:07 a.m.: The Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia have completed their withdrawal from two international development banks with majority Russian ownership and roots in the Soviet era, Reuters reported Wednesday, citing the Czech Finance Ministry. The Czechs began to exit the Budapest-based International Investment Bank (IIB) and the Moscow-based International Bank for Economic Co-operation (IBEC) at the start of 2021 and vowed to speed up the process after Russia attacked Ukraine last February. Poland and Slovakia have also completed their withdrawal, while Romania will exit in June and Bulgaria is expected to follow at some point this year, the Czech ministry said in a statement. 1:03 a.m.: Russia's car industry posted its worst showing in 2022 since the collapse of the Soviet Union, with production slumping 67% as Western sanctions and an exodus of global carmakers compressed the market, data showed Wednesday, according to Reuters. Factories in Russia produced 450,000 passenger cars in 2022, according to the data from the Rosstat federal statistics service. Prior to 2022, the worst year for Russia's car production since the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union had been 2009, in the aftermath of the global financial crisis, when Russian factories produced almost 600,000 passenger cars, data from analytical agency ASM-Holding showed. Russia's automotive sector has struggled under the weight of sanctions imposed by Western countries after Moscow's despatched tens of thousands of troops to Ukraine last February. Meanwhile, global carmakers who had built factories in Russia in recent decades left the country in droves and terminated supplies in the process. 12:02 a.m.: Bulgaria on Wednesday approved a resolution declaring that the 1930s starvation of millions in Ukraine under Soviet leader Joseph Stalin was an act of "genocide," Agence France-Presse reported. The parliament of the EU member, where a large part of public opinion remains pro-Russian, adopted the resolution with 134 votes in favor and 26 against. The resolution says that "any denial, justification or underestimation of this genocide flouts the memory of the millions of people who perished." Victims of the 1932-33 Holodomor, Ukrainian for "death by starvation," will now be commemorated in Bulgaria, Moscow's closest ally under communism, each year on the last Saturday in February. The Bulgarian Socialist party heir to the former communist party boycotted the vote, while the pro-Russian party Vazrajdane voted against it. Some information in this report came from Agence France-Presse, The Associated Press and Reuters. Malawi has suspended the head of its Anti-Corruption Bureau over a leaked audio clip that where she suggested high-ranking officials were obstructing justice. Martha Chizuma was arrested in December for the same issue but released on the order of President Lazarus Chakwera. Malawi media reports say Chizuma's suspension came just hours before the bureau planned to issue arrest warrants for top officials. In a letter made public Wednesday, Colleen Zamba, who is the secretary to the president and cabinet, said Chizuma's suspension started January 31 and will last until the conclusion of the case. In an audio with an unknown person that was later leaked to social media, Chizuma said that high-ranking officials, including lawyers, a judge and government authorities, were hindering her fight against corruption. This prompted some of the accused people, including former director of public prosecution Steven Kayuni, to file criminal charges against her. The latest lawsuit last week was in relation to comments she made in the audio against a judge, Simeon Mdeza, who at the time was handling a corruption case. The two charges include making remarks calculated to lower the authority of a judge before a judicial proceeding is heard, and making comments capable of prejudicing a person against a party to judicial proceedings. Martha Kaukonde, who is Chizuma's lawyer, told VOA the suspension order is void and it will be challenged in court on Friday. The law is very clear that she can only be suspended by the president," Kaukonde. "And in this scenario, she has been suspended by the head of civil service, SPC. During the State of the Nation address on January 24, President Lazarus Chakwera described Chizuma's action as unfortunate but said he would not dismiss her. Instead, he issued a stern warning that he will keep an eye on her conduct Michael Kayiyatsa, the executive director for the Center for Human Rights and Rehabilitation, said he is surprised with the governments sudden change of heart. If you analyze the whole issue, its a matter of hypocrisy," Kaiyatsa said. "The president has been hypocritical because what he says publicly and what he does behind the scenes is contradictory. The same president says, I have forgiven Martha, and later on he allows his own government to interdict her. The president has been sending conflicting messages. Malawi media reports say Chizuma's suspension came just hours before the Anti-Corruption Bureau planned to issue arrest warrants for top officials. Attorney Kaukonde suspects the move to punish Chizuma was planned long ago. I think it started in January 2022," said Kaukonde. "Its a plot to destabilize the fight against corruption. Thats what we are speculating. So, nothing more to it, she is just doing her job, and then she is stopped from doing her job. George Phiri, a former lecturer of political science at the University of Livingstonia in the north of Malawi, said the twists and turns of the Chizuma issue confirm there are some people within the government trying to hinder the fight against corruption. "We need to know who is doing all this," Phiri said. "Because the fight against corruption is on. And Martha Chizuma has taken the stand to fight as her office requires. In the meantime, the chairperson for the Legal Affairs Committee of parliament, Peter Dimba has resigned, citing frustration with how the Malawi government is handling issues surrounding the corruption fight. In his resignation letter dated February 2, Dimba says he has observed that efforts to provide checks and balances to the government, particularly on the fight against corruption, have proved futile. He said as a leader, he has taken full responsibility for failing Malawians in this regard. Nigeria's Independent National Electoral Commission says an attack Wednesday on its offices in southeast Anambra state destroyed hundreds of ballot boxes and other election materials. Authorities say armed men also attacked a police station in the area and killed a teenager. It's the latest attempt to disrupt Nigeria's preparations for February 25 elections. The Independent National Electoral Commission, or INEC, said Thursday it is making plans to replace some 700 ballot boxes, 243 voting cubicles, and 256 election bags destroyed by attackers. The election commission said the damage was serious, but the permanent voter cards kept in a fireproof cabinet were spared. "The office was completely destroyed," the INEC's information and education officer, Festus Okoye, told VOA by phone. "All the ballot boxes and voting cubicles and generators that we lost, we're going to replace them quickly, then get the office to move to a new location, and then we'll proceed with our preparations. We can't allow some of these things to distract us or disrupt the process." State police authorities say they are monitoring the situation and have deployed officers to the area. On Wednesday, armed attackers broke into the INEC facility in Anambra state and detonated improvised explosive devices and petrol bombs. Officials say attackers also fired guns sporadically near a local police station, killing a 16-year-old boy and injuring another teenage girl before security agents intervened. INEC has reported more than 50 attacks and arsons on its facilities across 15 states since the last polls in 2019. This is the first attack in February as Nigeria begins a countdown to the February 25 polls. Hamzat Lawal, the chief executive of Connected Development, said violence could threaten voter confidence during polls. "As we go into the elections, the most important ingredient is peace, because if the election is peaceful, then people can feel confident enough to go out of their safety zone, which is their homes, to cast their ballot," Lawal said. "And with peace, we'll ensure that we have less voter apathy and people will not be disenfranchised." In January, the INEC said it was working with military, police and civil defense authorities to provide adequate security for staff and election materials during the polls. But Lawal said they must first convince citizens of their safety. "I also want to talk to government, particularly political actors. You do not play politics with security, and I believe that our security agencies will live up the expectations and build public trust and confidence, knowing that INEC is currently enjoying public trust and confidence and leveraging on that to get young people to come out and cast their ballot," Lawal said. "I'm really confident that we'll get over 80 percent turnouts." About 40 percent of registered voters make it to the polls due to voter apathy, according to the electoral commission. There are more than 93 million registered voters on INEC's records an increase from 84 million eligible voters recorded in the previous elections. Experts predict voter turnout could surge this year, if election-related violence is addressed. North Korea on Thursday ruled out the idea of dialogue with the United States, accusing Washington of a full-scale offensive that is turning the Korean Peninsula into a war zone. In a statement posted to state media, North Koreas Foreign Ministry complained of the reckless military confrontational maneuvers and hostile acts of the U.S. and its vassal forces. The more dangerous the U.S. threat to the DPRK gets, the stronger backfire the U.S. will face in direct proportion to it, the statement warned, using an abbreviation for North Koreas official name. The statement came a day after the U.S. and South Korea held joint air drills involving U.S. B-1B long-range strategic bombers and stealth fighters in the Yellow Sea off Koreas west coast. South Koreas Defense Ministry said the exercises show the U.S.s will and capabilities to provide strong and credible extended deterrence against North Korea's nuclear and missile threats. During a visit to Seoul earlier this week, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin vowed to increase the deployment of U.S. strategic assets, which include long-range bombers, nuclear-capable airplanes and aircraft carrier strike groups. The allies will also soon hold so-called tabletop exercises meant to discuss hypothetical North Korean uses of nuclear weapons, Austin confirmed. Displays of military might The U.S. and South Korea say their increased displays of military strength are a response to North Korean provocations, which in many ways have reached new heights. North Korea launched at least 95 missiles last year, blasting through its previous record. Some of the missiles prompted air raid alerts and shelter warnings in South Korea and Japan. At a year-end speech, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un vowed to exponentially increase nuclear warhead production. The moves have rattled South Korea, which does not have its own nuclear weapons but instead relies on the U.S. nuclear umbrella. However, in trying to reassure South Korea, the United States is also angering the North. In its statement Thursday, North Koreas Foreign Ministry blasted the Pentagon chiefs visit to Seoul, accusing him of unhesitatingly talking about the use of nuclear weapons against the DPRK. This is a vivid expression of the U.S. dangerous scenario which will result in turning the Korean Peninsula into a huge war arsenal and a more critical war zone, the statement said. 'Not interested' in dialogue North Korea has long accused the U.S. of a hostile policy and has vowed future U.S. moves will prompt a quick response. Even as it expands its military activity, the U.S. has repeatedly offered to hold talks with North Korea on denuclearization. It has also offered COVID-19 humanitarian aid. North Korea has repeatedly rejected the offers, calling them a shameless attempt to gain time. The DPRK is not interested in any contact or dialogue with the U.S. as long as it pursues its hostile policy and confrontational line, the Foreign Ministry said, accusing Washington of trying to force the unilateral disarmament of North Korea. The Philippines is moving to strengthen ties with the United States, granting U.S. forces access to an additional four military sites as concerns about a more coercive and aggressive China continue to grow. The deal, which brings the total number of Philippine military sites eligible for help from the U.S. military to nine, came as U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin wrapped up a two-day visit to the Philippines and a series of meetings with the countrys top military and national security officials. A joint statement from the U.S. and the Philippines Thursday did not name the location of the four sites but said the locations would allow more rapid support for humanitarian and climate-related disasters in the Philippines and respond to other shared challenges. Austins visit, and the agreement, follows months of high-level talks between the U.S. and the Philippines aimed at mending relations between the two countries and at finding ways to deal with China, which has increasingly trampled on the Philippines territorial claims in the South China Sea. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., while not naming China, described the regional tensions Thursday as very complicated and said that it is something that we can only navigate properly with the help of our partners and our allies. It seems to me the future of the Philippines, and for that matter the Asia Pacific, will always have to involve the United States simply because those partnerships are so strong and theyre so historically embedded in our common psyches, Marcos said while welcoming Austin to the presidential palace. Since signing the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement with the Philippines in 2014, the U.S. has poured $82 million into improving infrastructure at the five existing sites: Fort Magsaysay Military Reservation, Lumbia Air Base, Antonio Bautista Air Base, and Mactan Benito Ebuen Air Base. The U.S. also has about 500 troops stationed in the Philippines. Of those, 150 are based in Zamboanga, a city on the southern Philippine island of Mindanao that has come under repeated attack by terrorists, including some connected to the Islamic State terror groups East Asia affiliate. Senior U.S. officials are hopeful that cooperation and lessons learned from more than 20 years of counterterrorism efforts will carry over as the two countries expand their military ties to take on new challenges. This relationship is strong and we will continue to work hard to strengthen it further, Austin said Thursday after meeting with Philippine acting Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. Austin said the agreement on access to four additional Philippine military sites will allow the U.S. to improve training and respond more effectively to both humanitarian emergencies and to bolster training and modernization efforts. This is an opportunity to increase our effectiveness, increase interoperability, he said in response to a question from VOA. It is not about permanent basing, but it is a big deal. Its a really big deal. And while not directly tied to the agreement to give U.S. forces access to the additional Philippine military sites, both Austin and his Philippine counterpart said Beijings behavior cannot be ignored. We discussed concrete actions, Austin said of the talks with Galvez. These efforts are especially important as Peoples Republic of China continues to advance its illegitimate claims in the West Philippine [South China] Sea. Galvez, for his part, said the Philippines shares the U.S. vision for a stable, rule-based, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region. This approach which we hope to jointly undertake is in line with the guidance of President Ferdinand Marcos for the Defense department to make sure that not an inch of our nations territory will be lost, Galvez said, adding the visit by the U.S. defense secretary is symbolic to all of us that the U.S. will always be there for us. Defense officials from both countries, however, admit more work still needs to be done. While Manila is now committed to giving Washington access to help modernize another four of its military sites, no decision has been made on which sites will be chosen. Galvez said a number of potential military sites are still going through a process of inspections and evaluations, and that the Philippine government also intends to consult with local governments prior to making any final decisions. Galvez also suggested priority could be given to military sites affected or threatened by climate change. It also remains unclear how many additional U.S. troops will deploy to the Philippines, on a rotational basis, to aid with the training and modernization efforts. Senior U.S. defense officials have said most, if not all, of the infrastructure improvements at the initial five sites covered by the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement have been contracted out to Philippines-based companies, giving a boost to the local economies. Ukraine - F-16s Despite the heavy focus on China during his five-day trip to South Korea and the Philippines, the U.S. defense secretary said Thursday in Manila that he remains concerned about developments in Ukraine. Yet despite a growing openness by some U.S. allies to the idea of providing Ukraine with U.S.-made F-16 fighter jets, Austin echoed U.S. President Joe Biden and said giving Ukraine the jets is not under consideration. Were focused on providing Ukraine the capability that it needs to be effective in its upcoming, anticipated counteroffensive in the spring, Austin said in response to a question from VOA. Youve heard us talk about artillery, air defense, we made a big push to provide more armored vehicle capability, he said. All of those things are in play. And were also increasing the training that were providing the Ukrainians so that these higher-end platforms they can effectively use in combat. International investigation center for crimes in Ukraine to be set up in The Hague von der Leyen President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen has said that an international investigation center for the crimes committed by Russia in Ukraine will be founded in The Hague. Russia must be brought to justice for its heinous crimes. Prosecutors from Ukraine and the EU are already working together, and evidence is being collected, she said at a joint press conference with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on Thursday. Von der Leyen announced that the first step would be the opening of the international investigation center for the crimes of aggression in Ukraine in The Hague. The center will coordinate the collection of evidence and it will be integrated into the joint investigation team supported by Eurojust, she said. With troops stalled in eastern Ukraine, Russia has increasingly resorted to routine airstrikes on Ukrainian cities and towns, a strategy aimed at exhausting Ukraine economically and morally. As part of its hybrid warfare, the Kremlin has been boosting its anti-U.S. and anti-Ukraine rhetoric, amplified by Russias multibillion-dollar foreign broadcasting media. One of the Kremlins most effective propaganda narratives is threatening to use nuclear weapons if the West continues aiding Ukraine. Last week, after the United States, Britain, Germany and Poland announced they would send battle tanks to Ukraine, Russia again resorted to nuclear threats, with former President Dmitry Medvedev predicting World War III and a clash of nuclear powers from which no nation will emerge alive. Retired Army Lieutenant General Ben Hodges, the former commander of the U.S. Army in Europe, believes the likelihood of Russia using a nuclear weapon is very low. He spoke with VOA on January 24 from Frankfurt, Germany. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. VOA: What role does the use of disinformation and propaganda play in Russia's war against Ukraine? Retired Army Lieutenant General Ben Hodges: The Russians have always used disinformation as part of what they do. And they have realized that we in the West are very vulnerable to disinformation and even conspiracy theories, because so many people here have lost confidence and trust in the government and in our institutions. We, the West, have failed to live up to our own talking points. I mean, we sat back and did nothing because we couldn't believe that any average person would trust the nonsense that comes from the Kremlin criminals. Its so absurd and so obviously false. We failed to act, and we failed to hold them accountable. Also because we were willing to keep using cheap Russian gas. VOA: One of the most discussed topics in relation to the aid the U.S. and its allies are giving Ukraine is the Russian threat of nuclear escalation. Many people in the U.S. and in Europe have said they fear such a scenario is possible. Why do you think Russia can use the looming nuclear war narrative so effectively? Hodges: Look, they have been threatening to use nuclear weapons for years. And certainly since their so-called special military operations started 11 months ago, they threatened nuclear weapons every time when we give Ukraine something. But each time when we finally make the decision to go ahead and provide the next level of aid, Russia doesn't do anything because they can't do anything. VOA: So, should we just ignore those threats? Hodges: I'd say we take them seriously because they do have thousands of nuclear warheads, and they clearly do not care how many innocent people are killed. But the likelihood of them using a nuclear weapon, I think, is actually very low. I think that they believed President [Joe] Biden, when he said there would be catastrophic consequences for Russia if they used a nuclear weapon. I think they believe him, and they also know that the use of a nuclear weapon will not give them any battlefield advantage. It won't change things on the ground, will not make them better for Russia. But if they do use nuclear weapons, then it's going to be over for the Russian Black Sea Fleet and for the Russian forces in Ukraine. And I think the Russian General Staff knows this. Their weapons are only useful when they threaten it, because they can see how many of us are terrified that they might actually do it. VOA: You previously mentioned that Russia is throwing more and more people into the meat grinder. And are there signs of a new mobilization? How will the influx of newly mobilized affect this war? Hodges: Well, I think that this is a substitute for having an actual strategy for winning the war. They realize that they cannot defeat Ukraine, and so what they're doing is attempting to keep trading bodies for time, in hopes that the West will finally lose the will to keep supporting Ukraine. They were launching missiles into towns and cities and destroying power grids. That also was part of this attempt to drag out the conflict. That has not worked. You don't hear too much about missiles hitting power grids anymore. And so now, the idea that they can just keep sending bodies there appears to be the only strategy they have. They now try to somehow get the Ukrainians and the West worried that the Russians are going to launch a huge offensive out of Belarus. With what? I don't believe they have the logistics or the armed forces or even the artillery that could support such an offensive. VOA: Russia is losing many people, but Ukraine is losing people, too. This meat grinder works both ways as the war drags on. What can and must the West do to boost Ukraine's ability to finish this war? Hodges: You are right that Ukraine has suffered a lot of casualties, but nowhere near the scale of Russia. And Ukraine fortunately does not have a manpower problem yet. They still have 2 million people of military age who are ready to come forward. I think manpower will not be the issue. But for Ukraine to win, the West, led by the United States, needs to decide that we want them to win. And for some reason, our leadership has not been willing to say we want Ukraine to win. I hear, "We don't want Ukraine to lose," or "We want Ukraine to be successful." But nobody says, "We want Ukraine to win, and we're going to do everything possible and needed to make sure it happens." VOA: How and when do you see this war ending? Hodges: I believe if the West gives Ukraine what they need, which is long-range precision weapons, and continues supporting the Russian sanctions, then I think they can liberate Crimea by the end of August. And then they can turn to the rest of Donbas. But Crimea is the decisive terrain. That's what matters the most. VOA: Why? Hodges: Well, because without Crimea, Ukraine will never be safe or secure and never be able to rebuild their economy. Even if they liberated 100% of Donbas, if Russia sits in Crimea, they can still disrupt traffic going in and out of Odesa, launch airstrikes on Ukrainian cities. In a couple of years, they'll start the war again. That's why it's essential that Ukraine liberates Crimea. Site of the biggest nuclear accident in history, Chernobyl has become over the years one of the biggest tourist attractions in Ukraine. Despite still harboring high radiation levels, Chernobyl was one of Russia's first military targets in its invasion of Ukraine almost a year ago. The Russians took control of the plant, the villas, and the small town that lent its name to the region for nearly two months. Now Chernobyl is back under Ukrainian control, but fears of another invasion remain. The United States on Thursday called on the Sudanese government to reverse a decision this week to release a Sudanese man facing the death penalty in the killing of a U.S. diplomat in 2008. Abdelraouf Abuzeid was found guilty, along with others, in the killing of American John Granville and a Sudanese colleague, who both worked for the U.S. Agency for International Development and were killed by gunmen in Khartoum. "We call on the Sudanese government to exercise all available legal means to reverse this decision and to rearrest Abuzeid," State Department spokesperson Ned Price told reporters. Officials met with the Sudanese ambassador to the United States on Thursday, and the U.S. ambassador to Sudan, John Godfrey, is engaging Sudanese officials at the highest levels on the issue, Price said. Peter Lord, the deputy assistant secretary for East Africa, Sudan and South Sudan, will also demand action when he travels to Khartoum next week, Price said. "We will not relent," Price said. Abuzeid's brother said Monday that his sibling had been released by Sudan's high court based on a multimillion-dollar 2020 settlement between Sudan and victims of attacks, including the one that killed Granville. The money received by Granville's family from the Sudanese government was interpreted by a majority of the court as a release of their right to retribution and the acceptance of blood money, said a Sudanese legal source related to the case. Granville's mother, Jane Granville, said Wednesday that she was horrified about hearing of Abuzeid's release. "In no way did [the settlement] say that that money was going to release any of these men that killed John," Jane Granville said. "I never would've accepted it if that was part of it." Price said the claim that Granville's family had extended forgiveness was false. U.S. Senator Jim Risch of Idaho, the top Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said Abuzeid's release was "outrageous." "This action further drives a wedge between the US and #Sudan, exposes the regime's impunity, and complicates future US assistance," Risch said on Twitter. In partnership with the African Union, the United Nations and others, the U.S. State Department has kicked off an initiative to help African farmers and governments prepare for and adapt to food security challenges caused by climate change. Dr. Cary Fowler, U.S. special envoy for global food security, launched the new program Wednesday at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. Crops adapted to climate, pests, diseases and the needs of the marketplace are a prerequisite for food security," said Fowler. "Poor soils dont produce rich harvest. Fowler, who recently visited Zambia and Malawi, warned there is an urgent need to develop crops that are prepared to withstand the effects of climate change and the agricultural productivity demands of Africas growing population. At a time when Africa is experiencing weather extremes and population growth is increasing, we see a real opportunity promoting soil health and climate resistant crops in Africa," said Fowler. "By the end of the century, as you probably already know, Africa will be the worlds most populated continent, yet already there are 300 million people who are food insecure on the continent. Historically, most adaptation efforts have focused on a handful of crops such as maize, rice and wheat, said Fowler. That attention, he said, should include lesser known crops that are rich in vitamins and micronutrients. Other crops such as grains, such as sorghum, millet and teff, and almost all of the root and tuber crops, and the hundreds of indigenous African fruits and vegetables, have received much attention," he said. "Not surprisingly, their yields are low and their potential unrealized. For many of these crops there has never been a single scientifically trained plant breeder working on them in all of agriculture history. This initiative is being launched in partnership with the African Union and the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization. Ambassador Cindy McCain, U.S. permanent representative to the U.N. agencies in Rome, was at the launch. She said overlapping crises armed conflict, COVID-19 and climate change are straining global food systems. And that is affecting everyone, especially the more vulnerable around the globe. Throughout my travels as the U.S. ambassador to U.N. agencies in Rome, Ive seen the effects of conflict, water scarcity and extreme weather conditions from Kenya to Madagascar, from Sri Lanka to Laos and more," she said. "As global leaders sought climate solutions in COP 27 in Egypt last year and at the Negev forum in UAE last month, it is clear that we must leverage science and technology and innovation in agriculture to feed a growing population, and it demands a united global effort. Fowler said in addition to the FAO and AU, entities such as the Rockefeller Foundation, Columbia University and CGIAR, a global partnership that unites international organizations engaged in food security research, also are involved in this effort. He said this is like a potluck dinner where the State Department brings some resources and maybe a main dish, but other partners need to contribute to the effort in order to make it a success. Fowler noted the process outlined is part scientific and part consensus- and commitment-building. Jeers filled the air when lawmakers of the ruling ZANU-PF party celebrated after the Private Voluntary Organizations Amendment Bill, which regulates non-governmental organizations, passed in Zimbabwes Senate late Wednesday. The legislation, which still awaits President Emmerson Mnangagwa's signature, makes it a criminal offense for NGOs to support or oppose political parties or candidates in any election. Supporters say the legislation is designed to curb financing for terrorism and money laundering in Zimbabwe. Ziyambi Ziyambi, Zimbabwes justice minister, told Parliament after the bill passed that law-abiding NGOs have nothing to fear. All we are saying is: if you come and you say you want to assist in quotes water sanitation, you have not any business in getting into political lobbying, he said. So, we are saying: we want to follow the money where it is going. So, we believe that this is a progressive piece of legislation. But opposition lawmakers and human rights activists dont see it that way. Musa Kika, a human rights lawyer who heads the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum, said the law infringes on Zimbabweans basic rights. Our position is this law is unconstitutional, he said. It violates freedom of association. It violates citizens rights to organize and self-organize in spaces outside the state. So thats our position that this law cannot and will not stand constitutional scrutiny by an independent and any competent court. Kika said the process to enact the bill had been driven by the presidents office, and that parliament ignored Zimbabweans objections during public hearings on the proposed legislation. And the consequences for our country are going to be dire, he said. From a social protection point of view, from [a] diminished accountability point of view, even economic fortunes given that development support in Zimbabwe was contributing annually almost $1 billion. We are going to see a significant reduction in those that find Zimbabwe being a safe space for them to bring their development support. Kika said the NGOs in Zimbabwe are now at the mercy of the government. During the debate in Parliament, a member of the opposition, Morgen Komichi, said the new law would result in only the governments voice being heard. In a democracy, there should be different voices, he said. People should air their views. They should converge, discuss and plan their things. In last 42 years, Zimbabwe hasnt seen an organization which is a threat to government. Please do not enact this law.... Meanwhile, a top local official of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) one of Zimbabwes major financiers said the legislation could have major consequences. Priscilla Sampil, acting director of USAID Zimbabwe, told a local newspaper this week that the agencys programs with local NGOs will be severely affected if President Mnangagwa signs the bill into law. USAID has provided $4.5 billion in support to Zimbabwe since 1980 for water and sanitation, HIV/AIDS and other health-related issues. The agency declined to comment to VOA for this story. HARARE (Reuters) - Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on has offered Zimbabwe more tractors, combine harvesters and trucks during a visit to the southern African country, a fellow ally of Russia. Belarus and Zimbabwe cooperate closely, especially in agriculture, and Lukashenko said the offer to Harare was part of a farm mechanization program worth around $66 million. The Belarus president, a staunch supporter of Russia, has been received with pomp and fanfare for the three-day state visit which started on Monday and ended Wednesday. Asked whether he was under any obligation to step up support for Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine, Lukashenko told a news conference that Belarus would always be ready to offer assistance if needed. Zimbabwe has not condemned Russia for invading Ukraine, calling for dialog like many other African countries. (Reporting by Nyasha Chingono; Editing by Anait Miridzhanian and Emelia Sithole-Matarise) Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine Olha Stefanishyna has said that Ukraine counts on a positive interim assessment by the European Commission in the spring and positive decisions as early as October 2023. "We are grateful to our colleagues from the European Commission for agreeing to conduct an interim assessment in the spring, it is very important for us. We also look forward to big and positive decisions in October this year," she said at a joint meeting of the government of Ukraine and the European Commission in Kyiv on Thursday. She expressed the hope that the interim assessment would be positive and said that it would allow more specific planning for the implementation of the recommendations. To The Eagle: On Jan. 9th the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, studying the possible effects indoor gas cooking stoves might be having on air quality and health in homes, suggested that stricter regulation of new gas stoves might be in order. Immediately, gas stoves became the new hot button issue in the culture war. Fox News fabulist provocateur, Sean Hannity, seized the occasion to cultivate disinformation and anger, announcing "Not only is Biden coming for your paycheck, he is coming for your stove. You heard me right. The White House is now attempting to ban all gas ovens and burners." Its a classic example of the well developed coordination between hyper-partisan media outlets and the Republicans Conservative Political Action Coalition doing what they do best: cherry picking an issue, misrepresenting it to incite extreme reactions, and then stage-managing the outrage theyve ignited. Manufactured outrage is the smoke screen behind which conservative GOP lawmakers hide as they reflexively legislate against woke issues. Of those legislators who were surveyed about their positions on woke hot button controversies, many couldnt define, much less explain, what woke even means. That being the case, its my opinion that many MAGA legislators, politicians and their minions have become what the Cold War Communist propaganda mill referred to as useful idiots. Such knee-jerk sycophants can be relied upon to mindlessly support any ongoing inflammatory assaults instigated by devious, ruthless conservative political arsonists- against womens reproductive rights, gender healthcare, voters rights, public schools, libraries, civil rights and the factual history of this country. There are more things in heaven and earth than are dreamt of in your philosophy. There is also more to human dignity and freedom than has been enumerated in this nations Constitution. JB Bouchard Puget Island As of today, 7,516 peaceful Ukrainians are considered to have been killed as a result of the full-scale aggression of the Russian Federation, 49 places of incarceration and torture equipped by the occupiers have been identified, Acting Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Ihor Klymenko has said. "Currently, the National Police alone have opened more than 60,000 criminal proceedings on the facts of crimes committed by Russian servicemen on the territory of Ukraine. As of now, 7,516 civilians have been killed, including 459 children," Klymenko said at a joint meeting of the Government of Ukraine and the European Commission. According to him, more than 152,000 residential buildings, almost 3,200 educational and 1,200 medical institutions, more than 7,500 critical infrastructure facilities have been damaged or destroyed in Ukraine. "Forty-nine places of incarceration and torture have been identified, where the Russian Federation illegally detained and tortured Ukrainian citizens," he stressed. The Acting Minister added: "We welcome the adoption of the resolution of the European Parliament on the establishment of a special International Tribunal to investigate and prosecute the crime of aggression against Ukraine." He stressed that all war crimes of the Russian Federation are carefully documented and become the basis for the work of Ukrainian and international justice bodies. The Russian occupation forces launched two missile strikes against the civilian infrastructure of Kramatorsk in Donetsk region in the past 24 hours, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has said. "Thirteen two-story building, three four-story building, a children's clinic, a school, garages and cars were damaged, and there are casualties among the civilian population. Also, the enemy inflicted three air strikes. It mounted more than 15 shelling attacks using multiple launch rocket systems, in particular, on civilian targets in Komyshany, Kherson region," it said on Facebook on Thursday. Four people suffered injuries, including a five-year-old child who is in a state of moderate severity. The occupation troops also attacked the civilian infrastructure in Ochakiv, Mykolaiv region. In addition, 67 settlements in Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhia, and Kherson regions were shelled from mortars and artillery systems. "The threat of further Russian air and missile strikes remains high all over the territory of Ukraine," the General Staff said. Two MPs from premier Meloni's party face calls to quit over Cospito row. The Italian government is embroiled in a controversy over the jailed anarchist Alfredo Cospito who has been on hunger strike for more than 100 days in protest against a harsh prison regime known as 41-bis. Cospito, 55, was moved on Monday from Sassari jail in Sardinia to the Opera prison in Milan amid fears for his deteriorating health and against the backdrop of violent protests from his anarchist supporters. Cospito, who is serving 30 years for terror attacks, has lost 45kg in his hunger strike against the strict prison restrictions which are usually reserved for mafia bosses. Surviving on water, honey and sugar, the emaciated Cospito is confined to a wheelchair and last week he reportedly slipped in the shower and broke his nose. Cospito, the leader of the Informal Anarchists Federation (FAI), has vowed to continue his hunger strike until he achieves his goal of ending 41-bis for all prisoners. Roma, altre immagini degli scontri tra anarchici e polizia. Incidenti nei dintorni di piazza Trilussa pic.twitter.com/wJ1HoT3BPO Local Team (@localteamtv) January 28, 2023 Italy's right-wing government agreed to a request from the national ombudsman for prisoners to have Cospito moved to the Milan jail, which is equipped with better medical facilities. However the government has ruled out easing the 41-bis regime which involves prisoners being held in solitary confinement in small cells, under constant video surveillance and isolated from all contact with other inmates. Italian premier Giorgia Meloni insisted the state would not "'retreat when faced with intimidation and threats", while justice minister Carlo Nordio said there is "no chance" of lifting the 41-bis regime which Cospito has been under since May after writing letters from prison urging his supporters to continue their armed struggle. Cospito, who is Italy's first anarchist to be held under 41-bis terms, is serving time for knee-capping a nuclear energy manager in Genoa in 2012 and for bomb attacks on a police academy in Fossano in 2016, masterminded while he was in prison. Anarchist graffiti, swiftly removed by Rome authorities, in Piazza Albania last November. Photo Wanted in Rome. On Tuesday a controversy broke out in the Italian parliament involving two members of Meloni's far-right Fratelli d'Italia (FdI) party, Giovanni Donzelli and Andrea Delmastro Delle Vedove, both of whom are facing calls from opposition parties to resign. Donzelli, a member of the Copasir parliamentary committee that oversees Italy's intelligence services, is accused of allegedly revealing classified information during an inflammatory speech in parliament relating to the Cospito case. Donzelli stated that Cospito had spoken to mafia bosses about getting the 41-bis abolished and that four parliamentarians from the centre-left Partito Democratico (PD) had visited him in jail. Donzelli then asked whether the PD was "on the side of the state or that of the terrorists", causing uproar in the lower house. The information relating to Cospito was passed on to Donzelli by Delmastro Delle Vedove, the justice undersecretary with the portfolio for the penitentiary department. PD leader Enrico Letta on Wednesday called on Donzelli and Delmastro Delle Vedove to quit, writing on Twitter that the justice deputy "violates the secret, passes confidential information on what the mafiosi under 41-bis say to the vice president of Copasir who uses it to tarnish the opposition." Il vice di #Nordio alla giustizia viola il segreto, passa informazioni riservate su cosa dicono i mafiosi che sono sotto #41bis al vicepresidente del Copasir che le usa per infangare lopposizione. Tre motivi, ognuno sufficiente perche #Donzelli e #Delmastro lascino. #NonMolliamo Enrico Letta (@EnricoLetta) February 1, 2023 Letta's calls were echoed by Carlo Calenda, leader of the centrist Azione party, who wrote on Twitter that Delmastro Delle Vedove "cannot remain" at the department of prison administriation (DAP) and that the sharing of classified information "to be exploited for political ends is is shameful, illegal and unprecedented". However in an interview with Corriere della Sera newspaper on Thursday, Delmastro Delle Vedove said there was "no reason" for him to resign and that on the "explicit request" of his colleague he had disclosed information that was "not classified". Donzelli told reporters on Wednesday that he had "no intention of resigning". Earlier this week foreign minister Antonio Tajani said that Italy is raising security at all of its embassies and consulates "because at the moment international anarchists are mobilised against the Italian state." Italian media reported on Thursday that the Sanremo Music Festival will be held under tight security next week to guarantee the safety of the public against the backdrop of heightened tension over the Cospito case. Photo La Stampa Comment on this story Comment Gift Article Share Tapping your retirement account before the age of 59 1/2 comes at a notoriously steep cost: a penalty tax of 10% of the withdrawal amount. The penalty is there for a good reason, in theory. These savings are precious and should only be used as a last resort prior to retirement. Money taken out early will miss the opportunity to grow tax-free and compound over time. From the governments point of view, 401(k)s and IRAs come with generous tax advantages and as such, you should only enjoy those benefits if youre actually using the money for its intended purpose providing income when you can no longer work. But as more Americans face job losses and other financial pressures, and a record number withdraw early from their retirement savings, its worth asking whether the rules on withdrawals are too strict. For individuals who are in dire need of funds, why are we making it so difficult and expensive for them to use their own money? Especially when the alternative might be high-interest credit card debt. Advertisement Sure, the tax penalties for early withdrawals dissuade people from tapping their savings too soon, but if they dont have other assets to turn to, the restrictions are just going to make their financial situation worse. Moreover, research shows such penalties might be stopping some workers from putting money toward retirement in the first place because they fear they wont be able to access it. And the prospect of paying a penalty might prompt some savers to instead borrow against their 401(k), a move that could backfire in the event of a job loss. Under current IRS rules, individuals can only take money out of a 401(k) without incurring a penalty in extreme situations, such as if the accountholder has become permanently disabled or has very high medical expenses and no other way to pay for them. The IRS is slightly less restrictive when it comes to IRAs, so the 10% penalty is waived for more circumstances, including certain education expenses, home purchases (up to $10,000) if you havent bought a home in two years and health-care premiums while unemployed. The spending package passed by Congress late last year included a provision that allows for some more flexibility on early withdrawals from both 401(k)s and IRAs starting next year, the 10% penalty can be waived for up to $1,000 a year for an emergency expense, for example. And victims of domestic abuse, the terminally ill or those dealing with a federal disaster can withdraw higher amounts penalty-free. Advertisement Still, those allowances dont go far enough. First, a $1,000 withdrawal isnt likely to be all that helpful. The cap seems to be based on the notion that any sort of easing up on penalties will lead reckless savers to drain their accounts entirely. But studies shows that premature withdrawals from retirement accounts are usually just to help with a temporary liquidity shock, namely losing a job. A recent working paper by economist David Coyne and others showed that the typical early withdrawal amount from a retirement account is about $5,000. Whats needed are broader exemptions, such as those targeting the unemployed and allowing them to temporarily withdraw penalty-free. (If youre unemployed, you may be able to take periodic payments without penalty from a retirement account, but its a complicated, long-term commitment with a set amount that must be withdrawn each year.) Advertisement A new paper from Damon Jones, an associate professor at the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy, along with colleagues, shows those who turned 59 1/2 during the Great Recession or had collected unemployment insurance close to hitting that milestone were likely suffering from an unexpected income disruption, and as such were most apt to take penalized withdrawals from IRAs. They also found that there wasnt a measurable dip in IRA withdrawals the month before account holders turned 59 1/2, when you might expect people to hold out until they hit the penalty-free target, meaning the tax penalty wasnt even all that effective in deterring savers who really needed the money. Its also worth noting that taxing early withdrawals is hitting Black households harder. Households in financially stressed areas rely more on withdrawals from retirement accounts to deal with income shocks since they might not have as much access to credit, Coynes research shows. Specifically, people living in ZIP Codes with a high percentage of Black households are almost twice as likely to take penalized withdrawals. Easing some of the rules would help to address this inequity. Advertisement It bears repeating: The decision to take money before age 59 1/2 from a retirement account shouldnt be taken lightly. But those who have no other option are likely already aware of that. Its time to make it less painful to do so. More From Bloomberg Opinion: Save for a House or Retirement? Choose the Latter: Erin Lowry Talk to Your Kids About Their Inheritance: Alexis Leondis Unmarried Women No Longer Pay a Penalty in Retirement: Alexis Leondis This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. Alexis Leondis is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering personal finance. Previously, she oversaw tax coverage for Bloomberg News. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion 2023 Bloomberg L.P. GiftOutline Gift Article Comment on this story Comment Gift Article Share Alaskas oil industry owes a lot to foreign adversaries. The original boom on the North Slope got going in the late 1970s when the national panic attack induced by the Arab oil embargo inspired Congress to force through authorization of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, short-circuiting years of legal disputes. By the late 1980s, 2 million barrels a day were flowing from the state, a quarter of US production back then. Today, its down to less than 450,000 barrels a day and shale has captured the oil industrys ever-fickle heart. Wednesdays news that President Joe Bidens administration has all but given approval to a new Alaskan project, potentially injecting new life into Alaskan oil, also owes much to geopolitical angst. ConocoPhillips $8 billion Willow project is expected to produce perhaps 180,000 barrels a day at its peak, equivalent to 40% of the states entire current oil output. The release of an environmental review offering cautious support for a scaled-back drilling plan by the Interior Department is an important milestone, though formal approval isnt yet guaranteed. Advertisement Located on the eastern edge of the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska a federal naval petroleum reserve set aside a century ago Willow has been held up by opponents denouncing its impact on the local environment and inevitable carbon emissions. The latter is an especially potent issue for President Biden, who cemented his green bona fides on day one by killing the Keystone XL pipeline. As with his predecessor President Richard Nixon a half-century ago, though, events have intervened. Russias invasion of Ukraine reminded Americans that their gasoline pumps are still ultimately tethered to some unsavory regimes. It reminded Democrats that pump prices, which hit a record last summer, can be politically toxic. Bidens unprecedented release of 180 million barrels from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve was his antidote. If the pandemic-related collapse in energys share of the American wallet encouraged Biden to lean into green in 2021, the sudden appearance of an old-fashioned supply shock has forced him into a more nuanced stance. His desire for domestic oil producers to ramp up in the near term and then peace out drill, baby, chill is entirely in keeping with an orderly energy transition. And the project of diversifying away from fossil fuels remains vital not just to deal with emissions but to reduce dependence on the likes of Russia. Advertisement But businesses, especially those so embedded in the economy and with such long lead times as oil and gas, tend not to go so gently. Bidens whiplash rhetoric hasnt helped, either, with him imploring US oil producers to raise output for the quasi-war effort one minute and then denouncing them as gougers the next. In a perfect world, the scientific consensus on climate change would have been broadly accepted decades ago and efficient economic solutions like a carbon tax put in place to shift our energy preferences. In the world weve got, US climate policy has lurched forward via a knife-edge vote in the Senate on subsidies and any politician hoping to force further action just by stymieing fossil-fuel production in todays market must be sick of their job. While Willow has, similar to Keystone, become a climate cause celebre, denying it would be a tacit gift to Russia and its OPEC+ partners; not to mention strange politics after that SPR drawdown. There are similar tensions at the local level, where the impact of projects on the natural environment and indigenous communities ways of life is balanced by a desire for jobs, infrastructure and income. The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971 codified this dynamic by giving native corporations a direct economic stake in mines, oilfields and other projects. Arctic and sub-Arctic areas are, as regional expert Heather Exner-Pirot puts it, resource peripheries; economically beholden to both development of those resources and shifting relationships with far-away national governments (and treasuries). While the US as a whole has suffered two years of negative growth in gross domestic product since the late 1990s, Alaska has seen 10; effectively a decades worth of recession in the span of one generation. Advertisement It is notable that, alongside representatives of the local Inupiat people and regional government, Mary Peltola, Alaskas sole representative in Congress, who is a Democrat and former tribal judge, has also endorsed Willow. In weighing that, Biden must bear in mind that Alaska is also home to large deposits of minerals critical to his US-made decarbonization effort, such as graphite, cobalt and rare earth metals. Any hopes of developing those rest on Washingtons relations with the local communities that must ultimately lend support and labor to and, in some cases, own a direct a stake in such projects. Besides Russia, the White House has reasons to give Willow the nod that are much closer to home. More From Bloomberg Opinion: Drilling on Federal Land Is Oils Gas Stove Moment: Liam Denning Advertisement Exxon Made Accurate Climate Forecasts Decades Ago: Mark Gongloff How to Win the Geoeconomics Revolution: Adrian Wooldridge This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. Liam Denning is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering energy and commodities. A former investment banker, he was editor of the Wall Street Journals Heard on the Street column and a reporter for the Financial Timess Lex column. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion 2023 Bloomberg L.P. GiftOutline Gift Article Comment on this story Comment Gift Article Share Allegations of stock manipulation and accounting fraud from New York-based investor Hindenburg Research against Adani Group are piling pressure on the Indian conglomerate and its 60-year-old founder. Gautam Adani is one of Asias richest men and at one point last year was second only to Elon Musk in the world. Unlike Musk, Adani is relatively unknown outside his home country. Heres some background on him and whats going on. 1. Who is Gautam Adani? Whats his net worth? Adani was born to a small textile merchant family in 1962 in the western industrial state of Gujarat. He dropped out of university and began his career sorting diamonds for a firm in the financial hub of Mumbai. He later imported materials used in manufactured goods and by the mid-1990s was managing the Mundra Port, which he now owns. While his net worth took a beating in the days after Hindenburgs report was published on Jan. 24, he was still one of the richest men in the world according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Advertisement 2. How does Adani make money? Adani Group today comprises half a dozen major companies with interests ranging from energy to transportation and infrastructure development. Its Indias largest port operator and manages some of the countrys biggest airports. Adani Enterprises, the groups listed trading house, reported $9.3 billion in sales in the year through March 31, 2022. 3. What are Adanis companies? In addition to Adani Enterprises, which is also in coal mining, there are: Adani Green Energy Ltd. (Renewable power generation) Adani Transmission Ltd. (Power transmission) Adani Total Gas Ltd. (Gas distribution) Adani Power Ltd. (Coal-fired power generation) The Adani Group also runs a real estate business, a shadow banking firm named Adani Capital and an edible oil and food business via a venture with Singapore-based Wilmar International Ltd. Advertisement 4. What are Adanis political connections? The tycoon is seen as closer to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who also hails from Gujarat state, than any other Indian billionaire. Adanis corporate strategy has run in parallel with Modis efforts to develop Indias $3.2 trillion economy. When Modi promised to bring reliable electricity to more Indians, Adani doubled down on coal-fired power production. The alignment extends to foreign affairs. In 2021, Adani began construction of a major port facility in Sri Lanka. Officials from both countries said the plan was encouraged by the Modi government, which wants to curb Chinese influence in the island nation. Whether building expressways or upgrading data centers, Adani can be counted on to provide money, infrastructure, or expertise, whatever the policy priority. 5. What are Hindenburgs main allegations? Advertisement Hindenburg, founded by short-seller Nathan Anderson, issued a 100-page report accusing the Indian conglomerate of using a web of companies in tax havens to inflate revenue and stock prices, even as debt piled up. Among the allegations: It identified 38 Mauritius shell entities controlled by Adanis brother, Vinod Adani, or his close associates plus entities controlled by him in other tax havens. The offshore shell network seems to be used for earnings manipulation. Adani Group has previously been the focus of four major government investigations relating to allegations of fraud. Adani Enterprises and Adani Total Gas appear to be audited by a tiny firm, with no current website, only four partners and 11 employees, and which has audited just one other listed firm. The auditor hardly seems capable of complex audit work, it said, when Adani Enterprises alone has 156 subsidiaries and many more joint ventures. Advertisement Hindenburg also said it had taken a short position basically a bet that the stock price would go down in Adanis companies through US-traded bonds and non-Indian-traded derivatives. The shares in fact plummeted, erasing tens of billions of dollars in market value from Adanis flagship. A record $2.4 billion follow-on share sale was canceled after it was fully subscribed on the final day, with the company board saying that going ahead wouldnt be morally correct. 6. How did Adani respond? In a rebuttal published Jan. 29, Adani said that it had addressed some 65 of the 88 questions raised by Hindenburg in public disclosures. It described the short sellers conduct as nothing short of a calculated securities fraud under applicable law. The group said it would exercise our rights to pursue remedies to safeguard our stakeholders before all appropriate authorities. Hindenburg then said Adanis response ignored all its key allegations and was obfuscated by nationalism. Advertisement 7. What is Hindenburg Research? Andersons firm technically a research and trading outfit, not a hedge fund with outside investors is less than five years old and wagers its own money in the markets. Even in Manhattans financial circles, Anderson is hardly a big name. The closely held firm specializes in forensic financial research, according to its website. It first attracted Wall Streets attention in 2020 for raising serious questions about electric-vehicle makers Nikola Corp. and Lordstown Motors Corp. --With assistance from Shikhar Balwani and P R Sanjai. (Updates with the termination of the stock offering. An earlier version corrected the spelling of Shuli Ren in Reference Shelf) More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com 2023 Bloomberg L.P. GiftOutline Gift Article Comment on this story Comment Gift Article Share On May 11, the Covid-19 public health emergency officially comes to a close in the US, and with it comes an end to largely free access to all related healthcare. House Republicans might want to declare it over this instant, but a cushion is needed and this one might not even be enough to ensure everyone from insurers to drug companies to each of us knows what the unwinding means. The transition timing is sensible. Thanks largely to vaccines, tests and treatments, Covid is no longer overwhelming hospitals (even as it continues to kill thousands each week). Millions of people will continue to get sick each year, with some portion of those needing treatment. And many of us though unless we develop better vaccines, nowhere near as many as in 2021 will want whatever booster comes next. The question is how easily each of us will access those interventions after May 11. The answer comes down to a choose-your-own-adventure based on insurance status one that ends with less happy outcomes for some versus others. The complexity of how various people will be able to access and pay for care could lead to a rather clunky transition after three years of a single plan: free vaccines, drugs, and treatment for all. Advertisement The people most directly impacted will be the uninsured and those who treat them, says Lindsay F. Wiley, a professor of law and Faculty Director of the Health Law and Policy Program at the UCLA School of Law. The public health emergency declaration included provisions that allowed hospitals and healthcare providers to seek reimbursement through Medicaid after treating uninsured people for Covid. Now, that reverts to our ordinary, inequitable, really poor healthcare system, Wiley told me. In other words, uninsured patients will be on the hook for those costs. For some, the new reality hit when federal funding for the program began to dry up last spring. Now, the number of uninsured people could grow by the millions as pandemic-era provisions that ensured continuous enrollment in Medicaid lapse, albeit on a timeline no longer tethered to the emergency declaration. People with Medicare and Medicaid, meanwhile, will still be eligible for free vaccines, but will likely share the cost of treatments like Pfizer Inc.s Paxlovid, Merck & Co.s Molnupiravir, and Gilead Sciences Inc.s Remdesivir, and, eventually, tests. Advertisement For people with private insurance, Covid prevention and treatment will generally be covered like any other infectious disease, with some nuances. Vaccines, like other preventive care, should be fully covered, but the ending of the PHE means it will now matter where you get it. Under the PHE, the appointment and the shot itself were both free whether you stayed within your insurers network or not. Now, youre going to want to be sure the provider is in-network, or risk an unexpected bill. If you get sick, youll likely have to jump through the same insurance hoops as with other care. Insurers and drug companies will be setting treatment costs, rather than the government, explains Amesh Adalja, senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. Its going back to the norm. Another nuance worth noting: Private insurers will no longer be required to pay for eight at-home tests per person, per month, and its unclear how theyll approach covering those once the PHE ends. One of the challenges is that our healthcare financing system isnt really set up with public health benefits in mind, Wiley says. If youre at low risk for a serious case of Covid, your main purpose in taking a test is to ensure you dont spread the virus around in other words, the benefits of that test largely accrue to society, not your insurance company. Advertisement Insurers might decide it isnt worthwhile to cover at-home tests, or at least not for anyone who isnt at risk of severe disease. And if people are paying out of pocket, its hard to imagine families will use as many. Even pegged to the $12 per test that the government currently covers, costs will add up. That could be another implication of the end of the PHE: We simply wont feel as motivated to test, which could in turn increase community spread. Full approval for Paxlovid or any future Covid antiviral pills, which are only useful if people know they have Covid, might alter that scenario. Because Paxlovid is currently available under so-called emergency use authorization, a status that will remain after the PHE ends, Pfizer cant market the drug. But once it has full approval and can, it would seem prudent for the company to find a way to ensure everyone has access to affordable testing to maximize the drugs uptake. Navigating this new world order, one where Covid is treated like any other infectious disease, is sure to have hiccups. Fortunately, not all the PHE benefits will go away at the same time: services such as telehealth for everything from cancer care to therapy appointments are in some cases not tied to the ending of the emergency. And some have been made permanent, for example, virtual visits with a mental health provider are now covered for people with Medicare.If healthcare providers, insurers, and companies use the runway left to smooth out questions around coverage and embrace the need to contain community spread, we can hope it all amounts to a softer landing for patients. Advertisement More From Bloomberg Opinion: Is Chinas About-Face Real? Better Ask the Chinese: Minxin Pei Its Still Worth Funding a Better Covid Vaccine: Lisa Jarvis Long Covid Might Teach Us How to Prevent Alzheimers: Faye Flam This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. Lisa Jarvis is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering biotech, health care and the pharmaceutical industry. Previously, she was executive editor of Chemical & Engineering News. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion 2023 Bloomberg L.P. GiftOutline Gift Article Comment on this story Comment Gift Article Share Without even betting a single dollar in the Indian market, a short seller from New York managed to torpedo the countrys most prestigious share sale, dimming the aura of unassailability around its sponsoring tycoon. Thats the power of borderless money it can pull the ladder from under the worlds largest fortunes from 8,000 miles away. In winning the first round of its battle against Gautam Adani, Hindenburg Research has given us a masterclass in financial globalization. Late Wednesday night in India, Adani Enterprises Ltd. informed stock exchanges that it had decided not to proceed with the $2.4 billion public offer that had concluded the previous day. The last-minute success of the fund-raising plan, engineered with the help of Abu Dhabis royals and family offices of other Indian billionaires, couldnt prevent a 28% collapse in the stock the very next day. So, the board felt that going ahead with the issue will not be morally correct, Adani said in a statement. The subscription monies are being returned. For me, the interest of my investor is paramount, the 60-year-old group chairman said in a video address to shareholders. When Hindenburg published its report last week, accusing Adani of pulling the largest con in corporate history, and disclosing bets that it had taken against the group via US-traded bonds and non-Indian-traded derivatives, the Indian infrastructure conglomerate rushed quickly to deny the allegations of stock-price manipulation and accounting fraud as baseless and timed to thwart the countrys largest follow-on public offer. Thus, the share sale became the referral event to put Hindenburgs ability to test against the wealthy industrialists might. Advertisement Adani was until recently a centi-billionaire. His closeness to Prime Minister Narendra Modi a politician from his home state of Gujarat is well known, though the businessman says he hasnt sought or received any political favors. The backing he could expect from financial institutions and other large investors was never in doubt, and the 35% retail portion of the offer worked out to under $1 billion. How hard could it be for such a powerful magnate to raise $1 billion and squeeze out a pesky short seller sitting in New York? But his defense fell apart. Subjecting investors to the information overload of a 413-page rebuttal didnt work. Nor did the rousing call to nationalism by the groups chief financial officer, who equated Hindenburgs attack to one of the lowest points of colonialism anywhere: the 1919 massacre by British soldiers of Indian civilians gathered in a park in Punjab. The stock didnt hold up, but nor did Adani back down: Keeping the offer open longer or cutting the price risked embarrassment. So he rammed it through on Tuesday with the help of other billionaires. Retail investors only took up 12% of the shares reserved for them. A barely successful share sale had the opposite of a calming effect. Especially after Bloomberg News reporters in Hong Kong and Singapore broke the news that Credit Suisse Group AG had stopped accepting bonds of Adani companies as collateral for margin loans to its private banking clients. Until recently, some of the same securities were judged by the bank to have a lending value of 75%. Now they were being rated at zero. Once again, this bad news from overseas hit the domestic Indian equity market: The Adani Enterprises stock ended the day 28% lower. And then, the No. 1 owner of ports and airports (and a lot else besides) pulled the offer. Advertisement As a result, Adanis highly leveraged empire has just lost access to $2.4 billion in equity. This has, in turn, pushed some of his dollar bonds into distressed territory, where theyre being traded below 70 cents on dollar. Any rating downgrade will be calamitous. Meanwhile, investors who got their money back from the powerful mogul will have little reason to be relieved. The Adani tremors will keep traveling back and forth between India and the rest of the world. Abu Dhabis International Holding Co. has put money into the group in the past, and the meteoric rise of what used to be a little-known company involved in fish farms, food and real estate, according to the Financial Times, has closely mirrored that of the Adani flagship. Will the correlation hold on the way down as well? Even for those Indians who dont have shares in the Adani group, the concern now is the health of their portfolios. With demand for credit in the economy rising after its post-Covid-19 reopening, and lending rates firming up faster than deposit rates, local banks have been standout performers. The Adani saga could reverse that. Overseas hedge funds are already calling trading desks of Wall Street firms, asking how they could short Indian lenders, a Hong Kong-based banker told me. Financial globalization cuts both ways. In the global cheap-money era, it minted billionaires and swelled chests with nationalistic pride. It also perhaps lulled the regulator into thinking it could relax its vigil there was just too much money coming in to bother about its quality. As I wrote in September, its the long bets by briefcase funds from Mauritius into Adani Group shares that needed scrutiny by the Securities and Exchange Board of India. Even now, I suspect, the kneejerk response will be to find and block the short positions. Or, at least, their enabling intermediaries, whore more likely to have an India franchise. Thats just the wrong lesson to learn from Hindenburgs masterclass. Advertisement Adani Saga Puts Investor Trust in India in Doubt: Andy Mukherjee Adani Short Seller Hindenburg Opened a Pandoras Box: Shuli Ren Indias Billionaires Banded Together for Adani: Andy Mukherjee (Adds details from Adanis video statement to investors in second paragraph. Corrects name of the business empire in seventh paragraph.) This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. Andy Mukherjee is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering industrial companies and financial services in Asia. Previously, he worked for Reuters, the Straits Times and Bloomberg News. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion 2023 Bloomberg L.P. GiftOutline Gift Article Comment on this story Comment Gift Article Share The search for conflicts of interest in the personal lives of the Supreme Court justices has reached a new level of paranoia with the suggestion that Chief Justice John Robertss wife, Jane Sullivan Roberts, somehow shouldnt be allowed to do her job as a legal recruiter. Wp Get the full experience. Choose your plan ArrowRight The suggestion seems to have arisen from a letter to Congress from one of Sullivan Robertss former colleagues, a man who was fired from the recruiting firm and sued over his dismissal. Rather than dismissing him as a disgruntled ex-employee, the New York Times amplified his concerns and quoted Richard Durbin, the chairman of the Senate Judiciary committee, as saying the letter raised troubling issues that once again demonstrate the need for ethics reforms at the Supreme Court. But this would be the wrong fight for liberals to pick. As it happens, Mrs. Roberts has showed exemplary concern about avoiding even the appearance of impropriety. She switched careers from being a law firm partner to being a recruiter after her husband became chief justice, a move that must be viewed as a sacrifice in a sexist world where women still comprise less than a quarter of major law-firm partners. Advertisement As a recruiter, her stated policy since 2007 has been to avoid anything connected to her husband and not do work with litigators who are actively arguing cases in front of the Supreme Court. The letter from the former colleague reportedly does not cite any evidence to the contrary, suggesting rather that she has worked with firms that have had business before the court as essentially all large firms do at some time. The chief justice, for his part, has demonstrated the kind of judicial independence that lands you in the position of being widely criticized on both the left and the right. The idea that he would be influenced in a case by the fact that his wife makes a living by helping law firms hire new people and therefore gets paid a fee by those firms is about as preposterous as it gets. Even Robertss critics, liberal and conservative alike, acknowledge his profound commitment to protecting and preserving the institutional legitimacy of the Supreme Court. He is universally recognized as one of the paragons of ethical behavior in the legal world today, a kind of Republican version of Merrick Garland. But the true problem lies deeper, in the implicit assumption that the spouse of a justice should be some kind of Caesars wife, held to an impossible standard that would effectively require her to have no career at all. Advertisement Consider that the justices all went to law school and worked in legal environments. It should come as no surprise that several are married to lawyers. Those lawyers will naturally want to work in their chosen fields. They should not have to quit because their spouses ascend to the bench. Consider, too, that the current suggestion of potential conflict is being raised for a justices wife, not a justices husband. Somehow, in the course of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburgs long and distinguished judicial career, no one seriously proposed that her husband, Marty Ginsburg, who was a renowned expert in tax law, give up his position at a major Washington law firm. Beyond gender equity, there are other strong reasons to allow justices spouses to stay in the legal workforce subject to the principle that they should avoiding actual conflicts or the meaningful appearance of conflict. Advertisement To be clear, I am not talking about the question of a justices spouse (call her, say, Ginni Thomas) denying the election results or communicating with the White House or a presidential campaign when issues related to the election are before the Supreme Court. That separate issue is really about whether the justice should be recused, not about conflict-of-interest rules, which are about financial interests. Rather, I am saying that the ordinary principles that govern conflict of interest should be applied sensibly to justices spouses, not applied in an extreme fashion that impugns their integrity without evidence or much reasoning. I am also not weighing in here on whether Congress should try to force a code of ethics on the Supreme Court justices. Anyway, the constitutionality of such a move would be judged by, you guessed it, the Supreme Court justices. Advertisement My argument, rather, is that we should not police the justices spouses in such a restrictive way that they cannot participate as normal people in their chosen professions. It serves no useful purpose to break norms of attorney-client privilege by mandating that Jesse Barrett disclose his clients, any more than would-be ethics watchdogs should be scrutinizing Dr. Patrick Jacksons surgical patients to see if they have business before the court. (They are the spouses of justices Amy Coney Barrett and Ketanji Brown Jackson.) There comes a point where demanding unnecessary transparency from justices spouses may become a form of professional interference. If we dont like the justices, we are free to say so. Making their spouses lives difficult to serve a personal or political agenda is bad for the court and the country. Isolated, embattled justices are not going to be better justices. The justices need professional and personal contacts to stay sane and to understand the world as it is the way we all do. Advertisement We will make much better ethical judgments if we acknowledge that the justices are human beings with real lives. To paraphrase Shakespeares Richard II, they live on bread like we do. They feel want, taste grief, and need friends. That includes some of them having spouses who work. The more we treat the justices as though they are a coterie of cloistered monks and nuns hidden away from the real world, the more likely they are to lose sight of real-world consequences. Havent we gone far enough in that direction already? Thats not the court we want. It is certainly not the court we need. More From This Author at Bloomberg Opinion: Supreme Courts Nostalgia Doctrine Is Trumps Biggest Legacy A Conservative Theory Too Extreme Even for This Supreme Court Abortion Pill Lawsuit Wont Get a Fair Shake in Post-Roe America This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. Noah Feldman is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist. A professor of law at Harvard University, he is author, most recently, of The Broken Constitution: Lincoln, Slavery and the Refounding of America. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion 2023 Bloomberg L.P. GiftOutline Gift Article Comment on this story Comment Gift Article Share There are now two Republicans running for president: Nikki Haley, the former governor of South Carolina and ambassador to the UN under President Donald Trump, will make her formal announcement on Feb. 15, joining her former boss as an official candidate. The question isnt so much whether she can win, but whether and how her campaign can change the party. As a former governor with some foreign policy experience, Haley is only the second woman with conventional qualifications to run for the Republican nomination, and the first since Senator Margaret Chase Smith of Maine entered a few primaries in 1964.(1)Since then, the only Republican women to announce they were running for president are Elizabeth Dole in 2000, who at that point had held two minor cabinet posts; Representative Michele Bachmann in 2012; and business executive Carly Fiorina in 2016. So Haleys announcement, whatever happens next, is a significant landmark in terms of normalizing women as presidential candidates on a bipartisan basis. As the child of Indian immigrants, Haley also contributes to the history of ethnic diversity among Republican candidates. Advertisement That said, when it comes to party support, Haley is not off to a good start. Most notably, her states governor and senior senator already support Trump, while the junior senator is a potential candidate himself. If Haley cant even solidify support in her own state, its not clear why she should expect to gain support from Republican-aligned donors and activists elsewhere. And while its possible to win a Republican nomination without party actors Trump did in 2016 its still the case that they control resources that are valuable in the nomination fight: money, volunteers and expertise, to name a few. Trump was able to bypass the party in large part because the media gave him so much publicity. That seems unlikely for Haley especially because Republican-aligned media so far is enamored of Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida. Still, its early, and surprising things happen in presidential campaigns. Haley has no evident disqualifications and appears to be within the ideological mainstream of the party. That suggests that if she ever does catch fire, theres no obvious reason she would collapse. Advertisement And remember: While the media focus on which candidate will win, the most important aspect of the nomination process is how the party uses it to redefine itself. Ideology, policy positions, symbolic commitments: Theyre all up for grabs. And in the last half century or so, as the presidency has become more partisan, it has become a reflection of the partys priorities far more than the presidents personality.(2) Recall that in 2008, the leading Democrats all ran on different versions of what eventually became the Affordable Care Act not on climate issues or energy plans or anything else a candidate may have wanted to prioritize. And in 2020, the nomination was fought among mainstream and more extreme liberals. The result has been a Joe Biden presidency that has been a combination of mainstream and extreme liberal policies. Its not yet clear exactly how Haley will position herself within the Republican Party. But Trump is promising an even more Trumpy party, and DeSantis is basically pushing Trumpism without Trump. Haley has the background to run as both a traditional conservative and a Trump radical. If she does, it will be a good test of how that might work and whether it appeals to party actors and Republican voters. Advertisement More From Bloomberg Opinion: Two Reasons Trump Is Stronger Than He Looks in 2024: Ramesh Ponnuru The 2024 Presidential Election Is Already Strange: Jonathan Bernstein Elon Musk Is Ruining Trumps Presidential Campaign: Joshua Green Want more Bloomberg Opinion? Subscribe to our daily newsletter. (1) Democrats, of course, nominated Hillary Clinton in 2016 after she was the runner-up for the 2008 nomination; Senator Carol Moseley Braun ran for president in 2004; and in 2020, Senators Kamala Harris, Elizabeth Warren, Amy Klobuchar, and Kirsten Gillibrand all ran. (2) Yes, thats less true of Trump than of other recent presidents, but even Trump mostly staffed his administration with regular Republicans and accepted most of the policy positions of the party. Even Trumps anti-democratic positions had party roots, although they were never its dominant philosophy. Advertisement 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 2023 Bloomberg L.P. GiftOutline Gift Article The Russian occupation forces continue to make an active reconnaissance and preparations for an offensive in separate directions, as well as strengthen their troops, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has said on Facebook. The enemy continues offensive operations in Lyman, Bakhmut, Avdiyivka, and Novopavlivske directions. "The enemy is sustaining heavy losses, especially in terms of personnel," the General Staff said. The occupation forces are conducting defense in other directions. Russian army units continue to exercise at military training grounds in Belarus. At the same time, join aviation drills of the regional group of the Russian and Belarusian armed forces have finished. However, the enemy aviation group has not returned to the base airfields. Russia is preparing for a secret mobilization in the temporarily occupied territories of Donetsk region. In particular, all state-funded and municipal establishments in Horlivka were ordered to submit the lists of reserved employees to the occupation military commissariat. All these people will be checked by special commissions of the enemy for further recruitment to the enemy armed forces. The occupation forces are preparing to destroy the road infrastructure, mining the bridges, dams and crossings near Tavilzhanka in Kupiansk district, Kharkiv region. Comment on this story Comment Gift Article Share Violence in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo is escalating and fears are mounting of a wider conflict in what has long been one of Africas most volatile regions. President Felix Tshisekedi accuses his counterpart in neighboring Rwanda, Paul Kagame, of supporting a rebel group known as M23. Kagame denies the allegation and counters that Tshisekedis inability to control events in his own country poses a security risk to Rwanda. The acrimony reached new heights in late January, when Rwandas army shot and damaged a Congolese fighter jet that it says violated its airspace. An intensification in violence would further slow the development of Congos resource-rich east and exacerbate poverty in one of the worlds poorest places. 1. What is the fighting about? Rwanda says its biggest concern is the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, or FDLR, one of more than 120 armed groups that are active in eastern Congo. The FDLR was created by ethnic Hutus from Rwanda with links to the perpetrators of the 1994 genocide in their country, during which at least 850,000 people died, mostly ethnic Tutsis. The M23 says its fighting the FDLR to protect Congolese Tutsis who face discrimination. Congos army has occasionally worked with the FDLR, whose ranks have been decimated over the past decade, to fight M23 and other adversaries. Rwanda and United Nations experts say this is happening once again. Tshisekedis administration argues that what Rwanda is really interested in is Congos bountiful minerals, and any other issues raised are merely a smokescreen. While all-out war is considered unlikely, neither side appears ready to back down. Advertisement 2. Whats happening with Congos resources? M23 isnt directly involved in the mineral trade in eastern Congo but other armed groups are. UN reports also show Rwanda has long profited from the regions natural riches, which include forests and pasture land. The US and European Union have branded Congos gold, tin, tantalum and tungsten as conflict minerals. Thats supposed to make it harder for armed groups to benefit from their trade. But the efforts have had limited success. These minerals often transit through Rwanda and nearby Uganda, according to UN experts. 3. What about cobalt and copper? Supplies havent been affected by the fighting. Congo accounts for about 70% of the worlds cobalt and is the third-largest producer of copper. Those minerals crucial ingredients for electric vehicles and batteries are mined in the southeastern Katanga region, which is far from the conflict zones and has been mostly at peace for more than two decades. Copper and cobalt arent classified as conflict minerals. Advertisement 4. What are the politics? While Congo is almost 90 times bigger than Rwanda and is far more populous, Rwanda has emerged as the more politically stable of the two and its formidable military has added to its regional clout. Kagames authoritarian leadership style and refusal to brook opposition has, however, scarred his reputation and alienated a number of his peers. Some Congo experts say the flareup in tensions may be partly related to Rwandan concern about Uganda expanding its interests in eastern Congo. Uganda has long been the main processing hub for smuggled Congolese gold, according to UN experts. In recent years, Tshisekedi has welcomed both Ugandan contractors into his country to build trade routes and Ugandan troops to fight rebel groups, encroaching on territory where Rwanda has been a key political power broker. 5. How bad could this get? Advertisement More than 521,000 people have been displaced by clashes between the Congolese armed forces and M23 over the past year, according to a Jan. 19 UN situation report. M23 continues to expand its control over key towns in eastern Congo, committing massacres and forcing residents to flee, according to the UN, which has also implicated the Rwanda Defense Force in covert cross-border operations. The UN, which has thousands of peacekeeping troops in Congo, has joined the US and others in voicing serious concern about deteriorating humanitarian conditions. Kenya and Angola have sought to mediate an end to the fighting. There hasnt been a full-scale war in the region since Rwanda and Uganda invaded Congo in 1998 after they fell out with its then-president, Laurent Desire Kabila. That triggered a conflict that drew in several other African nations and claimed millions of lives before a peace deal was agreed to in 2003. 6. Could this years election in Congo be derailed? Congo has presidential and parliamentary elections set for Dec. 20. The government has said there wont be a delay, while warning that the ongoing conflict could hamper voter registration in the east. Despite Tshisekedis attempts to blame the insecurity on Rwanda and M23, other groups with no links to Rwanda are responsible for much of the violence and upheaval, and his inability to maintain stability could undermine his chances of winning a second term. Congo has more displaced people than any other country in Africa more than 5.6 million mainly due to conflict. Tshisekedis opponents are aware of his vulnerability and have sought to turn security into a campaign issue. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com 2023 Bloomberg L.P. GiftOutline Gift Article The Justice Department asked the court to temporarily allow full access to a key abortion medication before restrictions take effect at 1 a.m. ET Saturday. MORE COVERAGE Egypt and Turkey have agreed on a timeframe for upgrading diplomatic relations, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said on Thursday during a joint press conference with his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu in Ankara. Representatives from nine Arab countries will meet in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Friday to discuss their stance and moves to end the decade-long isolation of President Bashar Al-Assad, Arab diplomats said Tuesday. A century-long tradition of the monarchy appearing on Australias cash will end after the Reserve Bank revealed it will not replace Queen Elizabeths image on the $5 note with King Charles III, prompting a culture war with key conservatives. Since 1923, the reigning monarch has featured on the nations notes with Queen Elizabeth on the $5 note since 1992. But the Reserve Bank, which controls the nations cash, revealed on Thursday that a design honouring the culture and history of the First Australians would replace the Queen rather than her son. Australias $5 note. The RBA said it consulted the federal government before making its decision, and had the governments support. Northern Europe has Nordic-noir shows like The Killing and The Bridge, South Korea has K-dramas like Squid Game and Sky Castle, and the Brits have their BBC crime dramas, far too many to mention. Each of these genres are critically acclaimed and wildly popular, both in their home countries and internationally, helping export each nations culture and filmmaking prowess. But what defines Australian television? Is it soaps like Home and Away and the recently cancelled-then-uncancelled Neighbours? The dramas of yore like SeaChange and the first season of Underbelly? Recent hits like the rebooted Heartbreak High? Or popular reality TV programs like The Block and Married at First Sight? What defines Australian television drama? Is it productions like Home and Away? The truth is very few of these shows, especially in recent years, have resonated strongly outside of Australia (Heartbreak High, turbocharged by international streamer Netflix, is one obvious exception). Even when they do break through, it tends to be in isolation rather than part of a cohesive and defined genre that tells a particular story about contemporary Australia. One Heartbreak High doesnt equate to our equivalent of K-drama, in other words. So, whats going on? Why does it appear as though Australian TV is failing to punch through? And, perhaps most importantly, does it even matter? Bullet holes in the walls. Silence in the unkempt rooms. The charred remains of a burnt-out police vehicle. This is the property of the family who gunned down two police officers and a neighbour in rural south-east Queensland. Madelyn Train has returned to the house where her parents, Nathaniel and Stacey Train, and Nathaniels older brother Gareth fatally shot constables Rachel McCrow and Matthew Arnold, and neighbour Alan Dare. In an interview with Nines A Current Affair, Madelyn says: I have a lot of trust in God and that Im on this planet to do more than just be the daughter of someone that shot police officers. The federal government is committed to developing a pathway to fully funding public schools. The federal education minister just wants to make sure the funding goes to the neediest schools and drives real outcomes for disadvantaged students like you. So, hes ordering a review. Yes, by the time we see the extra cash you will have graduated. If you havent dropped out first. Incidentally, school funding reforms 10 years ago created a system described as needs-based and sector-blind. Were halfway to realising this ambition. Posh Grammar on the other side of town has basically everything it needs! Especially with its healthy surplus and fees hiked to more than $35,000 and their fees arent voluntary. Nope, the debt collectors will come for the Maseratis if need be. And Posh Grammar also has us taxpayers chipping in. Students in state schools get the wrong side of the apple. Credit: Marija Ercegovac As I was saying, we here at Poor Public School are a bit cash-strapped, so were skimping on photocopying. It could be worse. Some state school principals are warning parents that if they dont pay voluntary contributions their kids might miss out on extra support staff, small class sizes, school productions, literacy and numeracy programs, musical instruments, science equipment on school, pretty much. On camps. A word about camps: theyre stressful and exhausting for us teachers. Were constantly on alert and arent paid overtime. Last year we struck a deal with the state government for time-in-lieu for camp duty, but the government didnt cough up extra funding to cover the cost. So, youll see in the handout that this years camp is an overnighter at the school thatll double as a working bee so we can save on maintenance costs. Stone, two birds. Loading I know youre craving rich learning experiences after years of lockdowns. I know the kids at Posh Grammar go camping, skiing, scuba diving, horse-riding. But school is actually about learning. Except, by the time youre in year 9, a good number of you will be five years behind the kids in Posh Grammar in reading, and four years behind in maths more than double the gap between you and them in year 3, says a Grattan Institute report. The more youre schooled, the relatively dumber you get! Your performance has declined even over the past four years, says the Productivity Commission. For the past 20 years, and despite billions in education spending and lofty curriculum reviews, kids of your age and background in Canada, South Korea and that basket case known as Britain have been overtaking you in reading, maths and science. Loading On VCE results day, Posh Grammar boasts about students headed for elite universities and professions. Schools like ours boast about a whisker-above-average median study score in food tech. No one points out the disparity lest you guys feel stigmatised. But youre already stigmatised by low expectations. The Grattan Institute says teachers like me are half as likely as the teachers at Posh Grammar to have access to shared, high-quality lesson plans. The Productivity Commission says the government should commit to targets yes, real outcomes for lifting the performance of kids like you. Loading Ben Jensen from educational consultancy Learning First says kids like you should be offered the same brainy subjects, be taught the same material and be marked just as hard as the kids at Posh Grammar. He says global research shows teachers tend to drop standards for students from poor and minority backgrounds; they meet the kids where theyre at. So, the kids stay where they are. He says we need to delve into whats being taught and how in Australian classrooms. To be honest, our union tends to resist such top-down intervention, and Labor governments tend to be squeamish about fighting the union. Maybe thats why during last years election campaign the Andrews government made big promises on school buildings but said almost nothing about what goes on inside the buildings. Even though families like yours in traditional Labor areas, such as Melbournes north, are angry about underwhelming local high schools. In the land of the fair go were holding back poor kids like you and helping kids who already enjoy a head start get even further ahead. Sometimes I wonder what it would take to get more people angry about that. Gosh, is that the bell? Sorry kids, times up! Julie Szego is a regular columnist. The tiny radioactive capsule which went missing in the WA outback is currently about 400 kilometres from Perth, being escorted to the city in a radiation-proof lead container by 14 Department of Fire and Emergency personnel, along with Australian Defence Force officers and the Australian Nuclear and Science Technology Organisation. Authorities believe the capsule fell out of a bolthole in a mining gauge sometime between January 12 and January 16 while in transit to Perth from Rio Tintos Gudai-Darri iron ore mine. It was discovered on Wednesday. However, it wasnt found by luck, DFES incident controller Darryl Ray said. It took a dedicated team of specialists from different agencies, both state and federal, working in temperatures of around 40 degrees. Childcare workers want the federal government to give them a 25 per cent pay rise in the upcoming budget to stem the flow of workers leaving early childhood education just as cheaper childcare subsidies are introduced. In its budget submission, the United Workers Union said action on better pay for early childhood educators was long-overdue amid fears an understaffed sector will not be able to cope with increased demand come July 1 when subsidies expand. Debbie Zerbst added 20 families to her centres waiting list in the past two days alone. Credit: Nick Moir Disability care workers received a 9 per cent bump to their minimum award wages last July, and in November aged care workers were awarded a 15 per cent pay rise by the Fair Work Commission. The United Workers Union early education director, Helen Gibbons, said workers were continuing to leave the sector due to low pay and high stress, and the government needed to commit to a 25 per cent pay increase to give staff a reason to stay. During the IMF and World Bank Groups spring meetings in Washington DC, Ahram Online interviewed the Director of the Middle East and Central Asia Department at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Jihad Azour. The World Customs Organization (WCO), in cooperation with the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), organized a Global Conference entitled Enabling Customs in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Situations in Abuja, Nigeria. The event, which took place from 31 January to 2 February 2023, brought together more than 100 representatives of Customs administrations from over 40 countries to discuss the role of their administrations in fragile and conflict-affected situations (FCS) and the way in which the WCO can support its Members in shaping their strategies in response to these complex environments. They were joined by representatives from various United Nations agencies and the donor community. Fragile borders are areas where state agencies, particularly Customs, are unable to operate properly owing to the insecurity created by non-state armed groups. Insecurity and disruption of the States administration affect the border economy and the livelihood of border communities. The Conference highlighted the similarities that exist across several regions with regard to fragile borders: the role of borders as symbolic and economic resources for communities, the embeddedness of smuggling in social activities, the connection between smuggling and mining activities, and the informal taxation levied by non-state armed groups, such as terrorists, criminal gangs or guerrillas, on traders and cross-border flows of commodities. In his opening speech, WCO Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya reminded participants of the objective of this event, namely to transform the outcomes of the WCO field research initiated in 2016 in more than 14 countries into a practical action plan for all Members impacted by fragility and conflict. We aim at refining our analysis and at fuelling an Action Plan on Fragile Borders that should guide the activities of the WCO over the coming years in this area, he said. General Hameed Ibrahim Ali, Comptroller Nigeria Customs Services, also welcomed delegates and explained that fragile situations calls for an analysis of the role of Customs in national security policies, the capacity and tools available to Customs as well as strategies in enabling Customs and the coordination between agencies of government in effectively managing fragile and conflict situations at borders. He was followed by Vice President Prof Yemi Osinbajo who pointed out that fragile borders not only aggravate conflicts, they rob the states of crucial income that could address some of the social issues that contribute to conflict. It is obvious from the sheer number of fragile borders, and the convergence of fiscal and security issues at such borders, that governments must actively redefine the role of Customs to be properly integrated into the security architecture. The Conference has provided an opportunity to cross-fertilize the policy debates on fragile borders from Customs, anti-terrorism, humanitarian and economic perspectives, and to extend both geographically and conceptually the notion of fragile borders that has been explored so far by the WCO. Several administrations presented the challenges they are facing and the strategies they have adopted to adapt in times of war or when under threat by terrorist groups, criminal gangs and guerrillas. These include reallocating staff, establishing local and national cooperation mechanisms with security authorities, and maintaining relationships with traders in fragile areas. The Conference also provided an opportunity for national experts of Customs administrations affected by fragility and conflicts to exchange ideas on technical arrangements, equipment and methods to be adopted in those specific situations. In particular, they focused on institutional arrangements and inter-agency cooperation schemes such as the establishment of multi-agency information and intelligence teams, cooperation with the armed services to secure Customs patrols, the adaptation of taxation to special circumstances, the establishment of specialized multi-agency intervention teams and the creation of Fusion Centres with the aim of bringing together several agencies to act as a primary and unified border security unit. The importance of establishing procedures and arrangements to enhance coordination between Customs administrations and humanitarian actors in the context of fragility and complex emergencies was also addressed. Participants later examined equipment used by Customs as well as technologies such as unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems for monitoring the movement of individuals and means of conveyance, satellite imagery to optimise the management of land or maritime borders, and the WCO COLIBRI geoportal to support field officers in the fight against drug trafficking conveyed by general aviation. The use of geospatial intelligence in general helps Customs administrations to integrate a geographic perspective into their enforcement and surveillance strategies and tactics. The European Space Agency and the United Nations Satellite Centre (UNOSAT) demonstrated how satellite imagery could help Customs to detect suspect economic changes in border areas as well as the secret desert paths and tracks used by smugglers. Several Customs administrations shared their policies and practices related to the training of Customs officers operating at fragile borders. Specific training should be adapted to operations in insecure borderlands and should enable Customs to interoperate with security and defence forces. Moreover, joint training between Customs and internal security forces was highlighted as a specific and efficient way to generate greater trust and cooperation on the ground between Customs and other forces operating in borderlands such as the Army, Police Force and Water and Forestry Police. Finally, the delegates shared their views on the WCO draft Action Plan on FCS and discussed how donors can effectively support Customs in fragile and conflict-affected situations. The Action Plan aims to adapt the WCOs existing instruments, tools and training programmes, develop new guidance, tools and specific training in connection with FCS, and conduct further research into Customs and fragile borders in the context of the new situations presented during the Conference. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is wrapping up a two-day visit to Israel and the occupied West Bank on Tuesday with renewed appeals for Israeli-Palestinian calm amid an alarming spike of violence. Blinken was meeting Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas in the West Bank town of Ramallah on Tuesday, a day after seeing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Standing alongside the Israeli leader, Blinken stressed the importance the Biden administration places on resolving the long-running conflict with a two-state solution. However, beyond urging a de-escalation of tensions Blinken offered no new U.S. initiative to do so. There were no signs that Blinken was making progress on even the modest goal of halting the latest wave of violence, much less of addressing the broader issues surrounding peace talks. Netanyahu's far-right government is dominated by hard-liners who oppose Palestinian statehood and are unlikely to make even minimal concessions. Blinken's visit comes amid one of the deadliest periods of fighting in years in the occupied West Bank and east Jerusalem. The violence has further complicated the administration's already difficult attempts to find common ground with Netanyahu's government. In Ramallah, Blinken was expected to discuss the Palestinian Authority's decision to halt security coordination with Israel. The security ties, which in the past are believed to have helped contain violence, are deeply unpopular among everyday Palestinians. Before heading to the West Bank, Blinken met with Israel's opposition leader, former Prime Minister Yair Lapid. "The secretary conveyed his concern over the deteriorating security situation in the West Bank and the need for urgent action to prevent greater loss of life. Secretary Blinken reiterated that Israelis and Palestinians deserve to have equal measures of security, prosperity and freedom,'' his office said. Following a meeting with Blinken on Monday, Netanyahu made only passing reference to the Palestinians and focused instead on Iran, which he believes is his most urgent security priority. Netanyahu's coalition partners also gave a cool reception to Blinken's comments. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, leader of the ultranationalist Jewish Power party, vowed to push forward with punitive measures against the Palestinians in response to a pair of shootings in east Jerusalem over the weekend. Ben-Gvir has pledged to demolish Palestinian homes and hand out more weapons to Israeli civilians. Cabinet Minister Orit Strock, another ultranationalist, objected to comments by Blinken that were seen as criticizing the Israeli government's plan to overhaul the country's judicial system and weaken the Supreme Court. During his appearance with Netanyahu, Blinken voiced "support for core democratic principles and institutions," including "the equal administration of justice for all, the equal rights of minority groups, the rule of law.'' Critics say Netanyahu's plan will weaken the country's judicial system and destroy its democratic system of checks and balances. Speaking to the Kan public broadcaster, Strok accused Blinken of meddling in internal Israeli affairs. "We're not the 51st or 52nd state of the U.S., and he didn't need to interfere in internal disputes in the state of Israel,'' she said. "It's not his job.'' Before leaving Jerusalem for Ramallah, Blinken met with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant who repeated the prime minister's concern about Iran. "Your visit comes at a critical time,'' Gallant said. "It sends a clear message to the region: the United States and Israel are united facing Iran or anyone threatening peace and stability in the region.'' Blinken agreed about unity when confronting Iran and preventing it from acquiring nuclear weapons. He said the U.S. commitment to Israel's security remains 'ironclad' but suggested there was more on his agenda. "We have a lot on our hands in this moment and so I couldn't see you at a better time,'' he said. January is shaping up to be the deadliest month in the West Bank and east Jerusalem in years. Some 35 Palestinians have been killed in fighting, including 10 who were killed in what is considered the deadliest Israeli military raid in years in the flashpoint town of Jenin last Thursday. While Israel is still reeling from an attack Friday that saw a 21-year old Palestinian man kill seven people outside a synagogue in annexed east Jerusalem. The next morning, a 13-year-old Palestinian boy shot and wounded two Israelis elsewhere in east Jerusalem. Israel's options may be limited. Both shooters are believed to have acted individually and were not part of organized militant groups, and punitive steps against the broader population such as those promoted by Ben-Gvir could risk triggering even more violence. Israel has also pledged to "strengthen'' West Bank settlements. The U.S. and the overwhelming majority of the international community, including the United Nations, consider Israeli settlements on Palestinian lands to be a baltant violation of international law and an obstacle to peace in the region. In this context, the Biden administration has done very little to address the issue of illegal settlements. Nor has it made any progress on its stated intent to re-open the U.S. consulate in Jerusalem, which had been the main conduit for engagement with the Palestinians. The closure came after former President Donald Trump gave the Israelis the greenlight to move the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to the contested city of Jerusalem, a step that infuriated the Palestinians. In the latest bloodshed, Israeli troops killed a Palestinian driver in the West Bank Monday, officials on both sides said, with the army claiming the car had hit a soldier's leg before speeding off. In retrospect, nearly 150 Palestinians were killed in Israeli raids in the West Bank and east Jerusalem last year, making it the deadliest year in those territories since 2004, according to figures from the Israeli rights group B'Tselem. Palestinian attacks against Israelis in the same period killed 29 people. The violence which came after months of near-daily Israeli arrest raids in the West Bank, has peaked this month during the first weeks of Netanyahu's new far-right government, which has promised to take a tough stance against the Palestinians and ramp up settlement construction. *This story was edited by Ahram Online Search Keywords: Short link: At the invitation of His Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, WCO Secretary General Dr. Kunio Mikuriya was received at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on 2 February 2023. He was accompanied by representatives of Customs administrations attending the WCO Conference on Enabling Customs in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Situations, including Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali, Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service. President Buhari declared that Nigeria and her neighbours must place a higher premium on the effective policing of borders, as the fragile nature of entry points into various countries enhances terrorism, economic sabotage and the illicit flow of arms. He said it gladdened his heart that the WCO was dedicating an entire conference to fragile and conflict-affected situations, which the President said was of critical importance for us as a country as we go to the polls, but equally important to most countries on the continent, and dare I say the world. The fragility of our borders has been a major Achilles heel in our fight against terrorism, economic sabotage and the illicit flow of small and light weapons. The Nigerian leader then briefed the WCO Secretary General and his delegation on a number of initiatives, including: mandating the Nigeria Customs Service to support other agencies in fighting terrorism; approving a new Customs modernization project that actively promotes the integration of technology into border operations; and revising the law in order to strengthen the Nigeria Customs Service and provide stiffer sanctions against smuggling and other criminal acts. Dr. Mikuriya thanked the President for demonstrating a strong political will to support the Nigeria Customs Service as a critical actor in Nigerias security arsenal, and praised him for making the modernization of the Nigeria Customs Service a priority. From 23 to 27 January 2023, the Mongolian Customs General Administration (MCGA) hosted a 5-day workshop on Data Analytics as part of the Light-Touch Intervention (LTI) within the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) framework in a hybrid format with the participation of over 80 customs officials, including the regional Customs offices in the country. The workshop focused on supporting the Customs Administration of Mongolia in building evidence-based decision-making capacities. This assistance is part of a series of activities envisioned to enhance the MCGAs organizational and technical capabilities, which are needed to take advantage of the explosion in data, optimize the use of data analytics and make better-informed decisions. This activity also counted on the kind participation and support of scholars from the WCO BACUDA Project. During the sessions, the participants were highly engaged in working with big data, analytics algorithms and practical cases. As an important outcome, the Mongolian customs officials drafted a Data Governance Strategy under the experts' guidance. The WCO experts provided tailored support, delivering recommendations for becoming a data-driven organization with concrete measures to implement in the short and long term. The SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) started its light-touch intervention in Mongolia in May 2022 with the objective of assisting the MCGA in developing a Risk-based Customs Control Strategy aligned with WCO instruments and tools and international best practices in risk management, in accordance with the WTO TFA Article 7.4 and the WCO Risk Management Compendium. For more information on the GTFP, please contact capacity.building@wcoomd.org. Two more VR sets of equipment were successfully delivered and installed at the WCO Regional Entities in Baku, Azerbaijan, during the second half of January 2023. Namely, the beneficiaries of the WCO VR Training Project in Azerbaijan are the Regional Office for Capacity Building (ROCB) Europe and the Academy of the State Customs Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan which is also a WCO Regional Training Center (RTC). The installation of the two sets of equipment was performed on 19 and 21 January 2023. Four train-the-trainer sessions were also conducted to enable the trainers of the two WCO Regional Entities to guide their learners in the future. Furthermore, multiple users were assisted in their first attempt to experience the Cargo Inspection at a Maritime Port VR training. 23 January 2023 was the first day the WCO VR set was fully operational and accessible by the students and trainees at the WCO RTC Baku. Dr. Gulu Novruzov, Chief of the Academy and Director of the WCO RTC Baku and other representatives of the Academy welcomed Dr. Taeil Kang, WCO Director of Capacity Building and the rest of the WCO delegation at their premises. A brief VR training launch event took place. The handover ceremony took place at the premises of the ROCB Europe on 24 January 2023.The significance of the Customs VR training initiative was underscored by Mr. Shahin Baghirov, Acting Chairman of the State Customs Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Dr. Taeil Kang, and Dr. Gulu Novruzov, during their opening remarks. Moreover, Mr. Konstantinos Mourtidis, Vice Chair of the WCO Europe Region and Director General of Customs and Excise of the Independent Authority for Public Revenue of Greece, delivered his congratulatory remarks via a recorded video. Follow this link to be updated about the overall progress of the WCO VR Training Project For additional information, please contact capacity.building@wcoomd.org The World Customs Organization (WCO) successfully conducted a 3-day Online Regional Workshop on the World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) for the North Africa of Africa, Near and Middle East (MENA) Region from 30 January to 1 February 2023. The Workshop was organized with the financial support of the WCO Customs Cooperation Fund (CCF) China. The workshop brought together participants from thirteen Members from the MENA region with the objective of providing them with an update on TFA-related developments including under the WCO Mercator Programme, sharing national and regional experiences, discussing key challenges faced, exploring applied methods of monitoring and evaluating implementation, as well as to discuss the role of integrity in implementing the TFA and the contribution of the TFA in building integrity. Participants also had the opportunity to learn about how TFA implementation was critical during the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused major disruptions to cross-border trade movements. In his opening remarks, Pranab Kumar Das, Director, Compliance and Facilitation Directorate, began by welcoming members from the region and expressed delight in what he described as a good turnout from Member administrations in the region. He further stated that the WCO had held two rounds of regional workshops on the TFA after the conclusion of the TFA. This was the fourth workshop as part of the new (3rd) round of regional TFA workshops, following the successful previous three workshops held in the A/P, ESA/WCA and AMS regions. He urged the participants to contribute actively and hoped they would also benefit from the information and experiences shared during the three days. The highlight of the workshop was a presentation by WTO Counselor Sheri Rosenow, who provided valuable insights into the WTO perspectives on TFA implementation. Rosenow emphasized the current state of TFA implementation in the MENA region, offering a comprehensive understanding of the progress being made towards more efficient trade in the region. Ahmed Niyaz, the WCO Mercator Programme Advisor (MPA), also made a significant contribution to the workshop with his presentation on TFA implementation in the Maldives as a beneficiary of the WCO MY Mercator Programme. Niyaz shared the experiences of the Maldives in the implementation of the TFA, highlighting the challenges faced and the solutions adopted. This presentation provided valuable lessons for the countries in the MENA region and demonstrated the important role that WCOs MY Mercator Programme including the Mercator Maturity Model play in the implementation of the TFA. The workshop also witnessed presentations made by delegates of the MENA region on their national experience in implementing the TFA, as it was intended to be an experience-sharing event. At the end of the workshop, participants were given certificates for their participation. The World Customs Organization (WCO), under the framework of the EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme, funded by the European Union (EU) and in partnership with Namibia Revenue Authority (NamRA), held a national training workshop on rules of origin in Windhoek, Namibia. Held from 23 to 27 January 2023, it brought together Customs officials from different units and border stations within the Customs services department, as well as private sector stakeholders. The objective of the workshop was to assist NamRA in enhancing its knowledge and application of preferential rules of origin and contribute to a seamless implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and relevant Free trade agreements (FTAs). In his opening remarks, Mr. Sam SHIVUTE, Commissioner of NamRA, welcomed the technical assistance activity and thanked the EU and the WCO for the support, both in terms of rules of origin and in the development of an advance rulings mechanism. He stressed the importance of enhancing the knowledge on rules of origin in order to ensure a correct revenue collection while facilitating legitimate trade. The Commissioner urged the participants to benefit to the maximum extent possible from the training to support the mission of NamRA to become a world class revenue agency. This workshop was conducted as part of comprehensive technical assistance and partnership with NamRA, including in relation to the implementation and launch of advance ruling system in Namibia on July 2022. The support under the Harmonized System (HS) Africa and Rules of Origin (RoO) Africa programmes, funded by the EU, allows for the deployment of all-inclusive and wide-ranging capacity building activities, to enhance the infrastructure and capacity of NamRa both on RoO and the HS. During the workshop participants worked on key concepts for proper origin determination, related operational and procedural issues, and the establishment of efficient origin management. Further, the WCO facilitators presented the Revenue Package initiatives, including the Guidelines on Origin Certification, Preferential Origin Verification and Advance Rulings, which have been designed to assist WCO Members in bringing the provisions in Free Trade Agreements into application. The participants examined several practical case studies and discussed specific areas of concern, including the lack of knowledge and use of the FTAs and challenges linked to administrative cooperation and overlapping rules of origin. Discussions also emphasized the importance of verifying the originating status of goods, rather than merely checking the authenticity of the Certificate of Origin. The EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme will continue its work with NamRA on enhancing Customs officials knowledge of rules of origin through capacity building for efficient implementation of free trade agreements. For further information please contact EU-WCORoOAfrica.Program@wcoomd.org Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has approved the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria on cooperation in the oil and gas sector. US Secretary of State Antony Blinkens visit to Egypt, Palestine and Israel this week was mainly aimed at de-escalating tensions and to restore calm following one of the deadliest weeks in recent years, in which more a dozen Palestinians and seven Israelis were killed. Probably the sense of urgency was heightened in the Western media because of the number of Israelis killed in the same week. The fact that the victims had just finished their prayers ahead of the Jewish Sabbath, and that the attack coincided with the World Day of Remembrance of the Holocaust, allowed Israel to cover up the atrocities it has been committing daily against Palestinians, killing them in cold blood and denying them their basic rights, showing more clearly than ever how they have been living under racist occupation for decades. Only a day before the Friday attack in Jerusalem, Israeli occupation soldiers raided the West Bank town of Jenin, killing 10 Palestinians, mostly civilians and bystanders. Yet this was not met with a similar world uproar, seen as business as usual: yet another routine Israeli incursion into Palestinian territories that might have got slightly out of hand, killing more than the average two to five Palestinians reported daily in the news. In January alone, and since Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took office heading a coalition dominated by right-wing, fundamentalist ministers who won their posts on a platform of calls to deport Palestinians, more than 30 Palestinians were killed in attacks similar to that in Jenin a week ago. Even before Netanyahu became prime minister, the UN described 2022 as the deadliest in terms of Palestinian deaths since 2005, with more than 170 killed, and this happened when a supposedly moderate Israeli government was in office. The fact that Palestinian suffering under occupation has accumulated while all hope of even restarting the long ignored peace process has faded led to increasing calls for a new intifada. In an extremely volatile regional and international scene, this is happening away from the Palestinian Authority that has been pressured, and even subjected to sanctions for restoring to the International Court of Justice in an attempt to provide protection for its people and condemn Israeli crimes. It was indeed worth noting that the Palestinian who carried out the attack in Jerusalem was a young 21-year-old man moved by the funerals of the 10 Palestinians massacred in Jenin a day earlier, the tears of their mothers and loved ones. On the second day, a 13-year-old Palestinian attempted to shoot two Israeli settlers with a hand-gun, also reflecting the sense of desperation and pain among Palestinians regardless of age. The fact that the two attacks were carried out by lone youngsters who have no political affiliation with any of the Palestinian movements should be a clear warning sign that Palestinians will not accept being killed and humiliated under occupation while the world remains indifferent to their plight. Now with an Israeli prime minister who has intentionally avoided even the mere mention of rising tension and bloodshed in his introductory remarks with Blinken following his arrival in Israel on Monday, talking instead on the Iranian threat and hopes to continue normalising ties with Arab nations, along with his partners in government such the ministers of national security and finance who have been pressing for increasing settlements, demolishing Palestinian homes and providing more personal weapons to Israelis to be able to arbitrarily kill Palestinians, the US and world reaction should definitely go beyond calls for de-escalation or restoring calm. As stated by Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukri in his joint conference with Blinken on Monday, we need to work not only to calm things down and de-escalate tensions, but also to find an appropriate political path in accordance with the rules of international legitimacy and in accordance with international consensus on the need to reach a permanent and comprehensive solution through a negotiation process, a political path based on the principle of a two-state solution. Indeed it is a positive development that Secretary Blinken and the current US administration have affirmed their commitment to the two state solution in official statements, at a time when Netanyahu and his coalition government do not consider talks with Palestinians even a priority. Yet what matters is action on the ground, whether in terms of effort to support the Palestinian Authority, or of speaking out publicly against Israeli practices that only increase Palestinian anger and the sense that Palestinian blood, death and suffering do not matter. The current Israeli government is raising the alarm even among some of Israels close supporters because of its right-wing, fundamentalist rhetoric, as well as among the Israeli public who have obviously been divided in recent years over the kind of government they want. However, Palestinians living under occupation should not pay the price for internal Israeli division, or be Netanyahus scapegoat as he attempts to wriggle out of legal and political trouble. Netanyahu, and the United States, will also soon need to recognise that it is delusional to request normalising ties with more Arab countries if Israel continues killing Palestinians with impunity, while providing no sense of hope that a process will restart to gain their long-delayed, basic rights as equal human beings. * A version of this article appears in print in the 2 February, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: Israeli warplanes struck Gaza early Thursday, drawing retaliatory rocket fire from Palestinian militants, as violence flared despite US calls for "urgent steps" to restore calm. Israel said the pre-dawn strikes were in response to an earlier rocket launch and targeted military training camps used by Gaza's Islamist rulers Hamas. A statement from the Israeli military said fighter jets had "struck a production site for raw chemical material production, preservation and storage along with a weapon manufacturing site" belonging to Hamas. The strikes came "in response to the rocket launch from the Gaza Strip into Israel earlier" Wednesday. "(Hamas) will face the consequences of the security violations against Israel," the army said on Twitter. Defence Minister Yoav Gallant vowed that Israel stood ready to respond to any attack. "Every attempt to harm our citizens will be met with the full force of the IDF." Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem called the Israeli strikes "a continuation of the cycle of aggression against the Palestinian people". He accused Israel of "opening the door to escalation on the ground". During talks with Israeli and Palestinian leaders earlier this week, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged both sides to prevent further bloodshed. He expressed sorrow for "innocent" Palestinians killed in months of spiralling violence in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, warning that the Palestinian people faced "a shrinking horizon of hope". Escalating violence The US top diplomat's visit came after a deadly upsurge in violence in the West Bank last week. A Palestinian shot dead seven people outside a synagogue in an Israeli settler neighbourhood of annexed east Jerusalem on Friday, a day after the deadliest army raid in years in the West Bank killed 10 Palestinians. The synagogue attack on the Jewish Sabbath was the deadliest targeting Israeli civilians in more than a decade. Israel said its deadly raid on Jenin refugee camp targeted Islamic Jihad militants. An 11th Palestinian was killed elsewhere in the West Bank that day. This year the conflict has killed 35 Palestinians as well as the six Israelis. Last year was the deadliest year in the West Bank since the United Nations started tracking fatalities in the territory in 2005. Some 235 people died in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict last year, with nearly 90 percent of the deaths on the Palestinian side, according to AFP figures. The Palestinian governor of Jericho on Wednesday accused Israel of putting the town under "siege" after a Saturday shooting at a restaurant, which had no casualties. Jericho's ancient ruins have been a major tourism draw in the past. "This is the fifth day of the siege on Jericho," governor Jihad Abu al-Assal told AFP. Israel's army told AFP it had boosted its forces in the area and "inspections were increased at the city's entrances and exits". An AFP correspondent said cars were backed up at entrances to the city, with checks to get in and out of the city often taking hours. Islamic Jihad said it would send a delegation led by the militant group's leader Ziad al-Nakhala to Cairo on Thursday at Egypt's invitation. The delegation would meet with the head of Egypt's intelligence service to discuss "how to restore calm, especially after the last escalation, including the aggressions against prisoners", said Daoud Shihab, a senior Islamic Jihad member in Gaza. Search Keywords: Short link: Today Mostly sunny and continued unseasonably warm; some high clouds increase during the day. Tonight Increasing clouds. There might be a stray shower closer to sunrise. Tomorrow Mainly cloudy and cooler with some showers likely mainly during the afternoon, but not a washout. There might be a rumble or two of thunder too. Iraq's foreign minister on Thursday called for more economic cooperation with Saudi Arabia, namely in investment and electricity, during a visit to Baghdad by his Saudi counterpart. "This important visit comes at a time marked by great challenges, so it is essential to talk and discuss these challenges which affect the region as a whole," the Iraqi FM Fuad Hussein said, alongside Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan. Hussein hailed "total cooperation" with Saudi Arabia on oil, particularly within the OPEC cartel. Iraq's foreign minister said Riyadh was ready to back Saudi companies investing in Iraq and welcomed it. "We hope Iraq will be supplied with electricity, either via the Saudi network or that in the Gulf," he said. Citing "positive economic development" in Iraq, Prince Faisal said this created opportunities for cooperation between the two countries private sectors. Despite being oil-rich, Iraq suffers from crumbling infrastructure and public services, after decades of conflict and endemic corruption. Baghdad is currently heavily dependent on neighbouring Iran for its electricity and gas and has sought to diversify its energy sources. Baghdad has taken a role as a mediator between the regional rivals after diplomatic relations between Riyadh and Tehran froze in 2016. Since April 2021, Iraq has hosted a series of meetings between the two sides, but no talks have been publicly announced since April 2022. However, Hussein made no mention of resuming talks between Saudi Arabia and arch-rival Iran -- previously mediated by Iraq -- during a joint press conference. Search Keywords: Short link: READING, Pa. - An anonymous tip is being credited with helping police make the latest arrest in a drug bust that authorities call "Operation Caribbean Snowfall." The investigation started last summer, and it's not over yet. It's authorities' 23rd arrest; District Attorney John Adams tells 69 News investigators are still searching for four others related to the multi-million-dollar drug ring. "They need to be put in jail, and they will most likely stay there for a very long time," said Adams. Adams is talking about Juan Ortiz, Miguel Cruz-Ortiz, Stephen Santiago and Roberto Cruz-Rodriguez. "They are most likely still in the area, or if they are out of the area, we will utilize our resources to apprehend them no matter where they are at, including they may be in Puerto Rico," explained Adams. They're among the 27 people charged in "Operation Caribbean Snowfall." Authorities say the multi-million-dollar drug ring, with fentanyl, cocaine and guns, operated in Berks and surrounding counties. On Tuesday, authorities made their 23rd arrest in the 600 block of South 18th 1/2 Street in Reading. Arnaldo Rodriquez-Rosario faces multiple charges. Bail was set at $800,000, and Rodriguez-Rosario was committed to Berks County Jail. "This is an individual who has a prior criminal history, should not possess a firearm, is involved in large-scale drug dealing in our community, and I'm very thankful and grateful that he has been apprehended," added Adams. Adams credits an anonymous tip to Crime Alert Berks County for the arrest. He said the person who sent it will get a cash reward, and there's more available for tips that lead to more arrests. Tips to Crime Alert can be made a number of ways: via a text message, by phone call or the app, and all tipsters can remain anonymous. The number is 1-877-373-9913 MT. PENN BOROUGH, Pa.- Terrifying moments for a man who fell into a sinkhole last night while walking near the CVS on Perkiomen Avenue in Mt. Penn. "When the first units got here, along with the police department, they took a brief look around and found that a young male was in a hole approximately 8 feet deep," said Deputy Chief John Eisenhard of Mt. Penn Fire Company. A borough official said this area has had sinkholes before. The exact reason this one opened up is still unknown. "As best as we can figure, he was just walking through the grass and the ground gave way under his feet," explained Eisenhard. That's the stuff of nightmares according to Alice Benton, who frequently shops at the CVS near where it happened. "To fall down in a ditch, that is horrible," said Benton. Rescue crews said the man had a cell phone on him which he used to call for help. A ladder was used to get him out of the hole. "The male was talking to us the entire time," said Eisenhard. "He landed standing up at the bottom of the hole and due to the depth and the loose debris in the hole, he wasn't able to just get out or just be pulled out. The ladder was the safest way to get him out of there." Officials said there have been several buildings on this site over the decades, including, at one point, a bank that sat much closer to the edge of the road. Mt. Penn officials will be working with the property owner on a solution. The man was evaluated by EMS and was not hurt. READING, Pa. When someone is severely bleeding, minutes matter. Health experts say a person can bleed to death in as little as five minutes. A free training is being offered in Reading to "Stop the Bleed." It's being organized by staff with a local nonprofit that works with inner city youth. Walk inside the Village Cafe of Reading on North 11th Street in Reading, and positive messages surround you. They are words of affirmation meant for teens who need a safe space after school. "We know that violence among young people...it's extremely high for them to be perpetrators of violence and victims of violence after school," explained Radarra McLendon, founder of The Village of Reading, "and so it's major to have those safe spaces, especially after those school hours." On Friday, Feb. 3, McLendon's nonprofit is teaming up with Reading Hospital and the Council on Chemical Abuse to teach the teens and anyone who is interested skills in the event someone is not safe. "With the uptick in violence, we just want to educate our community to be prepared to be able to help when there are incidents," McLendon said. "For us in trauma land, we deal with the fact that 35% who die pre-hospital, die related to blood loss," said Anthony Martin, the trauma program manager for Reading Hospital. "We're really good at our jobs Reading Hospital is a level one trauma center but we can't do anything for people if they die before they get to us." Participants in the training will learn how to stop the bleed using a tourniquet. They will also learn how to pack a deep wound with gauze. "They get certified, they get a kit, and more importantly, they get the knowledge and skillset that they can use to potentially save someone's life," McLendon said. Participants will also receive Narcan and other materials that can be used to save someone's life. The free training begins at 6 p.m. Friday, and it's expected to end around 7:30 p.m. PHILADELPHIA, Pa. - U.S. Attorney Jacqueline Romero announced Thursday that two members of a violent Reading criminal organization will spend decades behind bars for their crimes. 33-year-old Karvarise Person of Reading was sentenced to life imprisonment for his role in a violent human trafficking and drug distribution organization known as "The Sevens." 47-year-old James Goode, also of Reading, was sentenced to 37 years for his role as a drug supplier and associate of the group. According to authorities, Person was a member of the Gangster Disciples and aligned himself with The Sevens, eventually becoming one of the group's most ruthless leaders. Authorities say the organization operated primarily out of a 50-room boarding house on S. 4th Street in Reading. Person was one of 14 defendants charged, and according to prosecutors, one trial witness testified that when the Sevens gang took over the boarding house, it was like Russia invading Ukraine. Person and Goode were convicted in June of 2022 along with 29-year-old Shaquile Newson and 31-year-old Alexander Malave. Offenses included conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise, conspiracy to commit sex trafficking by force, fraud, coercion of a minor, kidnapping, firearms offenses and related charges. Trial testimony described a shocking series of dehumanizing and violent acts committed by Person and those he led. Victims were shot, assaulted with a baton, stabbed and beaten with a hammer. Authorities say a minor was forced to engage in a commercial sexual encounter while Person held a gun to her head. Prosecutors say Goode recruited women for commercial sex at the boarding house and coerced their participation by plying them with drugs and using threats, and acts, of violence to ensure they complied. The demise of the Sevens gang was the result of the successful collaboration among local and federal authorities to dismantle a violent gang that terrorized the City of Reading, said U.S. Attorney Romero. We will continue to partner with our local counterparts to bring the resources necessary to dismantle violent gangs and restore peace and safety to the communities upon which they prey. Sevens associates Shaquile Newson and Alexander Malave are scheduled for sentencing in Spring 2023. The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Reading Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Sherri A. Stephan and Justin Ashenfelter. ALLENTOWN, Pa. - A church in Allentown announced that it has acquired another property. Resurrected Life Community Church, located at 144 N. Ninth St., said it acquired Zion's Reformed United Church of Christ. "After several months of conversation, deliberation, and discernment, Zions Consistory recommended the sale of the church to Resurrected Life Community Church (RLCC)," said Tim Flores, president of Zion's Consistory. Zion's Reformed United Church of Christ, also commonly referred to as the Liberty Bell Church, is located at 620 Hamilton St. The church has been in operation for 260 years, but over the last few decades, times got tough. "For the better part of the last 20-30 years, like many congregations we've seen a decline in membership, finances aren't as strong as they had been," Geoff Brace, a deacon at Zion's Reform UCC, said back in October 2022. "We hit a critical point." It was known back in October that Zion's Reform UCC was being passed on to RLCC. "Both Resurrected Life and RCDC (Resurrected Community Development Corporation) are grateful to Zion's for their incredible generosity and commitment to ensuring the future use of their facility addresses the undeniable educational and social needs of children and families living in Allentown," said Rev. Gregory James Edwards, founder and pastor of RLCC. "We are excited about seeing children and families learning and growing in the heart of the city and the ultimate impact this will have on the future vibrancy of Allentown," he added. Edwards founded the RLCC congregation in 2002 and began worshipping at its current location in 2009. The facility was purchased in 2010. Additionally, he serves as the president and CEO of the Resurrected Community Development Corporation, or RCDC, which is a standalone sibling nonprofit organization. A statement issued Friday said RLCC's congregation and some of RCDC's most essential programming and service work have outgrown its current location at the North Ninth Street location in Allentown, and Zion's location will allow RLCC to expand the ministry and add new programs and activities. Simultaneously, the buildings owned by RLCC, located at Ninth and Turner streets, will be undergoing a major rehabilitation in 2023. The acquisition of the former Zion's Reformed CC will establish 620 W. Hamilton St. property as the corporate headquarters of the RCDC and the home of the James Lawson Freedom School of the Lehigh Valley. Once the rehabilitation of the Ninth and Turner campus is complete, officials say RLCC will focus its energies on renovations to the Hamilton Street building, which is more than 180 years old. People had expressed concerns about the future of the Liberty Bell Museum, which is located inside Zion's Reformed UCC. It's where soldiers hid the Liberty Bell from the British during the Revolutionary War. RLCC had said preserving the Liberty Bell Museum is important, and it wants to make sure its history continues. "It's a part of the history of the city," Edwards said. "It's a part of the history of the church." "One of the things we want to do is utilize the beautiful sanctuary as an opportunity to do performing and creative arts, to have vivid discussions around a variety of things in the heart of the city. We're excited about going downtown," Edwards added. ALLENTOWN, Pa. - A student brought a loaded gun into Dieruff High School on Wednesday, according to Allentown police, who say the school went into lockdown. Now a 14-year-old boy faces several charges. Ludwin Castellanos was picking up his younger sister, Abigail, from swimming practice that evening when he learned the news. "It's a crazy world that we live in nowadays," he said. "It's pretty scary with the fact that, you know, a kid could just come in with a loaded gun to high school." A student inside Dieruff High School was carrying a loaded gun. Police say it was around 1:17 p.m. on Wednesday, when Allentown School District officials were told. The school officials followed all safety protocols, police said, then locked the school down for the duration of the incident. "One of our security guards, he told us that we were going on lockdown so just, like run to a room," freshman Abigail Castellanos said. "So, me and my friend, we just like ran and we just started laughing about it until we found out that it was a real lockdown." Police say school resource officers found the student: a 14-year-old boy from Allentown. "Basically, all I heard was that there's one freshman guy, he brought a gun to school," Abigail said. "And he was just like, whipping it around in front of the cameras. And he was just like, showing it off to his friends. And then they caught him through the school cameras." The boy has been charged with firearms not to be carried without a license, possession of a firearm by a minor, and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. Allentown Police say parents were notified of the lockdown through school messaging channels. Parents who spoke with 69 News at Dieruff High School Wednesday night say they appreciated the transparency. Back in September, a similar incident happened at William Allen High School. A student entered the school with a loaded gun and was then taken into custody. But it took nearly a week for officials to disclose the student was actually inside the school with the loaded weapon. "With everything that's going on in this world," Ludwin said, "the parents should know, hey, the schools just went on a lockdown because of a loaded gun, you know, we're taking control of it, just as a precaution." Allentown police say the investigation is active and ongoing. 69 News reached out to the Allentown Police Department, the Allentown School District and the Lehigh County District Attorney, and none are commenting further at this time. BETHLEHEM TWP., Pa. - Jurors in the trial of a Bethlehem Township man accused of killing his neighbor hear a frantic 911 call. Joshua Leone says it's a case of self defense, but prosecutors say the victim was shot in the back. A Bethlehem Township investigator testified that two hours before the fatal shooting Leone told him that he was afraid of his neighbor, 31-year-old Kenneth Pickell. Leone alleged that Pickell was a member of the Hells Angels. Jurors heard a frantic 911 call in which Leone can be heard telling the dispatcher: "he grabbed my ax and I shot him with the shotgun." Leone told the dispatcher he warned Pickell three times to drop the ax before firing. A forensic pathologist testified that Pickell died almost instantly after being shot in the back with a shotgun from a range of six feet. Jurors were shown a picture of the fatal wound to the left side of Pickell's back. According to Pickell's wife, her husband was shot in the back as he was turning away from Leone to leave. The defense questioned the pathologist about the angle of the injury and how Pickell might have been standing. The pathologist said the injury entered on the left side of the back, crossing to the right side. A forensic investigator testified there were no fingerprints on the ax, but on cross examination told the defense that some surfaces do not allow fingerprints to be left and no touch DNA analysis was done to determine if Pickell ever held the ax. During testimony, the defense questioned a witness about the existence of a video that captured some of the events leading up to the shooting, but not the shooting itself. That video was later shown at the trial. ALLENTOWN, Pa. - Allentown's Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Center is now defending itself against comments made on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene specifically called out the non-profit for how she said it spent COVID-19 relief funds. "Left-wing Marxist indoctrination." That's how Congresswoman Taylor Greene of Georgia described the "Queer Story Hour" programming provided by Bradbury-Sullivan. "Where men dress up as women and read confusing books to children. A lot of this money went to things it should have never gone to," said Rep. Taylor Greene. The money she's referring to was money the non-profit received through the American Rescue Plan, distributed by PA Humanities. She was asking U.S. Comptroller General Gene Dodaro to look into it. "The Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center in Pennsylvania received $16,000 for Drag Queen Story Time from COVID cash. I think this is an issue that needs to be looked into," said Rep. Taylor Greene. In response, the Bradbury-Sullivan Center said she's wrong about how the money was spent, saying "These funds were used to keep our dedicated staff employed and to keep our services both accessible and high-quality." In a tweet, the center said it's now having to change its scheduling because of negative publicity, saying "Recently, LGBTQ+ youth programming at our Center and nationwide have repeatedly been the focus of propaganda and bigotry. After carefully considering our circumstances, we have postponed Saturday's 10 a.m. story hour." The Bradbury-Sullivan Center is also asking for community support in the wake of these comments, saying their story hour programs are underfunded and any donations would help. EASTON, Pa. - On the first day of testimony during his homicide trial, Joshua Leone's attorney questioned Bethlehem Township investigators. Robert Goldman questioned a detective about why some blood evidence from the crime scene was collected, while other blood evidence was not. Police were called to Leone's Clifton Avenue home in February 2021, where they found the body of Leone's neighbor Kenneth Pickell. According to court documents, Pickell's wife told investigators the two men were fighting and when Pickell turned to leave, Leone shot him. Jurors saw images of the crime scene and Pickell's body lying partially inside Leone's garage. Pickell was covered in blood and appeared to have a gunshot wound to the back. The defense says Pickell did not retreat, but instead, followed Leone into his garage and allegedly forced him to grab his weapons and defend himself. The judge in the case asked jurors to leave the courtroom after a tense exchange between the prosecution and the defense. The two attorneys argued about the relevance of showing numerous pictures of the body and the garage during cross examination of the investigator. The prosecution said they weren't relevant to the witness, but defense attorney Goldman told the judge, "I want to show that this shoddy investigation by the Bethlehem Township Police is to the detriment of my client." The prosecution refutes that assertion. Testimony resumes Thursday. Egypt's Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said on Thursday that Tanzanias huge development project the Julius Nyerere Hydroelectric Power Project (JNHPP) that is being constructed by Egyptian and Tanzanian hands is a model for cooperation between African countries in the field of development. Madbouly said that the JNHPP, whose inauguration ceremony for the filling of its reservoir was in December, highlights the capabilities and expertise accumulated by Egyptian companies in the field of infrastructure, stressing that Egypt stands ready to share all experiences with brotherly African countries. The premiers remarks came during his speech, on behalf of President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi, at the 2nd Dakar Financing Summit for Africa's Infrastructure Development (DFS-2), which is being held on Thursday and Friday in the Senegalese capital Dakar. The construction of the $3 billion JNHPP was concluded in October 2022, nearly three years after its beginning, through a joint venture of two Egyptian companies the Arab Contractors Company and El-Sewedy Electric. The JNHPP was established with the aim to double Tanzania's energy production, control floods, and improve agriculture. Madbouly also highlighted the importance of African countries sharing their experiences with each other. He pointed out to Egypt's "pioneering development experience in the field of infrastructure over the past eight years," highlighting that the investments in Egypt in the field of infrastructure "has amounted to nearly $ 170 billion." This, the premier said, did not only contribute to the development of the existing infrastructure network and building New cities that attract investments, but also to providing about 5 million job opportunities for Egyptian youth. He also called for exerting more efforts to mobilise financing for continental link projects within the framework of the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africas second Priority Action Plan (PIDA-PAP 2), including the Victoria-Mediterranean naval linkage project. The naval route linking Lake Victoria and the Mediterranean through the Nile River, which was launched in 2013, is one of the regional projects sponsored by the New Partnership for Africas Developments (NEPAD) Presidential Infrastructure Development Initiative. Egypt is leading this project under the patronage of President El-Sisi with the participation of all Nile Basin countries, including Sudan, South Sudan, Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania. Moreover, Madbouly tackled the role and responsibility of international partners and international financing institutions in bridging the financing gap in sustainable development projects and in reducing the debt burdens of the most affected countries, especially those developing countries whose debt rates have reached dangerous levels that exceed 250% of their revenues. The World Bank statistics indicate that the African continent needs approximately $100 billion annually to bridge the financing gap associated with infrastructure projects, according to Madbouly. In this context, he emphasised the importance of activating the African continents initiative to obtain a seat in the G20 economic group, as this would represent an opportunity for the voice of African countries to be heard, and for the formulation of policies more consistent with reality. Madbouly also highlighted the significance of benefiting from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which entered into force in 2019 during Egypt's presidency of the African Union, pointing out that the benefits of the AfCFTA cannot be reaped without large investments that achieve continental connectivity. The premier added that Egypt attaches great importance to this issue in light of its current presidency of the Common Market For Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). The AfCFTA agreement which was signed in March 2018 in Rwanda and is the worlds largest free-trade area came into effect on 1 January 2021. AfCFTA, which created a market of 1.2 billion people, is the eighth largest economic bloc in the world. It has a combined GDP of $3 trillion that is expected to more than double by 2050, according to the AU. 2nd Dakar Financing Summit Madbouly left on Wednesday to Dakar leading a delegation comprising the ministers of electricity, housing, and transportation, as well as representatives of major Egyptian companies in the infrastructure domain. Cabinet Spokesman Nader Saad underlined the importance of Egypt's participation in the summit, which is in line with Egypt's policies to promote development efforts in Africa. The summit will offer Egypt's private sector the opportunity to participate in infrastructure projects in Africa. It will also give Egypt the chance to review available investment opportunities before the international business community, especially in light of the participation of representatives of international financing institutions and development banks in the summit. Madbouly is scheduled to deliver a speech on behalf of President El-Sisi and hold one-on-one meetings on the sidelines of the summit which will be attended by a number of heads of state and governments, the spokesman said. In press statements on Wednesday, Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mohamed Shaker said the summit is part of a programme to develop infrastructure in Africa in accordance with the African Unions Agenda 2063. President El-Sisi has asserted in recent comments that the African continent needs a fully-fledged international project to develop its infrastructure. This project requires the mobilisation of resources and support from leading countries and global development experts, El-Sisi said. The Dakar Summit is held under the leadership of Senegal President and Chairperson of the African Union Macky Sall. The summit aims to mobilise key stakeholders around the efforts of the African Union and the African Union Development Agency to accelerate the implementation of priority regional infrastructure projects. The stakeholders include African heads of state and governments, business executives, development Finance Institutions, private investors, institutional investors, and development partner institutions. PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. Punxsutawney Phil has made his prediction. The weather-prognosticating groundhog came out of his burrow at Gobbler's Knob in Jefferson County at dawn Thursday and saw his shadow, meaning six more weeks of winter, according to legend. Local residents are mixed on how the feel about Phil's prediction. Marilyn O'Brien said she's not a winter person and is "looking for spring and summer." The same goes for Ava Morrison who said she doesn't feel too good about Phil seeing his shadow Monday morning. Some people expected this outcome from the rodent. "I'm not surprised either because he always sees the shadow," said Lindsay Volkert of Emmaus, Lehigh County, "but I'm okay with six more weeks of winter." Punxsutawney Phil doesn't have the strongest track record. According to USA Today, Phil has been predicting the future weather since 1887. During that time, he's seen his shadow 107 times, didn't see his shadow 19 times and saw a partial shadow one time. The rest of the times there either wasn't a recording or he didn't show up. His prediction matched that of Patty Pagoda's, who emerged atop Mount Penn in Reading and saw her shadow. "I'm alright with it [because] I haven't felt like it was really that much of a winter anyway," Jonah Rivera said. Phil's "inner circle" summoned him from his tree stump in front of a crowd of thousands. The "inner circle" is a group of local dignitaries who are responsible for planning the events, as well as feeding and caring for Phil himself. Festivities began well before dawn in western Pennsylvania, despite temps in the teens. Locally, Whitehall Township's groundhogs, Yahdee and Lee, did not see their shadows, which means they're predicting an early spring. That could be more accurate considering January was the warmest month on record for the Lehigh Valley, according to 69 News meteorologists. In Reading, it was the fourth warmest in history. 69 News meteorologist Matt Broderick said it's hard to predict what March will look like since it's so far out, but February looks to be warmer than usual. Pennsylvania U.S. Sen. Bob Casey is cosponsoring a bill that he says will protect workers from invasive surveillance by their bosses. Casey, New Jersey's Sen. Cory Booker, and Hawaii's Sen. Brian Schatz introduced the legislation, called the "Stop Spying Bosses Act," according to a joint news release Thursday. They say employers are increasingly using invasive technologies to monitor workers' activities, both on and off duty, without transparency or accountability. The legislation would create standards, protection and oversight, the senators say. Pennsylvania's U.S. Sen. John Fetterman and Sen. Elizabeth Warren from Massachusetts are cosponsoring the bill. Fresh casting has been revealed for Aspects of Love ahead of its West End run this summer. The romantic tale is set in post-war France and Italy and follows three generations of the Dillingham family spanning 17 years. Moulin Rouge! West End star Jamie Bogyo will play the role of Alex, joining Michael Ball in the upcoming run at the Lyric Theatre. Ball played Alex during the show's original run 34 years ago. He said today: "I'm thrilled to announce that the role of Alex in Aspects of Love will be played by Jamie Bogyo. He's tall, good looking, sings like a dream and is half my age...I hate him! He will be amazing." Aspects of Love has original music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Don Black and Charles Hart. It is based on the novel by David Garnett and directed in this new production by Jonathan Kent. The duo performed a special duet version of "Love Changes Everything" on the Ken Bruce show today on BBC Radio 2. Ball will also perform at the BBC's Big Night of Musicals later this month. Further cast and creative team are to be revealed. Aspects of Love opens on 12 May, with a run through to 11 November 2023. Tickets are on sale below. Something kinda woooooo Cheryl has made her West End debut. And not in a musical, but a ghostly, shock-laden, four-hander thriller. In a multi-WhatsOnStage Award-winning production that, four stagings in, has now earned a reputation for its unexpected and starry casting, the Girls Aloud star takes to the stage at the Lyric Theatre. The question remains does she show promise? The premise is relatively simple a new mother, Jenny (Cheryl) has been hearing eery, unexplainable noises in her daughter's bedroom at the same time every night the titular 02:22. With frantic determination, she orchestrates a dinner party, inviting Lauren (Louise Ford), the best friend of her dry, know-it-all husband Sam (Scott Karim) and Lauren's new boyfriend (an ebullient WhatsOnStage Award-winner Jake Wood, returning to the role following a cast drop-out) to stay in the house late into the night in order to discover the truth about a potentially ethereal presence. Kudos has to go to director Matthew Dunster - creating a taut, snappy, audience-friendly pace that coils Danny Robins' script like a spring, letting it bounce loose with unexpected anarchy at various intervals. Robins' script is almost purpose-built for the Netflix binge-watch generation fleet scenes give way to punchy set changes, during which the audience excitedly bursts into frantic discussion and debate while red neon light swamps the auditorium. Twenty seconds of chatter later we're back tucking into another episode, time once more ticking down to the fateful hour on a digital clock in the corner of the stage. Scott Karim and Louise Ford Helen Murray Robins delves into some surprisingly rich themes: the paranoia associated with raising a newborn ("I challenge anyone to be a new parent and not be perpetually terrified", Sam reflects), the cultural significance of the supernatural or the role of faith in a largely atheist household. While the overly-indulgent number of frisky, sex-crazed fox sound effects can grow a bit wearisome, the show is laden with neat and often impressively subtle nods towards seismic twists a return visit is almost as rewarding as a maiden voyage. Design-wise, Anna Fleischle pitches Jenny and Sam's mid-renovation abode like some sort of transient space caught with liminal precarity between Ikea showroom and forlorn tribute to 70s decor. It's a neat way of putting the audience on edge Jenny's own unrest seeps into the unfinished aesthetic of her kitchen-diner. Mismatched lampshades hover like unwanted guests. Dunster knows how to tease assured, well-pitched performances out of his cast. Karim's domineering Sam, the smug cynic, butts heads with Wood's cockney clairvoyant builder Ben over issues of gentrification, science, religion and belief, neatly peppered into what could otherwise be a bland affair. Ford, sometimes slightly one-note as a disillusioned alcoholic, brings a frantic chaos as she agonises over a fleeting former romance. As for Cheryl, it's safe to say she puts in an assured debut sure, sometimes intonation wavers, while her angry outburst can occasionally feel unexpected and one-note (then again, so do most outbursts from those suffering from sleep-deprivation). For the most part, it'll be a turn that few critics will find major fault with. If this is the result when casting a "personality" brings bums to seats during a time when theatres need all the help they can get, then fair play it's clearly a gambit that's working. Egypt's permanent delegation to the United Nations received on Thursday the rotating chairmanship of the UN African Group in New York for February 2023, following the end of the Senegalese presidency of the group for January 2023, a statement by the Egyptian foreign ministry said. "It is my pleasure to assume the chairmanship of the African Group in New York for the month of February. The African Group is a vital forum through which our continent advances its interests and priorities at the UN system, Permanent Representative of Egypt to the UN in New York and the current chairperson of the group Osama Mahmoud Abdel-Khalek was quoted as saying by the African Union (AU) website. The discussions of the African Group, which consists of the 54 AU member states at the UN, revolve around issues relevant to the continent such as health, migration, peace, and security among others, according to the groups page on the AU website. I intend to build on the stellar job done by my predecessors and to further push for African positions across all work streams of the UN, the chairperson said, according to the ministry's statement. Abdel-Khalek said that Egypts chairmanship of the group comes within the framework of its active role in promoting the African continents presence and interaction in the various fields of work of the UN, and advancing the interests of the continent and its peoples, especially in priority issues, foremost of which are peacekeeping, peace-building, development, confronting climate change, and others. Abdel-Khalek indicated that the African Group has a number of major commitments within the negotiating tracks at the UN, including the Sustainable Development Goals Summit, the Summit of the Future, the high-level meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response, the ministry statement reported. The member states in the UN General Assembly are divided into various geographical groupings through which elections are conducted into various UN bodies and agencies. The African Group holds regular meetings to receive briefings from guests and UN officials and discuss UN resolutions and topics so a common African position can be reached, according to the AU website. Search Keywords: Short link: If you like a cup of joe on the go, Scooters Coffee is at the ready with not only cups of screaming hot black coffee, but a plethora of specialty coffee blends, breakfast sandwiches and made-from-scratch pastries served all day in Mt. Juliet. The franchise is also known for its amazingly fast drive-thru service (which is good because there is no indoor seating there). The shop opened one month ago and owners Tim and Lori Horn said they already they have loyal customers. Mt. Juliet resident Carey Gribble made a quick drive through around noon last Friday, the day of the business official grand opening. I love this place, she said after employee Braden Simpson handed her the vivid green frozen beverage. This is my second time. I discovered it last week and got a wonderful latte. Today Ive ordered a matcha tea smoothie. Horn, who also is trained as a barista, said the shop on N. Mt. Juliet Road is the first of what he hopes will be a total of five Scooters Coffee franchises he and Lori plan to own in the next five years. The Scooters Coffee franchise began in 1998 in Nebraska and now has more than 500 locations in the United States. The couple have two grown children and their daughter Anna manages this first location. Tim Horn said he is exploring another location in Mt. Juliet as well as locations in Hendersonville and Hermitage. Although the Horns live in Gallatin, he said hes familiar with Mt. Juliet and has owned Sport Clips in the city for more than a decade. My other business was local to the area and I wanted my first Scooters to open in Mt. Juliet as well, Horn said. People in Mt. Juliet are great and we still have a small town feel here. Though Horn said hes not a coffee fanatic, he does enjoy some plain coffee and Lori is learning to love coffee. So why a coffee franchise? We love the drive-thru aspect, he said. Horn said their menu is limitless because he can custom make any drink combination the customer wants. Nothing is pre-made, he said. We can mimic any type of candy bar flavor. Horn said the community has welcomed them and the business is known for its amazing people, amazing food and amazing fast service. We love it here. Owners: Tim and Lori Horn Location: 1526 N. Mt. Juliet Rd. Hours: Monday-Saturday 5:30 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Signature drink: Carmelicious Egypt will receive on Thursday a Palestinian delegation from the Gaza strip led by prominent members of the Islamic Jihad Movement, official sources told Ahram Online. Other leaders from the Hamas movement will also join the delegation to attend an expanded meeting in Egypt, the sources say, where the Egyptian officials will discuss the process to achieve calm between the Palestinian factions and Israel in light of the bloody escalation between the two sides, the sources explained. According to AFP, Islamic Jihad said earlier in the day that it would send a delegation led by the militant group's leader Ziad Al-Nakhala to Cairo on Thursday at Egypt's invitation. The delegation would meet with the head of Egypt's intelligence service to discuss "how to restore calm, especially after the last escalation, including the aggressions against prisoners", said Daoud Shihab, a senior Islamic Jihad member in Gaza. The visit comes amid heightened Israeli-Palestinian tensions since the new far-right government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu came to power in late December. On Thursday, Israeli warplanes struck Gaza, drawing retaliatory rocket fire from Palestinian militants, as violence flared despite US calls for "urgent steps" to restore calm, according to AFP. Israel said the pre-dawn strikes were in response to an earlier rocket launch and it targeted military training camps used by Gaza's rulers Hamas. The air strikes targeted the central area of the Strip, reported the AFP, hours after its interception of the missile fired from Gaza. Earlier on Friday, Israeli jets launched strikes against Gaza, escalating tensions and fears a few months after Israel launched one of its deadliest raids in years in the occupied West Bank, including a deadly raid on Jenin refugee camp last Thursday killing 10 Palestinians. An 11th Palestinian was killed elsewhere in the West Bank on the same day. In response, a Palestinian gunman opened fire outside an East Jerusalem synagogue on Friday night, killing at least seven and wounding several people. This year Israel has killed 35 Palestinians. Last year was the deadliest year in the West Bank since the United Nations started tracking fatalities in the territory in 2005. Nearly 150 Palestinians were killed in the West Bank and east Jerusalem last year, making 2022 the deadliest year in those territories since 2004, according to a leading Israeli rights group Thursdays visit comes two days after Egypts Chief of the General Intelligence Service (GIS) Abbas Kamel and his Jordanian counterpart Ahmed Hosni conveyed a message of support from their presidents for the Palestinian issue in a meeting with President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah. On Saturday, Egypt warned of the severe dangers of the ongoing escalation between the Palestinian and Israeli sides, calling for the exercising of maximum restraint and an end to aggression and provocative measures. In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the time, Egypt also warned against slipping into a vicious cycle of violence that worsens the political and humanitarian situation and undermines efforts to achieve calm and ruins all chances of reviving the peace process. Search Keywords: Short link: Inside, at the Baraboo Childrens Museum, theres a play farm. Children can plant and harvest. They can collect eggs from the chickens. Theres a jersey cow they can milk. The cow is friendly. Her name is Mootilda. There are pollinators pollinating. There is composting that can be composted. Come summer, there will also be a new tractor on the fun little farmstead. Thats thanks to Compeer Financial, as part of their Fund for Rural America. The grants that are given fund initiatives and organizations whose work enriches agriculture and rural America. We hope to make kids aware not only the process our food travels from the farm to the family, but also make them aware of the ag opportunities that are available in our community, said Jed Crouse, the Baraboo Childrens Museums director. The museum was recently granted $7,850 for the purchase of a child-sized interactive tractor that will be added to the ag portion of the museums Farm to Family exhibit. It should arrive and be installed in the museum mid-summer. Adding our tractor to the exhibit, Crouse said, will not only add an additional climbing structure to our two story barn and silo slide, but it will give kids the experience of sitting behind the wheel of their very own tractor. That experience, and many others, will come to Baraboo Childrens Museum visitors soon. The organization just finished an $85,000 fundraising campaign in the past year that has grown to over $100,000 in new purchases. Crouse said, Our museum space will see a lot of new museum pieces through the summer months. Compeer Financial reached out to the museum, suggesting they apply. Compeer Financial has been a supporter of the Baraboo Childrens Museum since it opened in 2018. Sara Noll, the museums manager, wrote the award-winning grant. Compeer Financial is a member-owned, farm credit cooperative, the third largest in the country, serving and supporting agriculture and rural communities. It provides service in Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Their Fund for Rural America is the organizations corporate giving program, structured to support the organizations mission to enrich agriculture and rural America. Baraboo Childrens Museum, this year, was one of 32 recipients of grants given by Compeer Financial. The total awards given this year was $204,650. The grants given impact the lives of 1.2 million people. Some of those people are the children of Baraboo and the surrounding area. Its an exciting time, Crouse said. Some of that time can soon be spent in the seat of a gleaming new tractor. COLUMBUS At a recent Columbus School Board meeting, the board accepted four donations that amounted to $270 to go into the Angel Funds Program. In the current school year, organizations and individuals have donated $2,200 to the Angel Funds Program, which helps to pay for a students lunch account debt, Columbus School District Superintendent Jacob Flood said. The Angel Funds Program is implemented as a local program, Flood said. It is similar to programs implemented by several other districts. We are fortunate to have a community that supports the district as a whole. Additionally, we have individuals and organizations that generously donate for specific causes. A popular specific cause is helping assist with school nutrition funding for families in need. The Angel Funds Program helps assist families that might not have the means to keep positive lunch account balances. Flood said the concept of Angel Funds emerged in the spring of 2020. As the district was communicating with parents on reimbursement of leftover funds in lunch accounts, due to a halt of in-person learning in spring of 2020, some individuals asked if they could donate to families that needed the funds versus being reimbursed, Flood said. During the pandemic, school lunches were funded by the federal level, so the donations were not needed at that time, Flood said. However, after the free lunches ended at the beginning of this school year, community members started donating again and the districts food service and business department worked at putting together the program. As a school community, we are aware of the impact that a nutritious meal has for student engagement and comfort, Flood said. It happens that our community has a similar awareness. Of course, free and reduced meal applications are available for families that qualify for assistance through federal programming, Flood said. Columbus Schools have noticed that the number of applications have dropped over the past couple of years. Our hypothesis is that the number of applications is a trickle-down effect from the last couple of years where meals were provided for all students, Flood said. As a district, we continue to try our best to communicate the free and reduced application process. We encourage families that are in need of assistance to fill out an application. There is more information and ways to donate available on the Columbus School Districts website. GALLERY: Columbus celebrates winning team Columbus 1.jpg Columbus 2.jpg Columbus 3.jpg Columbus 4.jpg Columbus 5.jpg Columbus 6.jpg Columbus 7.jpg Columbus 8.jpg Columbus 9.jpg The Portage Municipal Court has seen a rise in juvenile cases mostly related to vaping. Judge Karl Kindschi is lessening the punishment if the juvenile writes a letter to his or her principal explaining the mistake and what theyve learned from it. Judge Kindschi is in charge of handling city ordinance violations and traffic cases. This includes first-operating-while-intoxicated cases and other citations written by Portage and Endeavor police. These cases are not severe enough for circuit court cases that are handled at the county courthouse. Kindschis court oversees municipal issues for Portage and Endeavor. He was appointed to the position in 2021 and was elected running unopposed last year. He is one of more than 200 municipal court judges across Wisconsin. Ive ruled on over 2,000 cases since starting, Kindschi said. A lot of the juvenile cases are vaping related, he continued. Students come into school with vaping and nicotine products, which at their age is illegal for them to possess and no student is allowed to have nicotine products inside the school. This is why Kindschis caseload for juveniles spans from ages 12 to 18. Eighteen-year-olds can be cited as juveniles for this vaping offense. Its legal for them to possess but not in school, Kindschi said. The youngest student that has been in court was 12 years old. These students are given the option of paying a $124 fine or taking an online vaping/nicotine awareness course for about $50 and writing a short letter to their principal stating five things they learned during the online course. Im cognizant of the fact that not everyone is wealthy and can afford that, Kindschi said. The school is really concerned with vaping and its becoming more of a problem. The court saw 1,347 cases in 2021 and approximately 11% were juveniles. Kinschi said the percentage of juvenile cases has continued to rise over his term. In 2022, 17% of cases involved juveniles and in the month of November 35% of the cases were juveniles. About 45% of cases involved juveniles at the most recent municipal court held on Jan. 27. Kindschi said these cases are predominately vaping related, but they are also facing citations for habitual truancy, controlled substances, damage to property, curfew violations and even a few traffic violations. If the students dont write the letter after taking the course they have to pay the fine. We receive about half of the letters and those that dont return the letter end up paying the $124 fine, Municipal Court Clerk Dawn Wilcox said. Kindschi said the principal has to sign off on the letter and then the student returns the letter to the court. Part of this is helping the kids after theyve made a mistake. Weve all made mistakes and this process helps them learn about the consequences from their actions, Kindschi said. Kindschi doesnt have a background in law, but does a lot of research on city ordinances. He also takes continuing education courses to learn more about municipal court topics. The City of Portage has an ordinance on the books that Kindschi uses if a juvenile has repeat offenses in front of his court: the Parental Responsibility for Juvenile Misconduct. It applies to juveniles who receive two tickets in less than a year. Its a unique ordinance for Portage that not a lot of other communities have in the state, Kindschi said. Kindschi said in his time as municipal judge he has learned more about the law and city ordinances and will continue to respect the laws and citizens he serves. Its been a privilege to be serving in this capacity, Kindschi said. Its a tough job and I put a lot of time and effort into the work. Close OWL-O-WEEN was at Owl's Nest bar in Poynette on Oct. 23, 2022. OWL-O-WEEN was at Owl's Nest bar in Poynette on Oct. 23, 2022. OWL-O-WEEN was at Owl's Nest bar in Poynette on Oct. 23, 2022. OWL-O-WEEN was at Owl's Nest bar in Poynette on Oct. 23, 2022. OWL-O-WEEN was at Owl's Nest bar in Poynette on Oct. 23, 2022. OWL-O-WEEN was at Owl's Nest bar in Poynette on Oct. 23, 2022. OWL-O-WEEN was at Owl's Nest bar in Poynette on Oct. 23, 2022. OWL-O-WEEN was at Owl's Nest bar in Poynette on Oct. 23, 2022. OWL-O-WEEN was at Owl's Nest bar in Poynette on Oct. 23, 2022. OWL-O-WEEN was at Owl's Nest bar in Poynette on Oct. 23, 2022. OWL-O-WEEN was at Owl's Nest bar in Poynette on Oct. 23, 2022. OWL-O-WEEN was at Owl's Nest bar in Poynette on Oct. 23, 2022. OWL-O-WEEN was at Owl's Nest bar in Poynette on Oct. 23, 2022. OWL-O-WEEN was at Owl's Nest bar in Poynette on Oct. 23, 2022. OWL-O-WEEN was at Owl's Nest bar in Poynette on Oct. 23, 2022. OWL-O-WEEN was at Owl's Nest bar in Poynette on Oct. 23, 2022. OWL-O-WEEN was at Owl's Nest bar in Poynette on Oct. 23, 2022. OWL-O-WEEN was at Owl's Nest bar in Poynette on Oct. 23, 2022. GALLERY - OWL-O-WEEN Poynette 2022 OWL-O-WEEN, a family Halloween event in and near Owl's Nest bar in Poynette, was on Oct. 23 in the village. OWL-O-WEEN was at Owl's Nest bar in Poynette on Oct. 23, 2022. OWL-O-WEEN was at Owl's Nest bar in Poynette on Oct. 23, 2022. OWL-O-WEEN was at Owl's Nest bar in Poynette on Oct. 23, 2022. OWL-O-WEEN was at Owl's Nest bar in Poynette on Oct. 23, 2022. OWL-O-WEEN was at Owl's Nest bar in Poynette on Oct. 23, 2022. OWL-O-WEEN was at Owl's Nest bar in Poynette on Oct. 23, 2022. OWL-O-WEEN was at Owl's Nest bar in Poynette on Oct. 23, 2022. OWL-O-WEEN was at Owl's Nest bar in Poynette on Oct. 23, 2022. OWL-O-WEEN was at Owl's Nest bar in Poynette on Oct. 23, 2022. OWL-O-WEEN was at Owl's Nest bar in Poynette on Oct. 23, 2022. OWL-O-WEEN was at Owl's Nest bar in Poynette on Oct. 23, 2022. OWL-O-WEEN was at Owl's Nest bar in Poynette on Oct. 23, 2022. OWL-O-WEEN was at Owl's Nest bar in Poynette on Oct. 23, 2022. OWL-O-WEEN was at Owl's Nest bar in Poynette on Oct. 23, 2022. OWL-O-WEEN was at Owl's Nest bar in Poynette on Oct. 23, 2022. OWL-O-WEEN was at Owl's Nest bar in Poynette on Oct. 23, 2022. OWL-O-WEEN was at Owl's Nest bar in Poynette on Oct. 23, 2022. OWL-O-WEEN was at Owl's Nest bar in Poynette on Oct. 23, 2022. Most people do not expect a stylish restaurant when visiting a McDonald's, but that is exactly what residents of the Dells area get to see. The McDonald's in Wisconsin Dells, known as the Fort Dells McDonald's because of its location on the former Fort Dells, was honored by Architectural Digest as one of "The 13 Most Beautiful McDonald's in the World" on Jan. 18. Modeled similar to a log cabin, the unique franchise of the famous fast-food chain features taxidermy animals, wood-carved bears (including one welcoming customers at the door), wood walls and ceiling beams, wood decorations for outdoor activities, such as fishing, and chandeliers made from deer antlers. "Some get their beauty from ornate architectural details, others from their expressive adaptions that honor a local environment or cultureeither way, the results are remarkable," read the Architectural Digest site listing the unique McDonald's franchises worldwide. Fort Dells McDonald's pictures A gallery of photos from the unique Fort Dells McDonald's is below. Five of the 13 locations on the list were in the United States. The Fort Dells location was the last one listed and the only one in Wisconsin. Other U.S. locations were in California, New York, Arizona, and Maine. The other eight locations are in Europe and Australia. "It's a unique store for a lot of reasons," said Wendy Lommen, whose husband, Rick, is the store's licensed operator. "They're (the 13 locations) 'beautiful' because they're unique, I think. They're usually in keeping with the surroundings and the communities that they serve." The Fort Dells McDonald's is very large compared to other McDonald's restaurants. Lommen mentioned that the restaurant has two full kitchens because of the high volume of service, particularly during the tourism season in the Dells area. "I can't think of another McDonald's restaurant that I know that has two full kitchens in it," said Lommen. She also said that the location, unlike the majority of other McDonald's restaurants, does not primarily do business via drive-through and that many customers, often in large groups, choose to dine in after spending time at nearby attractions. Along with the two kitchens and large dining area, the restaurant has a game room near the entrance, which features arcade-style video games. Wendy and Rick Lommen operate 65 McDonald's locations in western Wisconsin, southeastern Minnesota and Iowa. The two McDonalds' locations in Lake Delton are among those franchises. Wendy Lommen said that the Fort Dells McDonald's was built in 2002, which was 17 years after the Fort Dells Theme Park closed after 26 years in business. She added that an inspiration for the unique design of the Fort Dells McDonald's was Frontierland, an attraction at Disneyland in California. "We had the setting for it," said Wendy Lommen, describing the Fort Dells area. "Giving the Dells part of its original fame and destination love. That was how it began." She said that the vacant site of the former theme park presented an opportunity to build the McDonald's that honored the history of it. Cities that have the unique McDonald's locations have had requirements in which new establishments must carry a similar theme to the area's appearance. "McDonald's started allowing operators to build something that would be, we call it a flagship," said Lommen. "It's an icon, it's a one-off of the standard McDonald's. If it's fitting and approved by McDonald's, they allow you to do it." She added that the log structure of the Fort Dells McDonald's "fits in with the landscape" and, combined with the history of the location, said that it was "natural" to build the unique restaurant. Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry has affirmed the keenness of Egypts government to facilitate the flow of Italian investments into the promising sectors of the Egyptian market. Shoukry made the remarks in a meeting on Thursday with Stefania Craxi, chairwoman of the Italian Senate's Defence and Foreign Affairs Committee, who is currently on a visit to Egypt, the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. Shoukry also stressed the Egyptian governments keenness to enhance the engagement of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) in the national development projects in Egypt, especially the Decent Life initiative. Over the past year, Egypt has been mobilising support from international partners and local businessmen for the initiative, which aims to improve the lives of almost 60 percent of Egypts 104-million population. For her part, Craxi affirmed that Italy attaches priority to boosting cooperation with Egypt in all fields in light of the friendship that binds both countries. Shoukry and Craxi discussed several issues of mutual concern, at the top of which was irregular migration across the Mediterranean. In this regard, Shoukry discussed Egypts vision for tackling irregular migration based on a comprehensive approach that goes beyond the security aspect to include developmental and social dimensions. Cairo has stepped up its efforts since 2016 to deal with irregular migration, when President El-Sisi launched the countrys first national strategy to combat irregular migration, affirming that Egypt will not be a transit point for illegal migrants heading for Europe. Shoukry and Craxi also discussed efforts to combat terrorism, including draining its sources of financing and dealing with the economic, social, and religious roots behind the phenomenon. On human rights, Craxi hailed Egypts launch of the National Strategy for Human Rights in September 2021 and the progress made to implement it in a way that contributes to improving the lives of citizens. Shoukry and Craxi also discussed a number of regional and international issues of mutual concern, especially the Russia-Ukraine crisis and its negative repercussions on the economies of developing countries. They agreed that the impact of the Ukraine war requires concerted international efforts to resolve the crisis at the earliest opportunity. The two diplomats also discussed the current escalation in the Palestinian territories as well as the crisis in Libya. Shoukry reviewed the Egyptian efforts to reach a settlement for these issues and restore stability and peace to the region. High-level visits The two countries coordinate on regional issues, especially the Libyan crisis, with both affirming the need to reach a solution to the crisis that has lasted more than a decade. Libya and irregular migration were the focus of discussions during Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajanis visit to Cairo last month. Tajanis visit came two months after Shoukry made an official visit to Italy late in November to enhance bilateral relations and attend the eighth edition of the Rome MED Mediterranean Dialogues conference in December. Firm relations Cairo and Rome share firm relations on the political and economic levels. In October, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said her country is ready to enhance bilateral cooperation with Egypt in energy security, Mediterranean and Middle East stability, human rights, and religious freedom. In 2021, the trade volume between the two countries rose by 29 percent to reach $5.8 billion, up from $4.5 billion the previous year. The two countries are also members of the Cairo-based East Mediterranean Gas Forum (EMGF), which was formed in 2019 to establish a regional gas market in the Eastern Mediterranean and to enhance trade relations between its eight member states. In 2015, the Italian energy giant Eni helped Egypt discover the Zohr natural gas field in its Mediterranean waters, catapulting the country to becoming a major producer of the alternative energy source. Search Keywords: Short link: The Town of Seven Mile Creek, organized in 1853, was the location of a winding little stream of perfectly clear water. It flowed through the valleys for a distance of about seven miles before it empties into the Lemonweir River, thus the name for one of the countys 19 townships. In the peak year of 1846, following the great potato famine in Ireland, American Irish sent more than $1 million home to bring over family members. Hundreds of these Irish that landed in Wisconsin walked from Kenosha, Milwaukee and Portage, to what became SMC. Early on, the men soon discovered there was employment in the lumber camps during the winter months and this soon became the cash crop for many of these early settlers. In the course of less than three decades, 90% of the residents of SMC were Irish. Therefore, its logical the first church in the county was St. Bridget in SMC. In 1848, Robert Doyle arrived in the county from Portage. For a few years, he worked in the woods in the winter, clearing land in warmer weather. He carried his provisions in a bag on his back all the way from Portage. On one of these exploring expeditions, he overtook Mrs. J. Powers of SMC. She had been to Portage to get her baby baptized, having walked the whole distance. Imagine, a woman, with a baby in her arms, walking 40 miles, one way, in wilderness to have the little one receive baptism. In 2012, the state Historical Society of Wisconsin published a book entitled, Bottoms Up. The book is a toast to Wisconsins historic bars and breweries. The one story that features an establishment in the county is in SMC, the Jackson Clinic on Highway K. This cobbled-together roadhouse came together in 1954, when Louie Laridean decided to open a tavern. He worked with what was at hand, moving the newly vacated one-room Kennedy Country School to his property. He then dragged abandoned outbuildings from across the road. The Clinic was an amazingly primitive tavern; for many decades there was no running water, so Laridean would bring a milk can of water from Mauston every day for mixed drinks. A worn hillside path leading down to the privy proved to be treacherous when it was icy, snowy or muddy. A series of owners have kept the tavern open for nearly 70 years since Laridean assembled it. Harvey and Pearl Jacksons name stuck after owning it 20 years. Seems it was easy for patrons to remember to get their shots at Jackson Clinic. Stories tend to accumulate over time about places like The Clinic. The lore that the bar had a dirt floor irks the local town board. The board insists, the floor might have had a dirty floor, but the bar never had a dirt floor. GREEN BAY Authorities have captured a Green Bay man wanted in a double homicide in Arkansas. Richard Sotka, 48, was arrested Sunday and charged in Brown County, with two counts of first-degree intentional homicide with use of a dangerous weapon, domestic abuse and bail jumping, WLUK-TV reported. According to the criminal complaint, Sotka told police that he came home to find his girlfriend having sex with another woman. He said he felt humiliated, killed both women, cut off his electronic monitoring bracelet, threw it in a ditch and drove to Arkansas. Police used his trucks OnStar system to locate him in that state. Sotka had been ordered to wear the monitoring device as part of his bond in Oconto County where he faces charges of stalking and violating a restraining order, WLUK-TV reported. He was being held in jail in Mississippi County, Arkansas. The women were found stabbed to death in the duplex late Sunday morning. One was a 58-year-old Green Bay woman. The other was a 53-year-old Bellevue woman. The criminal complaint identified them only by their initials: RC and PO. Mark Jensen, the Pleasant Prairie man who was accused of poisoning and suffocating his wife to death nearly 25 years ago in December 1998, was found guilty again Wednesday afternoon by a jury of his peers. A jury of six men and six women from Kenosha County took less than seven hours to reach the verdict in the high-profile case that has long been a topic of conversation from many in the area. The jury first began deliberating Tuesday afternoon after closing statements and jury instructions from the judge. On Wednesday afternoon, after the jury dined on a lunch of broasted chicken, the verdict was announced. Mark Jensen was found guilty of felony first-degree intentional homicide. Mark Jensen, now 63, was found guilty of poisoning his wife with odorless ethylene glycol, more commonly known as antifreeze, in her juice and then suffocating her to death by turning her face down in their bed and sitting on top of her in early December 1998. Mark Jensen was first convicted in February 2008 during a very lengthy trial for the murder of 40-year-old Julie Jensen inside their Carol Beach neighborhood home near the lakefront in Pleasant Prairie. He was standing trial again here after years of appeals and battles in state and federal courts. The prosecution, led by the special prosecutor who successfully convicted Mark Jensen during his first trial some 15 years ago, successfully argued Mark Jensen killed the mother of his two young sons in order to make it easier for him to be with a woman he was having an affair with and later married. They also alleged he killed Julie Jensen out of deep anger and an intense obsession over a previous sexual affair she had with a co-worker in their home years before, along with other marital issues. Mark Jensen, a former stock broker, searched the internet for ways to make Julie Jensens death look like a suicide and terrorized her for years with strategically placed pornography of men, lewd emails and harassing phone calls, according to prosecutors. They also highlighted Mark Jensens reported pre-occupation and fascination with male appendages after his wifes affair, and so he drew thousands of pictures of male genitals in a notebook and catalogued images of such things on a computer. Mark Jensen, however, maintained his innocence ever since his wifes death. His attorneys unsuccessfully argued Julie Jensen was deeply depressed and died by suicide after framing her husband for her death. After the verdict was announced Judge Anthony Milisauskas revoked Mark Jensen's $1.2 million bond. Sentencing April 14 Mark Jensen, who now faces life in prison, will be sentenced April 14. Mark Jensen was escorted out of the courtroom in handcuffs and nodded to his three defense attorneys on the way out. Mark Jensen remained expressionless when the verdict was read, although his face became flushed. The defense team, which included Bridget Krause, Jeremy Perri and Mackenzie Renner, declined to comment. Special prosecutor Robert Jambois said he's "very pleased" with the verdict. He addressed the media in the court's basement and read the letter Julie Jensen wrote a week-and-a-half before her murder out loud to dozens of reporters. "She was so terrified," Jambois said. "She did write this letter and she gave it to her next door neighbor Ted Wojt. She said, 'If anything happens to me give this to the police.' And he did give it to the police on December 4. He called Mark Jensen "brutally cold-blooded" and a "sociopath." "He is a true sociopath," Jambois said. He said the prosecution worked on the case for many months. He was joined with co-counsel deputy district attorney Carli McNeil. Jambois said of McNeil did an "astonishing job in this case." Reason for new trial Jambois, a former Kenosha County District attorney, served as special prosecutor before Judge Anthony Milisauskas, now the third Kenosha County Circuit Court judge to preside over the matter. A Kenosha County judge vacated Mark Jensens his conviction in April 2021 after the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled Jensen deserved a new trial. The court found voicemails and a letter his wife wrote incriminating him in the event something should happen to her could not be used by the prosecution as it was in the first trial. In early 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court helped pave the way for the new trial when it declined to hear an appeal of the Wisconsin Supreme Courts ruling. The so-called letter from the grave in which Julie Jensen wrote that if anything happens to me that her husband would be my first suspect will not be allowed into evidence during this lengthy trial. The high-profile case has sparked headlines across the nation. The retrial cost the county tens of thousands of dollars. Mark Jensen opted not to testify Mark Jensen chose not to testify during his four-week retrial, as is his Constitutional right. Some of the those called to testify by the defense included a forensic pathologist, a medical toxicologist, a forensic psychiatrist, the Jensens oldest son and Mark Jensens sister. The prosecution rested last week after calling 38 witnesses to the stand and playing lengthy videos of some of the men and women who testified during the first trial but were unable to testify again or had died. Among those who testified during the first two weeks of trial for the prosecution included local law enforcement officials, former coworkers of Mark Jensen, former neighbors of the Jensens, a brother of Julie Jensen, medical examiners and inmates who Mark Jensen reportedly told of his alleged actions. Throughout the trial graphic photos of Julie Jensen's autopsy and body from when it was found in bed December 3 were shown to the jury. On its Facebook page, the Pleasant Prairie Police Department, which was the original agency to investigate the murder, was not subtle in its opinion of the new trial's verdict: Mark Jensen has been found GUILTY (again) for the 1998 poisoning death of his wife Julie Jensen in Pleasant Prairie. They got him Julie!!!! #ripjuliejensen Brother speaks out Larry Griffin, one of Julie Jensen's brothers, spoke to the media Tuesday evening right after the jury began deliberating. Griffin held a photo album of his sister with pictures of Julie Jensen at various moments throughout her life. He was accompanied by Jeannette Perez, a coordinator with Women's and Children's Horizons, a local nonprofit dedicated to helping those facing domestic abuse. "We are dismayed and bewildered that this trial took place a second time 24 years after you gave up your life Julie for your three Ds," an emotional Griffin told the media gathered before him. The "three Ds" refer to her two sons, David and Douglas Jensen, and daddy, referring to Mark Jensen. "We're uncomfortable with the status of reliving all the events surrounding your death in full view of the public," Griffin said, adding the Griffin family is in "full support" of the prosecution and testified as needed to "defend your honor." "Julie, we dearly love and appreciate and thank your friends and neighbors who shared pleasant times with you, who can testify to your vibrance and caring nature," he said. "Our utmost gratitude goes out to those kind people who helped you in your times of distress, including the Pleasant Prairie Police and the first responders." Griffin said Mark Jensen was aggressive toward Julie Jensen and manipulated her with economic abuse, isolation and threats. "This is the definition of domestic abuse," Griffin said. Griffin ended his speech with a performance of "In My Life" by The Beatles. "Though I know I'll never lose affection. For people and things that went before," he sang. "In my life I love you more." More than half of University of Wisconsin System students believe campuses should disinvite speakers who are thought to be offensive, a free speech survey conducted last fall found. System President Jay Rothman announced the results of the Systems controversial free speech survey during a visit to UW-Oshkosh on Wednesday and then held a panel discussion about civil dialogue with two Wisconsin lawmakers and UW-Madison law and politics professors. We are a divided country politically, socially, economically and culturally. And these divisions are reflected in the opinions expressed by our students as well as in their understanding of First Amendment issues, Rothman said. Our students have lived this experience before they step onto our campuses in high schools and workplaces, on social media, and with family and friends. The survey showed nearly a third of students feel strongly that offensive speakers should not be allowed to speak on campuses. Additionally, a majority of students said they dont often engage with opinions opposite their own on some topics, with 57% of students saying they rarely or never considered others opinions on abortion and transgender identities. Other survey findings include: The majority of System students feel comfortable talking about controversial issues listed, including COVID-19 vaccines, racial equality and immigration. Students seem split on whether university administrators should prohibit views they consider to be offensive to certain groups of people. Students who identify as female, nonbinary, LGBT or people of color are more likely to say they feel speakers with offensive views should not be allowed to speak on campus. UW-Madison freshman Ella Adams remembers taking the free speech survey last fall and recalls finding parts of it were poorly worded. I dont know if it was just me, but I couldnt quite understand what it was asking me at some points, Adams said. Dozens of queries The System launched the survey in November. Intended to gauge student attitudes toward free speech on campuses, the survey was sent to a random selection of students. Anywhere from 2,500 to 10,000 undergraduate students at each of the 13 System universities received it, and the System received 10,000 responses. Despite being a third of the Systems student population, UW-Madison students were responsible for 10.6% of the survey responses. Of all of the schools, UW-Platteville and UW-Whitewater had the highest participation rates, with 19.1% and 16.7% of surveys returned, respectively. Students were asked dozens of questions, including how likely they are to consider political viewpoints they disagree with on topics such as COVID-19 vaccines and racial inequity; their attitudes toward people they find offensive; and what they believe is the right course of action when they disagree with someone invited to speak on campus. In general, students say they arent that likely to consider viewpoints they disagree with, and thats even more the case for certain topics like abortion or transgender issues. Jay Rothman (@JayORothman) February 1, 2023 The survey also sought to gauge how often students have received social or institutional consequences, such as warnings or suspensions, for speaking on controversial topics. Nearly half of our students say they agree not at all or a little that administrators should disinvite public speakers if some students believe the speakers message is offensive. Jay Rothman (@JayORothman) February 1, 2023 Our students reported that our faculty and instructors are doing a good job facilitating robust discussion in the classroom, even if students dont always feel comfortable sharing their own opinions, Rothman said. I appreciate the work of our faculty and instructors in facilitating student learning in this way. Universities cant claim to be the standard-bearer for free and open inquiry unless we meet that standard in the classroom. UW-Madison Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin said in a statement that, while instructors encourage diverse viewpoints in class, the university needs to do more to encourage students to consider different viewpoints. A university education should challenge students to think in unfamiliar ways, she said. Part of our job is to help students critically examine information and ideas in ways that challenge their preconceived notions and that may, sometimes, be uncomfortable. Uneven welcome While Rothman has said repeatedly the survey is not seeking to fulfill any political agendas, the controversy surrounding it has had political overtones since the survey was first announced last April. Across the United States, Republicans have accused colleges of trying to suppress conservative views, and key members of the Wisconsin Legislature said last spring that they support the survey. Funding the survey is UW-Stouts Menard Center for the Study of Institutions and Innovation, which started in 2017 with a donation from the conservative Charles Koch Foundation. The survey was supposed to launch last spring. But its release was postponed to this fall after widespread criticism and the resignation of the UW-Whitewater interim chancellor in April. Jim Henderson, who had served as interim chancellor for nearly a year, cited the Systems handling of the free speech survey as a major reason for his resignation. He said the top-down approach of System leadership with the survey didnt foster a collaborative relationship with university chancellors in decision-making. Associated Students of Madison members offered feedback on draft questions last fall, with some saying they felt the questions were loaded or would be used for political reasons. At least one student who gave feedback anonymously thought the survey had an agenda. Rothman, who was hired by the Board of Regents in January 2022 and became president June 1, said in November that he had not talked with the Republican-controlled Legislature about the survey. This is not a political issue for us. We are looking to see what the climate on our campuses happens to be, he said. What students say Around 2% of UW-Madison students completed the survey, with 1,108 students taking it out of 10,000 random invitations sent. Female students made up the majority of respondents. About the same percentage of UW-Madison students said either they felt comfortable or uncomfortable talking about transgender identities, and more than half said they were willing to voice opinions on abortion, compared to a quarter of students who werent. UW-Madison students felt more strongly about disinviting offensive speakers to campus than any other System school. About 43% of UW-Madison students strongly agreed when asked whether the university should disinvite certain speakers, compared to 30% systemwide. At UW-Milwaukee, 38% of students agreed prohibiting offensive speakers was the correct action. In October, UW-Madison students protested conservative provocateur Matt Walshs appearance on campus at the invitation of a conservative student group. UW-Madison Police believe two people are responsible for graffitiing the Memorial Union ahead of Walshs speech, and the university vowed to take disciplinary and criminal actions. Police have not made any arrests in connection to the graffiti, spokesperson Marc Lovicott said. Part of the Regents free speech policy mandates punishments for students who repeatedly disrupt others free speech. Senior Chloe Shafer, who didnt take the free speech survey, said shed heard stories of others feeling like they couldnt share their opinions in the classroom, but it hadnt happened to her. And when it comes to Shafers classmates expressing opinions she disagrees with, she lets it slide. If you dont agree with something, it doesnt mean that its wrong, its just what someone else believes, she said. Unless its really harmful toward a certain person, thats when you can get involved but an opinions an opinion. Editor's note: This article has been updated to reflect a correction. The original story incorrectly stated the number of free speech surveys sent to University of Wisconsin System students. Both UW-Madison and UW-Milwaukee had 10,000 survey emails sent to students. Egypt follows up on the incident of an Egyptian citizen who was found dead inside his car in a remote rural area in Cilavegna commune in Italy, the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Thursday. Italian authorities told the Consulate General of Egypt in Milan that the death took place on 14 January, the statement noted. The Egyptian consulate in Milan continues its extensive contacts with the relevant Italian authorities to follow up on the developments of the case and reveal the results of the investigations into the death, the statement said. The ministry also affirmed that work is underway to repatriate the body of the deceased to Cairo after finalising the required procedures. DNA tests have confirmed that the victim is Mohamed Ibrahim, a 44-year-old Egyptian man who lives in Cilavegna commune of Pavia province in northern Italy, Italian media reports said on Saturday. The remains of Ibrahims body were found charred inside a burning Audi A3 in the Gambolo countryside in Pavia, the report said, noting that the man was also hit by a gunshot. A hunter reported the incident to police in mid-January, according to Italian media. Police confirmed that the owner of the car, Ibrahim, was missing from home. The cause of Ibrahims death has not been announced to date. Search Keywords: Short link: Young people packing a stadium in DR Congo's capital Kinshasa erupted in joy on Thursday as Pope Francis entered in his popemobile, on the third day of his trip to the country. The Argentine pontiff arrived at the Martyrs' stadium around 9:00 am local time (0800 GMT), offering greetings and blessings to the crowd roaring in the stands. Young people had already begun to flock to the 80,000-seat stadium overnight, with many hoping for a papal message of peace for the Democratic Republic of Congo, a deeply observant country that has long been plagued by violence in its east. About 60 percent of the central African nation of roughly 100 million people is under the age of 20, according to UN figures. As well as conflict, young people face persistent unemployment in the DRC. Sheila Mangumbu, 21, said she was hoping for a "message of peace" from Francis, especially for residents of the eastern city of Goma. M23 rebels, allegedly backed by Rwanda, have captured swaths of territory in eastern DRC since late 2021 and come within kilometers of the commercial hub of Goma. "The M23 is killing many of us in the east, I would like this to stop because it has been going on for too long," Mangumbu told AFP. On the second day of his trip, the pope had hosted a mass at Kinshasa's airport that organizers said drew about a million people, some of whom had camped out all night to get a spot. He then met victims of conflict in the DRC's mineral-rich east, some of whom had suffered appalling violence. His face grave, Francis called for mercy from God. "May he convert the hearts of those who carry out brutal atrocities, which bring shame upon all humanity," he said. He said the conflict was being driven by greed and called on combatants to lay down their arms. "Listen to the cry of their blood," the pope said, alluding to a verse from the Book of Genesis. Scores of armed groups roam eastern DRC, many of them a legacy of two wars at the end of the 20th century that sucked in countries from around the region. 'Economic colonialism' The DRC is replete with minerals, timber and fresh water, yet remains one of the poorest countries in the world where corruption is entrenched. Shortly after his arrival from Rome on Tuesday, the pope -- speaking before an audience of Congolese politicians and other dignitaries -- said the DRC had been hamstrung by a long history of exploitation. "Political exploitation gave way to an economic colonialism that was equally enslaving," he said. "As a result, this country, massively plundered, has not benefited adequately from its immense resources." Many Congolese warmly welcomed the pope's message, and some hoped it would bring change. After addressing young people in Kinshasa's Martyrs' stadium, the pope will later meet Jesuit leaders and priests on the front line of the church's work in the DRC. About 40 percent of the country's population is Catholic, according to official statistics, and the church retains huge influence despite secularism being enshrined in the constitution. Francis will take his appeal for peace and reconciliation to South Sudan on Friday for a maiden three-day visit. Born in 2011 after gaining independence from Sudan, the nation has been battered by a civil conflict that left around 380,000 dead. The visit to the two countries was initially scheduled for 2022, but had to be postponed because of the pope's problems with his knee -- an affliction that has made him dependent on a wheelchair. It is his 40th foreign trip since he ascended to the papacy in 2013. Search Keywords: Short link: The Republican-led House of Representatives is expected to vote Thursday on a resolution to remove Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar, pictured here, on Capitol Hill in Washington on January 25, from the House Foreign Affairs Committee. US Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Energy Resources Laura Lochman is visiting Azerbaijan and will hold meetings in Baku until February 4, Azernews reports, citing the US Embassy in Azerbaijan. She is scheduled to have meetings with government officials, to participate in the IX Ministerial Meeting of the Southern Gas Corridor Advisory Council. Lochman leads the Energy Diplomacy team in the Bureau of Energy Resources at the Department of State and will discuss US support for Azerbaijans energy projects as well as Azerbaijans importance in helping stabilize European energy security, including through the Southern Gas Corridor. Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno on Thursday opened his country's first embassy in Israel, four years after the countries renewed ties following a decades-long rupture, an Israeli statement said. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office called the embassy's inauguration in Ramat Gan near Tel Aviv "a historic moment". Netanyahu said in 2020 that he had discussed "the possibility of opening an embassy in Jerusalem" with a Chadian delegation. That would have been a coup for the right-winger who has been pressing foreign governments to set up their embassies in the city, since then president Donald Trump moved the US embassy in 2018. "We are strengthening our friendship and our common interests in pursuing peace, security and prosperity," Netanyahu said Thursday. Israel recognised Chad when it declared independence from France in 1960 and by 1962 had opened an embassy in Ndjamena. Ties between Israel and Chad were broken in 1972 amid pressure from Muslim African nations. The Arab-Israeli wars of 1967 and 1973 led a number of African states to sever relations with the Jewish state. But in recent years, Israel has highlighted areas of cooperation ranging from security to technology and agriculture to improve ties on the continent. In a 2019 visit to Chad, Netanyahu and Deby announced a resumption of diplomatic relations. After his arrival on Tuesday, Deby met the head of Israel's Mossad spy agency, David Barnea. The Mossad "has played a central role in formulating the agreement and strengthening relations between the two countries," a statement from the Israeli prime minister's office said. One of the world's poorest countries, Chad is not an Arab League member state but belongs to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Netanyahu has made broadening Israelis ties across the Arab and Muslim world a foreign policy priority. Search Keywords: Short link: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday attended commemorations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi forces in the battle of Stalingrad, a long and grueling fight that resonates in the current conflict in Ukraine. Putin laid a wreath at the eternal flame of the memorial complex to the fallen Red Army soldiers in Volgograd, the current name of the city, which stretches along the western bank of the Volga River. The memorial is dominated by an 85-meter (279-foot) sculpture of a sword-wielding woman, Europe's tallest statue. The Russian leader is set to speak at a memorial event and have a meeting with activists later in the day. The city was renamed in 1961 as part of the Soviet Union's rejection of dictator Joseph Stalin's personality cult. But the name Stalingrad remains inextricably linked to the historic battle that turned the tide of World War II. There have been calls for the restoration of the city's old name, but they haven't received the Kremlin's blessing. The five months of fighting in Stalingrad between August 1942 and February 1943 is regarded as the bloodiest battle in history with the death toll for soldiers and civilians reaching as high as 2 million. Most of the city was reduced to rubble before Nazi forces surrendered on Feb. 2, 1943. The Soviet victory was a major turning point in the European theater of World War II and the battle remains an immense point of pride in modern Russia, lauded as a demonstration of military might and moral seriousness. As Russian forces struggle to gain ground in Ukraine, lawmakers from the dominant United Russia party have been told to liken the Ukraine fight to Stalingrad, the newspaper Kommersant reported. Some Russians on Thursday made the connection explicit. ``The achievement of our fathers and grandfathers, showing unprecedented heroism, valor and self-sacrifice during the defense of Stalingrad, still inspires our courageous soldiers who carry out responsible combat missions on the fields of the special military operation and defend the sovereignty, independence and security of our country,'' said Russian Orthodox Church head Patriarch Kirill, using the official characterization of the conflict that began nearly a year ago. Communist Party head Gennady Zyuganov, after laying flowers at the Unknown Soldier memorial outside the Kremlin, said that he hoped that Russian forces would prevail in Ukraine. ``To do this, it is necessary to adopt the unique experience of the victorious Red Army, the Battle of Stalingrad, Oryol, Kursk,`` Zyuganov said. Sergei Naryshkin, head of Russia's foreign intelligence agency the SVR, said that ``no matter how many years have passed, the image of the unconquered city on the Volga, Stalingrad, will forever remain a symbol of the resilience and courage of our people, a strong spiritual support in the face of any external threats and challenges, in the face of any enemies.`` Search Keywords: Short link: Supporters of Will Lehman, the Pennsylvania Mack Trucks worker running for president of the United Auto Workers union, continue to win strong support from Stellantis workers in Indiana angered over the undemocratic character of the UAW presidential election. Among Stellantis workers, there is broad disdain for the two candidatesincumbent UAW president Ray Curry and long-time UAW International Representative Shawn Fainwho are facing each other in a bogus run-off election organized by the UAW bureaucracy and the court-appointed UAW Monitor. Curry and Fain were the two top vote getters in the first round of voting late last year, which excluded 90 percent of the membership. Campaigner pass out flyers on Lehman protest to Indiana Transmission workers on February 1, 2023 [Photo: WSWS] On Wednesday and Thursday, Lehman supporters visited the Kokomo Transmission, Kokomo Casting, Indiana Transmission and Tipton Transmission plants, which employ nearly 6,000 workers in the central Indiana region, just north of Indianapolis. Campaigners distributed flyers summarizing Lehmans official protest to the court-appointed UAW Monitor, which exposed widespread voter suppression, including the refusal of the UAW to update members addresses for mail-in ballots and to broadly publicize the first-ever direct election of union officers. Workers gathered at the turnstiles could be heard discussing the 10 most critical facts uncovered by the Lehman campaign and many purchased copies of the 54-page protest, which has been printed in pamphlet form. I got all sorts of stuff for the mid-term elections from the UAW, but I never got a ballot to vote in the union election, an Indiana Transmission worker with 10 years told the World Socialist Web Site. Another said, Im getting more information about the run-off than I ever did in the first election. A temporary part-time worker at the plant said neither Curry nor Fain have done anything about the plight of temporary part-time workers, or TPTs. Ive been a TPT for six years. Its not my UAW brothers and sisters who want TPTs treated this way. I want to have the right to vote and pick leaders that will change my life. Another TPT who has not been rolled over to full-time after five years at the plant said she didnt vote because she was not told about the deadline to ask for a ballot. A similar situation applied for another TPT at the plant who reported that her husband received a ballot while she did not. At Kokomo Casting a worker said, The UAW elections are no different from the big elections with the Democrats and Republicans. You get a chance to vote but youre stuck with people who dont represent you and youre supposed to pick the lesser of two evils. It seems like the UAW leaders wanted to make sure we only had the choice to vote for those who have been in the leadership for a long time and have done nothing for the workers. The Kokomo area has long been a center of militant opposition to the betrayals of the UAW bureaucracy. In 2015, members of UAW Local 685, the largest local in the area, rejected a UAW-backed national agreement by 77 percent. Rank-and-file workers angrily denounced then UAW-Chrysler chief negotiator Norwood Jewell, who was later convicted for taking bribes from Chrysler executives to sell out UAW members. Shawn Fain started his career in the UAW bureaucracy as a skilled trades representative in UAW Local 1166 at the Kokomo Casting Plant. Appointed to the UAW-Chrysler national negotiating committee in 2009, he backed the savage cuts imposed by the Obama administration during the bankrutpcy restructuring of Chrysler, which reduced the wages of all new hires by 50 percent, eliminated COLA (cost-of-living adjustment), expanded the use of temporary part-time employees and laid off thousands of workers. By the time of the 2015 negotiations, Fain was assistant director of the UAW-Fiat Chrysler Department, headed by the notorious Norwood Jewell and denounced by federal prosecutors as the center of a culture of corruption in the UAW. It strains imagination to believe Fain did not know what was going on underneath his nose. For his part, Curry was ushered into the top position by outright criminals, including two past UAW presidents who were sent to jail for embezzling millions in union dues to finance their lavish lifestyles. Curry has overseen the betrayal of strikes by UAW workers at Mack and Volvo Trucks, John Deere, and most recently, the eight-month struggle at CNH. Both Curry and Fain were longstanding members of the UAW bureaucracys ruling Administrative Caucus. Indiana Transmission workers discuss Lehman protest [Photo: WSWS] I always wanted to know who cut our wages, an Indiana Transmission worker told the WSWS. I dont want Curry or Fain. In 2009, the politicians and the media were saying that autoworkers were getting paid too much and werent worth it. Dont tell me that. By the time we get out of here our bodies are broken down and are decrepit. I got a cousin at Kokomo Casting who just retired and within months he was dead of cancer. Its not just the corporations, its the government thats going after us. Another Indiana Transmission worker added, They are laying off the TPTs who trained us when we came over from Tipton Transmission. These guys have been TPTs for five years or more, but they are getting bumped out of their jobs by laid-off workers who are coming here from Belvidere. She said it was unfair these workers have not been rolled over to full time and were now being laid off. She agreed with Will Lehmans call for a fight against plant closing and layoffs, which are being accepted by the UAW. One TPT with six years reported that despite having had perfect attendance for over the previous two and a half years she was told shed be getting laid off next week. We get laid off even if we bust our asses for this company. My tier isnt eligible for a raise this year even though I feel like my expenses have tripled since my last raise. Some TPTs are being asked to move to Kokomo Engine and theyre not allowed to refuse. Theyll get fired if they do. But that plant is so awful, all the people who I know that have gotten moved there are looking for another job. An autoworker with 28 years said, Its a real shame that some folks in here cant accumulate seniority even though weve all been working alongside each other. At the Tipton Transmission Plant a worker told the WSWS, Were worried that the plant might close soon. Weve been trying to get new products for a while, but it just isnt working. The UAW is so corrupt. Im really not surprised that they suppressed the vote. A veteran of Kokomo Transmission who got the leaflet summarizing Lehmans protest said, I didnt know this was going on. The fact is the runoff has been manipulated to silence us. The union leadership never wanted a direct election in the first place, and they did everything they could to protect their positions. This was not an honest election, conducted in the right way. It was underhanded. I used to be involved in the local union but I couldnt take it anymore. Union brothers and sisters are going to have to stick together. We make up the workforce, the ones who have to work overtime just to make ends meet. Were getting nothing but the UAW tops got money to pay for their lavish trips. I see people protesting pension cuts in France. Were going to have to do that here. Theyre trying to raise the retirement age to 70, so well die before we get Social Security and Medicare. Theres no way that I am going to work until Im 70. Lehman supporter speaks with Kokomo Transmission worker [Photo: WSWS] One autoworker who has lived in Kokomo for almost 29 years said, When youve seen the things Ive seen, you worry about people knowing who youre telling that stuff to. I go to union meetings sometimes. But people generally dont go because theres no point in it. We have over 1,600 workers here, and were lucky if 80 people show up. How can you blame us? No answers are provided whenever we go to meetings. They shove stuff in the agenda that no one even asked about, and they dont listen to us when its our turn to identify problems that should be addressed. They tell us what theyre working on. Its like the whole thing is coordinated; like were not really meeting each other to talk about whats on everyones mind, but it feels like the whole thing is staged for show. After 2010, they started two tiers in this plant. I guess things were a little better before then. But not too much really. Workers have been losing buying power at an enormous pace lately. Its scary. I dont understand how any sort of union that claims to be representing workers can allow the companies to hire temps. Some of the temps I see are probably the hardest working people in [the factory]. And theyre not guaranteed any job security even in the short-term. But they have families too. And this is in the companys best interest, of course. So who does the union represent? Us or Stellantis? People who have been here longer draw conclusions about things like this. Ill tell you I never voted for two-tier wages. I dont think any of us [full-time employees] would think of anything so cruel to do to each other. And then they wonder why no one is coming to meetings. Earlier this week, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin visited South Korea for talks with President Yoon Suk-yeol and Defense Minister Lee Jong-seop. The trip is part of Washingtons efforts to consolidate alliances in the region in preparation for a US-instigated war against China. US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, (left) with South Korean Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup during a joint press conference after their meeting at the Defense Ministry in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023. [AP Photo/Jeon Heon-kyun/Pool Photo via AP] Arriving Monday, Austin met first with Lee, then Yoon on Tuesday. He made clear that not only did Washingtons alliance with South Korea remain ironclad, but that the US would also ramp up its military presence in the region in coordination with Seoul. He emphasized once again that the full range of Washingtons destructive capabilities were being deployed to the region, in a thinly veiled threat to China and North Korea. Austin stated at a joint press conference with Lee, The United States stands firm in its extended deterrence commitment, and that includes the full range of US defense capabilities, including our conventional, nuclear, and missile defense capabilities. Now, we have 28,500 uniformed personnel in South Korea who proudly work together every day with their ROK [South Korean] counterparts. Thats one of the largest US troop deployments around the world. Austins visit to Seoul has nothing to do with defense. It is to ensure that the Yoon administration is working in lockstep with the US in pursuit of the latters strategic goals in Northeast Asia, directed above all against China. This means greater collaboration between the two countries militaries, including on the deployment of the strategic and nuclear assets to the Korean Peninsula in the event of war. Referencing recent past measures taken by the US, Austin stated, We deployed fifth-generation aircraft, F-22s, F-35s, and also deployed a carrier strike group to visit the peninsula. He continued, You can look for more of that kind of activity going forward. But in addition to that, you can look to see deeper consultation between our two countries and that leadership. This comes after President Yoon made remarks last month about joint planning and coordination with Washington on the use of US nuclear weapons in an interview with the Chosun Ilbo newspaper. He went further in a statement released on January 12, supposedly over the North Korean threat, declaring, If the issue becomes more serious, we could acquire our own nuclear weapons, such as deploying tactical nuclear weapons here in South Korea. This was the first time a South Korean president has publicly made such a declaration, though Seoul has previously had a nuclear weapons program. During the Park Chung-hee regime in the 1970s, Seoul worked in secret to develop nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles capable of delivering a nuclear payload. Seoul only gave up these programs under pressure from Washington. Yoon later walked back his comments in an interview with the Wall Street Journal published on January 19, stating instead, We are preparing a stronger joint planning and joint execution in operating the US nuclear assets on the Korean Peninsula. For Washington, all of this provides the opportunity for deepening its nuclear planning for a war with China while integrating Seoul closer into these plans. The US intends to draw South Korea as well as Japan into a tighter trilateral alliance that includes increased intelligence sharing and coordination to complement its other alliances in the region, including the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), which includes the US, Japan, Australia, and India; and the AUKUS pact comprised of Australia, the United Kingdom and the US. At the same time, Yoon is increasingly confrontational with North Korea. He has threatened to suspend a 2018 agreement with Pyongyang that is meant to reduce clashes along the border. The agreement bars hostilities in the border area, which includes guard posts, propaganda speakers, and live-fire drills. Moon Jang-ryeol, an adviser in the previous Moon Jae-in administration stated that under Yoon, We are now on the verge of military conflict with North Korea. While speaking in private with Yoon and Lee, Austin no doubt worked out a plan to further integrate Seoul into Washingtons nuclear war planning. When asked directly by a reporter Tuesday about South Korea obtaining its own nuclear weapons, Austin reiterated that the two sides would continue to work together to strengthen the US extended deterrence. This, however, already includes US and South Korea tabletop exercises this month to coordinate the allies planning, which would include nuclear scenarios. In a Tuesday piece written for South Koreas Yonhap News Agency titled The Alliance Stands Ready, Austin stated the two sides are expanding the scope and scale of our combined exercises. He added that the two sides will plan visits to US strategic [that is, nuclear] sites housing our most advanced capabilities to demonstrate the role these capabilities may play in crisis or conflict. Austin called the US-South Korean alliance one of the most interoperable, and adaptable alliances in history. Significantly, South Korea is also working to expand alliances, not just with the US and Japan, but with Europe. On January 27, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg gave an interview to Yonhap, shortly before arriving in South Korea last Sunday for a two-day visit. He stated, The most important message is that I strongly believe that we need to strengthen the partnership between [South] Korea and NATO because security becomes more and more interconnected. What happens in Asia, the Indo-Pacific, matters for Europe and NATO, and vice versa. As justification for NATOs expansion into Asia, Stoltenberg went on to denounce China, claiming China is also coercing and intimidating countries, for instance in the South China Sea region, and it matters for global trade and for the freedom of navigation. He is simply repeating Washingtons propaganda used to justify US military provocations in the South China Sea and its military build-up throughout the region. Backing this war drive, Seoul is working closer with the alliance, establishing a diplomatic mission to NATO in Brussels last November. Yoon became the first South Korean president to attend a NATO summit last June. Ultimately, neither Washington nor any of its partners are concerned about peace in the Indo-Pacific region. The US consolidation of these treaties and alliances is above all aimed at planning for war against China even as it is rapidly escalating its war against Russia in Ukraine. On Saturday, January 28, the Socialist Equality Party (SGP) held its fourth election rally in Berlin-Neukolln. Main candidate and SGP chairman Christoph Vandreier spoke on the 90th anniversary of Hitlers seizure of power and how the German government is marking this anniversary by sending tanks against Russia again. The video includes English subtitles. SGP chairman Christoph Vandreier speaking on the 90th anniversary of Hitlers seizure of power On Tuesday, January 24, Australia Post (AP) workers at the Kingsgrove depot in inner-west Sydney were called in to a facility-wide meeting at which sweeping changes to delivery operations at the government-owned postal service were flagged. While this was a company meeting at which state and depot managers were present, they did not speak except to introduce Shane Murphy, the national president of the Communication Workers Union (CWU). The top union bureaucrat spoke on their behalf to try to head off opposition among workers that management and the CWU leadership know is sure to develop. Murphy outlined planned changes to the delivery model that will drastically increase the workload of postal workers and slash hundreds, if not thousands, of jobs. The restructuring is necessary, Murphy declared, because the company confronts significant economic headwinds in the coming period. In other words, APs profits must be protected amid the intensifying global economic crisis, whatever the cost in jobs and conditions to workers. There could hardly be a clearer statement to illustrate that the CWU bureaucracy serves the interests of management, not workers. Murphy explained that beats (delivery routes) served by Electric Delivery Vehicles (EDVs), motorbikes and pushbikes will be recast and expanded by up to 50 percent. Ordinary letters and junk mail will be delivered to half the beat on alternate days, while parcels, large letters and priority mail will continue to be delivered each day. While Murphy claimed walking beats would not be affected, his only reason was that some such routes could not practically be delivered by any other means. This leaves the door wide open for the vast majority of walking postal workers, whose routes do not preclude the use of EDVs, to be told re-train or leave. Underscoring the trend towards elimination of walking beats,Murphy told workers that AP is testing new four-wheel EDVs with larger carrying capacity, meaning workers will soon be loaded up with even more parcels each day. CWU National President Shane Murphy addresses Australia Post workers at Kingsgrove, NSW on January 24, 2022 [Photo: CWU Central] The CWU posted photos of last weeks meeting on Facebook, with the caption: Great meeting with posties out at Kingsgrove delivery this morning. This was intended to suggest that this was a meeting of workers, at which they could openly discuss the forthcoming changes, ask questions and raise other workplace issues. But how could workers speak freely with their facility- and state-level bosses standing by? The truth is that it would hardly have made a difference if management had left the room. The form and content of this briefing demonstrated beyond any doubt that AP and the CWU bureaucracy speak with one voice. In a phoney gesture intended to distance the union from the new model, Murphy claimed he doesnt think it will work, but that it was incumbent upon workers to give it a go. It should be noted that his opposition was not that the model would result in the loss of jobs and working conditions, but that it might not deliver the productivity increases demanded by management. According to Murphy, the new measures will be trialled for eight weeks at a single Sydney facility, although he did not specify which one. But the very fact that management and the union called a site-wide meeting to explain the changes shows that this is no mere experiment. The truth is, AP and the CWU leadership have been discussing these plans behind closed doors for at least the past four months, as part of an operational review ordered by the federal Labor government. In October, the union warned in a note to members that that the company had proposed models that were eerily similar to the Alternative Delivery Model (ADM), a widely despised restructuring effort rammed through in 2020. The CWU declared, this Union will oppose any attempt to introduce any delivery model that looks, sounds or even smells like the ADM. Now, the union bureaucracy is not only not opposing, but promoting, a model with every one of these characteristics. AP workers could well ask what the functional difference is between delivering two beats on alternate days under the ADM and delivering half of an expanded beat each day under the new model. While the recast routes may not be quite as large as the combined area of the two under the ADM, workers will now be expected to deliver parcels to the whole beat every day, without the aid of a dedicated van driver on every team. The CWU bureaucracy postures as an opponent of the ADM because of the immense anger the model sparked among workers. But it could not have been implemented without the vital role played by the union leadership, which enforced a 12-month no-strike clause included in a memorandum of understanding it signed with AP, behind workers backs. The ADM was not ended because of a campaign run by the union, but because it failed to deliver the cost reductions demanded by AP and the federal government. The latest plans, again being pushed by the CWU bureaucracy, are guided by precisely the same motives. As with all of the changes implemented at Australia Post in recent years, the new model is directed at running down letter mail and transforming the postal service into a highly profitable parcel delivery business. Ultimately, this is aimed at full or partial privatisation of Australia Post. The CWU leadership is fully prepared to enforce this, just as it did at Telstra, the formerly government-owned telecommunications service, resulting in the destruction of thousands of jobs. Australia Post workers should oppose the latest restructuring plans, which can rightfully be described as ADM 2.0. But such opposition cannot possibly be organised within the framework of the CWU, which is working in lockstep with management to impose the job- and condition-slashing measures. The only way for AP workers to even have a democratic discussion about the new model, let alone organise to oppose it, is to take matters into their own hands. Rank-and-file committees must be formed in every depot, as the only means through which workers can have an open and frank conversation about working conditions, pay and the ongoing restructuring operation they confront. Through these committees, linked through the national Postal Workers Rank-and-File Committee, AP workers can develop a plan to fight the union-management imposition of the new model and all other attacks on their conditions. The World Socialist Web Site unequivocally denounces the state-led persecution of the Union of Left Forces - For a New Socialism party in Ukraine by the NATO-backed Zelensky-government. The Union of Left Forces is opposed to Ukraines entry into NATO, insisting instead on a neutral status for the country, and has also opposed the Ukrainian governments de-communization laws that have been used to ban all symbols associated with communism and the Soviet Union. It also advocates the recognition of Russian as the second official language in Ukraine. A woman looks as Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) agents enter a building during an operation to arrest suspected Russian "collaborators" in Kharkiv, Ukraine, Thursday, April 14, 2022. [AP Photo/Felipe Dana] The WSWS has received submissions from the partys head, Maxim Goldarb, indicating a systematic campaign by the Ukrainian state aimed at destroying the party and intimidating and violently persecuting its members. The party was banned during the implementation of martial law in March 2022, along with 12 other opposition parties. Goldarb described the persecution of the party that followed this ban to the WSWS as follows: In the spring of 2022, the founder of the party was extrajudicially detained and taken into custody. With regard to the leadership of the party, the secret service carried out illegal and extrajudicial operational-search measures for wiretapping, video surveillance, and illegal surveillance. On far-fetched charges, the chairman of the party was provocatively detained. As a result of such persecution, three out of five members of the political council of the party were forced to leave Ukraine. All leaders of regional party organizations were summoned to the special services for interrogation and pressure. The main office of the party in Kyiv in the spring of last year was hacked, party documentation disappeared from it. The banning of the Union of Left Forces has been part of a campaign of state repression and terror unleashed by the Ukrainian state against all real and suspected opponents of the Zelensky government and the NATO proxy war in Ukraine against Russia. A central role in this campaign is played by the Secret Service of Ukraine, the SBU, an organization that is notorious for its close ties to Ukraines neo-Nazi scene and the use of torture and rape as methods of interrogation. The SBU has carried out major raids and assassinations of politicians and figures associated with opposition to the pro-NATO government. Among those targeted were Mikhail and Alexander Kononovich, two leaders of the Ukrainian Communist Youth, who were arrested by the SBU in March 2022, imprisoned and tortured. They were only released in December 2022 and are now under house arrest. The SBU is also systematically deployed to hunt for supposed collaborators with the Russian authorities in territories that were occupied by Russia but have since been re-taken by Ukraine. Many of those interrogated and terrorized by the SBU are local workers. The far-right forces that have infested the SBU as well as the military and the police have been built up as shock troops of the NATO war and the government against the working class for years. Especially since the 2014 NATO-backed coup in Kiev that overthrew a pro-Russian government and led to an eight-year long civil war in East Ukraine, neo-Nazi forces were integrated into the state apparatus and army. With the support of Western governments and academics, the World War II-era Nazi collaborators from Stepan Banderas Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army, which played a central role in the Holocaust, have been glorified as national heroes, and monuments have been erected in their honor. In a further measure aimed at escalating state repression of any opposition to the war, the Zelensky government at the beginning of this year passed a censorship law that has been described by European and Ukrainian associations of journalists as the biggest threat to press freedom in (Ukraines) independent history. The European Federation of Journalists described an earlier version of the bill as worthy of the worst authoritarian regimes. Describing the impact of this new law, Maxim Goldarb wrote: Under the new law, the state regulator, the National Council for Television and Radio Broadcasting, received unlimited opportunities to influence any media - from analysis and control over content to extrajudicial closure. So, for example, the National Council will create lists of banned media, form a list of persons who pose a threat to the national media space of Ukraine and who cannot be shown in the media, send instructions to media entities that are mandatory, and also control whether any forbidden information has been made public in the media. At the same time, the list of what it refers to as forbidden information is quite extensive and subjective, does not have clear criteria and, in fact, is determined by the National Council itself. In the same way, the National Council itself will determine what is inaccurate information, the dissemination of which will be considered a gross violation of the law, and for which sanctions will be applied. All this is covered up by the need to resist Russian aggression, but there are no deadlines in the law. It will work now and will continue to operate after the end of the war. Violators of the prohibitions face fines, revocation of licenses, cancellation of registration, temporary (for 14 days) or complete blocking of work. Particularly harsh sanctions - extrajudicial blocking - threaten online media that will not be officially registered as mass media. They will be blocked even for minor (three times a month) violations or for two gross violations. The National Council on Television and Radio Broadcasting, contrary to its name, now regulates in Ukraine the activities of not only television and radio, but also print and even Internet media, including online cinemas or platforms with user-generated content, such as YouTube channels. Describing the ever more repressive climate in the country, Goldarb continued: The persecution of opposition politicians, journalists and public figures has intensified as never before. Many of them were forced to leave the country, and those who did not ended up in dungeons. Deputies of the opposition factions of the parliament are recklessly deprived of their deputy mandates, contrary to the Constitution and the will of the people who elected them. Moreover, in the secular state that is Ukraine, the authorities have launched repressive actions against the largest religious community in the country, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The Ukrainian special service, the Security Service, conducts large-scale searches in Orthodox monasteries across the country, criminal cases are opened against priests, church premises and property are taken by force, illegal sanctions are imposed on church hierarchs, and a bill on banning the Ukrainian Orthodox Church is registered in Parliament. Its no secret that behind every major business structure, behind every parliamentary faction, behind every top official, there is one or another oligarch. Over the past few years, the oligarchs - the people on the Forbes list from Ukraine - have steadily increased their fortunes and increased control over the country and its resources, mercilessly ruining them and its citizens. Now, having suffered financial losses due to hostilities, they decided to compensate for them by establishing absolute control over all financial flows without exception, whether it be military supplies, humanitarian aid, taxation, loans, international assistance for reconstruction, export earnings, utility tariffs, and so on. To do this, under the noise of war, the last obstacles to the establishment of an oligarchic dictatorship are harshly eliminated. The Ukrainian Union of Left Forces For a New Socialism party is affiliated with the Left Party in Germany and other organizations with whom the World Socialist Web Site and the International Committee of the Fourth International have well documented political differences. But this does not change in any way our principled opposition to the state persecution of the Union of Left Forces and other left-wing and oppositional organizations. With its bans of and attacks on opposition parties, the Zelensky government is trying to suppress any opposition within the working class to its role as a proxy in NATOs war against Russia, which threatens the population of the region and all of humanity with a nuclear catastrophe. It is the duty of all class-conscious workers and youth around the world to demand an immediate end to the state repression of the Union of Left Forces and all other left-wing and opposition parties in Ukraine. On January 17, just days before the announcement that the German government would once again send battle tanks to wage war against Russia, the Berlin-Karlshorst Museum commemorated the World War II blockade by German forces of Leningrad, now Saint Petersburg, which resulted in some 1.2 million people starving to death. The blockade lasted from September 1941 until January 1944. The brochure distributed at the January 17 event, The Leningrad Blockade in the Testimonies of the Mojshes Family, documents the diaries and memoirs of the Russian-Jewish Mojshes family and recalls this immense German war crime. The Nazi war of extermination against the USSR claimed the lives of 27 million Soviet citizens, 14 million of them civilians, nearly half the death toll in World War II. The number of Leningrad blockade victims alone was roughly 2.5 times the number of US military deaths. Indeed, the US Military Academy in its Atlas of the Second World War estimated that Russian casualties during the siege were greater than combined US and British casualties during the entire conflict. Soviet civilians leaving destroyed houses after a German bombardment during the siege, December 10, 1942 [RIA Novosti archive, image #2153] [Photo by Boris Kudoyarov / CC BY 2.0 Leningrad, Moscow and Ukraine, along with the cities of Kiev and Odessa, were the first targets of the massive, bloody German invasion of June 22, 1941. When by late summer the expectation of a quick victory had proven a miscalculation, Hitler and the Wehrmacht leadership decided not to attack Leningrad but to seal it off. Leningrads population of 3 million was to be annihilated by continuous shelling and starvation, in part, as murderous revenge on Bolshevism and the October Revolution, which had such powerful roots in and ties to that city. Beginning on September 8, 1941, for two and a half years, 872 days, the inhabitants of the former Petrograd were trapped. On January 27, 1944 the Red Army managed to break through the encirclement. In the winter of 1941-42 there was only one connection with the outside world, Vehicles followed a route across the frozen Lake Ladoga, called the Road of Life by Leningrads inhabitants. Trucks, driving under continuous attack, often fell through the ice. Many of those who were supposed to be evacuated by this route lost their lives, and urgently needed food supplies often never reached their destination. It was not until January 18, 1943, that a rail line was able to transport food along a narrow land corridor, likewise under constant fire. The Leningrad blockade was judged at the Nuremberg trials in 1945 to be one of the most serious German war crimes and deemed genocidal. The great quantity of evidence at the trial included what is probably the best known and most harrowing account, the diary in which 12-year-old Tatyana Savicheva recorded the deaths of her relatives with dates and timesthe last of which read Mama, May 13 at 7:30 in the morning, 1942. The particular focus of the January 17 panel discussion at the former German-Russian Museumalso called the Surrender Museum because it was here that German generals Keitel, von Friedeburg and Stumpff signed the unconditional surrender of the Wehrmacht on the night of May 8-9, 1945was on the diary of Lasar Mojshes and the memoirs of his daughter Anna. The Mojshes family originally came from the Vitebsk region, where many Jews settled under tsarist rule. The family moved to Yelets in the Oryol region in 1913, later fleeing from the brutal pogroms of the White Guard troops during the post-revolutionary civil war to Petrograd, later named Leningrad. Father Lasar, who worked in a factory for school materials, began his diary on September 9, 1941. The day before, the ring of the siege had closed around the city, and during the night German bombs fell on the Badayev warehouses, which burned almost completely to the ground, destroying a portion of the citys food supply. The events of the last days in Leningrad are so serious that I decided to keep a diary about them, Lasar Mojshes notes. He sees himself as a chronicler of the times and records everything soberly, but accurately and factually, with details about street names, house numbers, even times of the bombings and artillery blasts. He also lists the number of dead. In passing, one learns how many social and cultural institutions existed in the city of the October Revolutionfood canteens, many clinics, the Mariinsky Theater, a youth theater, the House of the Peasant, the Palace of Labor, communal laundries. The Nazis, described by Lasar as bastards and scoundrels, deliberately bombed civilian targets, including Leningrads largest department store, the Gostiny Dvor, bus and streetcar stops, and the hospital for evacuees on Nevsky Prospekt, producing many casualties. One also learns that a bomb killed Betty the elephant, who had lived in the city zoo since 1911. At the same time, Lasar notes how the bread rations got smaller and smaller. He is one of the non-working people after his factory closes at the start of the war, and ultimately must make do with the smallest ration of 125 grams per day, which comes to about one thin slice of bread. The hunger becomes more and more desperate, in the canteens there is only thin soup, without vegetables and certainly without meat. You cant even get horse meat, cats have almost all been eaten, even I dream of catching a cat and trying it, Lasar writes. One is starving. Despite all this, we do not grumble. It is better than falling into the hands of the Hitlerites, who sharpen their teeth on us. We see our salvation only in the defeat of the bastards and bandits. Luck be with us. Thus ends the diary of Lasar Mojshes on November 30, 1941. A month later he died of starvation at the age of 59. His death certificate, reproduced in the museum booklet, was issued on December 30, 1941cause of death: dystrophy III degree. His wife Tatyana and his four children were evacuated in time and survived the blockade. Tatyanas brother and his wife, who lived with them, also starved to death. Three men burying victims of Leningrad's siege, 1942 [RIA Novosti archive, image #216] [Photo by Boris Kudoyarov / CC BY 2.0 The memoirs of Lasars daughter Anna, a journalist who was involved in the evacuation of children from Leningrad, were tape recorded shortly before her 90th birthday, in 1999. She had taken charge of children, especially from families of journalists and other members of the intelligentsia, evacuated to Tatarstan in the late summer of 1941 and returned to Leningrad in 1944. Her son Volodya was also there. The Bonn historian Katja Makhotina, herself born in Petersburg, explained in her introduction that the interesting thing about this document is that Anna Mojshes still represents the communist narrative 10 years after the end of the Soviet Union. Her language, with its optimistic narrative, sounded at many points like a Pioneer newspaper of the official Stalinist youth organization. One senses in it the pride she feels in having succeeded in making frontline workers out of the rather spoiled intelligentsia children. ... But they dont just work: they are happy to be working, feeling great pride and enthusiasm. Makhotina explains this communist language as the survivors attempt to overcome their traumas. However, the enthusiasm and pride during the Leningrad Blockade were neither invented nor exaggerated, nor is the willingness of Soviet soldiers to fight and sacrifice on the fronts. The introductory remarks express the attitude of the academics of the post-German-reunification period, who assess the fighting spirit of the Soviet population as support for the Stalinist regime, which they equate with socialism. However, despite the crimes of the Stalinists, the population was determined to defend to the bitter end the achievements of the October Revolutionthe nationalized property, the planned economy and the social and cultural advances associated with itagainst the Nazi invasion. There can be no doubt that this had an impact on children. It was the criminal policies of the Stalinist bureaucracy that left the Soviet Union initially defenseless before the fascist onslaught. Stalin, in the Great Terror, not only murdered almost the entire leadership of the October Revolution and hundreds of thousands of Communists and intellectuals, but he also decapitated the Red Army. He disregarded the warnings about an imminent Nazi attack, trusting instead in the non-aggression pact with Hitler. Anna does not hide the difficulties the villagers faced, where Stalins policy of forced collectivization led to hostile reactions. She talks about clashes between children and caregivers. But she is animated by the desire to incorporate the best features of the revolution into her pedagogical duties to the children, to cheer them up and create a sense of security despite their separation from their starving parents in Leningrad, and so much sad news. The children love it and appreciate being treated as equals, Anna says, recounting how the educators organize plays, literary contests, songs and a wall newspaper with them. Anna Mojshes, against bureaucratic opposition, ultimately brings the orphans back to Leningrad and helps them cope with the loss of their parents through mentoring and social cohesion. At the end of the meeting, Russian-Jewish survivor Leonid Berezin, now 94 years old, took the microphone and thanked the museum with moving words: This event is very rare. In Berlin, in Germany, everywhere in the world today they are against Russia. The Leningrad hunger blockade was a genocide, he continued. But, We are here! he added, referring to the survivors. This event is especially important to me, he stressed, and then slowly, deeply, harshly, unmistakably once again the words, Because we are here! Berezin, born in Siberia in 1929, survived the blockade of Leningrad by the Germans and the Holocaust during World War II. In 1941, as the Wehrmacht advanced on the Soviet city, he was evacuated with a childrens transport. But the train was attacked by German bombers, and as a 12-year-old he walked for three days, along with a few other surviving children, back to Leningrad. In February 1942, then 13 years old, he survived a childrens transport across frozen Lake Ladoga. Many of his relatives died in Leningrad or became victims of the Holocaust in Belarus. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, he came to Germany as a so-called contingent refugee. Among contingent refugees were victims of the blockade, about 300 of whom are still alive today. In Leningrad, Berezin was a professor of radio technology. Today, like many other Jewish contingent refugees, he lives in poor conditions in a one-room apartment in Berlin, surviving on meager basic welfare benefits. He heads the Berlin association of blockade victims Lebendige Erinnerung (Living Memory), which celebrates the liberation of Leningrad from the siege on January 27 as our Victory Day. On February 2, the Berlin-Karlshorst Museum, whose original name was changed primarily at the instigation of the German Green Party, will host a reading and discussion of Vasily Grossmans book Stalingrad to mark the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Stalingrad. During the coronavirus pandemic of the past years, the museums website has integrated some helpful video guides on, among other things, the blockade of Leningrad and the Nazi starvation policy under the General Plan East. The museum booklet The Blockade of Leningrad in the Testimonies of the Mojshes Family can be ordered here. French naval forces in January seized thousands of assault rifles, machine guns, and anti-tank missiles in the Gulf of Oman coming from Iran and heading to Yemen's Houthi rebels, officials said Thursday. While Iran denied being involved, images of the weapons released by the U.S. military's Central Command showed them to be similar to others captured by American forces in other shipments tied to Tehran. The announcement comes as Iran faces increasing Western pressure over its shipment of drones to arm Russia during its war on Ukraine, as well as for its violent monthslong crackdown targeting protesters. Regional tensions also have heightened after a suspected Israeli drone attack on a military workshop in the central Iranian city of Isfahan on Saturday. Previous cycles of violence since the collapse of Iran's nuclear deal with world powers have seen the Islamic Republic launch retaliatory attacks at sea. The seizure occurred on Jan. 15 in the Gulf of Oman, a body of water that stretches from the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf, through to the Arabian Sea and onto the Indian Ocean. CENTCOM described the interdiction as happening ``along routes historically used to traffic weapons unlawfully from Iran to Yemen.'' A United Nations resolution bans arms transfers to Yemen's Iranian-backed Houthi rebels, who took the country's capital in late 2014 and have been at war with a Saudi-led coalition backing the country's internationally recognized government since March 2015. The Wall Street Journal first reported on the seizure, identifying the forces involved as elite French special forces. Two officials with knowledge of the interdiction, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they did not have permission to speak publicly on the operation's details, similarly identified the French as carrying out the seizure. The French military did not respond to requests for comment about capturing the weapons. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani in an online message rejected the assessment Tehran supplied the weapons on the vessel and described the accusations as ``politically motivated.'' While France maintains a naval base in Abu Dhabi, it typically takes a quieter approach in the region while maintaining a diplomatic presence in Iran. Iran has long denied arming the Houthis, though Western nations, U.N. experts, and others have traced weaponry ranging from night-vision scopes, rifles, and missiles back to Tehran. In November, the U.S. Navy said it found 70 tons of a missile fuel component hidden among bags of fertilizer aboard a ship bound for Yemen from Iran. Houthi ballistic missile fire has targeted Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in the past. Images taken Wednesday by CENTCOM and analyzed by the AP, showed a variety of weapons on board an unidentified ship apparently docked at a port. The weapons appeared to include Chinese-made Type 56 rifles, Russian-made Molot AKS20Us, and PKM-pattern machine guns. All have appeared in other seizures of weapons attributed to Iran. CENTCOM said the seizure included more than 3,000 rifles and 578,000 rounds of ammunition. The released images also showed 23 container-launched anti-tank missiles, which also have turned up in other shipments tied to Iran. The war in Yemen has deteriorated largely into a stalemate and spawned one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. However, Saudi-led airstrikes haven't been recorded in Yemen since the kingdom began a cease-fire at the end of March 2022, according to the Yemen Data Project. That cease-fire expired in October despite diplomatic efforts to renew it. That has led to fears the war could again escalate. More than 150,000 people have been killed in Yemen during the fighting, including over 14,500 civilians. Search Keywords: Short link: After 3 million workers in France marched Tuesday against President Emmanuel Macrons pension cuts, strikes are spreading across Europe. A line of riot police officers divides protestors at the end of the demonstration against plans to push back France's retirement age, at the Invalides monument, Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023 in Paris. [AP Photo/Thibault Camus] Anger is erupting against austerity and soaring prices for energy and food that are impoverishing workers worldwide. The same day as the French protests, Belgian medical workers marched in Brussels against the hospital crisis triggered by COVID-19. Yesterday, tech workers went on strike as the first in a wave of industrial action over wages across Finland. And across the English Channel in Britain, half a million workers in Britain went on strike against inflation and draconian anti-strike minimum service laws. The French strikes raise questions sharply posed to workers internationally. It is impossible to turn back the escalating assault on the social rights of the working class without building a movement against the US-NATO war against Russia in Ukraine and the mounting danger that it will escalate into a global, nuclear conflict. Macron is under no illusion that raising the minimum retirement age to 64 to cut overall pension spending by over 5 percentor around 13 billion per yearis popular or democratic. Polls show 70 percent of French people oppose it, and 79 percent say a social explosion is possible in the coming months. Yet Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne has declared the cuts are non-negotiable and is mobilizing tens of thousands of riot police to assault workers and youth protesting the cuts. To justify his authoritarian policies, Macron is recklessly sending tanks to Ukraine to fight Russia and raising French military spending by nearly 100 billion, to 413 billion over 20242030. He then cynically claims cutting pensions is indispensable to save the system from state bankruptcy. He has blamed this on Russian President Vladimir Putin: There are no more peace dividends as a result of Russias aggression against Ukraine. Macron is championing the demands of the ruling classes in every imperialist country. In its Tuesday editorial, Why France Needs Pension Reform, the Wall Street Journal echoed the arguments of the imperialist bourgeoisies at the outbreak of the two world wars of the last century: Waging great-power war requires drastically cutting workers living standards. It wrote, Spending to meet the threats wont be possible without reforms that make pensions and entitlements more sustainable. This is a debate that needs to take place across Europe and in the US. The end of the Cold War created the illusion that welfare states could coast along with ever-more generous benefits. But they cant if democracies want to defend themselves against authoritarian threats. These arguments are a pack of lies. The slashing of pensions is rooted not in Putins reactionary decision last year to invade Ukraine, but in the material interests of a tiny, entrenched financial oligarchy that plunders society. Last months Oxfam report on global inequality showed that the top 1 percent of society siphoned off 63 percent of all wealth created, or more than $26 trillion, in 20202021. France, whose CAC-40 stock index yet again hit record profits of 172 billion last year, currently is home to the worlds richest man, Bernard Arnault. Boosted by multi-trillion-euro European Union (EU) bank bailouts, Arnaults stock market wealth rose from 85.7 billion in 2020 to 213 billion in 2023. The 13 billion Macron wants to cut from total yearly pension spending is less than one-third of the yearly increase in Arnaults personal wealth (42 billion) since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The social onslaught on the workers is rooted not in Russian military planning, but in deep shifts in world politics since the 1991 Stalinist dissolution of the Soviet Union. Abroad, the NATO powers, led by Washington, embarked on a neocolonial rampage that cost millions of lives, with wars in Iraq, Yugoslavia, Afghanistan, Mali, Syria and beyond. At home, the EU sought to slash basic social rights the ruling class had been forced to concede in Western Europe after the Soviet defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. In France, negotiations between the state and union bureaucracies over reforms to cut pensions or critical social services became almost yearly events, ever since Prime Minister Alain Juppes pension cuts provoked a mass wildcat rail strike in NovemberDecember 1995. Macron is not slashing pensions because it is the only way to finance a response to a sudden threat from Russia, which traditionally has close diplomatic ties to France. Rather, he is risking world war in order to continue the social onslaught at home. In 2019, Macron gave an extensive interview to the Economist, criticizing NATO threats against Russian forces in the Middle East. He said NATO was brain-dead and called for it to reconsider our position towards Russia. He added: When the United States is very harsh with Russia, it is a form of governmental, political and historical hysteria. He said France sought to build relations to prevent the world from going up in a conflagration. While Macron fell into line with NATO in Ukraine last year, initially he refused to send tanks to Ukraine, saying it could provoke World War III. We do not want a world war. We help Ukraine resist on its territory, never to attack Russia, he tweeted last October. In December, he said a red line at which he would stop was any move making France a co-belligerent. At the new year, however, as Macron settled a debate over pensions policy in favor of imposing a massively unpopular cut, he also decided for war on Russia. On January 4, he pledged to send AMX-10 tanks to Ukraine. To justify slashing pensions and boosting the police and military, it was decided to make France a co-belligerent and risk the global war Macron had warned against. Eighty-five years since Leon Trotsky founded the Fourth Internationalwarning in the Transitional Program in 1938, on the eve of World War II, that capitalism faced its death agonycapitalism again faces a mortal crisis. Rallying workers in America, Europe, Ukraine, Russia and beyond to an international struggle to stop the war is an urgent task, indissolubly linked to the struggle against social austerity. One key difference separates the situation today from the world wars of the 20th century. In World War I, it took nearly three years for the working class to launch the first offensive against the war: the 1917 revolution in Russia that brought to power Lenin, Trotsky and the Bolsheviks. Today, however, as it seeks to drag the world into World War III, the bourgeoisie faces explosive opposition and mass strikes internationally. To stop the war and the social attacks, the struggle must be taken out of the hands of national trade union federations like Frances Stalinist General Confederation of Labor (CGT) bureaucracy. These bureaucracies divide the working class along national lines, negotiate cuts with capitalist governments and block opposition to war. Last year, the CGT bureaucracy and its political ally, the Pabloite New Anti-capitalist Party (NPA), issued statements endorsing NATO arguments for war with Russia. The way forward is building rank-and-file committees in workplaces and schools, independent of the union bureaucracies. Linked in the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees, they can unite the growing struggles of workers and youth into a powerful, international movement, fighting to stop the war and bring down reactionary governments like that of Macron. The Marxist-internationalist perspective to sustain such a movement can only come from the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI), the world Trotskyist movement. It has been 70 years since the Pabloite political ancestors of the French NPA split with the ICFI, arguing that Stalinist bureaucracies would provide revolutionary leadership to the workers. CGT and NPA support for NATO in the current war objectively constitutes a devastating refutation of this position. The political alternative that must be built is the ICFI and its French section, the Parti de legalite socialiste, fighting for the perspective of world socialist revolution. The Australian and French governments have agreed to a deal to jointly manufacture and supply thousands of artillery shells to the Ukrainian army, the defence and foreign ministers of the two countries announced on Monday. The plan, unveiled at a 2+2 ministerial meeting in Paris, reportedly involves the Australian supply of explosives for the shells, to be made in France. Several thousand 155mm shells will be manufactured jointly by French arms supplier Nexter, French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu said. His Australian counterpart and deputy prime minister Richard Marles said the plan would come with a multi-million-dollar price tag, but neither provided an actual figure. French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna (second right) and French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu, (second left) pose with Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles (left) and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong prior to their joint meeting at the French foreign ministry in Paris, Monday, Jan.30, 2023. [AP Photo/Yoan Valat, Pool via AP] The agreement marks a further significant stepping up of both governments involvement in the US-NATO war against Russia in Ukraine, in line with the dangerous escalation by the US and Germany, marked by the deployment of advanced heavy tanks. It came soon after the January 4 announcementby French President Emmanuel Macron that France would deliver AMX-10 RC light tanks to the Ukrainian military. That was the first dispatch of Western tanks, soon followed by Washington and Berlin. It also came on the heels of the Australian Labor government sending 70 military personnel two weeks ago to join Operation Interflex, a UK-led mission that has already trained around 10,000 Ukrainian troops. That took Australias military contribution to at least $655 million, including the supply of 90 Bushmaster armoured vehicles, making it one of the largest non-NATO contributors to the war. Several types of artillery sent to Ukraine from the NATO powers fire 155mm shells, including French-made CAESAR truck-mounted guns, the British-built M777 howitzer and the German Panzerhaubitze 2000 self-propelled gun. Marles declared that the ammunition supplies fit into the ongoing level of support both France and Australia are providing Ukraine to make sure Ukraine is able to stay in this conflict and see it concluded on its own terms. That language indicates an indefinite commitment, echoing similar aggressive statements from the Biden administration. Lecornu said the aid would be significant and an effort that will be kept up over time, with the first deliveries slated for the first quarter of 2023, that is, within two months. Such comments underscore the intent of the US-led powers to deliberately stoke and ramp up the war, using Ukraine as a battleground for a drive to defeat and dismember Russia, having goaded Putins oligarchic regime into a disastrous invasion. Mondays meeting was the first Australia-France Foreign and Defence Ministerial Consultations since the diplomatic rupture caused by the September 2021 AUKUS treaty between the US, UK and Australia. Australia dumped a $90 billion contract to purchase French submarines in favour of a deal with the US and UK to supply nuclear-powered attack submarines. The resumption of strategic and military ties between Australia and France, which has colonies and bases across the Indian and Pacific oceans, highlights the reality that the war against Russia is regarded by the US and all its imperialist allies as a prelude to one against China for control over the entire strategic and resource-rich Eurasian landmass. By repairing relations with France, which began with a visit to Paris last July by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, the Labor government in Australia is assisting the Biden administration to strengthen a network of military alliances encircling China, while bolstering the interests of Australian and French capitalism in the region. Marles said the signed agreement was the opening of new cooperation between the Australian and French defence industries. He said the meeting also agreed to grow and deepen the relationship between our two defence forces and the two countries would have greater access to their respective defence facilities in the Indo-Pacific region. As indicated by the joint statement issued by the four ministers, the two imperialist powers regard this collaboration as part of a wider alliance, focused on the Indo-Pacific, directed against China as well as Russia. The statement declared that France and Australia agreed to continue to work together to address shared security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. While not explicitly naming China as the target, the statement left no doubt about that. It employed all the catchphrases used by the US and its allies against China, including vowing to support freedom of navigation naval operations and overflights in Chinese-controlled areas of the South China Sea. The statement effectively lined up behind Washingtons escalating steps to provoke China into a conflict over Taiwan by eroding the 50-year-old One China policy, whereby the Chinese government was in effect recognised as the legitimate government over all of China, including Taiwan. While claiming to support the status quo and peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, the statement pledged to support Taiwans meaningful participation in the work of international organisations and continue deepening relations with Taiwan in the economic, scientific, trade, technological and cultural fields. French imperialism, which once directly controlled a vast colonial empire, notably in Africa and Indochina, remains a major nuclear-armed power across the Indo-Pacific. It retains colonial rule over territories with about 1.65 million citizens and five permanent military bases manned by 7,000 personnel, from the Indian Ocean islands of Mayotte and Reunion, to the Pacific Ocean islands of New Caledonia, Wallis and Futuna and French Polynesia. During a visit to the region in 2018, Macron called for a new Indo-Pacific axis directed against China, signalling moves alongside other European imperialist powers, particularly the UK and Germany, to assert their own predatory interests in the region under conditions of rising Chinese influence and Washingtons aggressive moves against China. Mondays statement signalled a heightened involvement of French forces in allied military exercises and operations in the region. The ministers welcomed Australias increased involvement in the Croix du Sud multilateral exercise this April and Australias support for Frances first full participation in Exercise Talisman Sabre in 2023, following its participation as an observer member in 2021. Croix du Sud is a French military exercise held every two years in New Caledonia and surrounding waters. Talisman Sabre is a major US-Australian exercise, involving thousands of troops, held in Australia every second year since 2005. In 2021, the French nuclear attack submarine Emeraude, along with the naval support ship Seine, conducted patrols in the South China Sea.That year, France also sent an amphibious assault ship, the Tonnerre, and the frigate Surcouf to pass through the disputed waters twice during its annual Jeanne dArc mission, and French SIGINT ship Dupuy de Lome sailed through the Taiwan Strait. This week, French naval sources said the countrys navy was working toward a Pacific Region deployment in 2025 for its Charles de Gaulle carrier strike group, which carries nuclear weapons. Ever since taking office last May, the Australian Labor government has outdone its Liberal-National predecessor in placing the country on the frontline of US war plans, joining NATO and other US-led alliance summits, bullying Pacific island states into security pacts aimed against China and spending billions on new military hardwareat least $4 billion in the first three weeks of 2023. The visit to Paris by Marles and Foreign Minister Penny Wong was just the first part of a bigger mission. It centres on talks in London and Washington to seek to finalise the AUKUS arrangements for the far-greater Australian purchases of submarines, hypersonic missiles and other weaponry. On Wednesday February 1, Tyre Nichols, a beloved son, father, brother and 29-year-old Fed Ex worker, was laid to rest in Memphis, Tennessee. A portrait of Tyre Nichols is displayed at a memorial service for him on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023 in Memphis, Tenn. Nichols was killed during a traffic stop with Memphis Police on Jan. 7. [AP Photo/Adrian Sainz] Nearly a month ago, on January 7, the African American photographer was on his way to his mothers house after capturing the sunset when he was surrounded and assaulted by multiple Memphis police officers for an alleged traffic violation. As of this writing, five cops, all African American, involved in the killing of Nichols have been fired and charged with multiple felonies, including second-degree murder. On Monday, the Memphis Police Department announced two more police officers were being investigated for their actions and inactions on January 7, with possibly more charges coming. Also on Monday, the Memphis Fire Department confirmed three personnel, including two emergency medical technicians, had been fired for failing to properly assess Nichols condition upon arriving at the scene. Prior to Wednesdays event, several news networks estimated that as many as 2,500 people would attend, but icy winter weather conditions caused the funeral to be delayed for several hours and appeared to have lessened in-person turnout. The funeral, held in the large Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church, was broadcast on C-SPAN and carried by major television networks. Among those in attendance were family members of other African Americans killed by police in the last decade, including the family of George Floyd, the mother of Eric Garner, and the mother of Breonna Taylor, Tamika Palmer. Prominent Democratic politicians in attendance included Vice President Kamala Harris; former Mayor of Atlanta Keisha Lance Bottoms, now a top official in the Biden administration; and Democratic Texas Representative Sheila Jackson Lee. Rev. Al Sharpton introduces the family of Tyre Nichols during Nichols' funeral service at Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church in Memphis, Tennessee, on Wednesday, February 1, 2023. [AP Photo/Andrew Nelles/The Tennessean ] In their eulogies, family and friends remembered Nichols as a beautiful person, who was sensitive, compassionate, easy-going and an all-around solid dude. One of Tyres sisters, Keyana Dixon, recalled how polite her younger brother was, even as he was brutalized by the police. He was polite, he asked them to please stop, Dixon said through tears. In his remarks, Rodney Wells, Tyres stepfather and co-worker, spoke passionately in defense of all victims of police violence. We have to fight for justice. We cannot continue to allow these people (referring to the police) to brutalize our kids. Rodney ended his comments with a call for Justice for Tyre and Justice for all the families that lost loved ones through the brutality of the police, or anybody. In contrast to the family and friends of Nichols, major Democratic Party politicians and their operatives who spoke at the event sought to channel mass social anger at the latest killing of an unarmed worker behind reactionary racial politics, the dead-end of police reform and the Democratic Party. The beating of Nichols by five black cops has significantly challenged the racialist narrative of police violence. In the killing of Nichols, not only were the police officers who beat him black, 60 percent of the Memphis police are African American. The police chief, who created the SCORPION task force unit in 2021 that killed Nichols and terrorized the working class residents of Memphis for over a year, is herself African American. This, as the World Socialist Web Site has stressed, confirms that police violence is a class question. While racist and backward attitudes are cultivated in police departments in the US and internationally, the police exist not to enforce a racial caste system but to protect the wealth and property of the financial oligarchy. While minorities, particularly Native American and African Americans, are disproportionately killed by the police, the overwhelming majority of victims are poor and working class, and a plurality are white. These inconvenient facts, however, did not stop Reverend Al Sharpton, a 2004 Democratic presidential candidate and creator of the National Action Network, from repeatedly claiming that Nichols killing at the hands, boots, fists, batons and tasers of five black cops was an example of racism and that there were two justice systems based on skin color. Sharpton said Nichols death showed that the police do not have the same manners on the white side of town as they have on the black side of town, adding that had Nichols been white, the police would not have beat him that night! Rewriting the history of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to serve the political agenda of the Democratic Party, Sharpton claimed that King sacrificed his life so blacks could assume positions of power within the capitalist state. When Dr. King went to the mountain top, he could see Barack Obama... and Kamala Harris... and black police chiefs, Sharpton yelled. Al Sharpton speaks at Tyre Nichols funeral on February 1, 2023. [Photo: CBS News] King was assassinated under the watchful eye of the Federal Bureau of Investigation on April 4, 1968 in Memphis, as he was fighting for sanitation workers as part of the Poor Peoples Campaign. While he was not a Marxist, King was critical of capitalism, and he fought for economic, social, racial and political equality. He was also staunchly against the Vietnam War. Yet Sharpton asserted that King, who famously denounced the US government in a 1967 speech as the greatest purveyor of violence today, would have been supportive of Obama, the first president to be at war all eight years of his presidency and the originator of terror Tuesdays. In addition to lying about Kings legacy, promoting racial division and obfuscating the class character of police violence, speakers, beginning with Vice President Kamala Harris, claimed that the police, under conditions of skyrocketing inequality, daily mass shootings and an increasingly militant working class, would be capable of reform via the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021. After boasting that she was the co-author of the bill, the former top cop of California demanded that Congress pass it. Joe Biden will sign it. We will not be denied, it is non-negotiable. Sharpton, who gave the eulogy for the funeral, likewise said that the way to change the system was to pass the legislation. In addition to the fact that the House is now controlled by the increasingly fascistic Republican Party, and therefore the legislation stands virtually no chance of passing, the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, which stalled in the Senate after being passed in the House in 2021, would do nothing to curb unending police killings. In fact, the bill would provide hundreds of millions of dollars in grants to police departments around the country to hire and train more SCORPION-style units. The 2021 version of the bill included a provision that would allow the attorney general to disperse $100 million in grants each year, from 2022 to 2024, for the Community Oriented Policing Services, or COPS program. These funds, the bill notes, would be used to recruit, hire incentivize, retain, develop, and train new, additional career law enforcement officers or current law enforcement officers who are willing to relocate to communities where there are poor or fragmented relationships between police and residents of the community, or where there are high incidents of crime. The police, just like the capitalist system, are incapable of reform. Ending police violence and creating a global society based on social need, not the defense of private property and profit, is only possible through the unification of the international working class, made up of all races, against the capitalist system. Ahmed White is professor of law at the University of Colorado. He is the author of a recent book on the repression of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), Under the Iron Heel The Wobblies and the Capitalist War on Radical Workers. The IWW was founded in 1905 in Chicago with the aim of organizing all workers, no matter their skill, occupation, national origin, race, or sex, into One Big Union. Capitalism would be sunk when workers finally took into their own hands the economic power, the means of life the control of the machinery of production and distribution, without regard to capitalist masters, as the unions president, Big Bill Haywood, put it. Tom Mackaman: I want to start with the typical interview first question: How is it that you came to the subject of the IWW? And relatedly, how is it that a law professor becomes a labor historian? Im thinking here, as well, of your previous book, another fine effort, The Last Great Strike. Ahmed White: I started on this project 20 or so years agoat least thats when I did my first bit of work on it. At the time I didnt know very much about doing historical research or even very much about the IWW, but I got interested in the plight of migratory harvest workers, featured in the book, and kind of worked my way towards doing some archival research on them. I then published a couple law review articles on the subject, put it aside for a great number of years, and only came back to the topic when, in the wake of publishing The Last Great Strike, I tried to figure out something else I wanted to do. Ahmed White [Photo: University of Colorado] I ended up initially trying to write a book about criminal syndicalism, but in short order I figured out that neither I nor the typical reader was as much interested in a history of laws as they might be interested in a history of people. It evolved into a broader project about sedition-type laws and persecution under them in the postwar period. And then from that, into the project on the IWW. How did I end up doing labor history? I think the book on the IWW reflects some of the underlying reasons. I started out as a law professor with a sort of leftist orientation, but still in some small but notable way, kind of imprisoned by conventional liberal assumptions about law and about the legal system, and about all of society. Those assumptions rested uncomfortably with me all of my career. And it didnt take very long, actually, before I began to migrate away from that. And that involved, first, putting aside, for the most part, the work I had been doing on criminal laws, criminal justice policies, and turning more to labor. TM: Yet I found the discussion of the criminal syndicalism laws in your book fascinating. And I want to come back to that in a bit. But first let me ask you more about the subject. I recall hearing a historian once state that there is, if anything, too much attention given to the IWW, because it never had more than a fraction of the membership of the AFL. And as a matter of fact, Ive heard similar arguments made about the CIO in the 1930s in relation to the AFLthat it should be viewed as less important because it remained smaller. I think this reflects a very mechanical way of thinking about history. But putting that aside, I guess Im inviting you to make a case for the importance of a study on the IWW, such as the one youve done. Book cover, Under the Iron Heel, by Ahmed White. [Photo: University of California Press] AW: Thats a really interesting and important question because you not only have those impulses that kind of diminish the significance of the IWW. You also have people for whom the IWW is important primarily because it played an important role in the progression of American civil liberties. I think to figure out where one stands on the subject, one has to navigate both of those concerns. I think the importance of the IWW lies with the way its influence extended beyond mere dues paying membership. So, theres a point that I make in the book, and that others have made, about the large number of people who passed through the IWW. And though the membership was a fraction of the people who were in the AFL, nonetheless, its not an insignificant number. On top of that, at the conclusion of the book, I invoke the novelist James Joness ruminations, which I think are extremely interesting, about the IWW. He has one of his characters describe the IWW as having a vision we dont possess. Well, I think thats another factor that goes to the significance of the IWW, that they had an outsized influence because they had an outsized ambition compared to the AFL and just about every other institution in American life. And I think that that very understandably, and quite rightly, made them much more important than their mere membership numbers. And that was, of course, reflected in what happened to them. A measure of the unions relative importance is just how much it endured in the way of oppression. James Jones, author of From Here to Eternity TM: Thats an important point. I think it suggests something that resonates powerfully today: The explosiveness, just of the idea, of a labor movement that declares as a principle that its going to organize the whole working class, that its going to have an uncompromising attitude toward capitalism. And as you show, its that program that so terrified the American ruling class, first in the West, and then at the state government level, and then finally at the level of the federal government. So, lets turn to the laws. One of the most fascinating aspects of your book is its analysis of these criminal syndicalism laws and the related Espionage and Sedition Acts of 1917 in 1918. Can you try to summarize these laws say something about their significance? AW: The laws were often different in their text. But they were very similar in their ultimate practical effect, which was to make membership in the IWW a felony. They all did this a little bit differently. The Espionage Act, which, as you know, was amended by the Sedition Act, made it a crime to oppose the war. It was enforced against the IWW by means of conspiracy doctrine, which abetted this project of criminalizing IWW membership. The nature of conspiracy law is such that you dont have to prove that the person charged with conspiracy really did anything, only that he or she agreed with someone else to accomplish this criminal purposein this case, to undermine the war effort. When it came down to it, in these trials of IWW members, this meant nothing more really than proving these people were members of the union. And putting on a bunch of evidence to suggest the union was a seditious organization. That was enough. And it didnt matter that the evidence was, as I and other people have noted, already dubious to start with. Nothing in particular had to be proven about any of these individuals to bring about this result. Mug shot of laborer Axel Downey, 17, an IWW member who, with scores of other Wobblies, was arrested following a vigilante massacre of fellow IWW members in Everett, Washington, on November 5, 1916. Source: Everett Public Library's Everett Massacre Collection The criminal syndicalism laws were even more artfully designed to accomplish that purpose. They made it a crime principally to advocate for what was called industrial or political change by means of violent sabotage, and other criminal acts. But they also made it very explicitly a crime to be a member of an organization that was committed to that kind of change. And so, on their very face, they made it possible to prosecute people simply because they were in the IWW. Thats how they worked. And they worked very well, not least because these Wobblies were not inclined to deny membership. It was pretty uncommon for them, when brought to trial or arrested, to say, Im not a member of the union. They were quite courageous. They made a cult of courage, and their martyrdom. And so, once they admitted membership or refused to deny it, it was a very simple thing to convict them. This was done often by means of professional witnesses, or testimony from IWW snitches, who were put on the witness stand to make extravagant accusations. Occasionally a local police officer or someone like that would testify. But mainly it was just the fact that these people would not deny membership that was good enough to convict. TM: And the Espionage Act is something that the federal government dusts off from time to time. Presently with Julian Assange. AW: Thats right. Its been amended over the years, but its still used. With Assange, it just proves the political purposes for which it can be used, beyond supposedly stamping out spying. I think what the Assange case shows is the continuity in the federal governments role, its willingness to use its prosecutorial authority to repress voices and movements that it opposes. Julian Assange [Photo by David G. Silvers, Cancilleria del Ecuador / CC BY-SA 2.0 Whats interesting about what happened to the IWW was that it was central to the construction of this facility within the federal government, which was very poorly developed until the First World War. Before the persecution of the IWW, and the first Red Scare, there was actually very little facility on the part of the federal government to do what it does very easily today. And I think a lot of that is to be owed, or is to be in some perverse way, credited to what happened to the IWW. TM: Along the same lines of past and present, one of the things that struck me about your book is its really sharp analysis of liberalism, a thread you weave throughout. And you have a couple very incisive pages, early on, where you describe the transformation from a 19th century classical liberalism to this Progressive Era statism. Could you summarize the role of liberalism in the persecution of the IWW? And following from that, what do you make of the state of American liberalism at present? AW: What was striking to me in researching and writing this book was the contradictory role of liberals or progressives. Some of them supported the union. But many of them aligned in the effort to destroy it. And I think what these people brought to bear, which is so interesting, is a kind of characteristic belief that a society needs to be managed. I mean, these were all capitalists fundamentally, and they believed that capitalism created problems, contradictions, difficulties that needed to be addressed. What distinguished them was the serious and organized and legally oriented way they thought that should be done. That was true of their approach to things like child labor or food safety and all sorts of things. It was also true of their approach to radicalism. And so, once these progressives and liberals decided that the IWW was an intolerable threat that was antithetical to their ambitions, their beliefs, then they spearheaded the attempt to destroy it by exactly those organized and legally oriented means. Thats what they brought to bear. They were not above participating in acts of extralegal violence or vigilantism, but their main purpose was to do this in an organized and lawful way. And they did. And that was reflected in their role, the often leading role, they played in the enactment and enforcement of the Espionage Act, the enactment and enforcement of the criminal syndicalism of laws. Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr., author of the "clear and present danger" doctrine Now, I think we still see that today there is in liberalism a fist in the velvet glove, thats often very quickly deployed. We can see that in the treatment of people like Assange. Its not a universal thing. There are today, as there were 100 years ago, liberals who are concerned about civil liberties and about democratic rights. But there are plenty who are quick to deploy the state in very, very aggressive and coercive ways to accomplish their purposes. I think thats one of the legacies of what happened to the IWW, the broader legacies of progressivism, and frankly, one of the legacies of the New Deal. TM: Speaking of the New Deal and following forward in history the other legal strandthese criminal syndicalism lawsyou make the interesting point that the Smith Act was basically a federal version of the state syndicalism laws. What about the present? Are these laws still on the books? Or did Brandenburg v. Ohio, which you discuss in your conclusion, undo them? The Smith Act was first used to persecute Trotskyists. Pictured here, in 1941, are 14 of the 18 Socialist Workers Party members convicted under the Smith Act. Back row, left-to-right: Farrell Dobbs, Harry DeBoer, Edward Palmquist, Clarence Hamel, Emil Hansen, Oscar Coover, Jake Cooper; Front row, left-to-right: Max Geldman, Felix Morrow, Albert Goldman, James Cannon, Vincent Dunne, Carl Skoglund, Grace Carlson [Photo: Minnesota Historical Society ] AW: Brandenburg v. Ohio was decided in 1969. It is, to my mind, a rare case deserving the inscription landmark decision. Before Brandenburg, these criminal syndicalism laws had been enforcednot just the criminal syndicalism laws, but also the Espionage Act and the Smith Acthad been enforced for decades. What Brandenburg did in a case involving criminal syndicalismalthough the case itself involved some hapless and really pathetic Ku Klux Klan member in Ohiowas find these laws could not be constitutionally enforced when they criminalized mere advocacy or membership in a group, or actions that were too far removed from the dangers that they incited, or that the authorities said they were about to incite. And so, what appeared to be on some level a kind of technical or even marginal distinction actually had an enormous effect. And that is why today you find people across the political spectrum who are displeased with Brandenburg and would like nothing better than for the Supreme Court to abandon their precedent and open the door to the more aggressive prosecution of all kinds of people for what they say, or what group they belong to. And not just people like these folks who barged their way into the Capitol a couple of years ago, the insurrection, but also people on the left who stand to be prosecuted in the way they were for the 50 years between the enactment of the Espionage Act and the Brandenburg decision. TM: Indeed. And one of the reasons I ask is because I think there are signs of stirring in the American working class again. There is, I would say, a growing sense of militancy, sort of a sense among workers that things cant go on as they have been. Speaking of that, Im curious to know if youve followed Will Lehmans campaign for UAW president, and also the Railroad Workers Rank-and-File Committee, and its fight against the Biden administrations injunction against workers right to strike? AW: I do. And the WSWS is one of my major sources of information about these struggles. Youre right, we live in an interesting and uncertain time. There is a disquiet on the part of the working class. And we saw that, certainly, with the preempted rail strike. And what it generated in its way was this tension and cleavage between people on the left and people in organized labor and the Democratic Party establishment. Will Lehman at GM's Flint Assembly Plant [Photo: WSWS] They avoided the strike. But it raises the question, which is I think where you might have been going with this, of what will happen if this evolves into a major working class upsurge of the sort that weve seen many times in this countrys history? And would it involve some of the things that happened to the IWW? I think its well within the realm of possibility to imagine the widespread use of sedition type laws against people on the left and labor people if there were such an uprising. But presently the ability to prosecute is constrained by Brandenburg. And that may not be true in five years time, or three years time. I think that raises a point about the book in another way. One of its themes, and something I think is an inescapable aspect of the history of the IWW and its repression, is the way that law and legal principles yield so quickly to political realities and class politics. And that should, in itself, provide the cautionary point in thinking about where labor and where the left is today, and where it might be in the years to come. TM: Another element of the history that comes across, and that is not commonly known, is the sort of vigilantism that took place in this period. I think youre correct in identifying in the book that the lawmen were very frequently complicit in these acts, often involving middle-class layers. And we have these successive waves of vigilante organizations, the American Protective League, the American Legion, and then the Ku Klux Klan and all sorts of other names that nobody would recognize. Whats the relationship between this and the overall repression of the Wobblies? AW: I think one thing that can be said about the vigilantism that the union faced is that it was very frequently a means of augmenting the more lawful forms of repression that the union faced. In other words, the people who did this viewed it as an almost entirely legitimate way of dealing with the threat that they imagined the IWW posed to them. IWW leader Frank Little was tortured and lynched in Butte, Montana, on August 1, 1917. He had gone there to support the struggle of copper miners And that was evident in what they did, the way they justified it once it was done, and in the way they often turned the victims of this behavior into the perpetrators. They made IWW members responsible for their own persecution. This was acutely evident in the wake of the lynching of Frank Little in Montana in the summer of 1917, with several different people basically saying, Well, if there had been adequate legal repression here in Butte of the IWW, Frank Little would still be alive today. It wouldnt have been necessary to lynch him. TM: It is the Iron Heel, as Jack London foresaw. AW: Like a lot of people on the left, I read Jack London when I was a kid. And I found this project as an opportunity to go back to Jack London. What was just so wonderful about Jack London, and so resonant to me, is that in his political writings the one great virtue is its just all clear. London is up from the bottom. He is not a sentimentalist. And he was willing to see the world for what it was. And its frightening but its also refreshing. Published in 1908, Trotsky later praised Jack London's "The Iron Heel" for "the audacity and independence of its historical foresight." TM: I think these are important lessons and well worth pondering. Do you think that there are other critical lessons to draw from the experience of the IWW? AW: A point I try to make in the book is about the tremendous and often forgotten human cost of repression. I think there has been a tendency, not a malicious one, but a tendency nonetheless, even for the best of chroniclers of anti-leftist repression, to give short shrift to what that really means to people who were subjected to it. And one of the things that struck me since I began studying the IWW years ago, in all the work Ive done on repression, is how devastating this can be to a lot of these people. People who were made of iron. But that doesnt mean they didnt suffer. They suffered enormously. And I think thats something to remember not just for some sentimental reasons, but for very bright, practical political people to understand what awaits them if indeed we have a massive upsurge in radicalism or activism. People will suffer, as they have in the past. And they will suffer enormously. I think thats something worth remembering. Not to deter people, but for quite the opposite reasonto prepare people for whats to come. Thats something that I think is important about the story. Theres also a story here, and I dont weigh in on it so much as just raise it in the book, and that has to do with the relative merits of the IWW program, its agenda, its ideology. Its syndicalism comported well with its skepticism about the power of the state, something that was confirmed tragically with what happened to the organization. TM: In this vein, you mention James P. Cannons essay on the IWW. As you know, he had been a Wobbly. But I would describe him as a revolutionary optimist in his view of the IWW. I would say that, while recognizing the tragedy of the experience, he took positive lessons out of itas a sort of a process in the development of consciousness within the American working class. AW: I agree. Its yet another part of this story that I think is significant. And there is a lesson in the IWWs success, even if membership numbers were never enormous. They offer, I think, to anyone reviewing their history, some indelible lessons about how to go about organizing people, about the importance of organizing people from the ground up. James P. Cannon, center, with Max Eastman, left, and Haywood in Moscow, 1922. The repression against the IWW only really escalated when the union started to make some significant headway. And it made significant headway when it adopted the so-called job delegate system of organizing, which I think in many ways is a quite useful example of thinking about how to organize. It was, in its conception, an anti-bureaucratic and only somewhat professionalized idea of organizing. And most importantly, it put organizers shoulder to shoulder with the people they were organizing, at a time when already there were tendencies in American labor towards greater and greater professionalization and bureaucratization. Similarly, the way workers comprised the leadership of the organization to a much greater extent than many other labor organizations or leftist movements. Theres a lesson to be learned from the IWW. TM: Your primary focus is on the West, but it has struck me that there was a real attraction to the IWW program in the immigrant working class of the industrial East, broadly defined. We saw it in the Lawrence textile strike of 1912 and the Paterson silk strike of 1913, but it cropped up again and again. And, here again, Cannon writes so well on this, this problem the IWW faced was that they could come in, they could provide leadership, but it wasnt really a union. And so, it would dissipate. But in all of these immigrant groups, it seems that there were very commonly IWW-oriented newspapers in the foreign language. Its a very significant and fascinating chapter of American history. Its one of several ways that I think your book really provokes curiosity. To cite one example that you mention, this Bulgarian immigrant, George Andreytchine. First, hes in Bulgaria and hes in prison camps in the Balkans. And then he comes to America, joins the IWW, and hes jailed here. Then he winds up in the Soviet Union. And ultimately, after this long and fascinating career, hes accused of being a Trotskyist and executed in the Soviet Union. Somebody whos certainly worthy of a biography. Hes just one example, but your book is full of such fascinating figures. The 1918 mug shot from Leavenworth federal penitentiary of George Iliev Andreytchine, 1894-1950. Andreytchine was executed in Moscow in 1950. This question, I think, flows from a discussion of what the IWW did among such workers. One of its strengths was its really uncompromising attitude toward the existing union, the AFL. The Wobblies recognized they were going to have to either go around it, organizing workers the AFL disregarded or banned, or else run right through it, in industries where there were these shell AFL unions. I guess the question following from that historical observation is, and again to bring us to the present: What similarities do you see between the situation confronting the IWW and what was a very polyglot American working class 110 years ago, and the situation at present? AW: Politically, obviously the field is very different. But once again we havewhats the word used now?a multicultural labor force, a working class that is composed of a percentage of immigrant workers similar to what it was 100 years ago. And in that context, I think, a growing sense of crisis, a sense that things cant go on like this. And that does raise some questions about the viability of the kind of organizing the IWW engaged in 100 years ago, and the viability, or maybe the lack of viability, of the current trade union establishment. I have some very negative words at the end of the book along those lines and I stick by those. There is clearly a lot of unrest among American workers today. But I am far from convinced that the existing union structure is, even by its own standards, ready to take any real advantage of it. Because I think its methods and its means, maybe not unlike 100 years ago, are equally unsuited to what the situation is. And equally likely to be squandered, maybe even in a worse way than all the official unions programs foundered in the 1920s and the early 1930s. TM: Its easy to look back and identify the problems of the old AFL. Its enough to note its hostility to industrial workers, which obviously overlapped with its hostility to immigrants and blacks and women. And it was business unionism, as the Wobblies liked to say, or the labor lieutenants of capital running these organizations. Samuel Gompers, president of the AFL for four decades until his death in 1924 But on the other hand, the AFL unions were in the business of, as I think Gompers put it, morenegotiating wage increases for the often skilled workers that they represented. Of course, one of the similarities that we have today is that there is a similar share of the private-sector workforce thats organized. But, as opposed to then, now its really been a half-century of the unions negotiating wage cuts. I mean, this dates back to the 1980s. AW: I agree with that, and I would add again that the unions are lacking this vision that the IWW had, and that was very effective to cultivate and propagate among American working folksto fight for something fundamentally better. Whether we agree that its methods were well-suited to achieve that or not, I think thats something that is sorely lacking in the labor movement. And for which there is, I think, a tremendous appetite among American workers. The status quo is, to a lot of people, workers and others, an insufferable one. TM: As I note in the review, one of the things thats refreshing about your writing is the absence of academic jargon, postmodernism and so on. Its free of the projection of present concepts of identity onto the past. So, youre swimming against the current. I think its very serious history writing that youre doing. But its not a very friendly climate at present for such writing. AW: I made a conscious decision to tell the story as it deserved to be told. And that is a story in which the principles and dynamics here are fundamentally about class, and not about race and not about gender. Now, I dont deny that these are things that define society, or certainly define American society. But they were not central to this story. If they were, I would have incorporated them to a greater degree than I have. I think some people have done some wonderful work, for instance, about the occasions in which the story of the IWW intersected with questions of race, such as Peter Coles book on blacks in the IWW. And some interesting work, some quite good work, has been done about women in the IWW, studies by Laura Vapnek, Heather Mayer and Jane Little Botkin, for instance. But as I note in the book, when you write a book about repression and the IWW, its primarily a book about what happened to men, and primarily a book about, frankly, what happened to white men. And thats the way I tell it. Maybe I approach things the way I do in part because of my own background. Im black and was born and raised in the rural south in the 1970s and 1980s. My father was a civil rights lawyer who grew up on a cotton and potato farm, and was himself a farmer, as well as a political activist. He was a real civil rights lawyer, not the kind that makes boatloads of money, but the kind that suffers politically and struggles professionally and financially because of the kind of work hes doing. He also did some work for labor as well. Growing up, I saw white supremacy in its dying dayssomething quite overwhelming, not the vestiges of it, however problematic they may be. And I learned to take things like racism and sexism seriously enough to insist that people see them for what they are and not for what fits their political or scholarly agenda, or the fashion of the day. You were very generous in describing how straightforward, and, maybe, accessible, the book is. That was certainly an intention of mine as well. This is a story that deserves to be read by people who arent academics and arent preoccupied with the kinds of postmodern tropes and concepts and notions that you mentioned, people for whom those things have very little meaning anyway. And so, I consciously wrote the book in that way. TM: Did you follow our critique of the 1619 project? AW: Yes. I certainly did. It was quite effective and deservedly well-followed. I much appreciated the work you all did on that for a lot of reasons, but in part because of what I just mentioned about my own past and my own kind of consciousness of race in America, in the American South. This is going kind of far afield, but nothing irks me more than the reduction of the American Revolution and the Second American Revolution, as you rightly described the Civil War, to some kind of cynical conspiracies. Its unfortunate to see these great revolutions diminished. TM: Were nearing an end. And so, I should now ask you the classic last interview question: What are you working on? Whats coming next? AW: I am working on a project that was once part of what became the IWW book, and that is a book about sedition, repression and communist unionism in the 1920s and 1930s, that speaks to some of the same things as the IWW book, including the role of the state and the position of progressives and liberals when it comes to labor activism and labor radicalism. And, in that period, what proved to be the last gasp of independent labor radicalism in the United States on a large scale. TM: Well look forward to that. Thank you again for speaking with us. New House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and President Joe Biden met Wednesday afternoon in the White House to discuss the looming breach in the statutory ceiling on how much the US government can borrow, now set at $34.1 trillion. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said the US government had exhausted its ability to borrow, but could avoid breaching the debt limit until early June by means of financial maneuvers by the Treasury and the influx of tax payments due on April 15, the deadline for filing personal and business income taxes. Republican congressmen, now in control of the House, want to use the debt ceiling as a lever to force the Biden administration to accept major cuts in social spending. Both Democrats and Republicans are maneuvering to place the blame for the cuts on the other party, while at the same time seeking an agreement that will avoid disruption of federal payments of interest and principal for bonds and Treasury bills, which are the foundation of the worlds financial markets. Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., talks to reporters as he walks to his office, Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023. [AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana] While Biden has publicly declared he will not negotiate on the debt ceiling, since it concerns the government paying for previous spending already authorized by Congress, the meeting with McCarthy was effectively the start of such negotiations. McCarthy made that clear when he emerged from the White House after two hours of talks. We both laid out some of our vision of where we want to get to, McCarthy said. I can see where we can find common ground. No agreements, no promises, he concluded. Except we will continue this conversation. A statement from the White House sought to reiterate its no negotiations pledge through a bogus effort to split the debt ceiling from talks on budget cuts. Biden welcomes a separate discussion with congressional leaders about how to reduce the deficit and control the national debt while continuing to grow the economy, the White House summary of the meeting said. The framework for the talks has thus been set, with both parties declaringout of fear of the response in the working classthat Social Security and Medicare, the two largest domestic social benefit programs, are off the table in the discussions. This leaves so-called discretionary spending, the roughly $1.7 trillion that is appropriated by Congress each year, as the main target of budget reductions. While McCarthy has suggested that military spending is a potential area for cuts, this is merely a gesture toward the extreme isolationist faction, a minority within the ultra-right minority of the Republican Party. There is overwhelming support for providing unlimited resources to the Pentagon in both parties, particularly with the ongoing proxy war against Russia in Ukraine. That leaves non-defense discretionary spending. To implement the $130 billion in spending cuts demanded by the Republicans, these programsFood Stamps, education, health research, environmental protection, housing and transportation, among otherswould have be cut from 25 to 40 percent, effectively destroying them. The overriding concern of both parties as the budget talks begin is that no action be taken that upsets or undermines the stock market and the broader financial markets. All government policy is subordinated to the interests of Wall Street. This reality was emphasized in the extraordinary interview given on January 29 by McCarthy to Margaret Brennan, the host of the CBS Sunday program Face the Nation. Brennan pressed McCarthy insistently to give a direct assurance to the stock market that there would be no default by the US government on its debt payments. The interview was remarkable, not so much in what McCarthy said, but in the insistence of the interviewer that he had to make a clear statement to reassure the financial markets. She passed briefly over the question of Social Security and Medicare, accepting his perfunctory disavowal of any cuts. After several banal responses from McCarthy comparing the federal budget to a family budget and the debt ceiling to maxing out credit cardsalthough families cannot simply decide to stop paying their billsBrennan bored in on the question of most interest to her and her superiors at the network: whether the Speaker was committed to defend the financial interests of the ruling elite and insure a smooth functioning of the markets. BRENNAN: But just to put a fine point on it, because it matters a lot to the markets in particular, you will avoid a default? You will not let that happen on your watch? MCCARTHY: Look, there will not be a default The same topic was addressed on Fox News Sunday by Republican Representative Michael McCaul of Texas, the new chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and the ranking Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, Adam Smith of Washington state. Both insisted that the debt ceiling crisis had to be resolved without any cuts in military spending. I will not sit back and watch our defense being cut at such a dangerous time in our history, McCaul said, claiming Russian President Vladimir Putin was seeking to carry out the largest invasion in Europe since World War II. Pushing ahead with the world war comparison, he described the crisis in East Asia with the other dictator [Chinas Xi Jinping] threatening the Pacific that the greatest generation liberated. And now these two and Iran and North Korea are trying to redraw the maps that the Yalta Conference brought to us. In an exchange with host Shannon Bream, Smith reiterated the bipartisan position of all-out support for the war in Ukraine and for continuing the military build-up against China. BREAM: How worried are you about this issue of our military supplies being depleted and our ability to turn this around, whether its for Ukraine, whether its about a conflict with China or anywhere else in the world? You heard the study that says we could be out of very critical armaments within a week of a conflict with China. Your thoughts? SMITH: I completely agree with Chairman McCaul. This is a huge problem. And we dont have the industrial base. And we don't have the ability to ramp up that industrial base. What industry will tell you is that the reason that they dont have the ability to make as many weapons as we now need is because they dont want to make that major investment without what they refer to as a demand signal, without knowing that were going to buy them. We need to increase that ability to surge when we need it, which means we desperately need to increase our manufacturing base for key weapons systems. I think Congressman McCaul is absolutely right. I know its a huge priority for Chairman Rogers, who is now the chairman of the Armed Services Committee, my partner on that committee. It's a huge priority for our committee to increase that production capacity for all of the reasons that youve laid out. Underscoring the point, the chairman of the Federal Reserve, Jerome H. Powell, warned in a news conference against the consequences of a federal debt default. There is only one way forward here, and that is for Congress to raise the debt ceiling, so that the United States government can pay all of its obligations, he said. Any deviations from that path would be highly risky. Israel's foreign minister held talks Thursday in Sudan with the Head of Sovereignty Council, discussions that Sudanese officials said were focused on reviving plans for full diplomatic ties between their states. Sudan's ruling body, the Sovereignty Council, said the talks aimed at establishing "fruitful relations with Israel", and strengthening cooperation in various sectors, including security and military. Sudanese leaders also spoke of a need to achieve "stability between Israel and the Palestinian people", according to a statement from the council, which made no mention of full diplomatic relations _ or opening embassies in each country. But three military officials told The Associated Press that Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen's trip marked progress on the issue of normalization. Cohen, the first Israeli foreign minister to have made an official visit to Sudan, also met with his Sudanese counterpart Ali al-Sadiq. "It has been agreed to move forward towards the normalisation of relations between the two countries," the Sudanese foreign ministry said following the meeting. Israel and Sudan have agreed to work towards a "peace agreement", Cohen said at Tel Aviv's airport upon his return from Khartoum. "I am happy to announce that during the visit, we have agreed to sign a peace agreement between Sudan and Israel" after a civilian government is installed in Khartoum, said Cohen. In 2020, Sudan signed a normalization agreement with Israel, joining Morocco, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates as part of the U.S.-brokered "Abraham Accords" to establish full diplomatic ties. With Sudan, however, the process stalled amid widespread popular opposition in Sudan. A military takeover in October 2021 then deposed Sudan's government, upending the African country's fragile democratic transition. Still, behind-the-scenes talks have been ongoing between Israeli and Sudanese military and intelligence officials, one of the three military officials said, without providing further details. In early 2022, Sudan's army chief , Abdel-Fattah Burhan, publicly defended past meetings between Israeli and Sudanese officials, saying intelligence sharing helped lead to the arrests of suspected militants in Sudan. During his visit, Cohen met with Burhan's deputy, Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, who commands the Rapid Support Forces, the country's largest paramilitary group, the officials added. There was no immediate comment from Israel. However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared to hint that something was in the works before flying to France earlier on Thursday. "We are continuing to expand the circle of peace", he said, noting that Chad, which borders Sudan, opened a new embassy in Israel earlier in the day. "We will continue to expand and deepen the circle of peace with additional countries, both near and far", added Netanyahu, who returned to office in December. During his previous 12-year term as premier, his government made it a priority to forge ties with formerly hostile countries in Africa and the Arab world. A new breakthrough with Sudan could help Netanyahu deflect attention from a recent burst of violence with Palestinians and widespread public anger over his plans to overhaul the country's judicial system _ which critics say will badly damage Israel's democratic system of checks and balances. Cohen, who previously visited Sudan in 2021, was expected to speak later Thursday on arrival back in Israel. Although Sudan does not have the influence or wealth of Gulf Arab countries, a deal with the African country _ even as it is mired in a deep political and economic crisis _ would be deeply significant for Israel. Sudan was once one of Israel's fiercest critics in the Arab world and in 1993, the U.S. designated it a state sponsor of terrorism. The Trump administration removed Sudan from that list in 2020, a move meant to help the country revive its battered economy and end its pariah status, and an incentive to normalize relations with Israel. Search Keywords: Short link: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet France's president, business leaders and members of France's Jewish community during a trip to Paris starting Thursday that has angered Palestinian supporters amid a new spasm of violence in the Mideast. At a dinner at the Elysee Palace, French President Emmanuel Macron plans to share France's "solidarity with Israel in the face of terrorism'' but also stress "the need for everyone to avoid measures likely to feed the spiral of violence,'' according to a statement from Macron's office. The French leader also is offering to help revive long-stalled dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians. Pro-Palestinian activists plan a protest in Paris on Saturday to decry Macron's decision to host Netanyahu at such a volatile time in the Mideast conflict. The demonstrators say they will also protest prison conditions in Israel for Palestinian militants, including solitary confinement and deprivation of family visits. Upon departing for France, Netanyahu said Iran and its nuclear program would be "the main topic of our talk'' when he meets with Macron. Macron has criticized Iran's lack of transparency over its nuclear activities and warned that its support for Russia's war in Ukraine exposed Iran to further sanctions and growing isolation. Netanyahu's trip comes during one of the deadliest periods of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in years. An Israeli military raid last week killed 10 Palestinians. In response, a Palestinian shooting attack a day later outside an east Jerusalem synagogue killed seven people. The fighting has spilled over into the Gaza Strip. Ahead of Netanyahu's arrival in Paris, Israeli aircraft struck a rocket production workshop in the Gaza Strip early Thursday, the Israeli military said, hours after Palestinian militants fired a rocket toward Israel. Netanyahu is the head of Israel's most right-wing government, which is buoyed by ultranationalist parties who have promised to take a hard line against the Palestinians and to ramp up settlement construction in the West Bank. His government is also undertaking major changes to Israel's judicial system, which has sparked widespread opposition. While in Paris, Netanyahu said he would meet with French business leaders interested in investing in Israel and representatives of the Jewish community before leaving Saturday night. Search Keywords: Short link: The United States and the Philippines announced on Thursday an agreement to expand American military presence in the Southeast Asian country, where U.S. forces would be granted access to four more Philippine military camps, effectively giving them new ground to ramp up deterrence against China's increasingly aggressive actions toward Taiwan and in the disputed South China Sea. The agreement between the longtime treaty allies under a 2014 defense pact was made public during the visit of U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. The allied nations also said in a joint statement that ``substantial'' progress has been made in projects at five Philippine military camps, where U.S. military personnel were earlier granted access by Filipino officials under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, or EDCA. Construction of American facilities are currently underway. Austin briefly met with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who has taken steps to nurture closer ties with Washington since taking office in June, and would later meet with his Philippine counterpart, Carlito Galvez Jr., about Washington's plan to expand its military presence in the country. ``The EDCA is a key pillar of the US-Philippines alliance, which supports combined training, exercises, and interoperability between our forces,'' the U.S. and the Philippines said. The allies said ``the addition of these new EDCA locations will allow more rapid support for humanitarian and climate-related disasters in the Philippines, and respond to other shared challenges.'' No details were immediately given about the agreement, including the location of the four Philippine camps where U.S. forces would be allowed to construct barracks, warehouses and hangars, but Philippine military and defense officials said in November the U.S. had sought access to five more local military camps mostly located in the northern Philippine region of Luzon. Two of the additional camps where the U.S. wanted to gain access are located near mainland Luzon's northern tip, across a sea border from Taiwan, the Taiwan Strait and southern China. Other local camps that would host American forces lie along the country's western coast, which faces the disputed South China Sea. China and the Philippines, along with Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have been locked in increasingly tense territorial disputes over the busy and resource-rich South China Sea. Washington lays no claims in the strategic waters but has deployed its warships and fighter and surveillance aircraft for patrols that it says promote freedom of navigation and the rule of law but have infuriated Beijing. ``The Philippine-US alliance has stood the test of time and remains ironclad,'' the allies said in their statement. ``We look forward to the opportunities these new sites will create to expand our cooperation together.'' The Philippines, Washington's oldest treaty ally in Asia, used to host two of the largest U.S. Navy and Air Force bases outside the American mainland. The bases were shut down in the early 1990s after the Philippine Senate rejected an extension, but American forces returned for large-scale combat exercises with Filipino troops under a 1999 Visiting Forces Agreement and the EDCA pact. The Philippine Constitution prohibits the permanent basing of foreign troops and their involvement in local combat. The EDCA defense pact allows visiting American forces to indefinitely stay in rotating batches within designated Philippine camps with their defense equipment, except nuclear weapons. Search Keywords: Short link: The costs of reconciliation with the Al-Assad regime without a reformed Syria will weigh on the region for generations. When the series of anti-government uprisings swept the Arab world toppling despots like dominoes reached Syria, the rule of Bashar Al-Assad and his authoritarian Baath Party seemed to be coming to a close. Twelve years on, however, Al-Assad has defied predictions of his fall and has survived international isolation and the temporary loss of two-thirds of Syrias territory to claw his way back into the spotlight and reinforce his hold on power. A debate is even now raging on whether Al-Assad should be given the chance of re-integrating his regime with the rest of the region and whether normalisation with Damascus can continue despite the continuing plight of the Syrian people. The debate has drawn global and regional attention, with stakeholders from many spheres, ranging from Al-Assads friends and supporters in Iran and Russia to sceptical Arab powerhouses in the region, trying to weigh in on the outcome of any possible reconciliation in their respective domains. Anti-Assad factions in Syria are united in their opposition to rehabilitating the regime, with some instead girding themselves for long-term resistance amid fears that the move could risk reviving the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group in Syria. News has been circulating in recent weeks that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is seeking a rapprochement with Al-Assad as part of his bid to give Turkeys zero problems strategy another go, while jettisoning his own ambitions to play a leadership role in the region. Erdogan is working closely with Russia, which has been a dominant military force in Syria since 2015 and has been helping to maintain the Assad regime in power. The war in Ukraine has pushed Turkey closer to Russia, and since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February the countries have increased their political and economic cooperation. The Turkish, Syrian, and Russian foreign ministers were widely reported to be meeting this week in the highest-level talks between Ankara and Damascus since the Syrian conflict began in 2011 and signalling a further thaw in ties. Erdogan has also floated the idea of a meeting being in the works with Al-Assad after talks between the Syrian and Turkish defence ministers and chiefs of intelligence on 28 December in Moscow. We will come together as leaders according to the developments that take place, Erdogan said. Turkey has been the main backer of the opposition groups in Syria for more than a decade, and its recent move to publicly recognise his rule over Syria and work to rebuild diplomatic, security, and trade ties with Damascus marks a strategic shift in Ankaras regional policies. In return, Erdogan is setting preconditions for a deal with Al-Assad that will prioritise Turkeys security and contribute to gaining the best possible negotiating position for the country, thus boosting Erdogans position before the presidential and parliamentary elections in Turkey that are slated to take place possibly in May. Among Erdogans key demands are security arrangements for the Kurdish-controlled north of Syria that Turkey claims is being used by the Kurdish separatist group the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) to launch attacks against security forces inside Turkey. Erdogan wants to secure a promise from Al-Assad to dismantle the de facto Kurdish autonomous administration in northern and eastern Syria, especially its military wing the Peoples Protection Units (YPG), and allow Turkey to establish a 30 km security zone along the border inside the enclave. Ankara also favours Syrian government forces taking control of another area that is currently under the control of Turkey-backed opposition factions and other rebels, including an Al-Qaeda-affiliated group, as part of any future peace agreement in Syria. Erdogan has repeatedly warned of a Turkish ground offensive in northern Syria aimed at pushing back the YPG, something which threatens to escalate tensions in a region where US troops are present to support, arm, and train US-friendly Syrians in fighting IS. Another key demand is to send back millions of Syrians who took refuge in Turkey following the crackdown on the 2011 uprising that has now killed hundreds of thousands of people, displaced millions, and drawn in regional and world powers. Erdogans overture is receiving clear support from Russian President Vladimir Putin and also the nod from the Iranian leadership that wants to see Assads relations with the rest of the region repaired. In addition, Al-Assads rehabilitation is backed by the UAE, which is boosting its regional partnerships through active diplomacy. Nevertheless, Ankaras outreach to Assad has given rise to many objections, reservations, and doubts, calling into question Erdogans attempt to overcome Turkeys problems with its neighbours before its domestic elections. Syrian opposition groups, most of them based in Turkey, have reacted cautiously to Erdogans gestures, but mass demonstrations also erupted in the rebel-held northwest of Syria after Turkish officials unveiled plans to reconnect with the Al-Assad regime. Leader of the Al-Qaeda-linked Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham group that dominates the regions rebel groups Abu Mohamed Al-Julani dismissed the Turkish move as a dangerous deviation and has said that his group is prepared for a long battle against Syrian government forces. Significantly, the US has also announced that it is not supportive of countries re-establishing ties with Al-Assad. We have made clear that we will not normalise and we do not support other countries normalising with the Al-Assad regime, said US State Department Spokesperson Ned Price last Thursday. The US, which severed relations with the Syrian government following the 2011 uprising, has authorised broad penalties against anyone, Syrian or foreign, who provides support for the regimes military operations or knowingly does business with the Syrian government. The Kurdish media outlet Basnews reported on Friday that Washington has been bolstering its cooperation with Assads opponents in areas of Syria under the control of its Kurdish allies. It said the US has increased its supply of weapons and logistical supplies to Arab tribes in the Kurdish enclave in Syria in order to encourage them to join the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces. Apart from the UAE, most Arab countries that endorsed an Arab League resolution to suspend Syrias membership of the 22-member group in 2011 remain opposed to the Al-Assad regimes rehabilitation. Attempts to invite Al-Assad to an Arab League summit meeting in Algiers in November last year were torpedoed by several Arab countries that have been among the fiercest critics of the Syrian regime and fear that Assads rehabilitation will strengthen Irans hand in Syria. Two regional heavyweights, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, have called for a political solution to the Syrian crisis in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2245, which calls for support for a Syrian-led political resolution, and renewed support for the UN special representative for Syria. In a joint statement on Thursday following a meeting of a joint policy coordinating committee, the two countries stressed the need for maintaining Syrias independence and its territorial integrity and the return of Syrian refugees and displaced persons to their homes. But while Erdogan seems to be desperate to change the course of his faltering policy in Syria, Al-Assad has showed signs of outmanoeuvring a Turkish leader who once called him a terrorist who had killed close to a million of his own citizens, adding that it would be impossible to make peace efforts with him. In his first publicly reported remarks on the suggested meeting with his Turkish counterpart, Al-Assad said any talks should be based on the aim of ending the occupation of Syrian territory and halting support for what he called terrorism, a reference to Turkeys presence in northern Syria and its support for the opposition. The comments resonated in Ankara, and Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu was quick to respond on Thursday that a meeting with his Syrian counterpart Faisal Mekdad was not scheduled for this week as had previously been reported but could take place early in February. Much uncertainty remains regarding a quick fix to the Syrian-Turkish breakup and a possible collective normalisation with the Al-Assad regime. The current situation in Syria serves to confirm the apparent impossibility of the country reconnecting with the world without Assad offering meaningful concessions. While the horrors of the brutal crackdown by the Al-Assad regime on protesters, such as torture, rape, extrajudicial killing, the dropping of barrel bombs, and the deaths of up to half a million people, still haunt Syria, Al-Assad has showed no signs of introducing reasonable political reforms or engaging in serious dialogue with his opponents. With millions of Syrians still living in exile or displaced internally, the political and armed opposition to Al-Assad is still showing its resilience in mobilising against the regime. Significant areas are under opposition control in northern Syria, and winning them back will be a huge challenge for the regime. In many parts of Syria, the regime has failed to win the hearts and minds of the local population, especially among the countrys Sunni Arab majority who have no illusions about the ability of the regime to change and remain opposed to the rule of Assads Alawite minority group. Even the Druze, Syrias fourth-largest religious and ethnic minority, are seeing their constituencies in eastern Syria witnessing declines in security and sometimes also a lack of a government presence. The Syrian Kurds, an ethnic minority of about three million people who succeeded in establishing an autonomous enclave in northern Syria after the uprising began, are determined to enjoy federal rule in their areas as part of any future political settlement in Syria, something which the regime has rejected thus far. Among the main hurdles to readmitting the Al-Assad regime into the regional system is Irans military and security presence and political influence in Syria. Irans increasing role in Syria has broken the regional order, and the main Arab powers and Israel will continue to press for decoupling Damascus from Tehran prior to any rehabilitation. Erdogan aims by opening up to Al-Assad to manage his own domestic problems in Turkey, but such a policy shift without the broad support of the Syrian people and a common regional strategy amounts to appeasement of Al-Assad, and it will inevitably create more problems than it solves. *A version of this article appears in print in the 19 January, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly. Search Keywords: Short link: Dr. Beth Shapiro, Ph.D. (Lead Paleogeneticist and Colossal Scientific Advisory Board Member) and Ben Lamm (Colossal Co-Founder and CEO) (Colossal Biosciences) Scientists have launched a project to de-extinct the famously dead dodo after 361 years and reintroduce the species back to the wild. Colossal Biosciences, the company which also wants to revive the woolly mammoth, says it will attempt to bring the extinct bird back to life after raising $150m in funds. The company, which was founded in 2021 by Harvard geneticist Goerge Church and entrepreneur Ben Lamm, announced its plans for the flightless bird on Tuesday. The Dodo is a prime example of a species that became extinct because wepeoplemade it impossible for them to survive in their native habitat, said Beth Shapiro, a board member on Colossals Scientific Advisory Board and lead paleogeneticist on the project. Having focused on genetic advancements in ancient DNA for my entire career and as the first to fully sequence the Dodos genome, I am thrilled to collaborate with Colossal and the people of Mauritius on the de-extinction and eventual re-wilding of the Dodo. I particularly look forward to furthering genetic rescue tools focused on birds and avian conservation. The dodo is the third animal along with the mammoth and Tasmanian tiger, that Colossal Biosciences hopes to bring back from the dead. The dodo, a three feet tall bird weighing up to 39 pounds, used to live on the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius before becoming extinct. Colossal says that it now has 40 scientists working on its woolly mammoth de-extinction project, which it describes as the cuddly version of a velociraptor. (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) The company wants to fuse the DNA of mammoths that were frozen in ice for thousands of years with that of modern Asian elephants. Colossal says that its work is also important for making advances in the medical and environmental fields. Genetic technologies are already protecting us and our food sources from infectious and inherited diseases, said George Church. A society embracing endangered and extinct gene variants is one poised to address many practical obstacles and opportunities in carbon sequestration, nutrition, and new materials. Angelina Jolie is in Iraq meeting with survivors of a 2014 genocide initiated by the Islamic State years after the country's Sinjar region faced significant destruction. On Wednesday, Jolie, 47, and human rights activist Nadia Murad who escaped from ISIS captivity prior to founding the nonprofit Nadia's Initiative together visited northern Iraq's Sinjar region, where they visited Murad's childhood home and village as well as other key areas in the region where the nonprofit is leading recovery efforts, the organization announced in a press release. The longtime humanitarian and Murad spent the day meeting with women and children who survived the 2014 genocide, in which ISIS systematically attacked the region's Yazidi ethnoreligious minority community. ISIS's attacks killed thousands and displaced hundreds of thousands more as more than 6,000 women and children were enslaved and a strong majority of infrastructure in the region was destroyed, according to a release. "I'm honored to return to Iraq, this time to support the work of my friend Nadia Murad and other local Yazidis who are rebuilding their lives and communities after enduring horrors," Jolie said in a statement via Nadia's Initiative on Wednesday. RELATED: Angelina Jolie Calls for Protection, Support for People of Yemen: 'Suffering Here Is Unimaginable' Angelina Jolie and human rights activist Nadia Murad meeting with survivors of genocide in Iraq photos can be credited to Nadia's Initiative. Nadia's Initiative. "I have witnessed the progress they have made, but also the need for long-term international commitment to support their work and leadership," Jolie continued. "Yazidi survivors continue to struggle with trauma, insecurity, displacement, and slow progress on reparations. I met families who are still searching for answers about their loved ones who are missing, and others who still lack support to meet their basic needs." "Local people here are working to help themselves," she added. "They deserve respect and support." Angelina Jolie and human rights activist Nadia Murad meeting with survivors of genocide in Iraq photos can be credited to Nadia's Initiative. Nadia's Initiative. 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. In a statement, Murad called Jolie's activism "instrumental in helping raise awareness and meet the needs of women, children, and refugees throughout the world." Story continues Angelina Jolie and human rights activist Nadia Murad meeting with survivors of genocide in Iraq photos can be credited to Nadia's Initiative. Nadia's Initiative. "I relish the opportunity to show such a dedicated advocate my homeland, the incredible progress we have made toward recovery, and the remaining needs of my community," Murad added of the trip to Sinjar. Murad's nonprofit, which is currently focused on redeveloping the Sinjar region for Yazidis to return to safely, is dedicated to "rebuilding communities in crisis and advocating globally for survivors of sexual violence," per a release. Murad herself received the 2018 Nobel Peace Prize for her humanitarian efforts. RELATED VIDEO: Angelina Jolie Visits Lviv, Ukraine, to 'Welcome Internally Displaced Ukrainians' In December, Jolie, whose human rights activism work has also included support for refugee aid, supporting women in Iran, Pakistani flood relief and advocating for crime victim legislation, stepped away from her longtime role as a United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Special Envoy. "She will be more effective as an outsider," a source close to the actress told PEOPLE about Jolie's decision at the time. "She always has been like that, and more with the people than the system." uniformed military personnel surround a stretched-out american flag within view of gravestones in arlington cemetery. far in the background are military members standing One of NASA's first moon astronauts was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery. Apollo 11 astronaut Michael Collins, who died at age 90 on April 28, 2021, was the first human to orbit moon alone (without any nearby spacecraft) on July 20 and 21, 1969 as crewmates Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin did the debut moonwalk on the surface. On Monday (Jan. 30), Collins received modified funeral honors with funeral escort by the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard and the U.S. Air Force Ceremonial Brass Band. Collins' daughter, Kathleen Collins, received the U.S. flag from her father's funeral service, officials with Arlington wrote of the ceremony on Flickr. (Collins' wife of 57 years, nee Patricia Finnegan, predeceased him in 2014.) "Collins received many awards and decorations throughout his career, including the Presidential Medal for Freedom," Arlington officials wrote. Related: See the moon like the Apollo astronauts with these epic panoramic photos By coincidence, Collins' interment took place four days after the annual NASA Day of Remembrance for astronauts who gave their lives during spaceflight activities, which included ceremonies in Arlington Jan. 26. Collins, a U.S. Air Force Major General, joined NASA in 1963 and also flew on the Earth-orbiting Gemini 10 mission. Prior to joining the agency, Collins was a fighter pilot and from 1959 to 1963 served as a test pilot at Edwards Air Force Base in California. The son of a U.S. Army major general, Michael Collins was born Oct. 31, 1930, in Rome, Italy. Collins moved with his family to the United States and enrolled at West Point Military Academy after high school. He received a bachelor of science degree in 1952 and subsequently joined the Air Force. The Apollo 11 crew smiles in quarantine after their 1969 mission. From the left, astronauts Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins and Buzz Aldrin. At NASA, Collins performed two spacewalks on Gemini 10 in July 1966 when extravehicular activities were in their infancy. He also was one of the capcoms (the astronaut communicating with the crew) in Mission Control during Apollo 8, which was the first spacecraft with humans on board to orbit the moon in December 1968. Story continues Collins spent 21.5 hours alone in the command module of Apollo 11 while his crewmates were on the surface, including periods where he was cut off from all communication from Earth on the moon's far side. He later wrote about that experience in his 1974 autobiography "Carrying the Fire": "I am alone now, truly alone, and absolutely isolated from any known life. I am it. If a count were taken, the score would be three billion [people] plus two over on the other side of the moon, and one plus God knows what on this side." Collins retired from the Air Force and left NASA in 1970. He remained active in public service for decades, in positions such as assistant secretary of state for public affairs, the first director of the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum, and undersecretary of the Smithsonian. Elizabeth Howell is the co-author of "Why Am I Taller?" (ECW Press, 2022; with Canadian astronaut Dave Williams), a book about space medicine. Follow her on Twitter @howellspace. Follow us on Twitter @Spacedotcom or Facebook. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump is a key voice many Black Americans have come to rely on far beyond police brutality cases from racial discrimination class-action lawsuits against Google and Wells Fargo to cases arguing that Johnson & Johnson knew its talcum powder caused ovarian cancer and that rapper Travis Scott and Astroworld festival organizer Live Nation are liable for a concert stampede that killed 10 and injured hundreds in Houston in 2021. In the past few years, he also has taken on the U.S. government on behalf of Marines who developed breast cancer linked to toxic tap water at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, as well as a Florida amusement park ride operator after 14-year-old Tyre Sampson slipped from his seat and fell to his death from a 400-foot-tall ride. Crump and his co-counsel also won a $411 million verdict on behalf of a motorcycle rider left partially paralyzed after crashing into a truck that had its lights off while stopped on a Florida highway. Still, most Americans who recognize Crump, 53, likely know him for his work on cases involving excessive use of force by police officers or vigilantes claiming stand-your-ground defenses. Hes advocated for the families of Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, Andre Hill, Breonna Taylor, Daunte Wright, Joshua Wright and others he said suffered wrongful deaths. Most recently, Crump made national headlines standing alongside the grieving mother of Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man who died last month after a ruthless beating by Memphis police. Civil rights attorney Attorney Ben Crump speaks at a news conference with RowVaughn Wells, mother of Tyre Nichols, who died after being beaten by Memphis police officers, and his stepfather Rodney Wells, in Memphis, Tenn., Friday, Jan. 27, 2023. Standing alongside: Tyre Nichols' family, lawyer Ben Crump speak after seeing 'appalling' footage from arrest Laid to rest: VP Kamala Harris speaks at Tyre Nichols' funeral Crump said such cases make up less than 5% of his workload and less than 3% of his firms revenue, but they account for the majority of his appearances in the news media. Story continues Crump, dubbed Black Americas attorney general by the Rev. Al Sharpton, said his goal with the civil lawsuits is to hold cities and police departments accountable until the senseless killings of Black Americans end. I wake up every morning knowing my mission in life is to be an unapologetic defender of Black life, Black liberty and Black humanity, said Crump, who was named by TIME as one of 2021s most influential people. I dont care how unpopular it becomes, we can never be ashamed or afraid to stand up for our people. Tyre Nichols' family lawyer on growing up Black Crumps values and positions were shaped by his environment. We didnt see the police being very friendly to us when we were growing up, he said. They were people who would harass Black people on a regular basis. As an example, he recalls an incident when he was 10 years old and living in North Carolina, when he said police decided to teach one of his uncles a lesson. (My uncle) was one of the first ones in my little hometown to get a scholarship to go to a predominantly white university Wake Forest University, he said. When my uncle came home from college, (the) police were going to show him that even though he went to college, he was still a Negro like the rest of us. We watched them beat him up right there in the parking lot of the projects. It left an indelible impact on my mind. Attorney Ben Crump. Courtesy Ben Crump Law I thought that when I grow up, I dont want to feel helpless like we all felt watching my uncle be brutalized, literally," he said. "I remember that a lot when we work on these cases how helpless Black people feel in the face of these injustices, and thats why I fight so hard. Crump said his law firm receives about 500 requests a day seeking representation. He crisscrosses the country, partnering with other firms, to handle the cases he can. He used to work primarily in Florida, where his practice is based. But that was before Crump became almost synonymous with Say his name, the refrain often yelled by protesters when police kill an unarmed Black man. Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd: cases show incremental progress Crump rose to national prominence while representing the family of Trayvon Martin. The 17-year-old was chased and fatally shot in February 2012 by a neighborhood watch participant in Sanford, Florida, as the teen was walking home from a convenience store. Crump said he made a point of publicizing that Martin had gone to the store to buy Skittles and a can of Arizona iced tea because it was important for the public to see the youth as just that a typical teen. To have a chance at justice, you have to be able to humanize Black people and marginalized people of color. If you cant humanize them, then it would demonstrate to society that these Black people are not worthy of your respect, or your consideration or your professionalism and worst of all, that they are not worthy of your humanity, he said. Lawyer Benjamin Crump stands with Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin, parents of Trayvon Martin, as they bow their heads for a moment of silence with Rebecca Monroe, right, then acting director of the Community Relations Service at the Justice Department, during a forum of Democratic members of the House Judiciary Committee, March 27, 2012. Martins killer was acquitted of a second-degree murder charge after claiming self-defense. He said he confronted the teen for looking suspicious. The homeowners association in the neighborhood agreed to settle a wrongful death claim with Martins parents for more than $1 million. Martins death and the acquittal of his killer sparked the Black Lives Matter movement, and Crump became the go-to attorney in dozens of wrongful death lawsuits around the country. Many of the high-profile cases he and his co-counsel negotiate are settled without trials. Michael Brown: It's been 5 years since Ferguson. Are racial tensions even worse now? Andre Hill: Columbus agrees to pay $10M to family of Andre Hill, an unarmed Black man killed by police Breonna Taylor: Feds charge 4 Louisville police officers in Breonna Taylor shooting George Floyd: Former Minneapolis police officer pleads guilty to manslaughter in George Floyds death Tyre Nichols: Case reignites conversations among lawmakers on federal police legislation Michael Browns family received a $1.5 million settlement from the city of Ferguson, Missouri, after the 18-year-old was shot six times by a police officer; Hills family settled for $10 million with the city of Columbus, Ohio, after the unarmed 47-year-old was shot four times by an officer outside a garage with only a cellphone in his hand; Taylors family received $12 million from the city of Louisville, Kentucky, after a no-knock warrant resulted in the 26-year-olds fatal shooting. And the family of Floyd received a $27 million settlement from the city of Minneapolis. Crump said each case represents incremental progress. He hopes financial consequences for governments and agencies lead to policies that save Black lives and hold police accountable. Black life lessons on education and work As a Black man born in North Carolina, with bachelors and law degrees from Florida State University, Crump recognizes that the violence and sorrow experienced by the victims and families he has served could have just as easily happened to him. Or to the nephews he and his wife, Genae, helped raise. Or to his preteen daughter, Brooklyn, who must share her father with families across the nation. He recalls life lessons his mother, Helen, taught him at a similar age. She said, Life aint fair. Life is hard; you make it fair by what you bring to the table, and if you dont bring anything to the table, dont expect anybody to let you sit down at a table, he said. Left to right: National Urban League President Marc H. Morial, George Floyds brother Philonise Floyd, lawyer Ben Crump, and the Rev. Al Sharpton. Crump credits his mother and grandmother, Mittie Cordell, for giving him direction. His work ethic, he said, comes in part from his mom. When he was growing up, she worked at a hotel in the morning, cleaning bathrooms and washing laundry. She had a second-shift job at a shoe factory. Like most Black women, she was able to keep food on the table, a roof over our heads and hope in our hearts, he said. A message instilled during his upbringing was to work hard to be able to have an impact on your life, in your family and in your community. But he said his grandmother was his true inspiration. She was just a brilliant woman, even though she only had an eighth-grade education. She had that common sense many of our ancestors employed to deal with life. I remember her taking out the subscription to the local newspaper and me being seven or eight years old trying to read the newspaper with her. We would be sounding out words and putting them in context. She was not only teaching me the value of education and intelligence, but she was showing me that there was a bigger world outside of North Carolina. Ben Crump on the 'constant struggle to give value to Black life' A member of Omega Psi Phi fraternity, Crump said that it was the highlight of (his) life for his grandmother to see him graduate from law school and open his law practice before she passed away in 1997 at the age of 86. He adds that he has known since the fourth grade that he wanted to be a lawyer. He often retells the story of how it was in fourth grade that, due to desegregation, he had to start taking the bus to school in the white part of town. His mother explained how Thurgood Marshall litigated the Brown v. Board of Education case that made it possible for Black and white children to attend school together. Crump wanted to be like Marshall and make a difference. Ahmaud Arbery's father, Marcus, embraces lawyer Ben Crump and the Rev. Al Sharpton outside the courtroom. Jeff Storms, a Minneapolis attorney who has worked with Crump and attorney Anthony Romanucci on three pivotal Minneapolis civil rights cases, said Crump really cares about the families he represents. Together, they represented the families of Floyd and Daunte Wright, who was killed by a police officer in suburban Minneapolis in 2021, as well as the family of Amir Locke, another victim of a fatal shooting resulting from a no-knock warrant. Daunte Wright: Former Minnesota police officer Kim Potter sentenced to 2 years in Daunte Wright's death Ahmaud Arbery: Georgia dad, son sentenced to life for hate crimes in Ahmaud Arbery death Ben has a blend of talents that very few people in a generation cumulatively possess, Storms said. My continued working relationship with Ben proved what I always hoped could be true: that there are key people leading important causes who value kindness, empathy... coupled with determination and hard work. Though he refers to this type of work as a constant struggle to give value to Black life, Crump perseveres with hope. You know how we chipped away at slavery, how we chipped away at segregation? We will overcome this, too," he said. The enemies of equality wont win. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tyre Nichols family lawyer Benjamin Crump set on saving Black lives Jean Macean during his competency hearing before Judge Elizabeth Blackburn at the S. James Foxman Justice Center in Daytona Beach, Monday, Jan. 30, 2023. A judge is expected to decide this month whether a man accused of viciously stabbing to death a Daytona Beach couple during Bike Week last year should be committed to a state hospital for psychiatric treatment before legal proceedings against him can continue. Jean Macean, 33, of Orlando, has been indicted on two counts of first-degree murder with a weapon while acting with premeditation in the killings of Terry Aultman, 48, and Brenda Aultman, 55, according to the indictment. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. The Aultmans were stabbed repeatedly while riding their bicycles home early the morning of March 6, 2022, after attending Bike Week festivities on Main Street, police said. Their bodies were found at the corner of Riverview Boulevard and North Wild Olive Avenue. Bike Week murders:Competency hearing set for man accused of stabbing couple to death 'This is a nightmare':Daughter of Daytona Beach slaying victim thanks police in search for motive Circuit Judge Elizabeth Blackburn presided over a competency hearing for Macean, which started on Monday and continued Wednesday. Blackburn said she would rule before Macean's next hearing, which is set for March. If Blackburn decides Macean is not competent to proceed, the case would be put on hold while he receives medical treatment. Once doctors and the judge decide Macean is competent, the case would resume. Jean Macean during his competency hearing before Judge Elizabeth Blackburn at the S. James Foxman Justice Center in Daytona Beach, Monday, Jan. 30, 2023. In her closing argument, Assistant Public Defender Jessica Roberts said experts testified that Macean should be hospitalized until his competency can be restored. She said brain scans show Macean had brain damage. She said experts diagnosed him with schizophrenia and post-traumatic stress disorder. In his closing argument, Assistant State Attorney Andrew Urbanak said in the 15 years before his arrest, Macean had not been treated for any psychiatric problems. (Macean came to the United States from Haiti when he was about 11.) Urbanak said that Macean had been able to work at several different places including as a cook at Disney World's Animal Kingdom. Macean was also married and divorced during that time, and he had fathered a daughter with another woman. Urbanak also pointed to a test by a defense expert who testified he believed Macean was malingering, meaning he was pretending to have a mental illness. Story continues Scarring on Macean's brain Testimony Wednesday began with Roberts questioning defense witness Dr. Geoffrey A. Negin. Negin said that scans of Maceans brain showed severe scarring. He pointed in particular to an area on the left showing a large white dot. He said there was no way the scarring was normal. This is one of the most exuberant cases I have seen, Negin said. There is something very wrong here. He said there were also signs of brain shrinkage, which would be normal for someone with a disease or someone in their 70s or 80s, but not for someone Maceans age. He said the scarring could have been caused by accidents, fights, beatings and other trauma to the brain. Urbanak did not cross examine Negin. Valerie McClain, a psychologist, testified for the defense. When Assistant Public Defender Sara Altes questioned her, she said Macean was not competent to proceed. She diagnosed Macean with schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder and a learning disorder. She said Macean was actively experiencing auditory hallucinations both times she spoke with him. McClain said she did not believe that he was feigning any mental illness. She also said she did not think Macean could testify in his own defense because he would be impaired by his psychotic symptoms. She said he did not understand parts of the legal process, such as possible pleas or the adversarial nature of the justice system. She said she did believe Macean could act appropriately in court, which he did during the competency hearing. He did not act out. On Wednesday, he did not stare up at the ceiling as he had on Monday. Macean sat silently next to his attorneys looking ahead. During cross examination, Urbanak said another doctor had not found Macean had post-traumatic stress disorder. The question of malingering Later, Urbanak called Roger Davis, a psychologist, to testify for the state. Davis testified that he believed Macean was competent and the legal case could proceed against him. Davis noted the lack of prior psychiatric treatment for Macean and said it would be unusual for someone who is psychotic, which produces significant symptoms, not to receive treatment for that long. Davis said Macean scored high on a test for malingering. The malingering results were way above the threshold, Davis said. He believed Macean had the capacity to help his attorney in his case, testify relevantly and behave appropriately in court. During cross examination, Roberts said that before Davis gave Macean the malingering test, Macean had indicated he was tired. But Roberts said Davis went ahead and administered the long test. When Macean asked for the definition of unbearable which appears in the test a number of times Davis gave him his own definition, not the one written for the test, Roberts said. She also said that Davis had testified he did not believe Macean had brain damage. But she said Davis had no qualifications to make that determination. This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Daytona Beach Bike Week murders: Mental competency hearing adjourns ALLOUEZ - Years after a Green Bay-area legislator proposed closing the state prison in Allouez and building its replacement elsewhere in the region, local officials from both political parties have written letters urging state officials to close Green Bay Correctional Institution. The letters are being sent to Department of Corrections Secretary Kevin Carr. Supporters of the idea say a newly built prison would be safer for staff and inmates, and cheaper to operate than GBCI. They don't say where, or if, they believe a new facility should be built. The current facility was a bicycle factory when the state purchased it and began operating it as a prison for its first eight inmates in the 1890s. State, Brown County and local officials who signed the letters promoting closure agree that the prison, which houses several hundred more inmates than it was designed for, does a poor job of rehabilitating prisoners and preparing them to return to society. Some say it's inefficient and falls short of its goal of helping inmates become people who are motivated to avoid prison in the future. More:Close Green Bay Correctional, reduce Wisconsin's prison population? The effort faces uphill battle "Outdated facilities do not create the foundations for success needed to reduce recidivism," Brown County Sheriff Todd Delain wrote. Delain noted that the prison first housed inmates in 1898 as the "Wisconsin State Reformatory," and has said previously that portions of the prison show their age. The prison was the scene of a homicide in October when inmate Joshua Scolman was charged with killing inmate Timothy Nabors. It also has been the scene of corrections officers being assaulted by inmates; an officer was unable to work after he was assaulted by an inmate who threw a kettle of scalding water on the staffer in a kitchen area in 2016. The newspaper has requested an interview with the Department of Corrections to weigh in on the latest action by Green Bay-area elected officials. Story continues Corrections Secretary Carr acknowledged when he took office several years ago that GBCI is more expensive to operate than a modern facility would be. But it's well-known that Wisconsin prisons have little extra space for more inmates, meaning that closing GBCI would mean the state would have to find housing for the more than 1,000 inmates currently housed in Allouez. But Gov. Tony Evers has been an advocate of having the state operate fewer prisons than it currently does. Officials in northeastern Wisconsin, though, point out that the space that the 45 acres currently used as a prison could be far more beneficial to the area if used other than as a prison. State Rep. David Steffen, R-Howard, and Allouez Village President Jim Rafter have both pushed the prison site as an ideal spot for development, citing its proximity to the Fox River and Wisconsin 172. Designed for 749 inmates, the prison housed 962 213 more than rated capacity as of Jan. 27, DOC's website says. When Steffen earlier proposed closing the prison, it was slightly more than 300 above its rated capacity. The Wisconsin Legislative Audit Bureau in 2019 projected that it would cost $200 million to bring GBCI up to standards, and recommended that it be closed, the letter-writers said. Other local officials signing letters advocating closure of the prison: Brown County Executive Troy Streckenbach; Green Bay Mayor Eric Genrich; state Sens. Robert Cowles, R-Allouez, and Andre Jacque, R-De Pere; state Reps. David Steffen, R-Howard, and Kristina Shelton, D-Green Bay; and Ashwaubenon Village President Mary Kardoskee. This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Bipartisan support grows for closing prison in Allouez 'Epic' Texas Ice Storm Kills at Least 8 and Leaves 400,000 Without Power A massive winter storm stretching across the southern U.S. is entering its fourth day, after widespread power outages, downed trees and icy highways have resulted in the deaths of at least eight people. From West Texas to Tennessee and even into Kentucky, a mixture of sleet, freezing rain and ice has impacted travel and created havoc, canceling hundreds of flights and school for most of this week. On Wednesday, as authorities cautioned against driving due to slick roads in North Texas, hundreds of miles south, an even icier wintry mix coated power lines and resulted in outages in Austin and the Hill Country, the Austin American-Statesman reports. By Thursday morning, an estimated 171,000 Austin Energy customers were still without power, as ice up to three-quarters of an inch accumulated on power lines and snapped tree branches, per the newspaper. About 400,000 across the state were without power, according to PowerOutage.us. An ice-coated road is empty of cars after North Texas gets hit with another ice storm ZUMA Press, Inc./Alamy Live News Texas ice storm "These outages are due to severe winter weather and are not related to a statewide grid issue," Austin Energy said in a statement. "Ice is accumulating on power lines, utility poles and tree limbs leading to power outages." 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. North Texas gets hit with another ice storm Chris Rusanowsky/ZUMA Press Wire Texas ice storm RELATED: Groundhog Day 2023: Punxsutawney Phil Predicts 6 More Weeks of Winter Weather At least eight people have died as a result of the storm, including in traffic accidents in the cities of Arlington and Austin, as well as Arkansas state. While authorities are cautioning against traveling by car, heading to the skies has not been an easy feat either. About 75% of the flights at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and two-thirds at Dallas Love Field Airport were canceled on Wednesday. At Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, over half were canceled, according to FlightAware.com. Story continues RELATED VIDEO: Winter Storm Death Toll Rises to 49 with 27 Victims in Buffalo, New York: "So Many Bodies" Relief, however, is expected by late Thursday, according to the National Weather Service at least for the South. "The epic ice storm across the South and Mid-South will end today from west to east," the National Weather Service said. "A system tracking near the Gulf Coast will clear-out the frozen mess, while also producing heavy rain and perhaps a severe thunderstorm for the Gulf Coast states," NWS added. Their statement continued, "Meanwhile, a glancing shot of arctic air will sweep through the Northeastern U.S. on Friday to produce very dangerous wind chills through Saturday." Erie County Executive Brenton Davis says a significant hurdle has been cleared that might allow cruise ships to dock in Erie as soon as this coming summer. A growing number of cruise lines have been visiting Great Lakes ports in recent years, bringing with them passengers and tourism dollars. For subscribers: Why don't Great Lakes cruise ships stop in Erie? An overview of a tourism challenge Erie has had a cruise ship terminal since 2002, but it hasn't been getting any of that business. Both Davis and Brenda Sandberg, the former executive director of the Erie-Western Pennsylvania Port Authority, talked this past summer about what it would take to gain the attention of cruise ship companies and what would be needed to certify the cruise ship terminal. While there is still work to be done, progress is being made. According to a statement from the Davis administration, "Erie County has received the OK from the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Buffalo to welcome cruise ships into its port." So what does that mean? More:1 group has biggest role in Erie's most valuable property. How the Erie Port Authority works Security plan A security plan developed with the assistance of the Pittsburgh-based Valentis Group, a security company, has been approved after a number of meetings with the U.S. Coast Guard, said Chris Carroll, a spokesman for the county. "We had to have a facility security plan approved in order to operate that facility as a port of call," Carroll said. Upgrades would include gates and fencing that would permit unauthorized people from boarding. He didn't say what the upgrades might cost. What sort of port He said those upgrades would allow the terminal to operate as a port of call that could accept passengers who have previously cleared customs to enter Erie without having to clear customs again. Eventually, Carroll said, there might be thought given to Erie being designated as a passenger-clearing terminal, which would have U.S. Customs and Border Patrol on site. Story continues That's a bigger hurdle to clear. "I am not going to rule it out. It's going to take a lot of time and it's definitely down the road," Carroll said. "For now, we are looking at getting boats in and out of here." The Port Authority recently announced Martin LaMar is its new executive director, but he doesn't start his new job until Monday. More:Erie Port Authority names new director with a specialty in economic development The Viking Octantis sails into the breakwater along Milwaukee's shore on its way to dock at the Port of Milwaukee on Friday, May 6, 2022. The Octantis was the first cruise ship to visit the city since 2019. Sandberg, his predecessor, met this past summer with officials from Port Milwaukee, to see what she could learn about bringing cruise ships to Erie. In addition to concerns about the need for upgraded security, Sandberg said at the time that Erie wasn't ready to clear passengers. "Given the current requirements for customs and border patrol, as far as the facility needs to clear passengers, the current building no longer meets those requirements," she said. Security upgrades still need to be made, but Carroll said Erie County is now in a position to begin talking about bringing business to Erie. "We get the right people in the room at the right time. We made it happen," he said. Carroll said the Coast Guard plans to visit Erie later this month for a final walk-through of the building. Highlighting Erie's virtues Davis said in a statement that the county's Economic Development Department has been talking with cruise lines for months about adding Erie as a stop. We have brought these executives to Erie to highlight all that we have to offer," he said. "We have received some good feedback and are hopeful that we will see our first cruise ship arrive as soon as this summer." Contact Jim Martin at jmartin@timesnews.com. This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Erie County Executive Davis hopes cruise ships could dock in Erie soon Kemar Lawrence has joined Minnesota United for the tail end of its preseason work in Florida this week, a club spokesman told the Pioneer Press on Wednesday. While the club continues to wait on Emanuel Reynoso the star midfielder staying in Argentina for personal issues the return of Lawrence is an encouraging development for the club and its left fullback position going into the 2023 season. Loons manager Adrian Heath said Monday that Lawrence was in his native Jamaica for family issues but was expected to arrive imminently. Lawrence, 30, ended up being truant for the opening three weeks of preseason work in January. Lawrence had somewhat similar circumstances last year. He was away from Toronto FCs camp until he was traded to MNUFC for $50,000 in General Allocation Money and the rights to Loons draft pick Sean OHearn in mid-March. Near that same time, the Loons then-top left back Chase Gasper went into the MLS substance abuse program. Gasper was traded to Los Angeles Galaxy in May, and Lawrence held down the left back spot in 2022, playing 2,305 minutes across 27 regular season games. Lawrence scored one goal with two assists, and his 3.28 clearances per 90 minutes puts him in the 94th percentile compared to other fullbacks, according to fbref.com. The Loons play Orlando City at 3 p.m. Wednesday; Lawrence is not expected to play. MNUFC will return to Minnesota on Thursday. Related Articles (Bloomberg) -- Gas stoves are coming under fresh scrutiny as a second federal agency has now stepped into the political firestorm with a proposal for new regulations for the appliances. Most Read from Bloomberg The Energy Department proposal, published Wednesday, sets first-of-their-kind limits on energy consumption for the stoves, drawing fear from the industry that the regulation could effectively end the use of some products from the market. The proposal also sets energy usage standards for electric cook tops and new standards for both gas and electric ovens. The move comes just weeks after an official with the US Consumer Product Safety Commission floated the idea of a ban, igniting criticism from the gas industry and from lawmakers ranging from House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers to Senator Joe Manchin. Within days, the head of the commission clarified that the agency had no plans for a ban, and the White House issued a statement that said the president didnt support banning the cooking products either. We are concerned that this is another attempt by the Federal government to use regulations to remove viable and efficient natural gas products from the market, Karen Harbert, president of the American Gas Association, said of the Energy Departments proposal, adding that the group will carefully evaluate this rule in the coming weeks. The Energy Department said nearly 50% of the current gas cooktop market will not be impacted by the proposal. Air Pollutants While Alexander Hoehn-Saric, chair of the Consumer Product Safety Commission, said the agency was not looking to ban gas stoves, it is moving forward with a Request for Information, the first step in a potential rule making. Story continues Natural gas stoves are used in about 40% of homes in the US. They emit air pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and fine particulate matter at levels the EPA and World Health Organization have said are unsafe and linked to respiratory illness, cardiovascular problems, cancer and other health conditions, multiple studies have said. The Energy Departments proposal would reduce energy usage by about 30% relative to the least-efficient products on the market today, according to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, an environmental group. The proposed standards are based on improved cooking efficiency through the use of design options, such as an optimized burner and improved grates, and some products are already on the market that meet the requirements, the group said. Andrew deLaski, executive director of the Appliance Standards Awareness Project, said the proposed regulation represents a standard that todays more efficient gas stove designs can meet. But groups representing the makers of ranges from companies like Whirlpool Corp. said they were alarmed by the proposal, which follows previous decisions by the Energy Department not to issue standards. This approach by DOE could effectively ban gas appliances, said Jill Notini, a vice president with the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, a Washington-based trade group. We are concerned this approach could eliminate fully featured gas products. The trade group is still evaluating the rule, but it appears that 95% of the market would not meet the proposed levels, Notini said. The Energy Department said the standards, which would result in $1.7 billion in reduced energy costs, were mandated by Congress and are technologically feasible for both gas and electric cooktops. We are not proposing bans on either, the department said in a statement. Every major manufacturer has products that meet or exceed the requirements proposed today. (Adds additional information from Energy Department in fifth paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Hell broke loose in Pakistans north-western city, Peshawar, as a suicide bomber breached security inside a mosque on Monday, killing 100 people and injuring almost 227. The attack, in the Police Lines district, was the deadliest in a decade. According to a medical official, the South Asian country faces a mounting security challenge from armed groups. He added that the majority of those killed were police officials. The suicide bombing caused the mosques roof to collapse, and rescuers had to remove mounds of debris to recover many of the bodies, authorities said. Distraught relatives thronged hospitals in Peshawar on Tuesday to look for their kin a day after a suicide bombing ripped through a crowded mosque in a heavily fortified area of the city. Pakistani authorities scrambled to determine how a suicide bomber could carry out one of the countrys deadliest attacks in years, unleashing an explosion in a crowded mosque inside a highly secured police compound. It is still unclear who carried out the bombing, but counter-terrorism police are investigating how the bomber reached the mosque inside a walled-off police headquarters compound called Police Lines. The district also includes government buildings. A commander from the Pakistani Taliban, known by the acronym TTP, claimed responsibility, but a spokesman for the group later distanced the TTP from the event, saying it was not its policy to attack mosques. Yes, it was a security lapse, said Ghulam Ali, the provincial governor in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, of which Peshawar is the capital. Akhtar Ali Shah, a former regional interior secretary once based in Peshawar, said it was not a spur-of-the-moment attack. It was the handiwork of a well-organised group, he told Al-Ahram. He also said those behind the attack must have had inside help to gain access to the compound and probably entered it several times for reconnaissance or even to plant explosives ahead of time. Its not a security lapse; its a security breach, he said. From all entry points, there are multiple layers of security you have to cross with ID checks. Talat Masood, a retired army general and senior security analyst, said Mondays suicide bombing showed negligence. Speaking to Al-Ahram, CCPO Khan said that there is a possibility that the assailant may have entered the compound in an official vehicle. [The] Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) is investigating the case, he added. He said that 1,500 to 2,000 personnel come and go daily as there are more than eight units of offices, including FRP, Special Security Unit (SSU), Elite Force and CTD in the Peshawar Police Lines. The assailant may have already been present in Police Lines, Khan said, adding that the nature of the explosion can only be known after the rescue operation is completed. The hall of the mosque was old, while the rest had been newly built. The Peshawar CCPO further said the mosques wall had collapsed, causing more damage. The hall was also damaged by fire after the explosion. The attack on the mosque occurred at the start of a critical week for Pakistani diplomacy. On Monday, the president of the United Arab Emirates, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, was due to visit Islamabad, although the trip was cancelled at the last minute because of bad weather. It also happened a day before an International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission arrived in Islamabad for talks on a stalled $7 billion bailout. Last March, Peshawar was the target of another bombing, which killed dozens in a Muslim mosque. In the capital Islamabad, police issued a high alert and said security at all entry and exit points to the city had been increased. * A version of this article appears in print in the 2 February, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: Lawyers for Hunter Biden are requesting that federal and state investigators look into those who accessed and spread his personal data from his stolen laptop, including Rudy Giuliani and a number of allies of former President Trump, in a series of letters sent Wednesday, according to multiple reports. The letters to the attorney general of Delaware, the Department of Justice and the IRS allege that a number of right-wing figures trafficked the information that was stolen from Bidens laptop and used it to weaponize attacks against him and his family. It is the first time Bidens legal team has publicly acknowledged that it was his personal data that was found on an abandoned laptop at a Delaware repair shop. The offensive against his agitators marks a new strategy in Bidens legal maneuvers as House Republicans have teed up their investigations into the presidents son. The letter to the Delaware attorney general accuses John Paul Mac Isaac, who owned the repair shop where the laptop was left, of accessing the computer in an unauthorized manner, which they say he distributed to the New York Post for a story before the 2020 election, according to CNN. The attorneys also asked for investigations into Giuliani and Stephen Bannon. Mac Isaacs attorney Brian Della Rocca told The Hill that he was still wrapping [his] head around the letters but blasted the messages from Bidens legal team as an attempt to direct attention away from Biden. After skimming the letters, the only thing I see is a privileged person hiring yet another high-priced attorney to redirect attention away from his own unlawful actions, Della Rocca said. Representatives for Giuliani and Bannon did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The existence of Bidens laptop has been a fixation of conservative media and Republican lawmakers since the president started his run for office. The laptop appears to contain a massive record of documents, including business dealings, personal photos and emails. Story continues In the aftermath of the stories about Bidens laptop, conversations raged about its potential authenticity and whether the information being leaked from the supposed stolen laptop could be trusted. The FBI seized the laptop in December 2019, according to Mac Isaac. And now Republicans, in their new House majority, have sworn to investigate Biden and his family. The promise of oversight of the presidents son was one of the partys main campaign points in the 2022 midterm elections. Updated 9:14 p.m. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The Iowa-Illinois men's basketball rivalry added another chapter this week with an ongoing ticket saga that is sure to increase animosity for Saturdays game. Heres how things unfolded Wednesday night. The Orange Krush, Illinois well-known student section and largest student-run charitable organization, put out a statement saying they had tabbed Saturdays game at Carver-Hawkeye Arena as its annual road trip. Tickets for the 150 students going had been mailed out in October, and charter buses had been arranged to celebrate what was going to be the Krushs 20th road trip. Everything appeared to be in working order until Wednesday, when the University of Iowa athletics department refunded The Orange Krushs full order. Iowa began taking heat on social media after the Krushs statement was released Wednesday night. As a result of the late cancellation, the Krushs statement said, the organization will lose "nearly $6,000 from our $30,000 budget and that "this means, financially, we cannot afford to pivot to another destination even if there were sufficiently available tickets. So the 20th Orange Krush road trip will have to be delayed until the 2023-24 season." Statement from the Orange Krush: pic.twitter.com/etb13geis1 The Orange Krush (@TheOrangeKrush) February 2, 2023 The Iowa mens basketball account put out its own statement on the issue, clarifying the story. The Iowa athletics department became aware of a discounted group ticket order for the Iowa-Illinois mens basketball game on behalf of an Illinois chapter of the Boys and Girls Club, the statement read. In following up with that organization, it became clear this was not factual. When contacting the individual who made the original ticket order, they admitted to falsely ordering tickets under the non-profit organization. Story continues Iowa athletics has refunded the original ticket order and donated tickets to the Boys and Girls Club of Cedar Rapids. We look forward to welcoming these kids to a sold-out Carver-Hawkeye Arena this Saturday. A statement from the Iowa Athletics Department regarding Saturdays game vs Illinois: pic.twitter.com/8gzZmf87Ns Iowa Mens Basketball (@IowaHoops) February 2, 2023 Dissecting this saga likely comes down to rooting interests. Those associated with Illinois and the Orange Krush will point to the student sections long history of similar processes to obtain road tickets while questioning why Iowa waited until this week to cancel the order. Iowa supporters will point to the moral element of using false information to obtain the tickets. Either way, another rivalry element has been added to Saturdays sold-out showdown. Dargan Southard is a sports trending reporter and covers Iowa athletics for the Des Moines Register and HawkCentral.com. Follow him on Twitter at @Dargan_Southard. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa cancels Illinois Orange Krush order: Ticket 'falsely' purchased An artificial intelligence system that's only been available for two months already has Iowa universities and schools thinking about how to address its use for potential cheating. But they're also looking at how the online tool could improve faculty's teaching and students' learning. ChatGPT was released Nov. 30 by the San Francisco-based startup OpenAI, which has a close relationship with Microsoft. The AI tool is free to use and can create written text on demand as a person asks it questions. ChatGPT is part of a new generation of AI systems called "large language models" that can converse, generate readable text on demand and even produce novel images and video based on what theyve learned from a vast database of digital books, online writings and other media. Burak Senel, an Iowa State University graduate student standing at right, works with students Jonah Vancil, a sophomore at left, Humza Maqsood, a freshman at center, and Nate Hasso, a freshman sitting behind Maqsood, in an English course to help them understand how ChatGPT works on Friday, Jan. 27, 2023. Educators across the country are considering how to use the recently launched AI system and others like it to benefit students' education but try to prevent dishonest use for cheating. Abram Anders, an English professor at Iowa State University, expects ChatGPT will be "truly transformative. Anders plans to incorporate the tool into a course he's teaching this semester as well as in a new proposed course in the future. He will lead a workshop in February for faculty on how AI tools can be useful. A graduate assistant in the English department also is incorporating ChatGPT in a course at Iowa State this semester. Anders said he wants to show how technological advances force people to innovate, but also provide awareness of potential drawbacks and limitations to new tools a bit of showing whats possible and a bit of cautioning around areas where we might get into a little trouble. More:DoNotPay's 'first robot lawyer' to take on speeding tickets in court via AI. How it works. How Iowa school districts, universities are responding to AI But there is concern a sophisticated AI tool like ChatGPT could be used to cheat on school research papers or other assignments. The New York City school district recently blocked its use on school devices and networks. OpenAI said in a statement it plans to work with educators to avoid having the technology used for misleading purposes in schools or anywhere else. ChatGPT told the Associated Press it's "not appropriate" to use it for school papers "as it is considered cheating and does not benefit the student in the long run." Story continues Heather Doe, spokesperson for the Iowa Department of Education, said decisions about academic expectations, honesty and whether to block certain websites and artificial intelligence tools are made on the local level, though districts do receive technology support and guidance from their Area Education Agency. A photo illustration shows the OpenAI logo in the background of a silhouetted woman holding a cellphone. ChatGPT is a chatbot launched by developer OpenAI. In Ames, teachers have conversations with students about plagiarism and encourage students to correctly cite sources and address suspicious activity, said district spokesperson Amy DeLashmutt. The district will "continue educating our students about the downfalls associated with academic dishonesty and possible disciplinary actions," she said. The University of Iowa has released guidance for faculty on how to have conversations with their students about academic integrity, incorporate AI tools into assignments and to tell if something's been written with assistance from AI. Iowa State University has a task force looking at the use of ChatGPT and other AI tools and may release recommendations for the university community within a matter of weeks, said Ann Marie VanDerZanden, associate provost for academic programs. VanDerZanden said Iowa State has not found a student that has used ChatGPT in a dishonest way. But the university's task force is looking at other large research institutions' policies and procedures around AI and how faculty might use the technology. She told faculty senators last week the guidance, including recommendations for syllabi, would "tell the students when AI is strictly prohibited, when AI might be allowed with attribution, when AI is encouraged with some tasks and when it might be something you incorporate in your pedagogy," according to Inside Iowa State. Anders said there are ways to disincentivize students from using AI tools to cheat, including emphasizing the aspects of human learning and communication that a machine cannot compete with. ChatGPT can only complete tasks that its users understand and are able to ask it to do, he said. The system has to be taught how to do things, and even though it can create an accurate response, it doesn't really understand how the world works or have logic it can apply to situations, he said. Iowa State University students Humza Maqsood, a freshman at right, and Jonah Vancil, a sophomore at left, work with ChatGPT in an English class on Friday, Jan. 27, 2023. The university is among schools and colleges across the country grappling with how to help students and faculty realize benefits of the recently launched artificial intelligence system and others like it while preventing academic dishonesty. Benefits of ChatGPT and other AI tools for students Anders expects most universities will ban the use of ChatGPT and other AI tools for some assignments but may allow their use in other settings. Im really excited about these tools. I think over time theyre only going to add to the value of what educators do," he said. "Of course, theres going to be a period of figuring it out, and I think all of us having patience and approaching it with a spirit of curiosity is going to be the best way to do that. Anders said the tool could act as a personal writing assistant that can help students more quickly progress through their work, brainstorm ideas, breakdown and summarize challenging material, ask questions that can be quickly researched, create an outline or revise a draft. He does not think AI tools will replace writing altogether. VanDerZanden agreed that the tools could be useful in helping students "refine their thinking and build on it in a second draft or with more specific types of questions, giving students a chance to iterate on their assignments." And the tools' ramifications will stretch far beyond education, and the university's academic degree in artificial intelligence will benefit from looking at how the technology might influence industry and business, she said. More:Atwater Brewery unveils new craft beer brewed using artificial intelligence The Associated Press, for example, uses AI to transcribe videos and automate stories on corporate earnings, according to its website. ChatGPT was not used in the creation of this story, however. The Ames Tribune tried to create a sample of text but too many people were accessing the tool online and jammed its server. ChatGPT did share a sonnet about its jammed status: "As the chatbot works to restore its might, We wait in anticipation, with hopeful hearts, For the chance to chat and learn, with delight, And see what knowledge and wisdom it imparts. So hold on tight, and wait for its return, For ChatGPT will soon be back, and your patience will be well-earned." The Associated Press contributed to this report. Phillip Sitter covers education for the Ames Tribune, including Iowa State University and PreK-12 schools in Ames and elsewhere in Story County. Phillip can be reached via email at psitter@gannett.com. He is on Twitter @pslifeisabeauty. This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Iowa schools, universities work on ChatGPT policies to avoid cheating A jury deliberated for nearly three hours Wednesday and returned a guilty verdict against a 36-year-old man charged with DUI manslaughter in the March 2019 death of a woman. Wearing a suit, and sitting between his lawyers, Joseph Lindsey Charles Bailey stared ahead when the announcement was made by the clerk. The Missouri man was led to the back, where he changed his clothes. Returning to court in a Marion County Jail uniform, Bailey read aloud a prepared statement for the court before sentencing. A tearful Bailey apologized to the victim's family and called the incident a "horrible tragic accident." Court:Woman sentenced for DUI death DUI manslaughter sentence:Ocala woman sentenced to 11 years for DUI manslaughter Sentencing on Wednesday Bailey said all he wanted to do was to come to Florida so his children could have a good time. Joseph Lindsey Charles Bailey about to be fingerprinted by a bailiff after his sentencing. His father, who attended both days of his son's trial, said his daughter was killed in a hit-and-run crash that has never been solved. He said he feels sad for everyone involved. The victim's family took turns speaking at the podium. One daughter said she forgives Bailey and said people should appreciate every moment with their loved ones. A second daughter said she heard about the crash on Facebook and has tried to remain positive. Assistant State Attorney Katrina Self asked Circuit Judge Robert Hodges for the maximum: a 15-year prison term. Joseph Lindsey Charles Bailey at his DUI manslaughter trial on Wednesday Assistant Public Defenders Sean Gravel and Kathryn Hamilton both argued for a lenient sentence. They said their client is remorseful about the crash, was cooperative with law enforcement officials during their investigation, and is traumatized about the victim's death. They also said Bailey has had a drug problem throughout his life. The judge rejected a lesser sentence for Bailey, saying his action could've killed himself, his children and a woman passenger who was in the vehicle with him at the time of the crash. He sentenced Bailey to a 130-month prison term, followed by two years of probation. Two counts of DUI with property damage were dropped by prosecutors. Story continues File picture of one of the vehicles involved in a three-vehicle wreck on State Road 40 that claimed the life of Barbara Margaret in 2019. FHP's report of the crash Florida Highway Patrol troopers said Bailey was driving a Ford Focus east on State Road 40. A three-wheel motorcycle, driven by Barbara Margaret, was in front of Bailey's vehicle. The Ford struck the back of the motorcycle and it was launched into opposite lane, where it sideswiped a Buick Enclave. Margaret was thrown from the bike onto the grassy shoulder and died, FHP officials said. She was 69. At trial, the jury was told the crash was so horrific that Margaret's body was spilt in three pieces. FHP said Barbara Margaret was riding this motorcycle when she was hit and killed in 2019. Several witnesses, including experts, testified for the prosecution and the defense. The prosecution contends Bailey was under the influence of methamphetamine, which led him to crash into Margaret's bike. The defense felt Bailey was distracted by a tower and he wasn't impaired. Bailey, who has been at the Marion County Jail since November 2022, when his bond was revoked, did not testify at the trial. Contact Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com or @almillerosb This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Prison term for Missouri man found guilty of DUI manslaughter Jonah Hill (Writer-Producer) as Ezra and Lauren London as Amira in You People. Tyler Adams/Netflix Jonah Hill and Lauren London Lauren London is getting real about coupling up with Jonah Hill in her Netflix film, You People. The movie stars London and Hill as couple trying to unite their families played by Eddie Murphy and Nia Long, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus and David Duchovny before they walk down the aisle, to hilarious results. Fans have embraced the comedy, which is currently holding the No. 1 spot on Netflix's Global Top 10. But in an interview with Harper's Bazaar published Wednesday, London admitted she was apprehensive when she was first approached about the part by director Kenya Barris, creator of black-ish and a writer on the 2017 movie Girls Trip. "Why would these two people really like each other?" she recalled wondering to Barris, who co-wrote the film with Hill. "They're from two totally different worlds, and if you see them, you would never think that they would meet or hang out, whatever the case is," she said. "It was a conversation on connecting with people genuinely and going for the soul connection." RELATED: Lauren London Reveals How Advice from Diddy Helped Her Get Through Nipsey Hussle's Funeral When asked about the believable connection the pair has on screen, London credited similar interests. But also admitted she was surprised they got along so well. Lauren London attends the BET Awards 2021 at Microsoft Theater on June 27, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. Paras Griffin/Getty Lauren London 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. "I'm a Black woman; he's a white man," she said, before talking about what drew them together. "We actually have a lot in common in our lives some of our experiences and some of the ways we look at life and some of the ways we've taken life in," she told the magazine. "And also, growing up in L.A., though we grew up in different areas We're both L.A. kids from the same era." Story continues London previously talked to PEOPLE about her upbringing and how it informed her character in the movie. "My dad is Jewish, my mom is black," London said to PEOPLE Every Day podcast host Janine Rubenstein of her real-life upbringing. "I just grew up with my mother in my household. I didn't grow up with my dad living with us. My parents divorced when I was really young. I was three, so my experience is of my mother's experience, because I just grew up with a single black mom." You People. (L to R) David Duchovny as Arnold, Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Shelley, Jonah Hill (Writer-Producer) as Ezra, Lauren London as Amira, Eddie Murphy as Akbar, and Nia Long as Fatima in You People. Parrish Lewis/Netflix RELATED: Lauren London on Getting 'Derailed' Almost 3 Years Since Death of Nipsey Hussle: 'Ultimate Test' "What felt personal was shooting in L.A.," she added of finding elements of her own story in her character. "And some of those areas that we shot in and some of the places that we shot in. I liked that they were Jewish 'cause it was also some stuff that I got to learn via being in the movie that I didn't know." In addition to it being personally resonant for her, London said, the shoot was "just fun." You People is now streaming on Netflix. PANAMA CITY BEACH Get ready to catch some beads this weekend as the annual Mardi Gras and Music Festival takes place in Panama City Beach. Recently named on Budget Travels list of Top things to do in February, the annual Mardi Gras and Music Festival boasts a carnival-style celebration with family entertainment, a kids zone, a festival village, live music, parades, a 5K run and nightly fireworks. The two-day festival, held Feb. 3-4 at Pier Park, grows every year and has attracted nearly 50,000 attendees in the past. While Visit Panama City Beach hosts the event with activities and entertainment, the Krewe of Dominique Youx Bay Countys original Mardi Gras organization brings out the Mardi Gras at the Beach parade. Local coffee shops:Looking for a great brew? Here are 8 Bay County coffee shops to find the perfect cup Now open:Havana 1980 food truck transforming into full-scale restaurant in St. Andrews The event has really grown year after year just by booking quality entertainment that guests can enjoy for free, Visit Panama City Beach Public Relations Manager Rachel Banks said. So it's just a good time for the whole family to come out and enjoy. The annual Mardi Gras and Music Festival, which culminates with a parade, takes place Feb. 3-4 at Pier Park in Panama City Beach. History of the Krewe of Dominique Youx In 1986, Bay County residents Errol Legasse and Jerry Castardo formed the Krewe of Dominique Youx to bring a Mardi Gras tradition to the local area. The organization gets its name from a famed pirate, Dominique Youx, who was among a band of pirates who helped Andrew Jackson thwart a British invasion of New Orleans during the War of 1812 in exchange for pardons. Youx settled in New Orleans after the battle. (The Krewe) is proud to use the name of a historic buccaneer to promote the carnival spirit of Mardi Gras to bring visitors to our resorts and hotels in Panama City Beach and for the enjoyment of the people of Bay County, Panama City and Northwest Florida, the organization stated on its website. The Krewe of Dominique Youx named its 2023 court with King Allen Cotton and Queen Brenda Harned, along with six pirates: David Redmond, Noah Crow, Rob Jagger, Mike Simpers, Tommy Lynch and Glenn Keebler; and six princesses: Samantha McInnis, Serra Frohlich, Becky White, Pam McTeer, Michelle Brannon and Jo Ann Peak. Story continues Members of the Krewe of Dominique Youx 2023 court. In the center are King Allen Cotton and Queen Brenda Harned, along with six pirates and six princesses. In addition to the spring parade, the krewe produces an annual fall parade on Columbus Day weekend to assist the Tourist Development Council in Panama City Beach in enhancing the traditional Mardi Gras experience in the local area. A closer look into the festival Festivities kick off Friday afternoon in Pier Park with the opening of the kids' zone and festival village in the SkyWheel Plaza and float tours along Pier Park Drive. Also on Friday, opening ceremonies will take place before the kids' parade Second Liners parade floats down Pier Park Drive. Then, Louisiana-based Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp band will perform on the Celebration Stage, followed by a firework show from the Russell-Fields City Pier. The event continues Saturday morning, starting with the Mardi Gras 5K Run/Walk at Frank Brown Park, 16200 Panama City Beach Parkway. The festival village and kids' fun zone will be available starting at noon at the SkyWheel Plaza. Panama City Beach celebrated Mardi Gras with a parade through Pier Park Saturday, February 12, 2022. Saturday features performances from The Frontmen country band and headliner Sawyer Brown at the Celebration Stage. The main parade presented by the Krewe of Dominique Youx will conclude the festival before the last firework display that evening. For more information about this year's Mardi Gras and Music Festival, or to view the full schedule of events, visit VistPanamaCityBeach.com. This article originally appeared on The News Herald: The annual Mardi Gras and Music Festival returns to Panama City Beach Marcus Smith is set to make his return from injury for Harlequins (Ben Whitley/PA) (PA Wire) Marcus Smith has handed England boss Steve Borthwick a timely fitness boost ahead of this seasons Six Nations. Northampton forward Courtney Lawes will also join Harlequins fly-half Smith in returning from injury this weekend. Smith has been sidelined since suffering an ankle issue during Englands Autumn Nations Series finale against world champions South Africa seven weeks ago. But he returns to Quins starting line-up three weeks before Englands Six Nations opener against Scotland for the Heineken Champions Cup appointment with Racing 92 in Paris on Sunday. And his comeback has arrived with fellow England fly-half Owen Farrell suspended, and another option for Borthwick in the number 10 shirt Sale Sharks George Ford still to play this season following an Achilles tendon injury suffered last summer. Lawes will make his first start since late September when Saints face Champions Cup opponents Munster on Saturday. The 33-year-old had been troubled by concussion during the early part of this season and missed Englands entire autumn campaign. He then featured in Saints matchday 23 against Champions Cup rivals La Rochelle last month, but a gluteal injury has kept him out for their last three games. Lawes now returns, though, lining up at openside flanker in Limerick alongside back-row colleagues Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Lewis Ludlam. Borthwick will name his Six Nations squad on Monday, with Smith and Lawes playing again at the end of a week that brought injury setbacks regarding Sale flanker Tom Curry and Exeter hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie. Curry, who has won 45 caps and skippered England for the first time in last seasons Six Nations encounter against Scotland, suffered a hamstring injury during Sales Gallagher Premiership victory over Quins last weekend. Although the problem is not as bad as Sale first anticipated, he looks set to miss the Scotland encounter, then Italys Twickenham visit eight days later. Sale rugby director Alex Sanderson is optimistic that Curry will be available ahead of Englands clash against Wales in Cardiff on February 25. Cowan-Dickie, meanwhile, suffered an ankle injury when Exeter faced Premiership opponents Northampton last Saturday. Exeters latest update on their front-row forward is that he is due to undergo surgery shortly and will be sidelined for an unspecified period of time. Conjoined Twins Rollout Lauren Joy Fleishman Ibrahima Ndiaye with his daughters Marieme (left) and Ndeye at home in Cardiff, Wales, in January. When his conjoined twin daughters were born in 2016, Ibrahima Ndiaye was warned they wouldn't have long to live babies like his, he learned, rarely survive childbirth and if they do, they usually die soon after delivery. But on a recent January day in the living room of their cramped apartment in Cardiff, Wales, Ndiaye is watching 6-year-old Marieme and Ndeye sing a favorite tune together with a wide smile on his face. Together his daughters sway to the tune, one body dancing in time as their two voices blend. "Well done!" he tells them, clapping and laughing. His girls have defied all expectations, and Ibrahima wants them to continue to see a future filled with possibility. "I constantly tell them how beautiful they are to God, who created them, and how special they should feel," he tells PEOPLE in this week's issue. "How can anyone not see they are special? They're my miracles." Conjoined twins are extremely rare, occurring in 1 out of an estimated 60,000 births, and when Marieme and Ndeye were born in Ibrahima's homeland of Senegal, it was "a massive shock," he says. Despite multiple scans, doctors hadn't detected that his wife was having twins. "And then when I first saw the girls, I realized nothing in my life was going to be the same." He also realized he'd need to look beyond Senegal for the help his daughters needed. Ibrahima, who had been working as a managing director of a tourism firm, began researching hospitals that had experience in separating conjoined twins. The girls each have a heart and their own lungs, but they share a stomach, a liver, a bladder and a digestive system, making an operation to separate them all the more difficult. Eventually the Great Ormond Street Hospital in London offered to see them. With financial help from a charity run by Senegal's first lady, Marieme Faye Sall (daughter Marieme was named in her honor), Ibrahima, his wife and their girls, then seven months old, traveled to the U.K. in February 2017. But once there, doctors discovered Marieme's heart was too weak to survive an operation. They advised him to go ahead with the procedure in hopes of saving Ndeye. "It was sacrificing one for the other, which in my moral, spiritual and parental point of view wasn't possible," Ibrahima says. "I said no."' Story continues By then, Ibrahima had been let go from his job, and his wife had returned to Senegal. (Her contact with the twins now consists of occasional phone calls.) Alone with his daughters in a country where he was still learning the language, Ibrahima made the painful decision not to return home: "It was a choice between my life in Senegal or giving the girls the health care they needed to survive." Conjoined Twins Rollout Lauren Joy Fleishman Marieme (left) and Ndeye outside their home in Cardiff. In 2018 the trio moved to a public housing apartment in Cardiff, where they began attending public school. "They love school," says head teacher Helen Borley. "The other children are very accepting. They just see Marieme and Ndeyethey see two children. And we do too." At school, the girls work on separate tasks at their shared desk (Ndeye is keeping up with her classmates, while Marieme has some learning delays), and chatter and play with separate groups of friends. "Ndeye is more of a social butterfly and likes to be noticed and Marieme is quieter, but if you talk about cats she'll get involved," says their teacher Rhiannon Watckins. "Their determination and joy in life despite the challenges is inspirational." Despite their differences, and the fact that they cannot escape one another, squabbles are rare. "It's incredible; they work in concert most of the time," says Elleni Ross, head of social work at Great Ormond Street, who has worked with the family. "Ibrahima has guided them on how to be kind to each other. He's so patient with them, and their faces light up when he comes in the room. Ibrahima tells them they're special, not disabled." Conjoined Twins Rollout Juliet Butler Twins Marieme and Ndeye making faces at home in January. RELATED CONTENT: Greg Olsens's Son, 8, Rings Hospital Bell After Heart Transplant: 'We Are Finally Whole Again' There are, however, serious challenges. Caring for the twins, who cannot yet stand or walk on their own (each girl controls one leg and one arm; they can both move their third arm), is demanding physically, mentally and financially. (A GoFundMe page has been set up to help with expenses.) Now that they weigh more than 77 lbs., Ibrahima, who, at 6 8", suffers from back pain, can't easily pick them up. They do practice standing with a support board at school ("Ndeye loves to show off," Watckins says. "As soon as I get her in the standing frame she wants me to open the door so all the other children can see her in it.") but they won't learn to walk for a few years. "Their top half is heavy, their legs are weak, and we don't know how walking will affect Marieme's heart," Ibrahima says. The girls need supervision day and night to ensure Ndeye doesn't roll over and accidentally suffocate her smaller sister. And except for their night carers, who rotate the girls every hour in their sleep, Ibrahima does it all. "It's taken a toll on him," Ross says. Hanging over everything is the knowledge that the twins' fates are inextricably linkedMarieme's heart may be fragile and Ndeye's strong, but one cannot survive without the other. Thinking too much about the future can be overwhelming. Instead, Ibrahima takes things "one day at a time, one hour at a time." But, he says, he's grateful for the chance to be their dad: "People see me as being in a difficult situation. I see myself as a lucky parent. I am blessed to be part of their journey." LAS CRUCES New Mexico State University alumnus Michael Pietrack recently published his first fictional work, Legacy: The Saga Begins, inspired by a childhood bedtime story told by his father. Legacy is a modern epic fable, or a long-form narrative written in verse. Popular examples of epics include Homers The Odyssey and The Illiad, Dante Alighieris The Divine Comedy, John Miltons Paradise Lost and the Old English poem Beowulf. However, none of these famous pieces are fables. Pietrack is an executive recruiter in his professional life, and a lover of literature. He grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada before his family moved to Colorado. He attended Colorado Mesa University for his undergraduate degree in English Literature and later lived in Las Cruces for three years while he completed his masters degree in Education at New Mexico State University. While working on his degree, he also served as an assistant coach for the NMSU baseball team. Part of his work was to recruit talent to the university. That led him to his current work in recruiting for the pharmaceutical industry in Grand Junction, Colorado. He said his initial intent was to become an English teacher. New Mexico State University alumus Michael Pietrack attends a book signing in Grand Junction, Colorado for his epic fable, "Legacy: The Saga Begins," published January 2023. Pietrack's lessons in being noble Pietrack said he and his brothers were raised largely by a single dad. While lying in bed at night, David Pietrack would make up all sorts of stories for his kids. He's the world's best storyteller, my dad, Pietrack said. One of the stories that really stuck with us was about a little bee that was scared to enter a race, but when he entered the race, he won. And I think my dad's intention behind that was just to teach us that you can't succeed unless you try. David Pietrack said he doesnt remember how his Buzzy the Bee story came to be, but it resonated with his sons and they have all remembered it into adulthood. Every day when Michael would go off to school, I'd leave him at the front door with a lunch pail or something, and I'd say Mike, be noble. And all through their adult life, the boys would always joke around and when theyd leave theyd say be noble to each other, David Pietrack said. Be noble is a major theme in the book and it's how the bees say goodbye to each other and how they salute each other. So, (Michael) took that little family tidbit of our family and he developed it into something special. Story continues Years later, Michael Pietrack said he set out to write a poem for his dad based on the bee story, but the poem was just the start of something much larger. It just kept going and going and going. So, I put it away, Id come back to it and it just kept growing, he said. I kept thinking, why are they having a race? And what happens after the race? And why is he scared to enter the race? And all these different things. He suddenly had a chapter completed, written in iambic pentameter with running couplets. Pietrack said he shared what he had written with his father and the project took off. They collaborated and worked together to develop plot lines and characters. Legacy follows the story of Abelbee a bee who, despite being young and inexperienced, is chosen to take on the journey that will save his queen and civilization. Main character Abelbee from "Legacy: The Saga Begins," by Michael Pietrack. There's no magic in this. There's no superpowers, because none of us have those. We have to get by on character and we have to get by on brave choices, Pietrack said. Pietrack said it took over a decade to finish the book, which included periods of time when he put the the writing away to focus on family. He said he finished the book around 2014 and thought it was done. But he pulled it back out in late 2020 and the story doubled in length during the COVID-19 pandemic when he and his dad both had much more free time on their hands. His day typically starts by writing while on the elliptical machine. He added that there are several parts of the book that he wrote with New Mexico in mind and his experience with borderland culture. He said he hopes to bring his family to southern New Mexico so they can see some of what he experienced while in college. Self-publishing Legacy Pietrack finished the book in early 2022 and decided to pursue publishing. He said the process was difficult because his work is unique and does not fit into the parameters publishers typically look for. Its almost a genre unto itself, he said. Its not entirely poetry, its not really entirely fiction. Its like a mix. He decided to self-publish Legacy. The book officially launched January 2023 with e-book, hardback and audiobook versions. Illustrations are by Catrina Odom, a recent graduate of Colorado Mesa University. Pietrack said he is particularly proud of the audiobook, for which he narrates and does all the voices for the characters he has experience in theatre performance too. "Legacy: The Saga Begins," by New Mexico State University alumus Michael Pietrack, published January 2023. David Pietrack said readers can sometimes be turned away by poetry, thinking it might be hard to read and understand. In contrast, he said Legacy is simple to comprehend and is very descriptive, like watching a movie when youre reading it. I believe that Legacy is the fable of the 21st century and it'll go down in history. I believe it'll leave a legacy of its own, David Pietrack said. Legacy just recently launched, but Pietrack said he is already working on the sequel. He anticipates there being at least two additional books following Legacy. Hes also working on another completely different story. Honestly, when I read through it, there's times where I can't believe I wrote it It really blows me away, Pietrack said. But for me, this particular book, this story, is me solidifying my dads legacy. Legacy is available for purchase online on Amazon or Barnes & Noble. Behind the scenes information and videos about Legacy are available on Michael Pietracks website, michaelpietrack.com. Others are reading: Leah Romero is the trending reporter at the Las Cruces Sun-News and can be reached at 575-418-3442, LRomero@lcsun-news.com or @rromero_leah on Twitter. This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: New Mexico State alumnus publishes epic fable Sabina Mammadli Azerbaijans message for the Armenian people is one of reconciliation and hope for a shared future, Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister Elnur Mammadov said. He made the remarks during a public hearing at the UN International Court of Justice. "Azerbaijan has made it clear, that, while it criticizes the actions of the Armenian government, which deliberately aggravates the parties dispute and refuses to abide by the trilateral statement, Azerbaijans message for the Armenian people is one of the reconciliations and a hope for the shared future," he said. The official stressed that ever since the cancellation of the trilateral talks scheduled for December 23, 2022, Armenia has been refusing all proposals for negotiations. "When Azerbaijan, Russia, and Armenia were due to meet on December 23, 2022, for another round of talks, including to address the situation around the Lachin road, it was Armenia that pulled out of negotiations at the last minute without prior notice or explanation," he said. Mammadov emphasized that no plausible interpretation of these events could lead to the conclusion that Azerbaijan is purposely seeking to harm ethnic Armenians living in Karabakh. Further, the minister underlined that official Baku resolutely rejects the accusations claiming that a peaceful protest of Azerbaijanis at the Lachin road is a "blockade". "Tragically, Armenia has ceased upon the Lachin road protest to try to create political leverage in the ongoing peace negotiations between the two states, and, instead of trying to resolve issues, it encourages hatred and fear of Azerbaijan and Azerbaijanis," he said. Noting that no restrictions on the traffic along the road were imposed by Azerbaijan, the deputy minister recalled under the trilateral statement, the Lachin road is under the control of the Russian peacekeepers. "The protesters have repeatedly said that they have no intention of blocking the road. Dozens of cars of the peacekeepers, ICRC travel along the road every day," Mammadov finalized. Tensions are increasing in the Middle East with the return of the shadow war between Iran and Israel and no progress on the nuclear talks with Tehran. Fears are growing that the Middle East is on the verge of a new phase of tension and military escalation after a drone attack on an Iranian military facility in the city of Isfahan. The attack, which US officials believe Israel was behind, could start a new round of attacks and counterattacks between Iran and Israel and reignite the shadow war that is taking place through proxies in the region. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did little to ease fears of possible rounds of violence in the region when he met US Secretary of State Antony Blinken this week. Netanyahu stressed that confronting Iran would be his main priority. The US Secretary of State focused on Washingtons fears of a new Israeli law that would weaken the independence of the judicial institution. An Israeli strike on an Iranian military facility would be the first under Netanyahu since he returned to office last month to lead the most right-wing government in Israeli history. Despite differences between Netanyahu and the Biden administration, US President Joe Biden would be reluctant to expose the rift or allow public tension in the relationship when the preliminary stages of the US presidential elections have begun. Speaking alongside Netanyahu, Blinken did not hide the US administrations concern over a proposed law by Israels new right-wing government that would reduce the independence of the judiciary. Throughout the relationship between our countries, what we come back to time and again is that it is rooted both in shared interests and in shared values, Blinken said. That includes our support for core democratic principles and institutions, including respect for human rights, the equal administration of justice for all, the equal rights of minority groups, the rule of law, a free press, a robust civil society and the vibrancy of Israels civil society has been on full display of late. The Netanyahu right-wing coalition is pushing through a series of laws that would increase government control over the judiciary. The new law set out by Justice Minister Yariv Levin gives politicians broad powers over the countrys judiciary. It would allow a simple majority in parliament to override High Court decisions and give the government control over the appointment of judges. Israels right-wing parties have long insisted on an overhaul of the judiciary, claiming that the High Court has become an instrument to push a largely left-wing agenda. The new draft law has sparked outrage in Israel and fears that it will give the executive branch wide powers at the expense of the judicial institution. Since the government began attempts to pass it in parliament, Israel has witnessed weekly demonstrations against it. The commitment of people in both our countries to make their voices heard, to defend their rights, is one of the unique strengths of our democracies, Blinken said in his remarks in Israel this week. Implying a difference between the Biden administration and Netanyahus government, Blinken said that the US and Israel have strengthened their democracies by holding ourselves to the mutual standards we have established; and by speaking frankly and respectfully, as friends do, when we agree and when we do not. Netanyahu stressed that Israel and the US share common values [and are] two strong democracies. But his focus was mainly on Iran, emphasising that the world has seen the true face of the Iranian regime. Theyve seen the barbarism of this regime against its own people, Netanyahu said, referring to the mass protests that have engulfed Iran since last September. They have seen how it exports aggression beyond its border and beyond the Middle East, and I think there is a common consensus that this regime must not acquire nuclear weapons. Our policy, and my policy, is to do everything within Israels power to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and the means to deliver them, Netanyahu said. His warning came a day after a bomb-carrying drone targeted an Iranian defence factory in the central city of Isfahan on Sunday. Iranian state media released footage showing a flash in the sky and emergency vehicles at the scene. But the extent of damage could not be independently established. The Iranian Defence Ministry did not offer details regarding who was behind the attack, but a statement described three drones being launched at the facility, with two of them successfully shot down. A third apparently made it through to strike the building, causing minor damage to its roof and wounding no one, it said. The ministry called the site a workshop, without elaborating. Isfahan, some 350 km (215 miles) south of Tehran, is home to a large air base and the Natanz Nuclear Fuel Research and Production Centre. Israel rarely acknowledges operations carried out by the countrys secret military units or Mossad intelligence agency. Nonetheless, Netanyahu has long considered Iran to be the biggest threat his nation faces. In 2021, Tehran accused Israel of sabotaging the Natanz Centre. There have been several explosions and fires around military, nuclear, and industrial sites in Iran in recent years in addition to the assassination of nuclear scientists working in the Iranian nuclear programme in complex operations. The Wall Street Journal and the New York Times reported that Israel was responsible for the drone strike, citing US officials and people familiar with the operation. One US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters it appeared that Israel was involved. Several other US officials declined to comment, beyond saying that Washington had played no role. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in talks with his Qatari counterpart Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani criticised the cowardly attack when asked if it would affect the countrys nuclear programme. Such moves cant impact our nuclear scientists will and intentions to achieve peaceful nuclear energy, Abdollahian said. Qatars foreign minister said he had passed a message from the US to Iran related to its nuclear programme, without offering the specifics. Any breakthrough in the Iranian nuclear talks now seems a long way off. In a major shift in the European position, EU leaders are exploring ways to declare the Iranian Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) a terrorist organisation. It is not known whether the European discussions on this issue aim to force Tehran to stop supplying Russia with drones, or whether the EU has generally hardened its stance towards Tehran. European sources said that the step of declaring the Revolutionary Guards a terrorist organisation was now supported by France and Germany, adding that discussions were underway about the legal aspects of the step among the 27 member states. Yes, some member states are supporting this proposal, Josep Borrell, the EUs foreign policy chief, said in an interview with the UK Financial Times. Iran has warned that it will respond forcefully to any European decision that considers the IRGC a terrorist organisation. It hinted that it would include European armies on Irans list of terrorist organisations. The potential escalation on both sides would be the beginning of the end of the stalled talks on the nuclear deal, which could open the door to escalation in the Middle East and beyond. Both the Netanyahu government in Israel and President Ebrahim Raisi in Iran are facing major economic problems, sharp political polarisation, and rejection by large segments of Israeli and Iranian society, which means that the two governments may see regional escalation as a way to relieve internal pressures. European officials have not closed the door to the resumption and success of the nuclear negotiations. However, the recent attack on the military facility in Isfahan, the dissatisfaction of European countries with the suppression of the demonstrations in Iran, and the Iranian military support for Russia in its war against Ukraine mean that the clouds are gathering for a perfect storm. * A version of this article appears in print in the 2 February, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: King Charles III attends the Epiphany service at the church of St Lawrence, Castle Rising near the Sandringham Estate on January 8, 2023 in King's Lynn, England. Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty King Charles King Charles III will not be replacing the late Queen Elizabeth II on Australia's new $5 bill. The country's central bank announced the news on Thursday and confirmed that the banknote will feature a new design that honors "the culture and history of the First Australians." The other side of the bill, which the bank said will take years to be designed and printed, will continue to feature the Australian Parliament. The current banknote features a portrait of Queen Elizabeth, who died in September at the age of 96. "This decision by the Reserve Bank Board follows consultation with the Australian Government, which supports this change," The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) said in a release. RELATED: King Charles Is Featured for the First Time on Circulating Coins Following Queen Elizabeth's Death 5 dollars banknote, 1990-1999, obverse depicting Elizabeth II (1926 -). Australia, 20th century. DeAgostini/Getty "The Bank will consult with First Australians in designing the $5 banknote. The new banknote will take a number of years to be designed and printed. In the meantime, the current $5 banknote will continue to be issued. It will be able to be used even after the new banknote is issued." "First Australians" refers to Australia's Indigenous population, or First Nations people, who are made up of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and comprise around 3.2% of the country's population. While he's not appearing on the new note, King Charles, 74, is still set to be featured on Australian coins. Andrew Leigh, Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury, told ABC Radio that the Royal Australian Mint is expected to start producing the coins in the "second half" of 2023. FEBRUARY 02: Queen Elizabeth II is photographed at Sandringham House to commemorate Accession Day, marking the start of Her Majestys Platinum Jubilee Year, on February 2, 2022 in Sandringham, Norfolk. Chris Jackson/Getty RELATED: King Charles III's Coronation: Everything to Know About the Ceremony and Celebration Officials also confirmed that coins currently in circulation featuring Queen Elizabeth's image will remain legal tender "forever". In December, The Bank of England released images of Charles on four U.K. banknotes (5, 10, 20 and 50) for the first time. Story continues The new design will feature a main portrait of the King, who will be coronated in May, on the front side and a smaller cameo inside the currency's see-through security window. The new King Charles III banknotes Bank of England Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more! "I am very proud that the Bank is releasing the design of our new banknotes which will carry a portrait of King Charles III," Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey said in a statement. "This is a significant moment, as The King is only the second monarch to feature on our banknotes. People will be able to use these new notes as they start to enter circulation in 2024." In her heart, Judith Rapping knew that her brother was dead had been for decades and was most likely killed along with his girlfriend in the mid-1980s. But finally getting confirmation by way of a sophisticated DNA sequencing and a skull found near a boat ramp was a shock any sister would struggle to process. Its still emotional, Rapping said Monday, her voice cracking. I think we all knew. He was not off in the Bahamas living it up. This undated photo of Richard "Tommy" Alt was taken no long before he disappeared in 1985. Bucks County recently identified a skull found in 1986 as belonging to Alt. Bucks County, Pennsylvania, District Attorney Matt Weintraub announced Monday that forensic genome testing and genealogy had identified the skull found on the banks of the Delaware River nearly four decades ago as Richard Thomas Alt, who disappeared in 1985. For Rapping, the undeniable certainty, confirmed through 21st-century science, provided some relief. But it has done little to ease the pain of his loss. On the day that Bucks County authorities announced they identified Alt, Rapping, who lives in New Mexico, shared details of her decades-long search for answers. The long journey would reveal a family secret that almost derailed efforts to identify her younger brothers remains, while sparking a whole new mystery involving his short and complicated life. A mysterious disappearance, a decades long search Rapping was 10, when a 3-day-old boy arrived at her familys home in Windsor, New Jersey. Her parents named the newborn Richard, but everyone called him Tommy. Her younger brother was blonde-haired, blue-eyed with dimpled cheeks. He was a child of the 1960s, Rapping said. His wild streak got him into a bit of trouble in high school, but nothing out of the ordinary for the time, she said. Childhood photo of Richard "Tommy" Alt As an adult, Alt found himself getting into more serious trouble, mostly with drugs, she said. He married young. A daughter was born in 1973. Eventually, he and his wife separated, but never divorced. The last time Alts parents saw him was on Christmas Eve 1984. He was 31 and struggling with drug dependency. He was living with a friend in Trenton and it was not unusual for him to be out of touch with family for months at a time, Rapping said. Story continues But red flags went up in April 1985 after two fishermen spotted the body of Alts girlfriend, Laurie Suydam, floating in the Delaware River near the Mercer County, New Jersey public boat launch. Suydams family and friends hadnt seen her since February, and police said it appeared she had been in the water for an extended period of time. She was wearing a ring that Alt gave her. At the time Rapping was living in Massachusetts. Her mother called to break the news and tell her they had not heard from Alt in months. The family provided information to the Trenton Police and filed a missing persons report. But with no leads, the police investigation quickly stalled, Rapping said. This is an undated photo of Richard Thomas Alt, who disappeared from Trenton area in 1985. Recent DNA testing found a skull found in 1986 in Bucks County was Alt. Over years, then decades, Rapping said that she continued to keep in touch with police. At least two cold case files for her brother were opened, but no progress was made, she said. In 2002, police reopened the autopsy on Suydam, which initially ruled her death as undetermined. After the second review, it was listed as a homicide, Rapping said. Trenton detectives hinted that members of the outlaw motorcycle gang, The Breed, '' might be involved in both deaths, Rapping said. She learned that Suydam and Alt had been arrested on drug charges shortly before they disappeared. By then, though, everyone in the family had long let go of any hope that Alt was still alive. I had known all along he was probably murdered along with Laurie, she said. Nothing was showing up on him and the evidence to me was that he was probably dead. What no one knew is that the key to what happened to Alt was found on the other side of the Delaware River in Bucks County. DNA results reveal a match, and a family secret A fisherman found a human skull on the river banks near the Morrisville Boat Ramp in June 1986, 14 months after Tommy was reported missing. The man took the skull to his local police department in Buckingham. What happened after is unclear, but in 2019 Bucks County Detectives reexamined the skull as part of a homicide investigation, then turned it over to the county coroners office. Later that same year, the coroner entered the information about the skull into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System database better known as NamUs. The Morrisville skull remained in the coroners custody until last September when Bucks County Detectives sent it to Othram, a private forensic genealogy lab in Texas. The company offered to perform sophisticated genome sequencing and forensic genealogy services on the skull for free. The lab's technicians discovered a potential match in GEDMatch, a public database where people can upload DNA results and research family lines. The profile was used to identified the skull as likely belonging to Richard Thomas Alt. In early January, Bucks County Detectives contacted the person who contributed the DNA. It was Rappings niece. Alt's daughter, now 49-year-old and living in Florida. The woman told detectives she was 11 when her father disappeared, and his girlfriend was found dead on the Trenton N.J. side of the Delaware River. She agreed to share her DNA results with Othram scientists. Four days later, a direct parent/child match with Richard Thomas Alt was confirmed. Undated photo of Richard "Tommy" Alt, who went missing in 1985. A human skull found in 1986 was recently identified as Alt through DNA genealogy The DNA results that confirmed the identity of the skull also revealed a well-hidden family secret, Rapping said. When Alt was born, Rapping said her parents were told that Tommys father was a blood relative, the reason they took him in, so he wouldnt be raised by strangers. The adoption was handled privately, Rapping said. But when police took DNA samples from other family members who were believed to be her brother's biological siblings, none matched with the Alt side of the family, Rapping said. The same thing happened when she compared her DNA results with her niece. Since (her niece) was the only possible match to Tommy, once she started looking at her DNA, we realized she had no matches to any of the paternal Alt DNA, Rapping said. Which is how they learned her brother's biological father was not someone in the Alt family. Her niece is now working with Bucks County officials to make arrangements to bring her fathers remains to Florida, Rapping said. The family has space at a vault where he will be interred. Her brothers case remains an open criminal investigation, according to the Mercer County Prosecutors Office. For now, though, Rapping and her niece, who are amateur genealogists, are working on solving the other lingering family mystery: Who was Alts biological father? This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: DNA IDs man whose skull found in Delaware. Mystery remains star wars visions volume 2 Lucasfilm has finally set the release date for Star Wars: Visions Volume 2, the next installment to Disney+s animated anthology series, featuring nine short stories from different international studios. It is scheduled to make its return on May 4. The reaction to the first volume of Star Wars: Visions blew us away. We were delighted that this project inspired and resonated with so many people, Executive producer James Waugh said in a statement. We always saw Star Wars: Visions as a framework for celebratory expressions of the franchise from some of the best creators working today. Animation is in a global renaissance, and were constantly staggered by the amount of creativity pushing the medium forward. The studio has also unveiled the award-winning filmmakers who have signed on for Volume 2 including Emmy winner Rodrigo Blaas (Alma), Oscar nominee Paul Young (Wolfwalkers), Gabriel Osorio (Bear Story), Magdalena Osinska (Spirits of the Piano), Hyeong Geun Park (Lookism), Julien Chheng (Ernest and Celestine: A Trip to Gibberitia), Ishan Shukla (Schirkoa), LeAndre Thomas (Obi-Wan Kenobi), Justin Ridge (Star Wars Resistance), Nadia Darries (Stick Man), and Daniel Clarke (Khumba). With Volume 1, the imaginative minds of Japans anime industry were on full display, Waugh also noted. With Volume 2, we expanded our canvas to take audiences on a global tour of some of the most talented creators from around the world. Were so proud to be able to reveal the line-up of studios weve assembled. Every short is incredible, full of heart, scope, imagination, and the values that make stories distinctly Star Wars all while opening up bold new ways of seeing what a Star Wars story can be. Star Wars: Visions Vol. 2 will continue to push the boundaries of the Star Wars storytelling by employing the most captivating animation styles from a variety of countries and cultures. The series is executive produced by Waugh, Jacqui Lopez, and Josh Rimes. Story continues The animation studios involved in the production of the next installment are El Guiri (Spain), Cartoon Saloon (Ireland), Punkrobot (Chile), Aardman (United Kingdom), Studio Mir (South Korea) Studio La Cachette (France), 88 Pictures (India), Dart Shtajio (Japan), and Triggerfish (South Africa). The nine episodes titles and directors are listed below: Sith From El Guiri and writer-director Rodrigo Blaas Screechers Reach From Cartoon Saloon and director Paul Young In the Stars From Punkrobot and writer-director Gabriel Osorio I Am Your Mother From Aardman and director Magdalena Osinska Journey to the Dark Head From Studio Mir and director Hyeong Geun Park The Spy Dancer From Studio La Cachette and writer-director Julien Chheng The Bandits of Golak From 88 Pictures and director Ishan Shukla The Pit It is co-directed by writer-executive producer LeAndre Thomas and Justin Ridge from Dart Shtajio and Lucasfilm Ltd. Aaus Song It is written and directed by Nadia Darries and Daniel Clarke from Triggerfish. The post Star Wars: Visions Volume 2 Release Date & Episode Details appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More. Standing adjacent to some brick-and-mortar reminders of his lifes course in Phoenix, Arizona, Rep. Ruben Gallego zipped through a rags-to-respectability life story to explain his interest in the U.S. Senate. Then he turned to the other reason that pushed him and the hundreds of Democrats on hand to this moment: Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, I-Ariz. Gallego, D-Ariz., said he backed her in 2018 expecting her to fight to raise the minimum wage and ensure tax fairness. Thats the senator I thought I voted for. Thats the senator you voted for, he said. But that is not the senator we got. Some muttered their disapproval of Sinema, a former Democrat, during Gallegos stump speech. Others were hurt or even angry at what they view as Sinemas political betrayal. Whatever their thinking, it wasnt hard to guess as Gallego rolled out his Senate campaign in Arizona. It stood in contrast to the measured response when there was one at all in many corners of Capitol Hill. In various interviews with reporters throughout the past week, figures like Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., Democratic Whip Dick Durbin of Illinois and Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., a hero to the liberal left, all passed, at least for the moment, on backing the only high-profile candidate seeking their partys nomination. Its part of a delicate new dynamic in the Senate, where Sinema is known as and remains a needed partner in a narrowly divided chamber on confirmation votes and new legislative efforts. Sen. Sinema is expected to provide a crucial vote for Democratic priorities over the next two years, said Jim Manley, a 21-year staffer for former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev. So for those on the left that were expecting Senate Democrats to come out quickly against her, theyre going to be disappointed. For right now, I expect everyone, including Sen. Schumer, to go out of his way to avoid having this debate. Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., sidestepped the issue Friday in an interview. Story continues Im not following every single thing my colleagues may or may not say about the Arizona Senate race," Kelly said. To a large extent, their approach is the same as mine. We just had an election and were thinking about challenges our country is facing and how we solve those. 2024 is a long ways off. Rep. Ruben Gallego speaks during a public rally at Grant Park in Phoenix on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023, kicking off his U.S. Senate campaign. Sinema has yet to formally say she is running, though she has taken preliminary steps to do so. She repeatedly has declined to discuss her election plans, instead maintaining that she is focused on seeking bipartisan agreement on issues like immigration reform and border security. Several Republicans are weighing a run as well, which could put the state on a path to a contest with no precedent in Arizonas Senate history. Norman Ornstein, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, said Democrats would be underdogs to hold the seat in a three-way race, but Sinemas presence is not guaranteed. Were really in a strange territory here. Its entirely possible that Kyrsten Sinema will not run for reelection, he said. She is in a kind of limbo position right now, and we know that theres an awful lot of hostility toward her, especially from Democrats." A Republican would seem the favorite in a three-way race where Sinema could plausibly pull in significant support from Democrats and independents, he said. But the prospect of likely defeat could shape her decision, too, he said. So Im skeptical that shell run again, Ornstein said. Such is the uncertainty of a race already overflowing with intrigue. For now, Gallegos early entry gives him a head start on fundraising for a campaign that was all but declared months ago. His campaign noted that he raised more than $1 million on his first day in the race. Gallego has never been among the more prolific fundraisers in the House of Representatives, mostly because he never needed to be. He never pushed much past a few million dollars raised in his five successful House campaigns. His south Phoenix-based district is safely Democratic, and he never faced any serious challenges after winning his first U.S. House primary in 2014 over former Maricopa County Supervisor Mary Rose Wilcox. Now he is running statewide in a race that could be among the nations most expensive. For context, consider the price tags of Arizonas Senate races in 2018, 2020 and 2022. In the 2018 Senate race, Sinema and Republican Martha McSally each spent more than $20 million. Outside groups poured another $64 million in that race. In 2020, McSally, then an appointed senator, spent $74 million. Kelly spent $100 million and outside groups spent $83 million. In 2022, Kelly spent at least $92 million, while Republican Blake Masters spent at least $15 million and outside groups spent $128 million. Through late November, Gallegos House campaign had $1.1 million in cash. Sinema, who was not on the ballot last year, reported $7.9 million in cash through September. Gallego and his supporters have already woven Sinemas status into a narrative of privilege versus populism. With a few hundred supporters on hand in Grant Park, Gallego raised a familiar complaint from Democrats. She has not had a town hall in three years to answer questions, he said. But, shell go to Davos and meet with billionaires anytime. It was a reference to Sinemas appearance last week at an annual global economic forum in Switzerland. It was her first time at a conference that the late Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., attended more than once. Supporters listen to Rep. Ruben Gallego speak during a public rally at Grant Park in Phoenix on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023, kicking off his U.S. Senate campaign Like many in Congress, Sinema has not held in-person town hall events, even before the pandemic. She has held many small group meetings. Gallego was not the only one to accuse Sinema of being unavailable. Former three-term Sen. Dennis DeConcini, D-Ariz., said he has endorsed Gallego in part because Sinema was unavailable after his efforts to make her the first Democrat from Arizona since he left office in 1995. In 2018, I supported Sinema big time and did a reception for her, raised money, maxed out and Im just very disappointed in her, DeConcini said in an interview. I called her six times. I only talked to her one time and that was right after she was elected before she took office. I asked her chief of staff to call me, and she just never did call me. He said he has known and liked Gallego for years after meeting him through Gallego's work for Wilcox years ago. DeConcini is unsurprised Democrats in Washington are slow to weigh in on Arizona's Senate race. They need her, he said. It's a strange situation. DeConcini predicted it would be a hard race for the Democrats if she stays in the race as an independent. Gallego held his first Senate campaign rally in Phoenix at a park adjacent to the veterans post, where he came as a former Iraq War veteran, and next to a restaurant owned by Wilcox. On Saturday, Wilcox, a former Phoenix City Council member and county supervisor, stood with Gallego as he now makes his Senate run. Gallegos attacks on Sinema played well with a crowd that included people displaying their support for labor unions and liberal activists. Ruth Shea, a 66-year-old activist from Scottsdale, practically shouted her longstanding contempt for Sinema. She said she voted for Deedra Abboud, Sinemas opponent in the Democratic primary in 2018. I knew from the get-go what she was. You could smell it on her, Shea said of Sinema. You can take what Ruben Gallego says to the bank. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Rep. Ruben Gallego's Senate run has Democrats in DC notably quiet TAMPA When Angelo Bedami returned from hiding in Sicily in 1983 to turn himself in for smuggling millions of dollars of drugs into Florida from Colombia, federal law enforcements initial question had nothing to do with his operation. Was your father there? Thats the first thing they asked me, Angelo Bedami, now 72, said. I told them I didnt see him. His father was Joe Bedami Sr., a convicted mobster and alleged hitman who went missing in 1968. For decades, it had been presumed that he ended up on the other side of a hit. But there were lingering doubts, which prompted the question: Was Joe Bedami Sr. really dead? Apparently, he wasnt, at least according to his son. For years Angelo Bedami had played along with the narrative that his dad was killed. But, in early January, he changed his story when pressed by the Tampa Bay Times. His father survived for decades under a different name after he disappeared. He is buried in Sicily as Joe Salza, his son now claims. Remember this is Angelo Bedami talking, a man whose stories have shifted and changed over the years and who had been linked by bloodlines and his own actions to one of the most notorious crime families in America. But he is adamant that his father lived a simple life long after he was last seen in Tampa. I spent time with him there when I was in Sicily, said Angelo Bedami, about his time in Italy in the 1980s. Thats where his father fled to avoid standing trial, for at least one still unsolved murder or other crimes that included torching a department store. Angelo Bedami initially asked to meet with the Times to talk about another topic. He wanted to state for the record that his own five-year drug trafficking sentence, considered light given the scope of his drug dealing, was not because he had cooperated with authorities. Then, as he detailed his time on the run in Sicily, he mentioned how his father looked old for his age. Quizzed on how that was possible, since his father was supposedly killed 15 years earlier, Angelo Bedami smiled and said, I cant believe Im talking about this. Yeah, I ran into him. Story continues Its a difficult claim to prove. Italy does not release death records to the public until the individual has been dead for 75 years. And the Times could not find Sicilian city directories or phone books, either of which might list Joe Salza as a resident. Ken Larsen, who once investigated the Bedami family as an undercover Tampa detective and later as a federal agent, said he believes the claim. He was told that in the 1970s that the elder Bedami was alive and had been in Costa Rica, but federal law enforcement lacked enough evidence to begin an international pursuit. Larsen said its part of a larger narrative. The Bedami family has gotten away with major crimes, including murder. They didnt get punished by law enforcement. The family history The crime familys story begins with Bedamis grandfather, also named Angelo Bedami, who emigrated from Sicily to Chicago and then to Tampa in the early 1900s. Here, he became close with Santo Trafficante Sr., who led a local crime syndicate. His grandfather would become close with Trafficantes son, Angelo Bedami told the Times. He was like an uncle to Santo Trafficante Jr., who took over the syndicate and grew it into the largest in the state and one that extended into Cuba. News archives report the grandfather was arrested on at least two occasions, once for a Prohibition violation and once for numbers running, but was not convicted either time. He was a suspect in at least one murder but was never charged. Joe Bedami Sr. was arrested more often. My grandmother had a plastic bag with all his clippings. It was like that, Angelo Bedami said, holding his hands a foot apart to demonstrate the size of the pile of papers. Joe Bedami Sr. was tried and acquitted of charges he robbed the Floridan Hotel, an Ybor City cigar factory and a supermarket. But he was convicted of a movie theater robbery and for running stolen automobiles from Florida to South Carolina. He served less than five years combined. He was also tied to the murders of men whom Trafficante Jr. considered enemies gangsters Charlie Wall and Joe Pelusa Diaz and Bennie Lazzara, who refused to allow the mafia to use his legitimate produce business as a mob front. Joe Bedami Sr. was never charged for those murders, and each remains unsolved. The disappearance In 1967, Joe Bedami Sr. was among those charged with burning down a Lakeland department store so the owner could collect the insurance. Soon after, he disappeared. Law enforcement said Joe Bedami Sr. had been murdered by the organized crime syndicate for which he worked. If the FBI cant locate you, youre pretty far gone, a source told the Tampa Tribune in 1968. It was around that time that law enforcement told Charlie Walls nephew that Joe Bedami Sr. was dead. A spokesperson for Lazzaras family said they were told the same. Mob historian Scott Deitche said hed heard through the grapevine of mafiosos that a hitman killed Bedami and buried the body under a local bridge. A potential reason given is that he was becoming too much of a legal liability, Deitche said. It was not explicitly said that they feared he would turn, but we can read between the lines. But now Deitche wonders, if Angelo Bedami is telling the truth, whether that rumor was spread by friends to protect Joe Bedami Sr. Trafficante Jr. knew that Joe Bedami Sr. was alive, according to Angelo Bedami, when asked by the Times. But, he said that for safety precautions, Trafficante Jr. never visited nor spoke to Joe Bedami Sr. Angelo Bedami said he was 15 or 16 when his father confronted him in the living room. He told me he had to leave, he said. He said he was not going back to prison. ... He thought hed go away for a long time. His father wanted to avoid the arson conviction, according to the son. The possibility of a murder trial also loomed large. Larsen said law enforcement was still gathering evidence tying him to the Lazzara murder that occurred in 1959. Larsen heard that might be why Joe Bedami Sr. fled. A police sketch of the suspected killer in the Lazzara case bears a striking resemblance to Joe Bedami Sr. Following in fathers footsteps After their fathers disappearance, Angelo Bedami and his brother Joe Bedami Jr. rose in the criminal ranks, focusing on drugs and counterfeiting. In 1975, his brother was arrested for selling a kilo of cocaine and counterfeit bills to Larsen, the detective. A key witness would be Dick Cloud, a former Tampa police detective sergeant who was assisting federal prosecutors with their investigation. But Cloud was killed in his home before the trial. The Bedami brothers friend Victor Acosta was charged with organizing the hit. He overdosed on sleeping pills before the trial. Their cousin Manuel Gispert was convicted and sentenced to 60 years for providing the murder weapon. In 2021, Angelo Bedami admitted that Cloud was killed to protect him and his brother but denied involvement or prior knowledge. Larsen said that the brothers were pivotal to Clouds murder plot. However, despite a concerted effort, not enough evidence of their guilt could be collected and again they evaded being indicted along with the others. According to Larsens sources, Trafficante Jr. believed the brothers were involved, too. During grand jury hearings for the Cloud murder, they let Trafficante and eight or 10 others stew and sit in a room for hours, Larsen said. At one point, when Trafficante is steaming mad because of the mess everyone was in, he said to an informant, The fking Bedamis are going to pay for this. Angelos grandfather later persuaded him to give Angelo and Joey a break. Santo demurred, Joey was acquitted of counterfeiting and, once again, they get away with everything. Angelo Bedami claims he was unaware that Trafficante Jr. was ever mad at him and said that the Tampa don later provided him names of government officials who could be bribed to fix problems. The Reunion By 1982, Angelo Bedamis smuggling operation was having planeloads of drugs confiscated by law enforcement. He suspected that at least one of his underlings may have been cooperating with law enforcement. He mentioned the names to an associate who could get information from crooked law enforcement officials. I gave him three names I suspected, Angelo Bedami said. I asked which it was. He said, Yes. I said, Which is it? He said, All three. And I thought, Time to go. He fled to Denver but didnt feel safe there, so he strapped $130,000 to his chest and returned to Tampa, he told the Times. Then he flew to Sicily before he could be charged with a crime. A cousin picked him up at the Palermo airport and drove him to the small agricultural town of Alessandria della Rocca. Thats where he now says Joe Bedami Sr. lived in a two-bedroom house in a simple neighborhood with brick streets and an outdoor market. It was the first time theyd seen one another or spoken since 1968. He was waiting outside, he said. And he gave me a big bear hug. The father almost immediately and proudly asked if the drug smuggling business was as big as hed heard, Angelo Bedami said, and he replied, I cant count the money. I have to weigh it. He told the Times that he was in Sicily for six months three months longer than he had testified in 1985, according to news archives. His father had legally become Joe Salza, so Angelo Bedami said that he told locals that he was his son, Stefano Salza, and there on vacation. Joe Bedami Sr. had lost weight and looked old for his age, but he was still burly, according to his son. His father had plenty of money from wherever and did not own a car, so he relied on others for transportation, mostly to the coast an hour away. He enjoyed walking around a fishing port. Kids sold shrimp the size of lobsters. They mostly played cards with his dads friends, he said, and hosted dinners either at his fathers home or at his cousins Palermo house. His father had become a decent cook, mostly chicken and pasta. In April 1983, while Angelo Bedami was still in Sicily, he was indicted by a grand jury for his drug smuggling operation. News archives report that investigators identified 14 separate ventures involving 13,000 pounds of marijuana, 170 pounds of cocaine and 100,000 pills. That was not even half of his business, Angelo Bedami boasted, claiming his crew brought in 37 planeloads of drugs, with the cocaine being purchased from Pablo Escobars cartel. I was calling my brother from a realtor offices payphone every Saturday at 12 and he would keep me informed on the indictment, he said. Thats how he offered me an opportunity to come home. Robert Merkle, then the U.S. attorney for the Middle District of Florida and known as Mad Dog for his aggressive and ambitious style, was on a crusade to root out the corruption that he believed engulfed Hillsborough. Hed already had three county commissioners convicted of taking bribes and was determined to prove the same was occurring in the Hillsborough County State Attorneys Office. Joe Bedami Jr. believed that his brother could cut a deal for a lesser sentence in exchange for testifying that hed bribed attorneys, Angelo Bedami said. It was a risk that could have ended with him in prison for decades, he now claims, but his father convinced him it was worth taking. That life was fine for my dad. He was happy. But I dont think I could have lived there forever. In May 1983, knowing theyd likely never see one another nor talk again, his dad hugged him one last time, Angelo Bedami said. He left his father his remaining cash, a friend drove him to the airport and he returned to Florida to cut the deal. The deal For providing information on his multi-ton drug smuggling operation and testifying that hed bribed the Hillsborough County State Attorneys Office to fix cases for him, Angelo Bedami was sentenced to five years, serving 36 months of it. Still, he said, Im not a stool pigeon. Instead, he claims, he used Merkles aggression against him. Merkle wanted him to wear a wire, he told the Times, but he refused and countered that hed only testify in court. Angelo Bedami said he knew that no judge would believe him without corroborating evidence from a wiretap, and the defendants would be acquitted. Merkle agreed because he was so determined to prove the corruption allegations, Angelo Bedami said. He then testified that hed fixed drug cases by having private attorney John Demmi pass bribes to the state attorneys office but claimed he did not know who received the money. He still claims ignorance. Citing a lack of evidence, the judge threw out the case. Demmis attorney, Arnold Levine, then criticized Merkle for making a deal with a high-level drug smuggler. Even if Demmi was guilty, he told the Tampa Tribune, They gave up too much. How can they let the Bedamis walk the streets? Merkle died in 2003. Demmi died in April 2022. This fits a pattern. For years, Angelo Bedami denied to the Times any role in the Cloud murder. His brother died in late 2020. Less than six months later, he admitted the loose connection. When asked if he was truthful on the stand, he said, Well, the judge didnt think I was. In another federal case that was part of his plea, he then testified that his uncle Sam Lorenzo helped the drug smuggling operation. But Angelo Bedami said he only told investigators what they could already prove. News archives say he downplayed his uncles involvement. Lorenzo was sentenced to three years in prison. Joe Bedami Sr. would be 97 today, but his son claims that, around 1990, cousins informed him that his dad died of natural causes. He would have been around 65. Angelo Bedami was on probation at the time, he said, so he could not risk going to the funeral. For law enforcement, Larsen said, this is a disgusting example how three generations of criminals tied to a powerful mob family escaped full justice because of the corrupt power that they wielded. Angelo Bedami sees it differently. This is a great story, he said with a smile and a chuckle. Both of us under indictment and hauling ass. Being with my dad again. ... It was the best time of my life. After requesting interviews with a trio of candidates early on in the process, and talking with passing-game coordinator Tim Kelly about the job, the trail for the Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator search has gone cold, at least publicly. The trio of requests included Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy and senior assistant and quarterbacks coach Matt Nagy, and Atlanta Falcons quarterbacks coach, Charles London, per reports. But we havent heard anything about those three or any other candidates since. While down at the Senior Bowl, head coach Mike Vrabel provided somewhat of an update, although, as usual, specifics werent given to shed any light on what direction this team is going. Its going good, Vrabel said of the search, per Jim Wyatt of Titans Online. I feel good about where were at, and having a plan for multiple scenarios. Ive enjoyed meeting with a lot of different coaches and hearing ideas and visions and [Im] trying to figure out whats best for us [It will happen] when the time is right, and when the opportunity is there. Vrabel touched on working with new general manager Ran Carthon, who continues to stress the need for collaboration. Everything has been good, he said. We have been working through things, looking at the roster and all those other things we have do. Were trying to blend what he thinks, what I think, and whats best thats the most important thing. As far as the Senior Bowl is concerned, Vrabel explained what hes looking for from prospects. I think it has been good to kind of start with these interviews and talk with the players and have an idea on what it is theyre looking to show this week and see how many of them actually do [it], Vrabel said. You want to see how they take that conversation to the practice field, whether its about route running, whether its about playing at the line of scrimmage. I think you look at: Do they improve over the course of the week with the coaching? Everybody has different techniques and what they are working on, that they are instructed to do throughout their season. But what you see here from one day to the next day, what their consistency level is, what their practice speed looks like, how they can take the information than comes at them in a short period of time and be able to come out here and function. Those are things were all looking at. Story continues He also stressed the teams need to get faster, something he has touched on since the team was eliminated from playoff contention. I think youre always trying to get faster, and I think you are always trying to be good at the line of scrimmage, Vrabel said. You see teams that are still playing have elite quarterbacks, but theres an element of speed and playmaking on those teams as well. Were looking to find guys that are going to make us better. For the latest news and updates from the Senior Bowl, check out Draft Wire. Related 2023 Senior Bowl: News, notes, and highlights from Day 2 practices Titans' top-five moments from the 2022 season 2 Titans make ESPN's list of the 100 most valuable players of 2022 List Tennessee Titans' best moves of the 2022 offseason Story originally appeared on Titans Wire Sean Gallup-Pool/Getty Images Russias top diplomat said the actions of Western nations could soon turn Moldova into the next Ukraine, according to TASS. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused Moldovan President Maia Sandu of being eager to join NATO. Sandu, Lavrov said, is ready to unite with Romania and in fact, to do almost anything. Romania is a member of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), which was created to provide collective security against Russia. Lavrovs comments appeared to echo complaints Russian President Vladimir Putin made about Ukraine and NATO when announcing Russias invasion into Ukraine last year. Putin cited the expansion of the alliance and Ukraines interest in joining NATO as fundamental threats against Russia in his speech justifying invasion. Further expansion of the NATO infrastructure... are unacceptable for us, Putin said at the time. Lavrovs comments come as western officials warn that Russia may be gearing up for a new offensive nearly one year into the war in Ukraine. Its not the first time tensions have flared over whether Russia might be eyeing Moldova as an extension of the conflict in Ukraine. Moldovas Intelligence and Security Services (SIS) has previously warned that Russia may seek to connect Russian-controlled areas in Ukraine by conducting a new offensive, and then creating a land corridor with the Russian-backed breakaway region of Transnistria in Moldova. Russian General Lets Slip a Secret Plan to Invade Another Country and Seize Ukraines Entire Coastline The head of SIS, Alexandru Musteata, warned in December that a campaign to go after Moldova appeared inevitable. The question is not whether the Russian Federation will launch a new offensive in the direction of Moldovan territory, but when it will happen: either at the beginning of the year, in January, February, or later, in March, (or) April, Musteata told TVR Moldova. This is a real and very high risk. Moldova declared independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. One year later, Russian-backed separatists started a conflict in Transnistria and now control the region, which borders Ukraine. Story continues Judging by the information we have Russia can go further to create a corridor with the Transnistrian region, which is the territory of Moldova, Musteata said. The agency later issued a statement reaffirming that an offensive was possible. A new offensive of the Russian Federation in this direction could take place in 2023, the agency said. Moldova is still not a member of NATO, which maintains a collective defense agreement. When Moldova gained European Union candidate status last year, Lavrov suggested that Moldova wanted to "annul everything Russian, just like in Ukraine." Lavrov warned Thursday that Moscow thinks that Moldovan officials are prepared to resolve the Transnistria issue by force. Moldovas Ministry of Foreign Affairs lambasted Lavrov for his threats Thursday. We reject the statements with regard to Moldova of the Russian FM Sergey Lavrov, a ministry spokesperson, Daniel Voda, said. Moldovans regardless of political or geopolitical preferences want Peace, Freedom, and Democracy. There are some signs coming from Transnistria that could indicate trouble ahead from Russia, according to Ukrainian authorities. Approximately 1,000 young and middle-aged men in recent months have flocked to Transnistria, which has raised suspicions about whether they are waiting for orders, Ukraines Armed Forces told VOA News in December. Lavrov has previously warned Moldova about retaliation if Russia perceives that its troops in Transnistria are threatened. Any action that would threaten the security of our troops would be considered under international law as an attack on Russia, Lavrov said in September. Russias efforts to subvert Moldovan rule and destabilize Moldova from within run deep, according to the U.S. Treasury Department. Last year, the Treasury Department sanctioned oligarchs and other entities linked to the Russian government for running influence operations in Moldova and acting as instruments of Russias global influence campaign. Moldova has already fallen in the crosshairs of Russias invasion into Ukraine. Debris from Russia missile strikes against Ukraine has fallen into Moldova at least three times, according to Moldovan authorities. The country is incredibly vulnerable to Russias energy dominance as well; 70 percent of Moldovas electricity supplies has historically come from Russian-occupied Transnistria, with approximately 20 percent coming from Ukraine. When Russia struck Ukrainian energy infrastructure during the war, Moldova had its lights cut as well. Making matters worse, Gazprom also decreased gas supplies to Moldova by one-third in October. According to the Moldovan government, Russias effort to control its energy supplies are aimed at influencing Moldova out of the EU orbit and back into Russias. They don't want us to keep going on the European Union path ... they want to keep Moldova under their zone of interest, Moldovan Infrastructure Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Spinu told Politico in November. 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. Donald Trump refused to say that he would back the next GOP candidate for president if he himself does not secure the nomination. Mr Trump, who has announced he will run again in 2024, was asked about supporting a Republican rival who beats him when he appeared on Hugh Hewitts radio show on Thursday. It would depend, said Mr Trump, and he added, It would have to depend on who the nominee was. Meanwhile, Mr Trump launched a fresh attack on transgender rights as he vowed to stop gender-affirming care for minors if he is elected president in 2024. In a video posted on Truth Social, Mr Trump described gender-affirming care for transgender and nonbinary people as child abuse and said he would task federal agencies to police the matter and punish doctors providing such care to minors. His announcement comes as Nikki Haley prepares to announce her own 2024 presidential bid taking on the former president in a race for the White House. The former South Carolina governor is expected to formally launch her run on 15 February, making her the first Republican to publicly confirm she is challenging Mr Trump. Meanwhile, Mr Trump has also had a busy week in terms of his legal and civil troubles, after New York Attorney General Letitia James accused him of lying on record in his civil fraud case and released a video showing him pleading the fifth more than 400 times in a deposition. A Manhattan grand jury is also preparing to review evidence about the former presidents alleged hush money payment to Stormy Daniels. Key Points Trump pleaded the fifth more than 400 times in fraud case deposition Donald Trump sues Bob Woodward and book publisher over interview tapes Manhattan DA opens grand jury probe into Stormy Daniels payment Ron DeSantis hits back at Trumps recent attacks This Republican single mom wants the GOP to stop being a**holes to women. What will she do about it? Trump refuses to say he will back 2024 GOP nominee 19:49 , Graeme Massie Story continues Donald Trump refused to say that he would back the next GOP candidate for president if he himself does not secure the nomination. Mr Trump, who has announced he will run again in 2024, was asked about supporting a Republican rival who beats him when he appeared on Hugh Hewitts radio show on Thursday. It would depend, said Mr Trump, and he added, It would have to depend on who the nominee was. Former US President Donald Trump gestures as US Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) addresses the crowd during a 2024 election campaign event in Columbia, South Carolina, on January 28, 2023 (AFP via Getty Images) Hunter Biden calls for legal action against Trump allies over laptop 16:00 , Rachel Sharp Hunter Biden has asked state and federal officials to launch investigations into leading conservative figures who helped spread claims based on private information discovered on a laptop he allegedly dropped off at a Delaware repair shop. In a series of letters to the Justice Department, the Delaware attorney generals office, the IRS, and others, the presidents son called for probes of individuals like former New York mayor and Trump ally Rudy Giuliani, as well as conservative agitator Steve Bannon, for their role in spreading the laptop story, which was seized upon by political opponents of the president. Read the full story here: Hunter Biden takes fight to Trump allies over laptop from hell claims WATCH: Trump pleads the fifth in deposition video 15:30 , Rachel Sharp On Tuesday, New York Attorney General Letitia James released a video showing Donald Trump pleading the fifth more than 400 times in a deposition in the civil fraud case against him. Mr Trump is being sued along with the Trump Organization and three of his adult children for allegedly inflating their finances in order to receive benefits. Watch the footage below: Trump denounced over call for supporters to get locked and loaded to fight for him: Sick 15:00 , Rachel Sharp Donald Trump has come under fire for amplifying a call to his supporters to get locked and loaded and physically fight for the Republican partys front-runner for the 2024 presidential elections. Mr Trump, who is actively using his own social media platform Truth Social after he was barred from Twitter, reposted a message by a supporter who seemed to suggest violence. Then they will have to figure out how to fight 80,000,000 + its not going to happen again. People my age and old will physically fight for him this time, a Truth Social post from username @freeTX1776 read. Read the full story: Trump denounced for amplifying call to supporters to get locked and loaded Donald Trumps Scottish golf courses post losses of 15m 14:30 , Rachel Sharp The company which owns former US president Donald Trumps Ayrshire golf course posted a more than 15 million loss in 2021, its accounts show. Golf Recreation Scotland owns Trump Turnberry in South Ayrshire, which was purchased by the controversial property tycoon who is currently eyeing a second term in the White House. According to accounts lodged with Companies House and published on Wednesday, the group made a loss of 14.7 million in 2021, despite an operating profit of just over 1 million, as a result of depreciation, foreign currency exchange and exceptional items. Read more here: Donald Trumps Scottish golf courses post losses of 15m Trump claims Biden is leading us to World War III' 14:00 , Gustaf Kilander Mr Trump has claimed that President Joe Biden is leading the world towards a nuclear war and World War III. Joe Bidens weakness and incompetence has brought us to the brink of nuclear war and leading us to World War III, he wrote on truth Social on Wednesday. Its time for all parties involved to pursue a peaceful end to the war in Ukraine before it spirals out of control and into nuclear war. The Russia-Ukraine War Would Have Never Happened Under President Trump pic.twitter.com/KL04fP52fY Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) February 1, 2023 Nikki Haley prepares to announce 2024 bid 13:30 , Rachel Sharp Nikki Haley is preparing to announce her own 2024 presidential bid taking on the former president in a race for the White House. The former South Carolina governor and former US ambassador to the UN is expected to formally launch her run on 15 February in Charleston. This would make her the first Republican to publicly confirm she is challenging Donald Trump. It would also make her the third Indian-American in US history to make a White House bid. Poisoned to death: Trump once again says invasion taking place on southern border 13:00 , Gustaf Kilander Mr Trump took to Truth Social on Wednesday afternoon to argue that an invasion is taking place on the US-Mexico border. Our Southern Border is being overrun at numbers never seen before, or even close, he wrote. 251,487 Encounters in December, a Record by quadruple. This is an INVASION! There is no country that can afford or sustain the cost of this, or even close. The Marxists & Communists who allow this to happen are CRAZY. Our Country is being poisoned to death! he added. Trump launches attack on transgender rights 12:30 , Rachel Sharp Former president Donald Trump has vowed to go after medical staff providing care to trans children if he is re-elected to office. In a video released on his social media platform Truth Social on Tuesday, Mr Trump said: On day one I will revoke Joe Bidens cruel policies offering so-called gender affirming care. Ridiculous. A process that includes giving kids puberty blockers, mutating their physical appearance and ultimately performing surgery on minor children. Can you believe this? Read the full story: Trump says he will target medical staff offering care to trans children if re-elected In Iowa, potential 2024 GOP Trump challengers quiet for now 12:00 , The Associated Press By this time four years ago, at least a dozen Democratic presidential hopefuls eager to make their case against Donald Trump had either visited Iowa or announced plans to soon visit the leadoff voting state ahead of the 2020 election. Iowas campaign landscape is markedly different this year, with a Republican field seemingly frozen by Trumps early announcement of a 2024 campaign. So far, only former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson has visited this year, and U.S. Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina is making plans to stop by in the next few weeks. Even Trump, the only declared candidate in the 2024 race right now, has been absent from Iowa, choosing instead to kickstart his campaign last weekend in New Hampshire and South Carolina, two other early voting states. With Iowas first-in-the-nation GOP caucuses just a year off, the field of would-be White House candidates has largely been content to steer clear of bone-chilling Iowa and, perhaps more importantly, avoid being the first candidate to announce a bid against the former president. No one wants to be on a limb by themselves against Trump, said Alan Ostergren, a Republican lawyer in Des Moines who is involved in GOP politics. Theyll all break at some point. But no one wants to go first. Trump claims war in Ukraine would have never started had I been president in upcoming interview 11:00 , Gustaf Kilander BREAKING: New trailer for President Donald J. Trump's first one-on-one interview of 2023 The full interview premieres on RSBN Thursday, Feb. 2, at 8:00 p.m. EST https://t.co/W9MyRoEpyA pic.twitter.com/Cf8XE3UTbP RSBN (@RSBNetwork) February 1, 2023 VIDEO: JD Vance calls Trump foreign policy most cautious and careful in a generation 10:00 , Gustaf Kilander .@JDVance1: President Trump led the most cautious and the most careful foreign policy weve had in this country in a generation. This is why the D.C. establishment hates the guy, because they make a lot of money from broke American foreign policy.pic.twitter.com/KyCPnrlz7n Liz Harrington (@realLizUSA) February 1, 2023 Top Dem on House intel seeks briefings on classified records 09:00 , The Associated Press The new top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee on Wednesday called for more information about the classified records discovered in the private possession of President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. Rep. Jim Himes of Connecticut was named the committees ranking member Wednesday by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Along with Ohio Rep. Mike Turner, the committees new Republican chairman, Himes will lead a panel that has been split by highly political fights in a break from its traditionally quieter oversight of the U.S. spy agencies. Turner and the leaders of the Senate Intelligence Committee have in recent weeks pushed the White House to share more in private about the classified material found. The U.S. Office of the Director of National Intelligence has declined to comment on its review of classified material, which is also the subject of multiple Justice Department investigations. Theres a strong bipartisan concern that Congress is not being briefed on even preliminary reviews of classified information that might have been exposed, Himes said in an interview Wednesday with The Associated Press. Thats wrong. Thats wrong as a matter of law. The intelligence committees already face several major tests this year, from multiple discoveries of top leaders keeping classified documents to the fight over whether to renew foreign surveillance powers used by the FBI, National Security Agency and other spy agencies. Read more: Top Dem on House intel seeks briefings on classified records Republican-led panel targets COVID relief dollars for review 08:00 , The Associated Press House Republicans on Wednesday began their promised aggressive oversight of the Biden administration, focusing on what watchdogs described as indications of widespread fraud in federal coronavirus aid programs initiated under President Donald Trump. GOP lawmakers complained that too little attention was paid to the problems when Democrats controlled Congress. Democrats blamed the Trump administration for much of the mess. More than 1,000 people have pleaded guilty or have been convicted on federal charges of defrauding the myriad COVID-19 relief programs that Congress established in the early days of the pandemic. More than 600 other people and entities face federal fraud charges. But thats just the start, according to investigators who testified as the House Oversight and Accountability Committee held its first hearing in the new Congress on fraud and waste in federal pandemic spending. Congress approved about $4.6 trillion in spending from six coronavirus relief laws, beginning in March 2020, when Trump was in the White House and including the $1.9 trillion package that Democrats passed in the first months of the Biden presidency. We owe it to the American people to get to the bottom of the greatest theft of American taxpayer dollars in history, said Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., the committee chairman. Read more: Republican-led panel targets COVID relief dollars for review Trump starts 3rd White House bid lagging in campaign cash 07:00 , The Associated Press Former President Donald Trumps political operation started the year with about $25 million socked away for his recently launched 2024 presidential campaign, a sum that is substantially less than what he had on hand just one year ago, new campaign finance reports show. The diminished sum, which is spread out across four campaign committees, is far less than the $105 million that Trump reported at the start of 2022. It speaks to the potential challenges for Trump as he mounts his third bid for the presidency facing what is likely to be a crowded field of GOP candidates who will also be vying for campaign cash from the partys donors. Across his political committees, including his main campaign account, Trump raised $9.5 million since launching his bid on Nov. 15, according to his campaign, a far cry from the gargantuan sums his campaign boasted of raising in a matter of days or even hours back when he was still president. Read more: Trump starts 3rd White House bid lagging in campaign cash Former Obama speechwriter blasts Trump for promoting rants from other old men promising violence 06:15 , Gustaf Kilander The GOP primary has just begun and Trump is already promoting rants from other old men promising violence if hes not installed as president. https://t.co/vXSVwWs9hS Jon Favreau (@jonfavs) February 1, 2023 Trump calls for all parties involved to pursue a peaceful end to the war in Ukraine' 05:30 , Gustaf Kilander Now Biden is doing what he said 10 months ago would lead to World War III, he is sending in American tanks. It is far past the time for all parties involved to pursue a peaceful end to the war in Ukraine. - President Donald J. Trumppic.twitter.com/7JUDQQsQ4K Liz Harrington (@realLizUSA) February 1, 2023 Trump goes after DeSantis in Truth Social rant: The real Ron is a RINO GLOBALIST' 04:45 , Gustaf Kilander Mr Trump wrote on Truth Social on Wednesday that the real Ron DeSantis is a RINO GLOBALIST, who closed quickly down Florida and even its beaches. Loved the Vaccines and wasted big money on Testing. How quickly people forget! Mr Trump has previously told his supporters to get vaccinated against Covid-19. Mr Trump was responding to a user on the platform who wrote, President Trump will destroy DeSantis in the primary. Conservative judge and Jan 6 panel witness believes Trump will be indicted 04:00 , Gustaf Kilander The conservative judge and January 6 panel witness Michael Lutting told The Washington Post in a piece published Tuesday that he believes Mr Trump will be indicted, saying that he sees ample evidence of crimes. What Nixon did was just an ordinary crime, the judge told the paper, referring to the Watergate scandal. What Trump has done is quite arguably the worst crime against the United States that a president could commit. Trump calls US-Mexico border Southern Border Death Machine' 03:15 , Gustaf Kilander Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social on Wednesday morning that our Southern Border Death Machine is 20 times worse today than at any time in the history of our Country, and it is only getting worse. Just two years ago, we were GOLD, the best in U.S. History. SAD! Trump says only thing that can save cable news is him in the White House again 02:30 , Gustaf Kilander Mr Trump took to Truth Social to argue that the only thing that can save cable news is him being in the White House again. Its an incredible and very beautiful thing to watch. After all these years, the purveyors of Fake News are being CRUSHED in the Ratings, he wrote on Wednesday morning. Be careful FoxNews, your numbers are WAY down also heading in the wrong direction. You dont want to be another Fake News CNN or MSDNC. Their FINISHED! Sorry to say, but the only thing that can save them is the Trump Presidency. I told them that a long time ago, but they just wouldnt listen! Top House Democrat slams Trump for relationship with Kim Jong-Un 01:45 , Gustaf Kilander Jim McGovern on GOP bill denouncing socialism: "'We denounce Kim Jong Un.' Well, not all of us actually. Because in fact, if I remember correctly, it was the leader of the Republican Party, Donald Trump, who said he fell in love with him ... why is Putin left out?" pic.twitter.com/APaJkreVJG Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) February 1, 2023 McGovern: "You know what's funny is that the same Republicans who decry anything that government does as socialism never seem to have a problem when it comes to huge handouts for billionaire corporations. They want socialism for the rich but capitalism for the poor." pic.twitter.com/cE4whxLtop Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) February 1, 2023 Former Rep Adam Kinzinger goes after Trump for taking the fifth 400 times 01:00 , Gustaf Kilander Former Illinois Republican Representative Adam Kinzinger went after Donald Trump after a video was leaked revealing that the former president repeatedly used the Fifth Amendment to avoid answering questions during a deposition in August. The mob takes the Fifth. If youre innocent, why would you take the Fifth Amendment? -- Donald J. Trump NOW: Trump takes the Fifth Amendment 400 times. pic.twitter.com/DDqYRcG53B Adam Kinzinger #fella (@AdamKinzinger) February 1, 2023 Trump goes after Morning Joe as he claims ratings have gone down the drain' 00:15 , Gustaf Kilander Mr Trump went after Morning Joe on Wednesday morning, claiming that the MSNBC shows ratings have gone down the drain. Wow! Ratings on my former friends show, Morning Joe, with his calm, steady, and lovely wife, Mike, have really gone down the drain. I know them both very well. Theyll probably be back, its only a question of is it too late? Mr Trump wrote on Truth Social, referring to hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski. GOP congressman compares TV provider dropping Newsmax to Holocaust Wednesday 1 February 2023 23:45 , Andrew Feinberg When Republican members of the House of Representatives on Tuesday took to the floor of their chamber for an hour-long airing of grievances in support of a GOP-friendly cable news channel, one of them decided it would be appropriate to compare the satellite television carriage dispute to the murder of six million Jews during the Holocaust. Eric Burlison, a freshman representative who was sworn in as the House member for Missouris 7th District less than a month ago, first compared DirecTVs decision to cease carrying the right-wing Newsmax channel to an aborted Department of Homeland Security effort to combat disinformation, and suggested the satellite television provider was abusing special privileges the government has granted it. Late last month, DirecTV ceased carrying the signal of the pro-Trump outlet after the carriage agreement between Newsmax and the satellite provider expired. Newsmax, which previously granted DirecTV the right to carry the channel free of charge, had demanded a new agreement under which the company would be charged for the right to beam the channel into subscribers homes. Read more: GOP congressman compares TV provider dropping Newsmax to Holocaust New York attorney general seeks sanctions after Trump caught lying in court documents Wednesday 1 February 2023 23:15 , Andrew Feinberg New York Attorney General Letitia James has asked the judge overseeing her $250m fraud lawsuit against Donald Trump, his three eldest children, and their eponymous real estate company to sanction the Trumps and their attorneys for demonstrably false statements made in a verified response to her complaint. Ms James office cited denials of basic facts and statements that contradicted what the Trumps had said in other court filings and appearances in a letter to New York Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron seeking sanctions against the defendants and their attorney, Alina Habba. Defendants falsely deny facts they have admitted in other proceedings, they deny knowledge sufficient to respond to factual allegations that are plainly within their knowledge, and they propound affirmative defenses that have been repeatedly rejected by this Court as frivolous and without merit, she said. Read more: New York attorney general seeks sanctions after Trump caught lying in court documents Trump mentions George Soros as he blasts Manhattan DA amid hush-money probe Wednesday 1 February 2023 22:15 , Gustaf Kilander Mr Trump mentioned financier George Soros as he criticized Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg amid the probe into the hush-money payment to adult actor Stormy Daniels during the 2016 campaign. Ms Daniels alleged that she had had an affair with Mr Trump in 2006, the year after he married former First Lady Melania Trump. When Soros backed Alvin Bragg attained the office of Manhattan District Attorney, he received great praise from large circles of people for dropping some of the most ridiculous Witch Hunt type cases ever looked at by that office, Mr Trump claimed on Wednesday morning shortly before 7am. Now some Radical Left crazies, coupled with ratings crushed and failing Fake News, are trying to get him to go the Prosecutorial Misconduct route, and take on certain very weak cases which are dead anyway based on the Statute of Limitations. FIGHT VIOLENT CRIME! he wrote on Truth Social. VIDEO: Trump pleads the 5th Amendment in fraud deposition Wednesday 1 February 2023 21:45 , Gustaf Kilander Trump endorses Jim Banks in Indiana Senate race Wednesday 1 February 2023 21:15 , Gustaf Kilander Donald Trump endorsed Jim Banks in the Indiana Senate race on Wednesday morning. Jim Banks is running for the United States Senate from the Great State of Indiana. I know Jim well, have seen him tested at the highest and most difficult levels, and WIN! he wrote on Truth Social shortly after 6am. Strong on the Border, Crime, our Military and our Vets, Jim will fight for low taxes and regulations, Sanity in Government, and our under siege 2nd Amendment. Jim Banks is respected by all, will never let you down, and has my Complete & Total Endorsement! Trump blasts Biden: Wrong, and not even close. Nuclear War is the biggest threat! Wednesday 1 February 2023 20:45 , Gustaf Kilander Donald Trump went after President Joe Biden on Tuesday night after the president said the climate crisis is the biggest threat facing humanity, including nuclear war. At a Democratic National Committee fundraiser in New York City on Tuesday, Mr Biden said in a speech that if we dont stay under 1.5 degrees Celsius, were going to have a real problem. Its the single-most existential threat to humanity weve ever faced, including nuclear weapons. And so we have a real big problem, he added, arguing that he inherited an America First foreign policy from Mr Trump which in actuality had placed America last. Wrong, and not even close. Nuclear War is the biggest threat! Mr Trump responded on Truth Social. Trump says he got 1.2 Million Votes MORE than Ron DeSanctimonious in Florida Wednesday 1 February 2023 20:15 , Gustaf Kilander Donald Trump took to Truth Social on Tuesday evening to blast Florida Governor Ron DeSantis amid their ongoing feud. Remember, I was 233-20 in the Midterms, and got 1.2 Million Votes MORE than Ron DeSanctimonious in the Great State of Florida. Also, 12 Million MORE Votes in 2020 than in 2016, and Won! the former president said, repeating his false claim that he won the 2020 election, which he lost to Democrat Joe Biden. VIDEO: Michael Cohen says he handed over cell phones to manhattan DA in Trump hush-money probe Wednesday 1 February 2023 19:45 , Gustaf Kilander JD Vance endorses Trump for 2024 nomination Wednesday 1 February 2023 19:15 , Gustaf Kilander Freshman Ohio Republican Senator JD Vance endorsed Mr Trumps 2024 campaign in an op-ed in The Wall Street Journal on Tuesday. Mr. Trump did more than simply keep the peace. He brokered the Abraham Accords, a historic agreement between Israel and Sunni Arab states providing the best hope of a long-term counterbalance to Iran, he wrote in the piece. He began the long, slow process of decoupling the U.S. from its economic reliance on China. He opened diplomatic talks with North Korea after a half century of stagnation, Mr Vance added. Anybody can run: GOP senators downplay possibility of Trump coronation in 2024 Wednesday 1 February 2023 18:45 , Gustaf Kilander Republican Senators are arguing that there should be a wide range of options in the 2024 primary and not a coronation of the former president to run for a third time. Anybody can run, Florida Senator Marco Rubio, a possible 2024 candidate, said, according to The Hill. South Dakota Senator Mike Rounds said would be healthy to have lots of folks considering the race. His fellow South Dakota senator, the Republican Whip John Thune, said the feud between Mr Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is going to be between the two of them. But he also said that if people feel compelled or called to run for the White House, thats their prerogative, its a free country. Mr Trump has argued that it would be disloyal of Mr DeSantis to mount a campaign against him. There are no Trump policies without Donald Trump: Lindsey Graham defends record of former president Wednesday 1 February 2023 18:15 , Gustaf Kilander South Carolina Republican Senator Lindsey Graham came to the defence of Mr Trump over the weekend, arguing during a campaign event for the former president that he deserves more credit for what he did in office. How many times have you heard: We like Trump policies, but we want somebody new? Mr Graham said, according to The Hill. There are no Trump policies without Donald Trump, he added. Trump fuels DeSantis feud by posting video of Florida governor saying he wants to be like Paul Ryan: Wow Wednesday 1 February 2023 17:45 , Gustaf Kilander Donald Trump has escalated his feud with Ron DeSantis by posting a video of the Florida governor in which he says wants to be like former House Speaker Paul Ryan, whose now a Trump critic. Mr Trumps only comment on the footage, which was posted on his Truth Social page on Tuesday, was wow! I would be somebody who would be different, I think you see that Ive been recognized nationally as being somebody who would be different, who would be a leader, who could be somebody like a Paul Ryan very quickly, Mr DeSantis says in the footage. Following Mr Trumps criticism of his handling of the pandemic, Mr DeSantis responded to the former president on Tuesday by noting that he was reelected while Mr Trump wasnt. I roll out of bed, I have people attacking me from all angles, its been happening for many, many years, Mr DeSantis said during a press briefing in Bradenton, south of Tampa. The good thing is, is that the people are able to render a judgment on that whether they reelect you or not. And Im happy to say, you know in my case, not only did we win reelection, we won with the highest percentage of the vote that any Republican governor candidate has had in the history of the state of Florida ... That verdict has been rendered by the people of the state of Florida. Read more: Trump posts video of DeSantis saying he wants to be like Paul Ryan VIDEO: Former South Carolina Governor and Ambassador Under Trump, Nikki Haley, Set to Announce 2024 GOP Candidacy Wednesday 1 February 2023 17:15 , Gustaf Kilander Its not a matter of disloyalty: GOP Senator pushes back on Trumps 2024 primary argument Wednesday 1 February 2023 16:45 , Gustaf Kilander Wyoming Republican Senator Cynthia Lummis defended Ron DeSantis and argued that it wouldnt be disloyal for him to run for president in 2024, despite recent comments from Mr Trump arguing that it would be. I expect to see a number of Republican candidates for president and a number of them had President Trumps endorsement so I dont see it as an act of disloyalty to run for president, even people on the presidents cabinet may get in this race, she told The Hill, referring to Mr Trumps 2018 endorsement of Mr DeSantis when he ran for the Florida governorship. So, its not a matter of disloyalty, she added. The person who best articulates a future agenda for the country will emerge from [the] Republican primary and its not a foregone conclusion who that will be. GOP Senator barely stifles laugh when asked if 2024 DeSantis campaign would be disloyal to Trump Wednesday 1 February 2023 16:15 , Gustaf Kilander On his plane this weekend while making campaign trips to New Hampshire and South Carolina, Mr Trump argued that he got Florida Governor Ron DeSantis into the governors mansion by supporting him in 2018. Mr DeSantis previously served in the US House from 2013 until 2018. So then when I hear he might run, I consider that very disloyal. But its not about loyalty, but to me it is, its always about loyalty, but for a lot of people its not about loyalty, he told reporters. Following the criticism from Mr Trump, GOP Senators defended Mr DeSantis and his possible 2024 campaign. Texas Senator John Cornyn commented on a possible DeSantis campaign, telling The Hill that he ran an impressive reelection campaign for governor from an important state. It looks to me like hes polling well. I think we need some new blood and I think hed probably qualify. The outlet noted that Mr Cornyn barely stifled a laugh when asked if it would be disloyal for Mr DeSantis to run. No, no, I dont think so, he said. Donald cannot keep track of the lies that he tells, Michael Cohen says Wednesday 1 February 2023 15:45 , Gustaf Kilander Video footage was recently released showing Mr Trump in a deposition at the office of the New York attorney general in August, in which he used the Fifth Amendment to avoid answering questions more than 400 times, according to CNN. Donald cannot keep track of the lies that he tells, and so, what better way to stop a fool from being deposed and hurting himself further than to tell him to plead the Fifth at least 400 times, his former fixer Michael Cohen told the network on Wednesday. VIDEO: Michael Cohen says he handed over his phones to Manhattan DA in hush-money investigation Wednesday 1 February 2023 15:15 , Gustaf Kilander Trump's former attorney Michael Cohen tells @donlemon he handed over his cell phones to Manhattan prosecutors zeroing in on Trump Org's involvement in hush-money payments to Stormy Daniels. Their full interview: pic.twitter.com/N5Jb7DLZZE CNN This Morning (@CNNThisMorning) February 1, 2023 Michael Cohen says he handed over cell phones to Manhattan DA in Trump hush-money probe Wednesday 1 February 2023 14:45 , Gustaf Kilander Michael Cohen, Donald Trumps former personal lawyer and fixer, has said that he has handed over his cell phones to the Manhattan District Attorneys office. Cohen made the revelation on CNN on Wednesday morning. He met with New York prosecutors last month as the DAs office is focusing on the Trump Organizations role in the hush-money payment made to adult actor Stormy Daniels in connection to the former presidents 2016 campaign for the White House. Most recently, they asked for my cell phones because they want to be able to extract from it the voice recordings that I had had with Keith Davidson, former attorney to Stormy Daniels before Michael Avenatti, as well as a bunch of emails, text messages and so on, Cohen told CNN on Wednesday morning. Read more: Michael Cohen says he handed over cell phones to Manhattan DA in hush-money probe Ukraine is warning that Moscow is regrouping hundred of thousands of troops on the border for a massive new offensive, just weeks before the first anniversary of Russias invasion. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday gave a stark message to the West when he forecast that the Kremlin was building up its forces to take revenge. Now Russia is concentrating its forces. We all know that. It is preparing to try to take revenge, not only against Ukraine, but against a free Europe and the free world, Zelensky said at a press conference alongside European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen, as reported by Agence France-Presse. Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov told French media on Wednesday that Russia had 500,000 troops ready for an attack to come in weeks. That number is far higher than the 300,000 newly enlisted soldiers Russian President Vladimir Putin called up this past autumn. Officially, they announced 300,000, but when we see the troops at the borders, according to our assessments it is much more, Reznikov said. And senior Ukrainian defense ministry official Yuriy Sak told NBC News Thursday that officials are worried Moscows military is preparing for a soon-to-come assault aimed at turning the war in the Kremlins favor. We should understand that the threat of a new and another offensive will remain until we defeat Russia, Sak said. Western and Ukrainian officials have long warned that Russia is planning a renewed spring offensive after a series of embarrassing defeats in summer and fall and a near stalemate over the winter. But the warnings are picking up ahead of the wars one-year anniversary on Feb. 24. Zelenskys chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, tweeted Thursday he had spoken with U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Mark Milley about a new Kremlin offensive. Russian forces, which have made significant advances around the eastern city of Bakhmut over the past two weeks their biggest gain in the war since summer are looking to finally take the city and push past the incremental gains into bigger battlefield wins. Story continues Moscow is hoping the hundreds of thousands of reservists and new conscripts it called up in the fall will allow it to reconstitute military units depleted last year. Driving the timeline forward is a small gap between newly pledged Western battle vehicles and tanks and when Ukraine will actually take possession of the weapons, experts predict Both the U.S. and Germany last month agreed to send tanks to Kyivs forces, including 31 M1 Abrams tanks from Washington. Zelensky in his nightly video address warned that Ukrainian defense officials will have to make some difficult choices as the battle over Bakhmut continues to grind, saying the situation has become tougher in the region. The enemy is trying to achieve at least something now to show that Russia has some chances on the anniversary of the invasion, he said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The U.S. and its allies in the Middle East and North Africa announced on Tuesday that they are broadening the Abraham Accords a 2020 agreement to normalize diplomatic relations between Israel and some Arab countries to include cybersecurity. The expansion, which is still in the works, will include increasing the sharing of information on cyber threats and potentially adding tabletop exercises, The Washington Post reported. Rob Silvers, Department of Homeland Security under secretary for strategy, policy and plans, told the Post that the expansion builds on existing cyber collaboration between the U.S., Israel and the United Arab Emirates and will also include Bahrain and Morocco. Well be meeting as a group to chart out how we can deepen our work on cyberdefense, Silvers said. Our countries face common cyber challenges obviously, we all face cybercrime, ransomware and so forth. The announcement is the latest cyber collaboration between the U.S. and the Middle East. Last year, the U.S. Department of Treasury and the Israeli Ministry of Finance announced a bilateral agreement that would formalize and enhance the cybersecurity partnership between the two countries. In the agreement, both nations pledged to share information related to cyber threats targeting the financial sector, train staff in the cybersecurity field and conduct cross-border cybersecurity exercises. The Treasurys bilateral agreement followed President Bidens trip to the Middle East in July, during which he pledged to expand and strengthen cyber cooperation with Israel and Saudi Arabia. Experts The Hill spoke to at the time said the move was likely a response to the rising digital threat from Iran a common rival of all three countries. Though not yet at the level of Israel, Iran has proved capable of launching an array of cyberattacks, ranging from website defacement and distributed denial-of-service attacks to ransomware and cyber espionage, experts said. Story continues Last year, the FBI said it thwarted a cyberattack in 2021 that was intended to disrupt the network of the Boston Childrens Hospital. FBI Director Christopher Wray blamed Iranian-backed hackers for the attempted attack. Iran is a dangerous, destabilizing actor across the region, Silvers told The Post. We have seen their attacks on U.S. targets as well as targets across the Middle East. Aside from Iran, Israel has also drawn criticism for allowing one of its leading cyber intelligence firms, NSO Group, to sell spyware tools to foreign governments that then use them to spy on dissidents, political rivals, journalists and human right activists. The backlash against NSO Groups spyware tool, known as Pegasus, led the U.S. Department of Commerce to blacklist the company in 2021. Silvers said that the Biden administration has condemned the illegal use of spyware. This administration has consistently condemned the use of spyware and sanctioned spyware developers for infringing on human rights and free expression, and we are candid with our partners when we have concerns, Silvers said. That said, there is a long history of defense and security cooperation between the U.S. and partners in the region, and it is important that we work together against shared cyberthreats on critical infrastructure, he added. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. And these days Awolowo, a main commercial artery of Lagos, Nigeria's megacity of 20 million people, is constantly blocked by traffic jams worsened by the waits for fuel, spelling further misery for residents. From north to south, the country of about 215 million people is facing an even higher combination of problems than usual: petrol shortages and chaos at banks over a new currency swap, in addition to the chronic lack of water and electricity. It's a volatile mix as Nigeria gears up for presidential and general elections next month, with President Muhammadu Buhari stepping down after the two terms allowed by the constitution. Bazza said he had woken up at 4:30 am to try to avoid the petrol queues, but it didn't work -- Shortly after 10 am, and just 10 metres (30 feet) from the petrol pump, he was told to leave. "It's over! No more fuel," the station attendant said. "My day is wasted," Bazza told AFP. "Every day is the same problem, it's ridiculous." While Nigeria is one of Africa's largest crude oil producers, it has almost no refining capacity and must import fuel from Europe and elsewhere. "We are tired," Bazza said before driving off. "Everywhere people are fighting." No cash On the other side of the road, fifty or so people are huddled outside a bank, with more people continuously joining the crowd. Like everyone else, Alexander Okwori is trying to get his hands on new bank notes unveiled last October to replace the old naira, with a January 31 deadline to make the swap. But days before the deadline, only a few banks were distributing the new notes, leaving many Nigerians, who are overwhelmingly poor and without bank accounts, without access to cash. Under pressure, the government agreed to push the deadline back to February 10, but on Tuesday many banks were still unable to distribute the new notes. "No ATM are giving money. I went to 10 banks, there are no new notes," said Okwori, who wonders how he will manage to buy food for the day. His anger has reached the point where he has no intention of casting a vote on February 25. "To get my PVC (voting card), I have to queue again. For what? They (politicians) are all the same," the 21-year-old said. The two main candidates vying to replace Buhari are Bola Tinubu of the president's governing party, and Atiku Abubakar of the main opposition group. The two are old political hands, wealthy but also dogged by corruption suspicions in the minds of many voters. 'Getting worse' Outside another petrol station on Awolowo, a queue has completely blocked the traffic, leaving Vanessa Ifejitah stuck in her car for three hours with her children on their way to school. Wearing an elegant orange dress, the mother of two steps out of her car and starts shouting at military officers standing nearby. "You are the cause of our problems!" she shouts, pointing at their vehicle parked in the middle of the queue, making things even worse for those trying to drive through -- so Ifejitah starts directing the traffic herself to sort out the mess. "The queue is getting worse every day... I don't know what is happening in Nigeria," she says, getting back into her car, on the verge of tears. "My children are two hours late for school." Less than a month before voting day, frustrations are growing across the country. On Monday, protests broke out over the fuel shortages in Benin City in the south, according to local media. Irate crowds also protested a recent visit by Buhari to Kano, the biggest city in the north, with many setting bonfires and hurling stones at police in a city traditionally one of the president's strongholds. Hi OnPolitics readers! Today we're bringing you this story from White House Correspondent Francesca Chambers on the GOP 2024 presidential primary and why Donald Trump isn't the first choice for several Republicans. Why it matters: Some Republicans want to dump Trump, but they worry the party won't find an alternative candidate who can garner the same support, making Trump the default nominee again. Possible alternatives: While no major Republicans have announced a presidential bid yet, several names have been floated as potential contenders. One top potential candidate in recent polls is Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Former Trump administration U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley is expected to announce soon. Keep Reading: Republicans want to dump Trump. Will they rally behind a 2024 alternative fast enough? What else is going on in Washington? Short dispatches from our live blog for the political news enthusiast: Stay informed with our live blog for the latest news of the day. Like the new look of this newsletter? We have a new format to give you more political news each day! Not signed up? Get OnPolitics in your inbox here. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: OnPolitics: Some in GOP look for alternates to Trump for 2024 WASHINGTON Republicans working to keep Donald Trump from becoming the GOPs presidential nominee in 2024 say the more the merrier when it comes to the number of candidates who could be competing against him. Though more than a dozen Republicans have tested the presidential waters, GOP operatives, conservative activists and potential candidates expect fewer candidates to try to wrestle the nomination from Trump than the first time he was on the ballot. So many candidates sought the nomination then, the GOP held two-tier debates to fit everyone on stage. Trump won the nomination after donating millions of dollars to his own campaign and racking up delegates in states with early contests. Republicans who want to dump Trump say the party risks failing to consolidate fast enough around an alternative candidate and winding up with Trump as its nominee again, much as they did in 2016. He shouldn't be underestimated. You think about the organization he has, the fundraising capability he has, the 100% name recognition that he has, the ability to attract media attention, I mean, he's obviously a very, very formidable candidate, said Asa Hutchinson, a former Arkansas governor and likely presidential contender. But he's a formidable candidate that history proves he cannot win in that November election. President Donald Trump stands behind Ron DeSantis, Candidate for Governor of Florida, as he speaks at a rally, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, in Pensacola, Fla. Trump v. 'someone else' Republicans inside and outside Washington fear Trump will cost the party the White House again. He has continued to promote false conspiracy theories about the 2020 election, is under federal investigation and routinely trails President Joe Biden in national polls. Despite his waning influence, the former president continues to have the support of a plurality of primary voters when they have the option to choose among him and more than one other Republican. A survey published by the New Hampshire Journal in January showed Trump winning 37% of Republicans in the crucial early contest state. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis had 26% support. New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu polled at 13%. Story continues Former Trump administration officials Nikki Haley, former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, and Mike Pence, the former vice president, had single-digit support. Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin had zero support, and 18% of Republicans were undecided. If the race were between Trump and someone else, however, Republican voters in New Hampshire would split their support between the former president and his primary opponent. DeSantis, in particular, would have a nearly 2-1 advantage over Trump, a national Marquette Law Poll found. That type of polling is making some Republicans nervous. If it turns out that a bunch of people, candidates that nobody really takes seriously are on the ballot alongside Trump and DeSantis, that makes it more possible that Trump ends up winning some of these early primaries, said David McIntosh, president of the influential Club for Growth, a conservative economic group. The Democratic Party is always much better at this. They talk to each other, McIntosh said. Republicans, everybody sees this as their chance to get five minutes of fame. And it doesn't cost all that much to survive through Iowa. Former Vice President Mike Pence speaks to guests at the Republican Jewish Coalition Annual Leadership Meeting on November 18, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Pence is expected to run for president in 2024. Potential candidates, party leaders and top operatives say Trumps early dominance is not a reason for his prospective challengers to sit the primary out; Republicans who are seriously considering a presidential bid deserve the opportunity to introduce themselves to voters and compete in debates. Pence adviser Marc Short said he believes that the process has a way of winnowing out the strongest candidate and that keeping the field small could backfire. Theres a natural effect that happens. If you cant show support, then money dries up, Short said. In an interview with USA TODAY, Sununu, who just began his fourth term as New Hampshire governor, said there are no backroom conversations among possible candidates about standing down. He said he expects more candidates to announce in the next few months. I think theres a general understanding and appreciation, that, 'Look, if folks are getting in the race, fine. But if you're not doing well, youve got to get out,' Sununu said. New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu is vocally encouraging Republicans to move on from former President Donald Trump. GOP primary field takes shape Several senators floated as possible GOP candidates have already decided to pass. Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton, Florida Sen. Rick Scott and Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley say they will not be 2024 presidential candidates. Hawley and Scott are first-term senators facing reelection. Sen. Ted Cruz's seat is also up, and the Texan, who was runner-up to Trump in 2016, is not expected to compete for the presidency again. No other major Republicans have announced bids, although several current and former governors, including Sununu, Hutchinson, Haley and Maryland's Larry Hogan, are openly exploring runs. Haley had said she would not run against Trump. Yet the former South Carolina governor is charging ahead with plans to formally launch her campaign Feb. 15 in Charleston. Its politics. Things change. And I don't think anybody's going to hold it against her, except for hardcore Donald Trump voters, said Katon Dawson, a former South Carolina GOP chair backing Haley. Hogan, whose second term as Marylands governor expired last month, said in an interview that hes taking a close look at it but has not made a decision. Hogan said the political landscape is not nearly as settled as it was." I'm not sure it's a smart strategy to be the first one out of the gate, Hogan said. Outgoing Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan exits his car outside the State House prior to Gov.-elect Wes Moore's inauguration in Annapolis, Md., Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023. Hogan could also compete in the GOP primary against Donald Trump. 'No one needs to get in right now' Some likely candidates have held off announcements because they do not want to become a battering ram for Trump, who made his first trip to New Hampshire and South Carolina as a 2024 candidate last Saturday. Trump famously cut down his 2016 opponents with unflattering nicknames. And over the weekend, he took a swipe at DeSantis, calling him disloyal for considering a bid. Others are building out their campaign and fundraising operations. Several are juggling presidential ambitions with day jobs. Florida voters just elected DeSantis to a second four-year term in the populous battleground state, where the legislative session runs through early May. I think that DeSantis is wisely not announcing but just building up his record in Florida, McIntosh said. But everybody sees him positionally as the one guy who could displace Trump, could keep that base that he has, and so they're waiting for him to make an announcement. Potential candidates such as former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo who do not now hold office have been courting voters in the early GOP primary states of Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina for nearly two years. You don't have to be an announced candidate to really be running and getting your name out there and being effective, Sununu said. No one needs to get in right now. Former South Carolina Republican Governor Nikki Haley will formally launch her presidential bid on Feb. 15 in Charleston. Show me the money But candidates cant afford to wait much longer. Most will need to be in the race by the first presidential debate to have a chance at winning the nomination. The debates will be a crucial opportunity for candidates to raise money and build up a following, Republicans say. The first debate could take place in July in the same place where the Republican National Committee holds its summer meeting. The RNC is considering an individual donation or donor threshold to determine who gets to debate. Building name ID also takes time, said Sarah Longwell, an anti-Trump GOP strategist who has been conducting focus groups in early GOP primary states, and only DeSantis, as a shadow presumptive front-runner, has more of it. Longwell said she has found that hardcore supporters of the former president are not familiar with his potential competitors. They don't know the names of anybody else, she said. They're not really tuned in to alternatives yet. Asa Hutchinson, right, speaks in Little Rock, Ark. in 2021. The former Arkansas governor is one of several current and former governors who could challenge Donald Trump for the GOP nomination. Trump launched his 2024 campaign in November. He emphasized in a weekend fundraising email that he was the FIRST Republican presidential candidate to campaign in the two early primary states and boasted that no other candidate is working this early to win every last vote. His possible competitors panned the appearances as lackluster. It was a little underwhelming, Hogan said. It wasn't really that impressive. I think he's got a lot of work to do if he wants to get to a winning campaign. Sununu said in an interview before Trumps visit to New Hampshire that most Republicans want to move on from the former president. Clearly, he's gotten in the race at his weakest political point. It aint getting any better for him. And there's a lot of other very good viable candidates that are out there. Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung said in a statement that Trump continues to dominate in state and local polling, "and there is nobody who can energize the voters as he can." "Anyone who is concerned about a repeat of 2016 is someone who does not believe in America First. President Trump is the unquestioned leader of the Republican Party and is the only person who can take back the White House in 2024," he said. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 18: Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo speaks to guests at the Republican Jewish Coalition Annual Leadership Meeting on November 18, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The meeting comes on the heels of former President Donald Trump becoming the first candidate to declare his intention to seek the GOP nomination in the 2024 presidential race. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 775900046 ORIG FILE ID: 1442669009 Just one former U.S. president, Grover Cleveland, has ever served two nonconsecutive terms in office. But the fact that Trump maintains a large donor list and has a significant base of support gives him an early advantage, operatives said. GOP movers and shakers are acknowledging that we need someone that has the policies of Trump but are not the dumpster fire that Trump is, said Alice Stewart, a GOP strategist who worked for Cruz in 2016. Rational Republicans are realizing that we have to move on from Trump." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Who can beat Trump? GOP looks to avoid 2016 repeat in 2024 primary Dotdash Meredith and Yahoo Inc. may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. The Wusthof Gourmet 10-Piece Knife Block Set is a great value given its versatility and quality. Real Simple / Reese Herrington A good knife is undoubtedly the most important cooking tool you can own. Purchasing a set of knives is an easy and cost-effective way to ensure you have the right knife for every job, regardless of what cooking task a recipe throws your way. To select the best knife sets, we researched dozens of options at different price points, considering factors like material, versatility, and storage. We also tapped Noah Poses, executive chef at The Fulton in New York City, and Jeremy Rock Smith, chef and author of The Kripalu Kitchen for tips on choosing the right knife set for your needs. Smith says its important to consider what foods youre preparing on a regular basis when choosing a knife set: If you buy a 21-piece knife set and you're a vegetarian, it could be that half those knives are used for breaking down meats and you're not going to utilize them, says Smith. How many you need should really depend on what you're regularly cooking. Our best overall pick is the Wusthof Gourmet 10-Piece Knife Block Set, which comes with seven knives, a pair of shears, and a honing steel all housed in a 15-slot acacia knife block. The laser-cut stainless steel blades are full tang, and have lightweight polypropylene handles with three rivets. Overall, its a great pick for anyone looking for a long-lasting set of knives theyll get plenty of use out of. Wusthof Gourmet 10-Piece Knife Block Set Best Overall Knife Set Buy at Amazon.com Buy at Wayfair.com Who its for: People who want a high-quality knife block set that they can add to with time. Who its not for: People who want a lot of specialty knives. This Wusthof set contains the basics every home cook will need, along with some extras. The acacia knife block comes with kitchen shears, a paring knife, a spear point paring knife, a trimming knife, a serrated utility knife, a single-blade utility knife, a spreader, a cooks knife, and a honing steel to help keep your blades sharp. And the block comes with additional slots, should you want to store any existing knives you have or leave room for additional knives you may acquire in the future. Story continues The stainless steel knives are full tang, which means the metal from the blade extends down the full length of the handle as well. The handles are made from lightweight polypropylene to make them easy to hold and balance, and the material is designed to resist heat and discoloration. Price at time of publish: $320 Product Details: Number of Knives: 7 knives, 1 pair of shears, 1 honing steel Blade Material: Stainless steel, polypropylene handles Block Type: Acacia wood Cuisinart 12-Piece Nonstick Color Knife Set With Blade Guards Best Budget Knife Set Buy at Amazon.com Buy at Walmart.com Who its for: People who want an inexpensive set of nonstick, color-coded knives. Who its not for: People who want a more subdued knife set and people who want a knife block. If youre looking for a budget-friendly set, this Cuisinart collection is a good pick. The set includes a chefs knife, slicing knife, serrated bread knife, santoku knife, utility knife, and paring knife. The knives are stainless steel coated in nonstick ceramic, and each knife is a different color, making it easier to remember which knife to use for what taskor prevent any cross-contamination if someone in your home has food allergies. This set doesnt come with a knife block. Instead, each blade has a color-coded edge guard to keep the blade sharp and protect against accidents if youre storing them in a drawer. Price at time of publish: $19 Product Details: Number of Knives: 6 knives with sheaths Blade Material: Ceramic-coated stainless steel Block Type: None Shun Premier 10-Piece Knife Set Best Splurge Knife Set Buy at Williams-sonoma.com Who its for: People who are willing to spend more on handcrafted Japanese knives. Who its not for: Beginner cooks or anyone who wants more utilitarian knives. If youre looking to splurge on a set of knives, this sethandcrafted in Japanis an excellent option. The blades are forged from an extremely hard stainless steel and the handles are made from a wood and plastic composite material called PakkaWood. The 11-slot bamboo block contains a paring knife, boning knife, utility knife, serrated utility knife, santoku knife, chefs knife, bread knife, honing steel, and kitchen shears. Each knife is designed to be lightweight, agile, and super sharp (when used and honed regularly, Shun says they should only need to be professionally sharpened once or twice a year). The hammered blades have a beautiful, unique-looking finish that makes them a conversation piece, too. Price at time of publish: $1,150 Product Details: Number of Knives: 7 knives, 1 pair of shears, 1 honing steel Material: Stainless steel, PakkaWood handles Block Type: Bamboo Global Classic 3-Piece Knife Set Best 3-Piece Knife Set Buy at Amazon.com Buy at Crateandbarrel.com Who its for: People who want a minimalist knife set that contains just the basics. Who its not for: Advanced cooks and people who want specialty knives. This Global Classic set contains the only three knives a home cook needs: A chef's knife for 98 percent of kitchen tasks, a serrated utility knife for slicing through crusty bread, and a paring knife for trimming fruits and vegetables. Each knife is made from a single piece of stainless steel, and the dimpled handles are ergonomic and designed to prevent your hand from slipping. This set doesnt come with a knife block or edge guards, so you will need to figure out your own storage solutiona magnetic knife strip could be a great option. Price at time of publish: $180 Product Details: Number of Knives: 3 Material: Stainless steel Block Type: None : Made In The Knife Set Best 4-Piece Knife Set Buy at Madeincookware.com Who its for: People who want a small knife set that goes just beyond the basics. Who its not for: People who dont want to pay extra for a knife block. This four-piece knife set contains a chefs knife, bread knife, paring knife, and a nakiri knifethe latter is a straight, square blade thats ideal for quickly slicing and dicing vegetables in a downward motion, as opposed to the rocking motion of rounded blades. The full-tang knives are made from stainless steel hardened with nitrogen, which helps prevent the blades from chipping. There are three color options for the handles: olive wood, truffle black, and pomme red. The black and red handles are made of a stain-resistant, slip-resistant polymer for easy handling. Unfortunately, this set does not include a knife block, but Made In sells a magnetic knife block separately, and it just so happens to be ideal for storing this four-piece set. Price at time of publish: From $349 Product Details: Number of Knives: 4 Material: Stainless steel with polymer or olive wood handles Block Type: None Zwilling J.A. Henckels Twin Gourmet 18-Piece Knife Block Set Best Large Knife Set Buy at Amazon.com Buy at Surlatable.com Who its for: People who want a catch-all knife set that includes a set of steak knives. Who its not for: People who only want to add a few knives to their collection. The hardwood knife block contains a peeling knife, paring knife, utility knife, serrated utility knife, boning knife, bread knife, chefs knife, and eight matching steak knives, all of which are made from high-carbon stainless steel. It also contains kitchen shears and a sharpening steel. This 18-piece set is a cost-effective way to outfit a kitchen with all the knives youll ever need, and its high-quality construction and materials means youll get years of use out of this set. Price at time of publish: $300 Product Details: Number of Knives: 15 knives, 1 pair of shears, 1 honing steel Material: Stainless steel Block Type: Hardwood : Material Table Knives Best Steak Knife Set Buy at Materialkitchen.com Buy at Nordstrom.com Who its for: People who want a standalone set of steak knives. Who its not for: People who want a set of knives designed for cooking. This set of steak knives was our favorite out of all the steak knives we test in our Lab. One tester described the blades as very balanced, sturdy, and comfortable as well as extremely sharp, and was impressed by how easily they cut through steak with a tough outer crust. These stainless steel blades have a straight blade rather than a serrated one, and the composite handles come in several different pastel and neutral hues. Plus, unlike many knives, they are dishwasher safe. The set comes with a maple wood holder that can stand vertically on your countertop or lay horizontally in your utensil drawer. Price at time of publish: $90 Product Details: Number of Knives: 4 Material: Stainless steel with composite handles Block Type: Maple : Cuisinart Nitrogen 15-Piece Cutlery Block Set With Built-in Sharpener Best Knife Set With Sharpener Buy at Walmart.com Buy at Qvc.com Who its for: People who dont want to purchase a knife sharpener. Who its not for: People who would rather hire a professional to sharpen their knives or use a whetstone. If you already know youll never take your knives to a professional or sharpen knives with a honing steel, a knife set with a built-in sharpener will help you to maintain your knives with as little effort as possible. This Cuisinart set contains a chefs knife, slicing knife, bread knife, santoku knife, serrated utility knife, paring knife, six steak knives, built-in knife honer, and built-in knife sharpener. Plus, the blades are forged from nitrogen-infused steel, which helps it to maintain its edge for longer and prevent corrosion. The full-tang blades and ergonomically designed handles make this knife well balanced and comfortable to handle, while the safety bolster gives you maximum control as you work. Price at time of publish: $80 Product Details: Number of Knives: 12 Material: Stainless steel Block Type: Wood Mercer Culinary Millennia 8-Piece Knife Roll Set Best Knife Set Without a Block Buy at Amazon.com Buy at Wayfair.com Who its for: People who want a knife set that can be taken on the go. Who its not for: People who want their knife set to be a permanent fixture on their countertop. If you dont want a knife block, you should consider a knife roll. Chefs often use them to transport their knives, so theyre great for people who travel a lot. They can also be safely stored in a drawer or cabinet. This Mercer Culinary set of stainless steel blades includes a paring knife, boning knife, santoku knife, bread knife, slicing knife, honing steel, and chefs knife. Also included is an eight-pocket knife rollall of which feature Japanese stainless steel blades and comfortable polypropylene handles. Price at time of publish: $152 Product Details: Number of Knives: 6 knives, 1 honing steel Material: Stainless steel with polypropylene handles Block Type: Knife roll Final Verdict Our top pick is the Wusthof Gourmet 10-Piece Knife Block Set. It comes with just the right amount of knives for most kitchens, in addition to a pair of kitchen shears and a honing steel, all of which can be stored in the acacia wood block. The knives themselves feature stainless steel, full-tang blades and lightweight polypropylene handles that makes them easy to use no matter your skill level. How to Shop for Knife Sets Like a Pro Type Forged vs. Stamped Blades : A forged blade is made from a single bar of metal that is hammered or pounded into shape. A stamped blade is made from a large sheet of metal, and the blade is cut out or stamped from it (similar to a cookie cutter). Forged knives are generally heavier and thicker, while stamped are more lightweight, albeit less balanced. Japanese vs. European Knives: Some people have strong preferences, but there are beautifully made knives from both Japanese and European brands and craftsmen. Each style of knife was designed to meet the needs of the region it came from. Thus, Japanese knives tend to have a straighter, sharper edge thats better suited for precision work, while European (aka German) knives have a heavier, more rounded knife thats designed for tougher tasks, like cracking through bones. Full Tang vs. Part Tang: In a full-tang knife, the metal piece that makes up the blade extends all the way to the end of the handle. In a part-tang knife, it does not. Full-tang knives are weightier and more balanced, requiring you to exert less effort when cutting. However, they typically come at a higher cost. Materials Knives are typically either metal (like stainless steel or carbon steel) or ceramic. Stainless steel is the most common, says Smith. They're easy to sharpen and they don't rust. The only downside is that they tend to be a little weaker than most knives, but they're affordable. According to Smith, a type of metal called damascus steel is typically found in high-end Japanese knives. He says these blades are super effective, but can be extremely pricey. Carbon steel is harder than stainless steel, which means it stays sharper for longer. The edges are amazing, Smith saysbut knives made from carbon steel can be prone to rust if you dont care for them properly. Ceramic knives are made from zirconia, which is incredibly hard and sharp material. However, ceramic knives can be brittlethis means they can chip or even break. Number of Knives When youre purchasing a knife set, consider how many knives youll realistically use in your regular rotation. Adventurous home cooks and amateur butchers might benefit from a large knife set with plenty of variety, while that type of set isnt a great fit for a small household of people who dont cook much. I find that when purchasing a knife set, you sometimes have too much choice, says Poses. You might end up picking one or two favorite knives within the set and not using the rest. To figure out how many knives you need, Poses says: People should consider the practicality of the knives they are choosing and if they really need them for everyday use. For example: Do you need a set with a high-end boning knife if youll only use it once a year to carve a turkey? Do you often wish you had a second paring knife or a larger bread knife during your weekly meal prep? Think about what knives you use in a given week, and use that info to select a knife set. Storage Some knife sets come with storage options such as a wooden knife block, a knife roll, or an in-drawer knife storage solution. Other knife sets come without a storage solution. The best knife storage solution for you will depend on your kitchens size and layout, and whether you prefer to keep knives displayed on your countertop or tucked away in a drawer or cabinet. Smith says that knife blocks and magnetic knife strips are the most common knife storage options for home chefs. I also use a trick where I fill a bin with raw popcorn kernels and put the knives in there to store them, he says. : Questions You Might Ask What are the three knives every person should own? Every person should own a chefs knife, a paring knife, and a serrated knife. A chefs knife is an all-purpose blade you can use to cut a multitude of things: Meat, herbs, fruits, veggies, and more. This is the knife you use most often in everyday cooking. Purchasing a higher quality chefs knife is a long-term investment, says Posesif you take good care of high-quality knives and sharpen them often, they can last decades. A paring knife is a smaller blade used for what Poses calls in-hand projects like peeling apples, hulling strawberries, and segmenting citrus fruits. A serrated knife is beneficial when working with foods that have a hard exterior and soft interior such as a loaf of bread, Poses says. Theyre also well suited for soft fruits and vegetables, such as tomatoes or citrus fruits. What are the benefits of buying a knife set instead of individual knives? It can be cost-effective . The main benefit in buying a set is that you're going to get more bang for your buck because you get more knives, says Smith. You get a variety of knives. Its beneficial to buy a knife set because you are given more choice and variety, Poses says. It might make maintenance easier . Youre not wearing down two or three specific knives as much, Poses says. Following care instructions will be simpler, since knives in a set are typically made from the same materials. The knives will match each other, which some people prefer for aesthetic reasons, especially if the knives are displayed on the kitchen countertop. How much do knife sets cost? Knife sets vary in price from $20 or less for a budget-friendly set to $1,500 and more for high-end knife sets. Luxury or handmade knife sets can retail for $4,000 or more. Pricing depends on the materials used, whether the knives are handmade, and how many knives are in the set. : Take Our Word for It This article was written by Nina Bahadur, a writer with 10 years of experience writing about home, beauty, and health topics. For this piece she spent hours researching knife sets of varying sizes, materials, and price points. She spoke to Noah Poses, executive chef at The Fulton in New York City and Jeremy Rock Smith, chef and author of The Kripalu Kitchen, to answer common questions about knife sets and offer expert tips on how to pick the right set for your needs. For more Real Simple news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Real Simple. This article originally appeared on Outside On February 1, the Bureau of Land Management released a final environmental impact statement (EIS) for ConocoPhillips Willow project in northern Alaska. Recommending the Biden administration proceed with permitting, the EIS finds the project will release at least 287 million tons of carbon dioxide over a 30-year period. That's more than double the 129 million tons of carbon pollution the administration hopes to save through renewable energy development on public lands. "No other oil and gas project has greater potential to undermine the Biden administration's climate goals," Karlin Itchoak, Alaska Senior Regional Director at the Wilderness Society, said in a press release. In 2021, President Biden announced an ambitious new target to achieve a 50 to 52 percent reduction in nationwide net greenhouse gas pollution by 2030, from 2005 levels. This included plans to deploy 30 gigawatts of offshore wind energy, and 25 gigawatts of solar, onshore wind, and geothermal energy on public lands, which together, the administration estimates, will save 129 million metric tons of carbon pollution. If approved, Willow project is expected to produce 600 million barrels of oil over a 30-year period, resulting in 287 million tons of carbon emissions, plus other greenhouse gases, according to the Center for American Progress. Those emissions will negate any emissions reductions created by Biden's plans to expand renewable energy on public lands. "The Willow project is almost laughably incompatible with the climate goals and international obligations made by the Biden administration," read a CAP story. ConocoPhillips' proposal calls for 250 wells, 37 miles of roads, 386 miles of pipelines, airstrips, and a new central processing facility to be constructed in a remote area of northwest Alaska. And that's just the start. In a June 2021 investor meeting, officials at ConocoPhillips stated the company had, "identified up to 3 billion BOEs [barrels of oil equivalent] of nearby prospects and leads with similar characteristics that could leverage the Willow infrastructure...[Willow] unlocks the West." Story continues The arctic is warming at four times the rate of lower latitudes. In addition to causing villages to flood and food sources to dry up, that's also melting the permafrost that lies under the Tundra's surface, threatening infrastructure. ConocoPhillips' plan calls for the construction of ground chillers along with the rest of Willow's wells and pipelines to provide a safe foundation for that equipment as climate change continues to worsen. According to Sovereign Inupiat for a Living Arctic, permitting Willow would, lock us into extraction for another 30 years and could potentially be the catalyst for future oil expansion in the Arctic." The organization also noted that Native Village of Nuiqsut, the closest community to the project, had its request for an extended public comment period denied by BLM without explanation. "This is unacceptable treatment of Indigenous people, who are left to contend with the environmental consequences and chronic health impacts of long-term exposure to extraction pollutants," said a Sovereign Inupiat for a Living Arctic release. EIS completed, the Biden administration could give ConocoPhillips the final green light in as little as 30 days. No further public comment period is planned. "This is the exact opposite of what the Biden administration stands for and the opposite of what Alaskans and this country need," Representative Raul M. Grijalva (D-AZ), who opposes the plan, told Outside. For exclusive access to all of our fitness, gear, adventure, and travel stories, plus discounts on trips, events, and gear, sign up for Outside+ today. Chef Gee prepares shrimp pad thai Monday afternoon, Jan. 9, 2023, at Khop Khun Taste of Thailand on East Dixon Boulevard in Shelby. The opportunity to indulge in authentic Thai food and bubble tea is now available in Shelby. Khop Khun Taste of Thailand and Bon Appetea opened right before Christmas at 1752 E. Dixon Blvd. Nuntapon Green, who goes by the nickname Oh, partnered with Apiporn Gee Rithiphong and her husband, Srimaha Rithiphong, to open the restaurant and tea shop. The husband and wife duo run Khop Khun, which means thank you in Thai, and Green operates Bon Appetea which offers a variety of bubble tea, milk teas, and desserts. Green, whose husband is from Cleveland County, said she grew up and lived in Bangkok and moved to Kings Mountain with her husband in 2009. Srimaha was born in Laos, but his family immigrated to the U.S. when he was a child. There is a local Thai community in the area and through that community Green met the Rithiphongs. Until recently, Apiporn was working for Hanesbrands in Kings Mountain, and Green was working at Sweet House Bakery. Nuntapon Green, who goes by the nickname Oh, offers a cup of Thai tea from Bon Appetea Monday afternoon, Jan. 9, 2023, inside at Khop Khun Taste of Thailand on East Dixon Boulevard in Shelby. Apiporn has a passion for cooking and in Thailand, she worked for her aunts street food truck. Everybody loved her aunts street food and when Apiporn moved to the United States, she missed being able to cook for people. Crafting meals is a part of Apiporns heritage. Starting at the age of 10, she began to learn from her father to make various dishes. He loved to cook, she said. Interior of Khop Khun Taste of Thailand on East Dixon Boulevard in Shelby. He taught her what he knew and then had her learn through experience. He would tell her to have a meal ready for the family when he returned home. She said her father has since passed away, but she carries on his legacy through the meals she makes. The recipes she uses in the restaurant come from her aunt and her father. Around six months ago, the Rithiphongs realized there was a shortage of Thai restaurants in Shelby and then Srimaha found the vacant storefront near Hobby Lobby, and Khop Khun was born. Green said Apiporn asked her to join them. She said when she couldnt find the Thai tea she liked, she started making her own bubble tea. Story continues We have a lot of bubble tea shops in Thailand, she said. I imported tea from Thailand. I want people to try real Thai tea from Thailand. Apiporn said she too wants to offer people an authentic culinary experience. Nuntapon Green, who goes by the name Oh, makes burritos at Bon Appetea Monday afternoon, Jan. 9, 2023, inside at Khop Khun Taste of Thailand on East Dixon Boulevard in Shelby. I cook for everybody like I cook for my family, she said. As much as possible, the ingredients and products she uses are from her homeland. The ingredients, everything, from Thailand, she said. Everything like Thai people like to eat. I want everybody to eat real Thai food. She said it's more costly to use Thai products, but they wanted to be as authentic as possible. Some of the most popular dishes are pad thai and pad see ew. They also have soups, a variety of entrees including the vegetarian pad pak ruam, appetizers, such as takoyaki, spring rolls, chicken satay and more. Some weeks they offer specials. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and is closed Sunday and Monday. It is mostly a takeout concept, but they do have limited seating inside for patrons who would like to dine-in. Bon Appatea is open the same hours. In addition to tea, smoothies and other beverages, Green also has desserts including bavarian cream filled churros and deep fried cream cheese burritos, funnel cakes and croissants made in a waffle maker with customized toppings. Often, Green said she does research on recipes and then adapts them to make them her own. Bon Appetea and Khop Khun can both be found on Facebook. Shrimp Pad Thai is served at Khop Khun Taste of Thailand on East Dixon Boulevard in Shelby. Rebecca Sitzes can be reached at rsitzes@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on The Shelby Star: Authentic Thai restaurant opens in Shelby Nancy Mace holds her dog Libby as she casts her vote to adjourn in the House Chamber during the third day of elections for Speaker of the House at the US Capitol Building on 5 January 2023 in Washington, DC (Getty Images) Representative Nancy Mace from South Carolina was photographed carrying her dog Libby to the House of Representatives chamber as the vote to choose a new speaker dragged on for the third day. When asked by a reporter whether pups are allowed on the House floor, she responded by saying that there are no rules right now. On Twitter, Ms Mace also posted a short video of her dog running frantically around her office. The Congresswoman titled the clip Day 3 vibes and wrote: The feeling is mutual, Libby. #RunningToTheFloor. On Thursday, Kevin McCarthy, 57, continued to suffer a string of humiliating defeats in multiple rounds of voting and the House adjourned for the third day without electing a new speaker. The contest has now become the longest speaker contest in 164 years. Amid the chaos and confusion, he told reporters that if this takes a little longer and it doesnt meet your deadline thats okay. Because its not how you start, its how you finish. He added: If we finish well, well be very successful. Day 3 vibes pic.twitter.com/hviGCgQmj5 Rep. Nancy Mace (@RepNancyMace) January 5, 2023 Meanwhile, Ms Mace was seen holding her dog on the House floor as heated discussions took place. US Representative Nancy Mace (R-SC) carries a dog on the House Floor as voting continues for new speaker at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on 5 January 2023 (AFP via Getty Images) The South Carolina lawmaker has supported Mr McCarthy and had expressed frustration with House Freedom Caucus members leading the opposition. When asked point-blank what more they wanted, the House Freedom Caucus could not say what more they wanted. They are holding our agenda hostage, she earlier said. Ms Mace had also branded fellow Republican Matt Gaetz a political D-Lister and tweeted on Tuesday: [Matt Gaetzs] full ego was on display today. Hes going to screw around and get another [Rep Nancy] Pelosi elected Speaker. Ill have a lot more to say about this political D-Lister tomorrow. Story continues Mr McCarthy has remained adamant that he would emerge as a victor once the process gets concluded. But even Republicans aligned with leadership are beginning to acknowledge the scope of their partys disarray calling the process messy as it transpired. Its a feature, not a bug, Rep Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin argued in his speech nominating his ally, Mr McCarthy, for the fourth time. Mr McCarthy has been backed by former president, Donald Trump. Diptyque "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." In a sea of scented candles, one brand consistently floats to the top: Diptyque, the French maison whose $72 classic version comes in ethereal scents like Fig Tree, Tuberose, and Wood Fire. Visit the original boutique on Boulevard Saint-Germain in Paris and a fascinating fact emerges: When Diptyque was founded in 1961 there was not a single candle on the shelves. The foundersa trio of global nomads and artists from France and Englandoriginally made a splash with a bazaar-like shop filled with home goods, fabric, wallpaper, and objects from their travels. The scented candles came laterand only after potpourri proved a hit. Cyrille George Jerusalmi - Hearst Owned The brand is completely fascinating, says Sam Baron, a French designer who works with such brands as Dior Maison, Pierre Frey, and Tai Ping, and who was tapped to curate a new home accessories line for Diptyque. The founders did wonderful window displays with a mix and match of things from all over. This was really unique in France in the early 1960s, which was still a very classical moment. Two years ago, Baron had a serendipitous meeting at an art gallery opening with Myriam Badault, Diptyques director of product design, who had worked with the founders and curated a mini museum of company lore upstairs at the boutique at 34 Saint-Germain. They chatted about how to expand the brands burgeoning home collection by linking it to its history. We tapped Sam to help develop the language and style of the collection, says Badault, noting that Diptyque has a long history of collaborating with artists and designers. Diptyque - Hearst Owned The result, Simple Object, which launched this week with the first of four seasonal collections. Baron designed some of the objects himself and, together with Badault, chose other artisans for the collaboration, including Samuel Accoceberry, Cecile Bichon, Nicolas Mareau, and Gianpaolo Pagni. The starting point, Baron explains, is Diptyques most recognizable commodity: the candle. Its elegant but simple, he notes. There is the wax, the thread, the glass container, and wood in the matches used to light it. Story continues Diptyque - Hearst Owned Those elements became the starting point for a new collection that includes turned-wood candle pedestals, swirled glass match holders, and a trompe loeil vase that resembles alabaster but is actually made of wax (and holds water). Throughout the collection, decorative objects break down the elements of the candle while playing with the shapes we associate with the maison, such as the legendary oval logo, Badault says. Later this year, Simple Object will incorporate pieces made by Bernardaud and Portuguese wax producer Manulena. Its about curated simplicity, Baron says. Were writing a story about Diptyque and going back to their roots. You Might Also Like The United States opened an embassy in the Solomon Islands on Thursday in its latest move to counter China's push into the Pacific. The embassy is starting small, with a charge d'affaires, a couple of State Department staff and a handful of local employees. The U.S. previously operated an embassy in the Solomon Islands for five years before closing it in 1993 as part of a global reduction in diplomatic posts after the end of the Cold War. But China's bold moves in the region have the U.S. seeking to increase its engagement in a number of ways, such as by donating COVID-19 vaccines, bringing back Peace Corps volunteers to several island nations, and investing in forestry and tourism projects. The opening of the embassy in the Solomon Islands comes as Fiji's new leader, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, appears to be reassessing some aspects of his nation's engagement with China. Rabuka told The Fiji Times last week he planned to end a police training and exchange agreement with China. President Joe Biden. Drew Angerer/Getty Images The Department of Justice said it's searching President Biden's second home in Rehoboth, Delaware. It's part of an ongoing investigation into Biden's handling of classified information. The DOJ says the search is happening "with the President's full support and cooperation." The Justice Department searched President Joe Biden's home in Rehoboth, Delaware, on Wednesday as part of its ongoing investigation into Biden's handling of classified information. Biden's lawyer, Bob Bauer, announced the search as it was underway Wednesday morning, and said in a second statement in the afternoon that it lasted roughly three and a half hours. "No documents with classified markings were found," Bauer's afternoon statement said. "Consistent with the process in Wilmington, the DOJ took for further review some materials and handwritten notes that appear to relate to his time as Vice President." In his earlier statement, Bauer said that FBI personnel conducted the planned search with Biden's "full support and cooperation." "Under DOJ's standard procedures, in the interests of operational security and integrity, it sought to do this work without advance public notice, and we agreed to cooperate," he said. "The search today is a further step in a thorough and timely DOJ process we will continue to fully support and facilitate." Wednesday was the third time FBI personnel swept the president's property while investigating his handling of classified documents. Biden's lawyers first discovered a cache of classified materials dating back to his time as vice president at his old office at the Penn-Biden Center on November 2, and immediately notified the White House counsel's office, which then contacted the National Archives. The documents were turned over to the Archives shortly after, and the FBI also searched the office in mid-November and began assessing whether classified documents had been mishandled. Attorney General Merrick Garland in December appointed John Lausch, a Trump-era US attorney in Chicago, to handle the inquiry. Story continues That same month, Biden's legal representatives told Lausch that they had uncovered additional classified materials in the garage at Biden's personal residence in Delaware. On January 12, after reports surfaced that a second batch of classified documents had been found after the initial sweep of Biden's old office, Garland took the extraordinary step of appointing a special counsel to investigate Biden's handling of classified information. The move put Garland and the Justice Department in the unprecedented position of overseeing two parallel special counsel investigations into the current and former president's management of government records. On January 21, Bauer announced that the Justice Department had also searched the president's home in Wilmington, Delaware, and discovered half a dozen documents marked classified. Neither Biden nor first lady Jill Biden were present during the search, which lasted 13 hours. Read the original article on Business Insider Florida Dog Cemented to Ground Rescued, Recovering at Shelter florida dog Photo Credit: Simon McGill / Getty Images A Florida dog was recently rescued from a Boca Raton sidewalk where he had been cemented to the ground in an act of unimaginable animal cruelty. Florida Dog Cemented to Ground Tri-County Animal Rescue shared the horrifying story on its Facebook page on Jan. 23. The 10-year-old Pekingese mix, now known as Trooper, was completely stuck to the sidewalk off Yamato Road, according to the post. He was apparently left to die. There was no way a dog could have ended up like this overnight, the post continued. How long was it going on? How long does he have? Did he get to us in time? Dog Desperately In Need of Care The shelter employees shaved the pooch down and discovered maggots crawling out of his fur. He also had overgrown nails and dental decay. The canine underwent hours of grooming as well as Keto shampoo baths due to urine and fecal burns. Over the course of the day, the shelter staff tested Trooper, and eventually diagnosed him with 22 different medical conditions. The most critical health issues were paralysis, heart murmur, corneal ulcers, worms, enlarged prostate, severe periodontal disease, ear infections, and a UTI. At the time of the post, Troopers medical expenses had amounted to $2,500. If we can find 22 heroes through this post. One for each of his medical conditions, we will be one step closer to giving Trooper the life his past 10 years were not, the shelter pleaded. If everyone who follows us donates just $22 we can finally put a smile on his face and a wag through his tail. Please help us help him. Luckily, dog lovers rallied around the pup and hundreds of people donated over $18,000 to help him recover. In a video update on Instagram, Tri-County Humane showed Trooper practicing standing. The caption read: Getting stronger every day with all of your support! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tri-County Animal Rescue (@tricountyanimalrescuefl) Though Trooper has a lot of hard work and healing ahead of him, he is getting better every day. He has a good quality of life, Dianna Otero, the director of Tri-State Humane, told Today. He eats all day long, like a little pigletSo, were doing our best to see what the outcome will be. The post Florida Dog Cemented to Ground Rescued, Recovering at Shelter appeared first on DogTime. Last week, former Georgia tight end Ryland Goede committed to play at Mississippi State as a graduate transfer. On Wednesday, national signing day, Goede made it official, signing with the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Goede signed alongside his fiancee, Alexa Fortin, a former UGA volleyball player who is also transferring to the Bulldogs. The Kennesaw, Georgia, native spent four seasons in Athens as a reserve tight end. The Bulldogs have a loaded tight end group in their second-ranked 2023 recruiting class. Four-star Pearce Spurlin, the No. 2 tight end in the country, and four-star Lawson Lucky, the No. 8 tight end, have already enrolled at Georgia. UGA is also trending for five-star Duce Robinson, the No. 1 tight end in the country. Story originally appeared on UGA Wire The Sundance Institute has announced the jurors for the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, which kicks off next week in Park City, Utah. Per usual, the teams tasked with selecting winners in the Dramatic, Documentary, World Cinema, and Short Film Competitions contain an eclectic mix of prominent artists working in film, theatre, book publishing, and visual arts. Notable jurors include comedian Jim Gaffigan, Slave Play and Zola writer Jeremy O. Harris, and Short Term 12 and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings director Destin Daniel Cretton. More from IndieWire The jury plays a crucial role in the Festival by amplifying breakthrough works and providing the audience with further opportunities for discovery, Sundance Institute CEO Joana Vicente said in a statement. We thank them for their dedication to artistic excellence and their thoughtful lens on cinematic expression and all that independent film offers. We are thrilled to welcome these esteemed and accomplished visionaries to the Festival as our jury, Sundance Director of Programming Kim Yutani added. Together they will embark on a journey through our program to highlight the artistic achievements and honor the compelling storytelling in this years Festival. We cant wait to hear what they think. The 2023 Sundance Film Festival will take place in Park City, Utah, January 19-29. Keep reading for a complete list of jurors, with biography information provided by Sundance. U.S. DRAMATIC COMPETITION JURY Jeremy O. Harris is the playwright and creator of the most Tony-nominated Broadway play ever, Slave Play. His play Daddy opened to great acclaim at the Almeida Theatre in London in March 2022, and in Japan at the Tokyo Globe Theatre and Cool Japan Park Osaka. Jeremy co-wrote A24s critically-acclaimed feature Zola alongside director Janicza Bravo, which won two 2022 Independent Spirit Awards. His television credits include HBOs Euphoria and TV adaptation of Irma Vep. Story continues Eliza Hittman is an award-winning filmmaker. Her latest film, Never Rarely Sometimes Always (Focus Features, 2020), had its U.S. premiere at Sundance, where it won a special jury prize. Hittman received the Directing Award in the U.S. Dramatic category at Sundance the year of her second feature, Beach Rats (NEON, 2017). Her debut feature, It Felt Like Love (2013), premiered at Sundance in NEXT and was a New York Times Critics Pick. Marlee Matlins first film, Children of a Lesser God, garnered her the Academy Award for Best Actress. Her 35-year career includes CODA, which broke records at Sundance and went on to win the SAG Award for Best Ensemble and the Academy Award for Best Picture. Nominated for four Emmy Awards, she also starred in the Tony Award-nominated revival of Spring Awakening. In 2023, Matlin will make her directorial debut for Sonys Accused on Fox. U.S. DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION JURY W. Kamau Bell is a comedian and director and executive producer of the Showtime documentary, We Need To Talk About Cosby. Hes the host and executive producer of CNNs United Shades of America and the author of the New York Times bestseller, Do The Work: An Antiracist Activity Book, co-written with Kate Schatz. Ramona S. Diaz is a Peabody, Gotham, IDA, and Emmy award-winning Asian American filmmaker best known for her character-driven documentaries that combine a profound appreciation for cinematic aesthetics and potent storytelling. Her films Imelda, Motherland, and A Thousand Cuts, among others have been screened and won awards at Sundance, Berlin, Busan, HotDocs, IDFA, and many other top-tier film festivals. Diaz is both a Guggenheim and a USA Fellow. Carla Gutierrez, ACE, edited the Oscar-nominated films RBG and La Corona. Her latest film, Julia, premiered at Telluride and played at the Toronto Film Festival. She edited the Emmy nominated Pray Away for Netflix. Her work has received awards at Sundance, Tribeca, Berlinale, the Critics Choice Awards, the National Board of Review, and the duPont-Columbia Awards. Gutierrez was nominated for an American Cinema Editors Eddie Award and is a member of the Academy of Motion Pictures. WORLD CINEMA DRAMATIC COMPETITION JURY Shozo Ichiyama is a film producer based in Tokyo, known for Flowers of Shanghai by Hou Hsiao-hsien and A Touch of Sin by Jia Zhang-ke, as well as the programming director of Tokyo International Film Festival. Annemarie Jacir has written, directed, and produced over 16 films with premieres at Cannes, Berlin, Venice, and Toronto. All three of her features were Palestines Oscar entries. She shot the first feature by a Palestinian woman director, the acclaimed Salt of this Sea. Founder of Philistine Films, Jacir regularly collaborates with fellow filmmakers as an editor, screenwriter, and producer. She has been a jury member for numerous festivals, including Cannes and Berlin. Funa Maduka is an award-winning filmmaker and the former head of international original films at Netflix where she worked with the worlds top global and upcoming filmmakers. She pioneered Netflixs move into international film production and her film acquisitions garnered multiple Academy Award nominations. Funa also wrote, directed, and produced the first Nigerian film to world premiere at Sundance. Alongside her own creative projects, Funas current entrepreneurial venture focuses on developing talent across the emerging markets globally. WORLD CINEMA DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION JURY Karim Amer is an Egyptian-American Emmy, BAFTA, and Academy Award nominated filmmaker. He has directed and produced several award-winning films and docuseries, including The Lincoln Project (Showtime), Flight/Risk (Amazon Prime Video), The Vow (HBO), and The Great Hack (Netflix). Additionally, he was also a producer on Ramy (Hulu), The Breadwinner, Rafea: Solar Mama, The Square, and You Resemble Me. Amer is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Petra Costa is a Brazilian documentary filmmaker whose work lives on the borderlines of the personal and political. She directed The Edge of Democracy (2019), which was nominated for the Academy Award for best documentary feature in 2020; Undertow Eyes (2009); Elena (2012); and Olmo and the Seagull (2015). Petra is associate producer of Barbara Pazs Babenco (2019), producer of Moara Passonis Ecstasy (2020), and executive producer of Rebeca Huntts BEBA (2021). Alexander Nanaus documentary, The World According to Ion B. (2009), was awarded an International Emmy Award in 2010. Toto and his Sisters (2014) premiered at the San Sebastian IFF and was a European Academy Award nominee in 2015. His latest documentary Collective (2019) premiered at the Venice IFF and was nominated for Best International Feature (Romania) and Best Documentary at the Academy Awards in 2021. Nanau is teaching and mentoring at several international film universities and film labs. NEXT JUROR Madeleine Olnek is a New York City director-playwright, Guggenheim fellow, and award-winning filmmaker, and has had four films at Sundance: Hold Up, Countertransference, The Foxy Merkins, and Codependent Lesbian Space Alien Seeks Same. She wrote and directed the first onscreen portrayal of a queer Emily Dickinson in the groundbreaking Wild Nights With Emily, starring Molly Shannon. As a playwright, Madeleine belonged to the Emerging Playwrights Lab at New Yorks Public Theater; in downtown NYC performance spaces she wrote and directed over 24 of her original plays. She is a co-author of A Practical Handbook for The Actor (Vintage/Random House/foreword by David Mamet), a widely used acting text which is required reading at many universities. SHORT FILM PROGRAM COMPETITION JURY Destin Daniel Cretton was born in Maui and his short film Short Term 12 won a Jury Prize at Sundance in 2009. Following this, he wrote and directed the feature Short Term 12, winning a Jury Prize and Audience Award at SXSW in 2013. He went on to write and direct The Glass Castle (Lionsgate), Just Mercy (Warner Bros.), and Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (Marvel Studios). Marie-Louise Khondji is the founder of Le Cinema Club a free, curated streaming platform presenting one film a week, with an emphasis on short formats. Prior to Le Cinema Club, she worked in film production and distribution. She was an associate producer of Josh and Benny Safdies Heaven Knows What (2014) and Antonio Campos Simon Killer (2012). She is currently working with Robert Pattinson on his new production company. Deborah Stratman is an artist and filmmaker who makes work that investigates issues of power, control and belief, exploring how places, ideas, and society are intertwined. Her multi-disciplinary practice is anchored in the sonic and cinematic. Recent projects have addressed freedom, surveillance, sinkholes, comets, evolution, extinction, exodus, sisterhood and faith. Her 40+ films have been exhibited and awarded internationally. She lives in Chicago where she teaches at the University of Illinois. ALFRED P. SLOAN FEATURE FILM PRIZE JURY Dr. Heather Berlin is a neuroscientist, clinical psychologist, and Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Neuroscience at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York. A passionate science communicator, Berlin has hosted series on PBS and Discovery Channel, and co-wrote and starred in the critically acclaimed Off-Broadway and Edinburgh Fringe Festival shows, Off the Top and Impulse Control. She appears regularly on StarTalk with Neil deGrasse Tyson, the History Channel, Netflix, and National Geographic. Jim Gaffigan is a six-time Grammy nominated comedian, actor, writer, producer, two-time New York Times best-selling author and three-time Emmy winner. A staple of Sundance, Gaffigans many indie credits range from Tesla to Troop Zero. For Gaffigans indie omnipresence he recently received the Maverick Award at Cinequest. In 2023 Gaffigan will co-star in David Lowerys Peter Pan & Wendy, Sloan Award winning Linoleum, Susie Searches, Providence, and Jerry Seinfelds highly anticipated directorial debut Unfrosted. Dr. Mande Holford is Marine Chemical Biologist at Hunter College and CUNY-Graduate Center, with scientific appointments at The American Museum of Natural History and Weill Cornell Medicine. Her mollusks to medicine research use venoms and venomous marine animals to study rapidly evolving genes and cellular communication in pain and cancer. She co-founded Killer Snails, LLC, an award winning EdTech learning games company. Honors include: A Distinguished Investigator Award from Allen Institute, an E.E. Just Fellow by the Marine Biological Laboratory, a Sustainability Pioneer by the World Economic Forum, Breakthrough Women in Science by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and NPRs Science Friday, a Wings WorldQuest Women of Discovery Fellow, and Fellow of the California Academy of Sciences. Her PhD is from The Rockefeller University. Shalini Kantayya is an Award-winning filmmaker whos film Coded Bias premiered at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival, was Emmy-nominated for Outstanding Science and Technology Documentary, a Critics Choice Award, and an NAACP Image award, and now streams on Netflix. Her debut feature, Catching the Sun, executive produced by Leonardo DiCaprio, released on Netflix and was named a NY Times Critics Pick. Her most recent film TikTok, Boom was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival and broadcast on PBS. Lydia Dean Pilcher is a Writer/Director and two-time Emmy Award winner and Oscar nominated Producer of over 40 feature films with auteur directors including twelve films in a longstanding collaboration with Mira Nair. in 2018, Pilcher co-directed the dramatic feature, Radium Girls, starring Joey King, and next directed A Call to Spy, a female-driven World War II spy thriller available on Netflix. She recently completed the sci-fi film Homing Instinct. Best of IndieWire Sign up for Indiewire's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Early Childhood teacher Carisa Madrid comforts a student during recess at Putnam Elementary School in Fort Collins in April. Colorados new Universal Preschool program begins next fall, with the state paying for up to 15 hours a week of voluntary preschool for children in the year before they are eligible for kindergarten, along with qualifying 3-year-olds. The program covers education in licensed community-based, school-based or home-based preschool settings that have registered with the state to participate in the program. More than 29,000 slots had been made available from 850 providers, including most of the states public-school districts, as of last week, according to state officials, with more providers expected to join as enrollment begins. Funding for the program is coming from a tax on nicotine products approved by voters in 2020. Registration for eligible students begins Tuesday, Jan. 17. Heres what you need to know: When and where can I sign up? Online registration begins Tuesday, Jan. 17 at https://upk.colorado.gov/ and continues indefinitely, with no deadline. Families are encouraged to sign up early because slots with specific providers will fill up, limiting the options for those who sign up later. Children will begin being matched with providers in mid-February and on a rolling basis after that. Who is eligible? All children in Colorado are eligible for the program in the year prior to their eligibility to begin kindergarten, generally those who will be 4 years old before Oct. 1, 2023. Families are entitled to only one school year of the program per child, regardless of when they choose to start their child in kindergarten, unless they meet the standards for qualifying 3-year-olds. Children who meet certain qualifying criteria are eligible for more hours, up to 30 hours of weekly coverage, based on household income, individual education plans, homelessness status, learning dual languages, and foster or kinship care. Three-year-olds who meet those criteria are also eligible for up to 10 hours per week in the program. Details on receiving the extra benefits and the required documentation are available on the registration website. Story continues How is this program free to me? Participating providers will bill and receive payment from the state for each qualifying child they enroll. The initial reimbursement rate is $5,944 for a 4-year-old for the nine-month school year, paid on a quarterly basis. What if I need more than the 15 free hours each week? Many preschool and daycare programs offer more than 15 hours of instruction or care each week. The state will pay for up to 15 hours each week for 4-year-olds, with families responsible for the balance by paying out-of-pocket or through additional local, state and federal programs available. What preschool providers are available to me? The number of providers will vary as slots fill up, particularly in programs run by local school districts, including Poudre, Thompson and Weld RE-4. They are limited by space and staffing and will not necessarily be able to provide a full 15 hours per week of instruction for 4-year-olds in the first year of the program. Colorados previous preschool program for 4-year-olds administered by school districts required 10 hours of instruction each week. Local coordinating organizations, including the Early Childhood Council of Larimer County, have been established across the state to provide support to providers and families accessing the program. Larimer County had about 50 providers enrolled in the program earlier this week, according to Christina Taylor, the CEO of the Early Childhood Council of Larimer County. They included preschools, day care centers, in-home day care services and early childhood education programs in local school districts. Its a mixed-delivery system, so families are able to choose the type of program that works for them, Taylor said. The state will match children with providers through the application process. State officials said those with children or siblings already enrolled in a participating program should note that on the application, and it will be taken into account in an effort to provide continuity of care and to keep families and siblings together, where possible. She urged families to ask providers not already enrolled in the program to sign up so they can claim the tuition credit for eligible children. Poudre School District offers early childhood education programs at 21 of its elementary schools and seven community sites. An expanded program at Eyestone Elementary School in Wellington next fall will have 10 teachers and 16 paraprofessionals, PSD officials said. PSD is hosting open houses to assist families with the registration process from 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17, and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20, at Eyestone, 4001 Wilson Ave., in Wellington. The Weld RE-4 School District, which serves the Weld County portions of Windsor, Severance and west Greeley, offers preschool programs at three elementary schools. Thompson School District offers early childhood education programs at 13 locations in and around Loveland and Berthoud. Thompson School District will have an application support night to help families with the registration process from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18, at Stansbury Elementary School, 407 E. 41nd St., in Loveland. School district programs might be limited to residents of a particular district. Other providers dont necessarily have those restrictions, allowing people who live in one community or county to enroll their children in a program in another community or county if thats more convenient, Taylor said. What if dont like the provider selected for my child? Families can reject the provider they are matched with through the application process but might need to resubmit their application if they do so, depending on when the rejection is completed. Reporter Kelly Lyell covers education and other topics of interest for the Coloradoan. Contact him at kellylyell@coloradoan.com, twitter.com/KellyLyell or facebook.com/KellyLyell.news. This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Colorado's free preschool registration opens Jan. 17: What to know Kylie Jenner and Travis Scott interview with GQ. Kylie Jenner and Travis Scott may be on an off period of their on-off relationship , but the rapper was represented in a big way for their daughter Stormis 5th birthday. A Stormiworld-themed party a play on her fathers Astroworld album was held to celebrate her big day, which appeared to include plenty of fun with her large extended family, a heart-shaped birthday cake and, of course, an insane number of balloons . Some fans, however, were perplexed that the reality star would resurrect the Stormiland theme, after the Astroworld Festival tragedy in 2021 that left 10 people dead. Stormi Websters party featured a huge inflatable Stormi head, an obvious nod to the big Travis Scott head depicted on the Astroworld album cover, which was also used as the entrance to his Astroworld Festival in Houston, Texas. The tunnel used for her 5th birthday party appeared to be the same or similar to one used in past years, only silver. Kylie Jenner posted a video of the entrance to her Instagram Stories : Instagram Other images shared by the makeup mogul showed hoodies and T-shirts created in honor of Stormi and her little brother Aire , that said Stormi Five is Live and Aire to the Throne. It wasnt just the entrance, either, that featured the inflatable Stormiworld head, as another of Kylie Jenners pics showed the head at the top of an inflatable slide: Instagram The Kardashians stars decision to continue the Stormiworld theme following the 2021 Astroworld Festival tragedy is an interesting one. Ten people were killed in a crowd surge including a 9-year-old boy and hundreds more were injured. Some of Kylie Jenners fans were taken aback by the Astroworld imagery, given the loss of life that occurred at the festival in 2021, with one Redditor asking: Isn't this tasteless after the Astroworld tragedy.....where children died That sentiment was echoed by many others, who saw the Stormiland party as insensitive to the victims and their families. Another Reddit user commented: Story continues I cant believe she fucking did this again after what happened. I mean I can but its just so gross. For what its worth, Stormiworld was the theme for the 5-year-olds 1st, 2nd and 3rd birthday parties as well, with her 4th birthday which fell just three months after the Houston tragedy being celebrated at a joint party with Kim Kardashian s daughter Chicago. Several other Redditors suggested that it might have been Stormis idea to continue the theme, as she is likely unaware of any controversy surrounding Astroworld. Whoever made the decision, the party did go on, and Kylie Jenner shared some sweet words for her 5-year-old in a separate Instagram post, saying: i gave you the gift of life and life gave me the gift of you. the most special girl. this little face. i will miss it as it keeps changing. 5 years of loving you and forever more to go. i will always be there for you storm girl. Stormis birthday came just one day before Baby Aire Kylie Jenner and Travis Scotts second child turned 1 year old. Well have to see if the reality star introduces a theme for her sons birthday parties, but I think its a pretty safe bet we can expect more balloons. Instagram Along with even more examples of hyper-specific party-themed swag and clothing. Instagram. A class-action lawsuit filed against the state by children's rights advocates claims Iowa is denying Medicaid-eligible children their legal right to mental health care. Disability Rights Iowa, along with national health and law advocacy organizations, filed the suit in district court Friday, accusing state officials of a "longstanding failure" to provide children with legally required and medically necessary mental and behavioral health services. Plaintiffs say despite receiving federal funding to administer care to young Iowans, the state "administers an inadequate, inaccessible and dysfunctional mental health system." "For years, Iowa officials have publicly acknowledged the inadequacy of the states mental health system for children. Yet, despite repeated calls to address these concerns, necessary services remain unavailable," the lawsuit says. Disability Rights Iowa filed the lawsuit alongside Children's Rights, National Health Law Program and the Boston, Mass.-based law firm Ropes and Gray on behalf of Medicaid-eligible children younger than 21 who require intensive home and community-based services. The lawsuit is against Kelly Garcia, director of the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services. State officials declined to comment, citing pending litigation. Iowa Department of Health and Human Services "remains committed to serving all Iowans with special health care needs, especially children," officials said in a statement. "We take our role serving Iowans seriously, as demonstrated by our transformational work over the past three years which will continue." A 2022 report from Mental Health America found 41,000 youth ages 12 to 17 in Iowa (16.7%) had at least one major depressive episode in the past year. About 32,000 youth (13.5%) were grappling with severe major depression in the past year. The report also estimated that about half of Iowa's youth with major depression did not receive mental health treatment. Story continues Nearly 1 in 2 children in Iowa are served by Medicaid, according to data from the state. The state has worked to ramp up mental and behavioral health services for children in recent years, but families still wrestle with long wait times for services particularly following the coronavirus pandemic, which exacerbated the mental health needs of youth. Without these services, children face a high risk of being placed unnecessarily in institutions, away from their families and their communities, the plaintiffs in the lawsuit say. They claim this gap disproportionately affects children from low-income families, as well as youth of color and those who identify as LGBTQ. "Serious mental health conditions, such as those faced by our clients here, are considered disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act. In Iowa, 27% of students have mental health conditions that prevent them from participating in their daily activities," Catherine Johnson, executive director of Disabilities Rights Iowa, said in a statement Friday. "These youth are entitled to protections from discrimination based on disability. Through this suit, DRI seeks to ensure that youth who need intensive home and community-based services receive them so that they can remain living in their homes with their parents, siblings and family." In the suit, the advocacy groups names three children, who are anonymous, with a diagnosis who sought home and community-based services are through Iowas Medicaid program. One child is listed as C.B., and is described as a 15-year-old who has been diagnosed with multiple mental health disorders. The lawsuit states their parent tried unsuccessfully for four years to obtain mental health services recommended by a physician. Another child, a 13-year-old called C.A., began experiencing suicidal ideation in the fall of 2021 and attempted suicide at least half a dozen times in 2022. They were admitted for inpatient or residential treatment after each attempt. However, according to the suit, they returned home without the intensive home and community-based services they needed. "Because C.A. has not received intensive home and community-based services necessary to meet their medical needs, their mental health has deteriorated, they have increasingly struggled in their interactions with others, and they have cycled through traumatic hospitalizations and in-patient stays," according to the suit. Michaela Ramm covers health care for the Des Moines Register. She can be reached at mramm@registermedia.com, at (319) 339-7354 or on Twitter at @Michaela_Ramm. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Groups accuse Iowa of failing to address kids' mental health needs DARTMOUTH Less than a full week into her administration, Gov. Maura Healey and several other high-ranking state officials visited UMass Dartmouth to discuss the schools role in the move toward renewable energy and climate resiliency. Theres no better example of what our public colleges can bring to this than what is happening at UMass Dartmouth, Healey said. The roundtable discussion included Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan, New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell, UMass Dartmouth officials, professors and students, other local elected officials and state officials including Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Rebecca Tepper, Secretary of the Executive Office of Economic Development Yvonne Hao and Melissa Hoffer, Massachusetts first-ever climate chief. Hoffers appointment made Massachusetts the first state in the country to have a cabinet-level official dedicated to climate issues. Tuesdays event was Healeys first official visit to a Massachusetts community as governor. She called the SouthCoast "a place of limitless potential when it comes to renewable energy and innovation to address climate change. Mark Fuller, chancellor of UMass Dartmouth, said the school has taken significant steps toward reducing its carbon footprint including replacing hundreds of windows and nearly 70% of the campus lightbulbs to be more energy-efficient. UMass Dartmouth Chancellor Dr. Mark Fuller welcomes Massachusetts Governor Maura T. Healey during a visit to learn more about the school's work around climate sustainability goals. Students and professors at UMass Dartmouth are researching topics like sustainable fishing practices, biodegradable plastics, coastal resiliency and the impact on climate change on the Arctic. Last fall, the university announced it would partner with the Mass Clean Energy Center to offer paid internships for students to work in the offshore wind industry as a way of developing a local workforce for the industry. UMass Dartmouth's climate-related studies Ram Bala, the universitys vice chancellor for Research and Innovation, said they need the state to continue supporting programs that encourage students and professors to take an interest in climate-related topics. The state should also seriously invest in green energy while keeping in mind how important the fishing industry is to the area, he said. Story continues Massachusetts Governor Maura T. Healey is seen inside the viewfinder of a TV camera during her visit to UMass Dartmouth to learn more about the school's work around climate sustainability goals. Theres a very delicate balance that has to be handled carefully to one doesnt disrupt the other, he said. Ryan Beemer, assistant professor of Civil & Environmental Engineering, said the state should do what it can to keep the renewable energy industry from leaving Massachusetts and setting up elsewhere on the East Coast. UMass Dartmouth has a role to play there in providing a stable workforce, he said. What's next:How can artificial intelligence protect whales? Offshore wind company has a plan Massachusetts Governor Maura T. Healey speaks during her visit to the UMass Dartmouth campus to learn more about the school's work around climate sustainability goals. Mitchell heavily stressed the need for New Bedford and Massachusetts to remain competitive as states jostle to attract investors from the renewable energy sector, especially the offshore wind industry. This is a massively capitalized industry, and we have been doing everything we can to get out ahead of everyone else and attract that capital, he said. We collaborate when we need to collaborate, but at the end of the day were competing. Housing crunch:A developer has plans to bring 100 apartments to this Fall River mill building Healey said her administration will do everything we can to make Massachusetts an attractive choice for the wind industry, including offering competitive contracts. A panel of local figures, professors and students was assembled for a visit by Massachusetts Governor Maura T. Healey to UMass Dartmouth to learn more about the school's work around climate sustainability goals. We know that Massachusetts has an opportunity to make its mark, she said. Healey also pitched efforts to reduce climate change as something that will specifically help communities with a relatively high poverty rate, like Fall River. Moving toward renewable energy can help address issues like the negative health impacts of climate change, which disproportionately impact areas with a higher poverty rate and more people of color, she said. She tied climate change to issues like the high cost of living. Upgrade or retire:A New Bedford fishing boat needed a new engine. Cost: $175K. And that was just the start. Theres a reason people are paying so much for heating and energy bills, she said. Were being held hostage by fossil fuel companies. This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Healey discusses climate resiliency, wind energy at UMass Dartmouth Love Island star Jack Fowler has revealed he had an extreme allergic reaction after being served ice cream containing nuts on a flight. He said his throat closed and he felt his tongue begin to swell within seconds of being served the food, despite repeated reminders to staff that he had a life-threatening allergy. The 27-year-old, who appeared on the ITV2 show in 2018, said he felt extremely lucky to have immediately noticed something was wrong with the vanilla ice cream, which he spat out before discovering it had crushed pistachio nuts in it. The former reality TV contestant, who said he was left struggling to breathe, said it was the second time during his flight with Qatar Airways that he had been served nuts, having been offered pastries with nuts after boarding the plane. He wrote on Instagram: I told Qatar Airways hostesses five times I was anaphylactic to nuts (life-threatening allergy). As well as asking for reassurance when every meal was served to me, that it was nut-free. To be given nuts TWICE is such a massive failure from Qatar Airways. Within seconds I couldnt breath properly after eating the crushed pistachio nuts beneath my vanilla ice cream. My throat closed and my tongue felt like it was swelling. I was told the vanilla ice cream was my safest option. It wasnt. Qatar Airways you have failed in so many ways. Im extremely lucky. The next person might not be. In the post, Fowler warned all airlines that more needed to be done to protect those with severe allergies. He said that the pilot had contacted different countries to divert him to for treatment, but it was not necessary because Fowler had reacted so quickly. But I cannot begin to tell you how scary that was. I told you five times Im allergic. You gave me nuts twice. I couldve died. The next person might not be so lucky. Absolute shambles, he wrote. (Jack Fowler Instagram) The ice cream incident came one hour after Fowler had written on Instagram about what he thought was a lucky escape avoiding nuts on a pastry that he was served. Story continues He wrote on his Story: I told my airhost at the beginning of the flight that I am anaphylactic to all nuts (extremely allergic to nuts). He made a note and assured me it wouldnt be a problem. After selecting my meals, I was later served pastries with nuts on it. Thankfully I spotted them and didnt eat it. And when notifying my hostess about it, he was extremely sorry. But this is the kind of situation couldve gone soooo bad. Me eating a nut in the air despite me even taking an EpiPen, would have caused me to have a serious shock and quite possibly die. We would have had to divert and land in order for me to get treated in time. Moral of this story is: if youre a flight attendant reading this, make sure you have a system that works and prevents this type of thing from happening. In the post, he also encouraged allergy-sufferers to speak up and not to feel like you are being a nuisance for having a dietary requirement. Fellow Love Island stars Montana Brown, Ellie Brown, Wes Nelson and Kaz Crossley all shared messages of support and relief that he had survived the incident. Musician Tom Zanetti said: Thats insane. Glad u knew what u was u doing and glad ur ok pal. A spokesperson for Qatar Airways said: Passenger health and safety is of paramount importance to Qatar Airways and we require all passengers with severe food allergies to notify the airline no less than 48 hours in advance of flying with a completed medical information form (MEDIF) as instructed on our website. The airline will work with the passenger to reduce the risk of contamination but as flights are public, an allergen-free environment is not guaranteed. We are aware of an issue concerning a passenger who had a reaction to nuts on board and are investigating the incident. Additional reporting by Press Association Ukrainian authorities raided an influential billionaire's home on Wednesday in what an ally of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy touted as a sweeping wartime clampdown on corruption that would change the country. Separate raids were carried out at the Tax Office and on the home of an influential former interior minister, two days before Kyiv hosts a summit with the European Union at which it wants to show it is cracking down after years of chronic corruption. Ukraine sees Friday's summit as key to its hopes of one day joining the bloc, a goal that has grown more urgent following Russia's invasion and has embarked on a political shake-up in which more than a dozen officials quit or were sacked last week. Security officials searched the home of businessman Ihor Kolomoiskiy, one of Ukraine's richest men and a one-time Zelenskyy ally, in what several media outlets said was an investigation into possible financial crimes. Kolomoiskiy could not immediately be reached for comment. He has previously denied any wrongdoing. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) later said it had uncovered a scheme to embezzle more than $1 billion at oil producer Ukrnafta and oil refining company Ukrtatnafta, companies that Kolomoiskiy used to partly own. Photographs circulating on social media appeared to show Kolomoiskiy, dressed in a sweatsuit, looking on in the presence of at least one SBU officer inside a large wooden home. Reuters could not immediately verify the authenticity of the images. In a statement that did not name Kolomoiskiy, the SBU published the same photographs, but with the person's face blurred out. David Arakhamia, a senior member of Zelenskyy's Servant of the People party, confirmed the search of Kolomoiskiy's home as well as the separate raids conducted at the Tax Office and at the home of Arsen Avakov, a former interior minister. Arakhamia said the entire management of the Customs Service was set to be dismissed and that high-ranking defense ministry officials had been served with notices informing them they were suspects in a case. He gave no details. "The country will change during the war. If someone is not ready for change, then the state itself will come and help them change," Arakhamia wrote on the Telegram messaging app. A man armed with an AR-15-style rifle was shot and killed by police after opening fire in a Target store in Nebraska, authorities said. No injuries were reported among employees and shoppers at the Omaha store, police said. PHOTO: Police respond to a shooting at a Target in Omaha, Neb., Jan. 31, 2023. (KETV-ABC) Law enforcement officers responded to multiple reports of an active shooter at the west Omaha Target around noon local time on Tuesday, the Omaha Police Department said. "The first arriving officers went into the building, confronted the suspect and shot him dead," Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer told reporters during a press briefing Tuesday. MORE: El Paso Walmart shooter to plead guilty in racist 2019 massacre The suspect, who was described as a white man estimated to be in his 30s, was pronounced dead at the scene. Schmaderer said the man entered the store armed with the gun and "plenty of ammunition" and began firing rounds. Police received more than two dozen 911 calls for an active shooter at the store, and multiple shell casings were found at the scene, police said. The suspect had 13 loaded magazines, according to the police department. PHOTO: Police respond to a shooting at a Target in Omaha, Neb., Jan. 31, 2023. (KETV-ABC) PHOTO: Police respond to a shooting at a Target in Omaha, Neb., Jan. 31, 2023. (KETV-ABC) It is unknown at this time if the suspect was firing at anybody, Schmaderer said. No civilian injuries were reported after police conducted several sweeps of the store, Schmaderer said. A Target spokesperson also confirmed in a statement that all guests and workers had "safely evacuated the store." Omaha police thanked "brave" Target employees who recently underwent active shooter training and "assisted in getting shoppers out of the store." MORE: Police praise 'heroic' actions of employee after gunman opens fire inside Indiana Walmart The store will be closed until further notice, the Target spokesperson said. "We are partnering with the Omaha PD as we learn more," the spokesperson said. Man firing AR-15-style rifle inside Target fatally shot by responding officers: Police originally appeared on abcnews.go.com WASHINGTON House Speaker Kevin McCarthy left his first White House visit with confidence that he and President Joe Biden could negotiate a spending deal, but the real test may come in negotiations with his own Republican conference. McCarthy, who had to bargain with hardline conservatives to win his speaker bid after 15 rounds of voting, leads a fractious caucus where some members are willing to gamble with the nation's credit score and global economy to try and get the federal spending cuts they want. But what those cuts are, nobody seems to know. "Their writ large approach seems to be take the hostage first and then theyll figure out later what they want," Rep. Brendan Boyle, D-Pa., ranking member of the House Budget Committee, told USA TODAY. Recap: McCarthy, Biden to continue talks on debt limit; Nikki Haley to take on Trump in 2024 Will Social Security and Medicare be cut? House Speaker Kevin McCarthy of Calif., talks with reporters outside the West Wing of the White House in Washington following his meeting with President Joe Biden, Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) ORG XMIT: DCSW303 McCarthy and other Republican leaders have said cuts to Social Security and Medicare should be off the table in debt limit and spending negotiations, a pivot from their midterm campaigns when they said everything was on the table. House GOP Whip Tom Emmer the congressman tasked with the big role of corralling or "whipping" the votes said he expected McCarthy would assure Biden Wednesday the country would not default on its debt and Social Security and Medicare wouldn't be part of the negotiations. The president and McCarthy getting together in the White House was the "responsible" thing to do and would produce a "more sensible result," Emmer told USA TODAY. What spending cuts do Republicans want? Though Republicans have tried to reassure voters and especially the markets that they will not send the U.S. economy careening toward collapse, they have been vague about how they will cut spending to FY2022 levels without touching entitlements. When asked what spending cuts the House GOP wants, or what might pass the chamber, Emmer deflected and focused on McCarthy's meeting with Biden as a positive sign the two could negotiate. Story continues McCarthy didn't give Biden specific spending cuts or levels of spending cuts the House GOP would accept, he told reporters at the Capitol Wednesday night after their meeting. After facing numerous questions in recent days about spending cuts, Emmer said in a statement Wednesday night, "Democrats and the media want to fearmonger about spending cuts. House Republicans are talking about spending reforms." More: Fed interest rate decision today: Central bank hikes by 0.25 percentage point to tame inflation He said the GOP is working on a "responsible, reasonable and sensible" budget "so we're not mortgaging our children and grandchildren's futures." The House budget is due April 15, and Majority Leader Steve Scalise said the caucus is working to meet that deadline. Some of the conservative think tanks in Washington, D.C., influencing government spending, such as the Heritage Foundation and the Center for Renewing America, have proposed billions worth of cuts each to Defense, Housing and Urban Development, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Health and Human Services. Even with billions in cuts to those programs, to get to FY2022 budget levels without touching Social Security and Medicare seems nearly impossible, Democrats said. "The math is nowhere close to adding up," Boyle said. What happened with the last debt ceiling fight? President Joe Biden speaks at the Steamfitters Local 602 in Springfield, Va., Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) ORG XMIT: VAAH402 McCarthy said he was specific with Biden about one thing: "We're not going to pass a clean debt ceiling." That view could lead to a five-month political fight and lower the nation's credit rating, though McCarthy said he thought the two sides could reach an agreement "long before" a default. Democrats say, if history shows anything, a GOP-led spending fight with a Democratic president could work in Democrats' favor. Boyle pointed out former President Bill Clinton was hammered in the 1994 midterms and handed House Democrats their first loss in 40 years. He started to make a comeback in a debt ceiling fight with then-Speaker Newt Gingrich and ultimate won reelection in 1996 by 8 points. When former President Barack Obama was underwater on his approval rating in 2011, he mounted a comeback in a debt ceiling fight with tea partyers. That year, the U.S. had its first-ever downgrade of its credit rating and made it cost more money for the country to borrow. Obama won reelection a year later. "You'd think Republicans would learn from history," Boyle said. "Each time they lost in the court of public opinion and set up the next Democratic victory." Candy Woodall is a Congress reporter for USA TODAY. She can be reached at cwoodall@usatoday.com or on Twitter at @candynotcandace. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kevin McCarthy debt ceiling talks with Biden leave lingering questions Mercedes-Benz EQS with Drive Pilot. Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-Benz announced it's bringing Level 3 driving automation to US roads in 2023. Its Drive Pilot feature allows drivers to not pay attention to the road in certain situations. The announcement comes during a rough patch for Tesla, which has placed huge emphasis on its driver-assistance technology. For years, Elon Musk has said driverless Teslas are right around the corner. He's even claimed that Tesla owners would someday be able to generate passive income by deploying their cars as autonomous robotaxis and that the company will be "worth basically zero" if it can't crack self-driving tech. But it was Mercedes-Benz not Tesla that notched an important milestone in the world of automated driving last month when it received certification in Nevada to bring Level 3 driving automation to US roads, making it the first carmaker to do so. The announcement comes as Tesla struggles with increasing competition and softening demand for its cars. Drive Pilot is a "really big deal," Bryant Walker-Smith, a law professor at the University of South Carolina who specializes in autonomous vehicles, told Insider. The most advanced driving software from other automakers including Tesla remains at Level 2, per industry standards, requiring drivers to pay full attention. Mercedes' system will, for the first time, give drivers more leeway to look away from the road while their car takes control. "Everything else that's been done and commercially available has always required a human to pay attention. And Mercedes is saying for extended periods you don't have to do that," Smith said. "That upends a century plus of motor vehicle development." Mercedes-Benz EQS with Drive Pilot. Mercedes-Benz Tesla, Ford, and most every other automaker offer some form of Level 2 driver-assistance software. Those systems may steer, brake, and accelerate automatically (typically on the highway) but ultimately they're supporting a driver who is in full control and watching the road. But at one level higher, Mercedes' Drive Pilot allows a driver's attention to wander to other tasks in certain situations. It uses maps, cameras, LiDAR, radar, microphones (to listen for emergency vehicles), and road-wetness sensors to keep a car in its lane, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, and take evasive maneuvers if necessary, Mercedes says. It's not autonomous (there are still Levels 4 and 5), and drivers need to take the wheel if prompted. Story continues There are some caveats: When Drive Pilot hits roads later in 2023, it will only work on certain freeways in Nevada and only at speeds under 40 mph. So basically, in traffic jams. But Mercedes plans to expand the feature to California soon. Companies like Waymo and Cruise operate fleets of driverless taxis in some cities, but that sort of technology isn't available to regular car buyers. "This opens a new chapter in automation in the US because we have people who are not trained as test drivers being told it's okay to not look at the road," Philip Koopman, an expert in autonomous driving at Carnegie Mellon University, told Insider. The announcement also raises thorny questions about when Mercedes would be liable if the system were involved in a crash, he said. Mercedes could be liable for incidents caused by product defects in both conventional and automated vehicles, a company spokesperson said. The milestone in one of Tesla's key focus areas comes at a difficult time for the electric-car company. Tesla's stock plummeted around 70% last year amid Musk's takeover of Twitter and concerns that once-robust demand for its cars was faltering. The company recently slashed prices for its most popular models in an effort to boost sales. Its so-called Full Self-Driving (FSD) system still isn't self-driving even after years of updates. And both FSD and Autopilot, Tesla's more basic driver-assist feature, have come under intense government scrutiny. Still, Drive Pilot isn't sparking a revolution in the way people drive or don't just yet. Both Koopman and Walker-Smith are waiting to see if it graduates from a niche feature to broad availability. Read the original article on Business Insider We bet you can guess what it is. Lauri Patterson / Getty Images In New Mexico, they take their chiles seriously. Just look to the small community of Hatch, which hosts the famed Hatch Chile Festival every year that can be smelled for miles around. Vibrant chile ristras are strung up on nearly every street above sizzling blistered chiles that await being savored in stews, fresh salsas, and even burgers. So yes, the love of chiles here runs deep so deep that local Sen. Bill Soules, inspired by a chile presentation led by fifth graders, proposed the smoky-sweet scent of chiles become the states official aroma. :Have Your Own Hatch Chile Festival While laws dictating scents are uncommon, many states have official markings like flowers, fish, fruits, and vegetables. The only sort-of-official state scents have typically come from candle companies. But, it's common for communities to be known for nostalgic scents be it the orangey sea breeze smells reminiscent of California or even the fresh smell of roasted coffee reminding you that there is literally a Dunkin' on every corner in Massachusetts. But to Soules, none are quite as special as his state's chiles. "It's very unique to our state," he shared with the Associated Press. "I have tried to think of any other state that has a smell or aroma that is that distinctive statewide, and I can't think of any." As AP reported, the bill has already passed its first committee and is likely to get implemented. Its aim, Soules said, is to bring more tourism to the state. And the legislative analysis of the bill came with this special snap to New Mexico's neighbor and low-key chile rival: "The new state aroma could help draw visitors away from Colorado, which, for some reason, thinks it has green chile comparable to that of New Mexico." The family behind, Chile Fanatic, a beloved chile shop in Hatch that sells freshly picked, dried, frozen, and even jarred Hatch green chile peppers, shared with Food & Wine that they too can get behind the state scent bill, as they know the sentimental power of the unmistakable smell. After all, Jesus Soto, the shop's founder, moved to the U.S. from Mexico in the 1980s with his wife, and worked on a chile farm before starting his business in 1998. Erika Banuelos, Soto's daughter, shared with Food & Wine, "I remember working in the fields as little kids for a number of years. We would make the ristras and would hold sales." Banuelos added, "Honestly, I did not know about this new law. I'm excited that they're thinking about doing this. If you've been around the smell of roasting green chile during August through mid-October, the smell of it is very unique." Michael Bay found himself in the headlines this week when a widely-circulated story in TheWrap alleged that a homing pigeon was killed by a dolly on the set of his film 6 Underground in 2018. Bay vigorously denied the claim that he was facing charges for the alleged incident, saying in a statement that no animal involved in the production was injured or harmed. Or on any other production Ive worked on in the past 30 years. Now, Bay is threatening to take legal action against the publication. A new letter from Bays attorneys (first obtained by Variety) gives an even stronger denial of the story and calls for the story to be retracted. More from IndieWire As you know, Mr. Bay was never accused, much less charged, with killing an animal, the letter reads. Indeed, prior to publication, you were placed on notice of the existence of video evidence rebutting these allegations and demonstrating that at no time was any animal harmed, let alone killed. Further, as you also know (but failed to publish), the only charge at issue in Italy concerns whether, in his capacity as the films director, Mr. Bay failed to properly supervise crew members (whom he did not even have the ability to hire) responsible for handling the animals on set. That charge is being vigorously defended and indeed, Mr. Bay feels so strongly that, to his credit, he refused to settle the case even for the nominal fine that was proposed by authorities to resolve it. Bays attorney continued: What makes your story all the more egregious is that you were expressly told, and you therefore knew, that the headline was false because Mr. Bay did not kill an animal and he was charged with no such thing. You evidently also failed to adequately investigate the matter by obtaining the actual charge or interviewing authorities or others who could have provided the facts. Instead, you proceeded with your story, with a false and misleading clickbait headline, demonstrating actual malice and reckless disregard of the truth. Story continues Finally, Bays team indicated that they will not be satisfied with anything less than an admission of wrongdoing by TheWrap. Given the above, and other facts and evidence, on behalf of Mr. Bay, we hereby demand an immediate retraction or correction of your story, the letter concluded. Best of IndieWire Sign up for Indiewire's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel (D) is reopening her investigation into the false electors in the state who signed a certificate claiming that former President Trump won the state in the 2020 presidential election. The Detroit News reported that Nessel said during a press call with the Democratic Attorneys General Association on Friday that the release of witness testimony and the final report from the House select committee that investigated the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection provided clear evidence to support charges against the 16 fake electors who tried to overturn President Bidens victory in the state. Nessel previously referred the case to federal prosecutors, saying last January that they were in a better position to look into what seemed to be a coordinated multi-state effort. But she said Friday that she was worried that a year has passed since then and was not sure what the federal government is going to do. I think that type of activity cant go without any consequences, she said. The group of Republicans reportedly met at Michigan GOP headquarters on Dec. 14, 2020, to sign the certificate. Nessel has said that the electors might have violated a Michigan law against forgery of a public record and election-related forgery. The certificate claimed that the electors gathered in the state Capitol, but they did not, according to The Detroit News. Some reportedly walked to the Capitol after the meeting at Republican headquarters but were not allowed to enter. Republicans have accused Nessel of having political motivation behind the investigation, The Detroit News reported. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. North Korea warned the United States on Thursday of overwhelming nuclear force in response to an increase in the countrys military exercises with South Korea. The North Korean foreign ministry said the stepping-up of military drills from South Koreas allies could turn the Korean Peninsula into a huge war arsenal and a more critical war zone. It said North Korea is prepared to respond to any short-term or long-term military challenge with nuclear force. The military and political situation on the Korean Peninsula and in the region has reached an extreme red line due to the reckless military confrontational maneuvers and hostile acts of the U.S. and its vassal forces, a spokesperson said. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Tuesday that the U.S. will increase its deployment of military equipment, such as fighter jets and aircraft carriers, to South Korea. North Korea has said that it considers the military drills to be practicing for an invasion, but the U.S. and South Korea have maintained that they are for defensive purposes. The South Korean defense ministry said the U.S. flew B-1B bombers and F-22 and F-35 fighter jets in a military exercise along with South Korean fighters on Wednesday off the countrys western coast. The U.S. and South Korea are planning a joint simulation later this month to prepare a response to North Korea potentially using nuclear weapons. North Korea tested a record number of missiles last year as part of increasing threats directed toward South Korea. That included seven intercontinental ballistic missiles. The North Korean government also sent drones into South Korea for the first time since 2017 last year. If the U.S. continues to introduce strategic assets into the Korean Peninsula and its surrounding area, the DPRK will make clearer its deterring activities without fail according to their nature, the North Korean Foreign Ministry spokesperson said. Austin said while in the Philippines on Thursday that the U.S. is very serious about its defense of South Korea and will continue to work with and train its allies. Story continues The South Korean foreign ministry said North Korea is the one escalating tensions by making nuclear threats and rejecting offers from the U.S. and South Korea to discuss issues. The Associated Press contributed to this report. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The appointment of an oil executive as head of the United Nations' COP28 climate conference on Thursday sparked backlash from environmental organizations. The Office of the United Arab Emirates' Special Envoy for Climate Change announced Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, the head of the state-run Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, as the president-designate for the 2023 climate change conference, which will take place in Dubai over two weeks in November and December. After two tenures as the Special Envoy for Climate Change, HE Dr. Sultan Al Jaber will serve as the COP28 President-Designate. HE Razan Al Mubarak, UN Climate Change High Level Champion HE Shamma Al Mazrui, Youth Climate Championhttps://t.co/niER5Y7SBZ #COP28UAE pic.twitter.com/QahDgUfhjb Office Of The UAE Special Envoy For Climate Change (@uaeclimateenvoy) January 12, 2023 Al Jaber is chair of the UAE government-owned renewable energy company Masdar and has served as the UAE's climate envoy twice, a statement from the special envoy said. He is the first CEO to ever serve as COP president, "having played a key role in shaping the countrys clean energy path," according to Al Jaber's office. The president of the conference is confirmed by the delegates to the conference when it begins. But the announcement Thursday over the appointment of a top oil executive to lead the most important climate conference of the year was quickly met with disapproval by some environmental policy experts and activists who called for the CEO to step down from his role leading one of the biggest oil companies in the world. Al Jaber's nomination is "devastating blow to the climate negotiations at a critical moment in history," Tzeporah Berman, chair of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, told ABC News. Story continues MORE: UN climate summit COP27 set to gather in Egypt amid year of climate and energy crises He must resign from the oil company he presides over in order to obtain a seat at COP, not to mention the presidency, Berman said. "The nomination of Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber is a clear example of the fox watching the hen house," Berman said. "The oil and gas companies are not going to design their own demise." PHOTO: The headquarters of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. (ADNOC), right, and Etihad Towers, center, surrounded by residential and commercial properties in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, April 10, 2022. (Bloomberg via Getty Images) The appointment of Al Jaber to lead COP28 is "egregious" and "could potentially impede the sole purpose of the meeting," Delta Merner, head of the Science Hub for Climate Litigation at the Union for Concerned Scientists, told ABC News. "During COP27, we saw a 25% increase in fossil fuel interest direct participation in the meeting, this is a trend we need to move away from for meaningful progress, not embrace through leadership choices," Merner said. He agreed that Al Jaber should step down from his role overseeing the production of fossil fuels. MORE: Biden sends letter to oil refiners blasting high profits amid record gas prices Catherine Abreu, founder and executive director of environmental nonprofit Destination Zero, told ABC News, "An oil company CEO cannot be the kind of President that COP28 needs." "A person tasked with making the most profit possible from oil and gas extraction cant be the same person tasked with landing the most ambitious outcome possible from a climate conference," Abreu said. PHOTO: The United Arab Emirates' minister of state and CEO of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), Sultan Ahmed al-Jaber, addresses the opening ceremony of the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC), Nov. 11, 2019. (AFP via Getty Images) Al Jaber's appointment "sets a dangerous precedent" and risks the credibility of the UAE, Tracy Carty, global climate politics expert with Greenpeace, said in a statement. "Greenpeace is deeply alarmed at the appointment of an oil company CEO to lead the global climate negotiations," Carty said. MORE: 'Big Oil' CEOs testify before Congress amid skyrocketing gas prices Carty continued, "There is no place for the fossil fuel industry in the global climate negotiations." Tasneem Essop, executive director for the Climate Action Network International, described Al Jaber's appointment as a "conflict of interest." "He cannot preside over a process that is tasked to address the climate crisis with such a conflict of interest, heading an industry that is responsible for the crisis itself," Essop said. Every year, the country hosting the U.N.'s Conference of the Parties, from which COP gets its name, nominates someone -- typically a veteran diplomat -- to chair the talks. "This will be a critical year in a critical decade for climate action," Al Jaber said in a statement. "The UAE is approaching COP28 with a strong sense of responsibility and the highest possible level of ambition." "The announcement further highlights the UAEs regional leadership in climate action and its role as a global advocate for clean energy," the Office of the UAE's Special Envoy for Climate Change added. "The UAE is home to three of the largest and lowest-cost solar projects in the world and has invested more than $50 billion in renewable energy projects across 70 countries, with plans to invest a minimum of $50 billion over the next decade." The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company pumps about 4 million barrels of crude oil a day and plans to expand to 5 million daily, The Associated Press reported. Oil company chief's appointment to lead COP28 climate conference sparks backlash originally appeared on abcnews.go.com A Pennsylvania school district provoked controversy last week when a librarian was ordered to take down posters with a quote from activist and Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel because it ran afoul of a new policy on advocacy activities. On Wednesday, librarian Matt Pecic of Central Bucks School District outside of Philadelphia was told to take down the posters, which included the following quote from Mr Wiesels Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech: I swore never to be silent whenever and wherever human beings endure suffering and humiliation. We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. If I didnt take it down, I knew there would be consequences that could impact me, he told public radio station WHYY . Its a horrible feeling. And you feel like you have to do something that you dont agree with, he added. The school changed course the following day after students and community members pushed back. The district apologizes for any hurt or concerns this has caused, particularly for those in the Jewish community, school officials said in a statement. The controversy is the latest within the district and other nearby schools concerning the scope of how much officials should be able to regulate the content of books and other materials on social issues found within classrooms and libraries. Earlier this month, the Central Bucks Board of School Directors voted on a policy banning educators from advocacy activities and partisan, political, or social policy matters, inspiring students to protest. The policy prevents the display of any flag, banner, poster, sign, sticker, pin, button, insignia, paraphernalia, photograph, or other similar material that advocates concerning any partisan, political, or social policy issue. A draft of the measure singled out gender identity and sexual orientation as specifically verboten categories. In November, the US Department of Educations Office of Civil Rights announced an investigation into the Central Bucks School District, following a complaint the month before from the state ACLU that officials were creating a widespread culture of discrimination against LGBTQ+, particularly transgender students. Story continues A school board official told the Bucks County Herald its leaders remain resolute and united in its zero tolerance for discrimination, bullying or harassment of any kind. In July, the district passed a new library policy, considered by some in the community an anti-LGTBQ+ book ban, that forbid inappropriate and sexualized materials. School districts around the country, following the lead of conservative officials in places like Florida, have moved to aggressively limit access to materials that teach about topics like sexuality, gender identity, and racism. Portsmouths new police chief speaks at vigil hours after being hired: I need you. My officers need you. Alongside police chaplains and other Portsmouth officials at a vigil Thursday night, Chief Stephen Jenkins spoke of the citys 42 homicides in the past year and impacts of gun violence on the community. Earlier that day, he had been announced as the citys fifth top cop hired in the past four years. Jenkins, who had been running the police department in an interim role since July, made his first public appearance as the permanent chief at a remembrance for those who died by gun violence in the city in the past year. He commended the dedication of the departments homicide unit and urged the public to consider coming forward with any information on open cases. We can no longer allow people to hold us hostage, Jenkins told the crowd. I need you. My officers need you. They need to hear from you that you support them in their actions and their deeds. When were wrong, were going to say were wrong, and were going to address it. But we need you to support us as we continue to try to safeguard this community. Interim City Manager Mimi Terry, who assumed her role this week after City Manager Tonya Chapman was fired, announced Jenkins appointment in an email to City Council members and staff Thursday. I am humbled by this opportunity to lead the department in this capacity and look forward to continuing to guide the men and women of the Portsmouth Police Department as we serve and protect the citizens and businesses of the City of Portsmouth, Jenkins said in a statement Thursday. I will continue to look for opportunities to work with the community as we strive to eradicate this epidemic of gun violence. Jenkins assumed the interim position in July after Chapman fired Police Chief Renado Prince, who told WVEC-TV it stemmed from a text message he sent in a group chat that was critical of Chapman without realizing his new boss was among the texts recipients. Jenkins has spent more than two decades in law enforcement, serving with the city since 2003 in various positions including detective sergeant overseeing robbery and homicide investigations and lieutenant leading professional standards, training and special investigations units. He had been serving as assistant police chief for a few months when he was appointed interim last summer. Story continues The Chesapeake native graduated from Deep Creek High School in 1992. He earned a bachelors degree in sociology from Virginia State University. Hes currently enrolled at Columbia Southern University to obtain his masters degree in organizational leadership. Before his tenure in Portsmouth, Jenkins had brief stints with the Department of Juvenile Justice, the Virginia Department of Corrections and the Norfolk Probation and Parole Office. Portsmouth was one of several Hampton Road cities in recent months in search of a police chief amid staffing woes and recruitment challenges. The Virginian-Pilot previously reported that Portsmouth received applications from 17 potential chief candidates last summer. Natalie Anderson, 757-732-1133, natalie.anderson@virginiamedia.com Staff write Eliza Noe contributed to this report. The White House is launching a partnership with India on Tuesday that President Joe Biden hopes will help the countries compete against China on military equipment, semiconductors and artificial intelligence. Washington wants to deploy more Western mobile phone networks in the subcontinent to counter China's Huawei Technologies, to welcome more Indian computer chip specialists to the United States and to encourage companies from both countries to collaborate on military equipment like artillery systems. The White House faces an uphill battle on each front, including U.S. restrictions on military technology transfer and visas for immigrant workers, along with India's longstanding dependence on Moscow for military hardware. Biden's national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, and his Indian counterpart, Ajit Doval, are meeting Tuesday with senior officials from both countries at the White House to launch the U.S.-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies. "The larger challenge posed by China -- its economic practices, its aggressive military moves, its efforts to dominate the industries of the future and to control the supply chains of the future -- have had a profound impact on the thinking in Delhi," said Sullivan. Sixty lawmakers in the South Dakota House of Representatives voted in favor of limiting several forms of gender-affirming medical care for minors Thursday afternoon in Pierre by way of House Bill 1080. While bill sponsor Rep. Bethany Soye, a Sioux Falls Republican, argued the bills intent is to help, not harm, children, Rep. Kameron Nelson, a Sioux Falls Democrat and the states first openly gay lawmaker, bit back at the notion. These children and youth are working with their counselors, parents and friends to find out who they are, he said. How dare you sit and stand on this floor today and tell these children that they dont know who they are, and that you know better than them? Rep. Kameron Nelson, D-Sioux Falls, speaks on HB 1080 that would limit gender affirming care for transgender children in Pierre on Thursday, Feb. 2. Dissenting votes came from Nelson, six of his fellow Democrats, and three Republicans: Rep. Mike Derby, Rep. Jessica Olson and Rep. Dennis Krull. 'I'm here, I'm queer and I'm not leaving Pierre' Olson, a Rapid City Republican, said she opposed the bill, because parents can already say no to their children if they dont want them to get a certain type of care. She questioned how often this is happening in South Dakota, to which fellow Republican Rep. Fred Deutsch said he understood there are as many as 20 patients seeking gender-affirming procedures each year. Rep. Erin Healy, a Democrat from Sioux Falls, said the committee testimony heard Tuesday from various adults who decided to stop their transition were not from South Dakota, and those people were doing a tour of state legislatures. She also scorned the proponents of the bill for intentionally spreading false narratives to support a transphobic agenda. More:Effort to limit gender-affirming care for trans youth in South Dakota moves forward Rep. Kadyn Wittman, a Democrat from Sioux Falls, said if HB 1080 becomes law, the state will be hit with a costly lawsuit ,and taxpayers will have to foot the bill. In response, Rep. Jon Hansen, a Republican from Dell Rapids, said he is willing to spend every last cent that it takes on such a lawsuit in order to "defend children." He referred to their pursuit of gender-affirming care as chemical castration or the injection of cross-sex hormones." He also argued children dont have the reasoning capacity to ask for gender-affirming care and doctors sometime make grave mistakes. Story continues Rep. Linda Duba, a Sioux Falls Democrat, said lawmakers were forgetting an entire group of people in this legislation: parents. Parents are supporting their children and making decisions alongside them and medical professionals when it comes to this kind of care, she explained. She lambasted those who kept referring to mutilation and castration in discussions about this bill. In her statements supporting the bill, Rep. Brandei Schaefbauer, a Republican from Aberdeen, quoted Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Nelson took great offense to the approach, saying King fought for justice, peace and fairness and that using his quotes in this context is reprehensible. More:Kameron Nelson is first openly gay man elected to South Dakota Legislature Nelson was the final representative to speak before Soye gave her final statements on the bill. He sent a message that he would continue fighting for LGBTQ+ people, especially LGBTQ+ children, in the state. Im here, Im queer, and Im not leaving Pierre, he said in closing. 'We are on the verge of a crisis Bills like HB 1080 only harm transgender children and their families, and reflect a frightening trend happening across the U.S., the Transformation Project Advocacy Network said in a press release Thursday after the vote. Were getting calls from panicked parents terrified for their childs wellbeing, parents wondering if they will need to move their families out of state, TPAN executive director Susan Williams said in a statement. We are on the verge of a crisis, and we are asking every South Dakotan who knows this legislation has potentially deadly consequences to get active in fighting this bill now. Elizabeth Broekemeier, the parent of a trans teen in South Dakota, said in TPANs statement that lawmakers have no right to interfere with the medical decisions a parent makes with their childs medical team. She called the bill unconstitutional. Do you know what its like to be a transgender teen and hear lawmakers talk about you like you are a lesser person? How they use incorrect terms, triggering and outdated descriptions, and blatant fear-mongering verbiage to describe your journey? Broekemeier asked in the statement. More:Sanford, Avera wont comment on the state of transgender healthcare in South Dakota In a statement, the ACLU of South Dakota said medical decisions belong to trans youth, their parents and their doctors, not the government, adding its unconstitutional to single out one group of people and categorically ban all care. The ACLU argues HB 1080 violates the U.S. Constitution in three separate, concurrent ways: discrimination against individuals based on sex, discrimination against individuals based on transgender status and a violation of parents' rights under the Due Process Clause. Most other bills havent gone as far as this one Similar bills have been filed and failed in past legislative sessions, including HB 1205 in 2019, HB 1057, SB 93 and SB 109 in 2020, and HB 1247 in 2021. HB 1205 was killed in its first committee hearing; HB 1057 passed a House committee, passed the House and was killed in a Senate committee; SB 93 was withdrawn; SB 109 was tabled in committee; and, HB 1247 failed a vote in the House in 2021, at 25-41. More:South Dakota Republicans introduce legislation prohibiting gender-affirming care for trans children This years bill, HB 1080, is off next to a Senate committee, then the Senate if it passes in the committee. Then, it will land on Gov. Kristi Noems desk for signing if it passes in the Senate. If HB 1080 passes in its Senate committee hearing, it will go further than all similar legislation in the past four years. Noem has signaled her support for the legislation. This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: South Dakota House passes bill limiting trans youth healthcare access Writer Laura Leigh Abby (right) and her wife went through a second-parent adoption to secure their parental rights. (Photo: Courtesy of Laura Leigh Abby) When I gave birth to our first son in 2016, my wife Sam and I assumed that our family was legally protected. We were married. We had purchased our donor sperm through a cryobank. We were both named on our sons birth certificate. After Sam delivered our second boy in February 2020, however, we felt a sudden urgency to formally and legally safeguard our family as the backlash to the recent progress of LGBTQ rights revealed growing homophobia throughout the nation. That autumn, we paid a retainer fee for a New York State adoption attorney. I didnt know when I dropped my check in the mailbox that news of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburgs death was only hours away, and that the future legal protections of queer families like ours was at stake. Family Equality, an organization that fights for the rights of LGBTQ families, illustrates some of the perks of second-parent adoption on their blog, including, but not limited to, parental equality when it comes to the childs medical care, educational needs and entitlement to inheritance rights. Any challenge to your relationship with the child is eradicated," it pledges. In short, it is a safeguard that protects our families from interference from anyone, anywhere. I had heard that the adoption process was invasive, so I asked our attorney for details during our first phone call. There will be background checks, she told us. You will both be fingerprinted, youll need three letters of reference, there will be a home visit from a social worker and well need 28 years of past addresses. I did some quick math in my head. Ive had a handful of addresses since I was 7 years old, very few of which I could remember. When we hung up with our attorney, anxiety hives crept up my neck. Ive never been arrested or convicted of a crime. Neither has my wife. Are there nude photos of me on the internet? Not that I know of. But my immediate reaction to this unfair, expensive and invasive process was embarrassment. How humiliating to think that after four years of parenting I would need letters of reference and a judge to officially deem me qualified to be something that I already was: a mother. Story continues Soon after that call, I posted about second-parent adoption on our family instagram account. I was shocked by the responses. Many queer parents commented that they were both on their kids birth certificates, so they didnt think adoption was necessary, while some shared stories of bigoted judges. Some commenters admitted the embarrassment they felt asking their pediatrician to write a letter of recommendation, and others confessed they couldnt handle the financial burden of adoption at all. Legal issues differed across states, but there was one thing all of us had in common: We would do anything in our power to protect our families. Ashley West and her wife Emma are raising three children aged 8 months to 4 years in a suburb outside of Washington, D.C. We are just two working moms juggling three babies while trying to keep our sanity, explains West, who says that she and Emma began looking into second-parent adoption before they were even married. We did not want to be in a position where something as serious as a medical emergency, or as simple as daycare pick-up, essentially stripped us of our parental rights. Abby's family after finalizing the adoption process online. (Photo: Laura Leigh Abby) According to the National Center for Lesbian Rights, having your name on the birth certificate does not guarantee protections if your legal rights are challenged in court only an adoption or parentage judgment can ensure that parental rights will be respected. Its no surprise to anyone in a same-sex couple that we are held to a higher standard when it comes to parenting. West says that when she and her wife first spoke to a lawyer about the adoption process she was shocked by the expense. We saw prices anywhere between $5 to $10,000 to make sure we had the same rights as other parents," she says. "Not more. Or extra. The same. We felt completely exploited. Madeleine Kahan Lee and her wife Ilana felt safe as same-sex parents in New York City, but as a family who loves to travel, we felt that getting some additional protection would give us peace of mind. They too felt exploited by the invasive process of second-parent adoption. I was very upset to hear that a social worker would have to come into our home to observe us as a family, she says. Ultimately, the couple chose to do an order of parentage, which became available in New York state in 2021. We were assured by various attorneys that this would be sufficient protection for our family. Still, the couple spent $3,000 on associated fees. By the time the adoption of my own children was finalized in June 2021 a bittersweet way to kick off Pride Month Sam and I felt less celebratory and mostly exhausted. The hearing was virtual due to COVID-19 restrictions and honestly, we were OK with that. We just wanted to put the experience behind us and move forward as a family, because nothing had really changed. Barriers in marrying and creating our families are nothing new to anyone in the queer community, but its not always clear just what those barriers are. For queer parents across the country, safeguarding our privacy and the safety of our children comes at a cost, one that isnt limited to the financial. I dont care if wedding photographers turned us away because we listed two brides on our contact list. That doesnt bother me. says West. But we are going to make sure that we never have to feel hopeless or fearful in any scenario that involves making decisions for our family. This mindset is what propels us through hoops, both legal and otherwise, and inspires us to share our stories and celebrate our families. Being a parent is a universal challenge, but for LGBTQ parents, its one that doesnt come easy. Wellness, parenting, body image and more: Get to know the who behind the hoo with Yahoo Life's newsletter. Sign up here. South Carolina's Supreme Court struck down the state's six-week abortion ban Thursday, claiming it violates the state's constitution. The 2021 so-called "heartbeat act" bans abortions after fetal cardiac activity is detected, which is typically around six weeks, before most women know they are pregnant. It included exceptions for rape, incest and if the mother's life is in danger. The ban had previously been [suspended] by federal courts, but took effect after the Supreme Court voted to overturn Roe v. Wade this summer. The ban was temporarily blocked in August while the state's Supreme Court heard the case. MORE: 6 months after overturning of Roe v. Wade, what abortion access looks like in America In a 3-2 ruling, the court agreed with the plaintiffs -- which included Planned Parenthood South Atlantic -- and said the ban violated a patient's right to privacy. "We hold that the decision to terminate a pregnancy rests upon the utmost personal and private considerations imaginable, and implicates a woman's right to privacy," Justice Kaye Hearn wrote in the majority opinion. "While this right is not absolute and must be balanced against the State's interest in protecting unborn life, this Act, which severely limits -- and in many instances completely forecloses -- abortion, is an unreasonable restriction upon a woman's right to privacy." PHOTO: In this Sept. 27, 2022, file photo, Andrea Kaniarz of Lexington watches the South Carolina House of Representatives meet during discussion of a bill banning most abortions, in Columbia, S.C. (Tracy Glantz/The State via TNS via Getty Images, FILE) The two justices who voted to uphold the ban said the right to privacy in the state's constitution only applies to searches and seizures. "The court's decision means that our patients can continue to come to us, their trusted health care providers, to access abortion and other essential health services in South Carolina," Jenny Black, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood South Atlantic said in a statement. Karine Jean-Pierre, White House press secretary commended the decision and wrote in a tweet that the White House is "encouraged by South Carolina's Supreme Court ruling today on the state's extreme and dangerous abortion ban. Women should be able to make their own decisions about their bodies." Story continues MORE: Why some anti-abortion rights backers want a ban that would stop few abortions However, conservatives, including Governor Henry McMaster -- who signed the original ban into law -- blasted the justices for their ruling. "Our State Supreme Court has found a right in our Constitution which was never intended by the people of South Carolina," he tweeted. "With this opinion, the Court has clearly exceeded its authority. The people have spoken through their elected representatives multiple times on this issue." McMaster added, "I look forward to working with the General Assembly to correct this error." South Carolina's Supreme Court strikes down 6-week abortion ban originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-Va.) lamented the handling of classified information by sitting and former elected officials in an interview Thursday, as lawmakers and the Justice Department grapple with how to handle such documents like the ones found at the homes of President Biden, former President Trump, and former Vice President Mike Pence. As a former CIA officer, as somebody who handled classified information every single day and wrote material that went and became classified because of the means by which we maintained it and the sensitivity of the assets providing that information to us, there are clearly problems with the chain of custody of these documents, Spanberger said in an interview with HillTVs What Americas Thinking on Thursday. I think there needs to be a full understanding of how it is that any former elected official or currently serving elected official would be able to box up documents either intentionally or unintentionally and move those out of a secured space, she continued. The Virginia lawmaker and former intelligence officers comments come after she was appointed to the House Intelligence Committee on Wednesday. The discovery of classified documents at the homes has sparked concern on Capitol Hill. Members of the Senate Intelligence Committee, which is chaired by Spanbergers fellow Virginia lawmaker Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), have expressed frustration over the Justice Departments unwillingness to share the details of the documents. The Justice Department has told Warner and the committees ranking member Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) that they are in the process of relaying the documents information. However, Warner told Punchbowl News this week that he was not satisfied. I appreciate the communication. But the subject of the communication doesnt give me clarity on how and when were going to be able to fulfill our obligation, Warner said. The Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday that the FBI is planning on conducting an additional search of Pences Indiana home for additional classified documents. On Wednesday, the FBI completed a search of Bidens property at Rehobeth Beach, Del. and found no additional documents. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The former Saks Off 5th and 5.11 Tactical spaces in Braintree are set to become a 37,500-square-foot Amazon Fresh store. People in several Massachusetts communities, including Braintree, are waiting for Amazon Fresh supermarkets to open their doors, but no one seems to know when that's going to happen. Talk of Amazon Fresh stores opening in Billerica, Saugus, Westboro, Braintree and Leominster has been ongoing since last year, but so far none has opened in any of those locations. All are mostly built, however. At the planned Amazon Fresh location in the Marketplace at Braintree, there has been little apparent progress in the last six months. The store is empty, the floor is dirt and all the lights inside and out are burning constantly. There are no signs on the building, in the windows or on the posts that mark the parking spaces reserved for curbside pickup. A site plan was submitted on Jan. 3, 2022, to the Braintree Planning Board for building an Amazon Fresh at 200 Grossman Drive. The board approved the retail giant's plan to turn the former Saks Off 5th and 5.11 Tactical spaces into a 37,500-square-foot Amazon Fresh store at the Grossman Drive shopping plaza. Another plan was filed to adjust signage at the facility on May 5, 2022, but nothing thereafter, according to the Braintree town website. The situation is similar in other towns. "I don't know what's going on, I just know it was planned. There's nothing we know for sure," said Marlies Henderson, chairwoman of the Billerica Planning Board. "The project was completely permitted, so it's in the hands of the applicant (Amazon). The planning board hasn't heard anything lately." An Amazon Fresh was supposed to open last fall in Saugus, according to a town official, but still hasn't. Other locations where Amazon Fresh is planned but hasn't yet opened include Leominster, Billerica, Westboro and Braintree. Brienne O'Rourke, a spokesperson for the Billerica Building Department, said, "As far as we know, they are still moving in." The Amazon Fresh store is supposed to be at the former Kmart location at the Billerica Mall. Meanwhile, in Saugus, planning board member Jeanette Meredith would like some concrete answers about the Amazon Fresh location on Route 1 as soon as possible. Amazon Fresh grocery stores use something called u0022Just-Walk-Outu0022 technology, where instead of stopping at a cashier to check out, customers scan an app and the cart charges the item totals to given Amazon accounts. "Everyone keeps asking about it and we just don't know," Meredith said. "They were supposed to open last fall. Personally and professionally I would like to know what is going on. Why wouldn't you want to keep people informed?" Story continues That project was fully permitted in 2021, according to WCVB Channel 5, a Wicked Local media partner. 'No details to share' On Jan. 26, Wicked Local sent an email to Amazon's media relations team conveying some of the questions that various town officials had. But Amazon spokesperson Jessica Martin responded by saying, "At this time, we dont have any details to share." When contacted about the same matter in early December, Amazon Fresh spokesperson Alicia Hopkins said: "We do not comment on our future roadmap. We do not have any details to share at this time." The questions about the fate of local Amazon Fresh stores coincide news that Amazon is cutting 18,000 jobs after the company's shares lost half their value in 2022, the worst year for its shareholders since 2000, according to a CNBC report. The jobs lost include some at Amazon Fresh stores and online grocery delivery services, including program managers, store designers, supply chain managers and software engineers, CNBC reported. Westboro Town Planner Jim Robbins said he is confident the project will happen in his town. Amazon already has a big presence there. Other Amazon-owned locations in Westboro include Amazon Robotics, Amazon Hub Center, Amazon Hub Counter and Columbia Tech Amazon Robotics. Robbins said the Amazon Fresh project is "completely permitted." "To my knowledge, they are still going to open. We just can't say exactly when," Robbins said. "The building facade is up. There's no sign yet, but everyone seems to know what it's going to be." More:Amazon Fresh: Saugus location could be first to open in Massachusetts Robbins said a grocery store can typically take up to two years from permitting to opening. "It depends, really," he said. "A store with an open floor plan that just needs shelving will take less time than a grocery store that needs to install refrigeration" and other more complex systems. Robbins said he has been informed the company is working on installing shelving in its Westboro location. More:Amazon Fresh, apartments to replace Market Basket How shopping works at Amazon Fresh Amazon Fresh offers a unique way of shopping, according to the company website, describing it as "an online and physical grocery store" offering "low prices on everyday favorites, plus same-day delivery and pickup in select locations for (Amazon) Prime members." Amazon Fresh grocery stores feature "just-walk-out" technology and "Amazon Dash Carts." Customers scan their Amazon apps to enter the store. Once inside, customers can add items to a smart cart, which tallies up totals as shopping progresses. And instead of stopping at a cashier to check out, customers again scan the app and the cart charges the total to the customer's Amazon account. Amazon's voice-activated assistant, Alexa, adds to the technology used in the store. Customers can approach Alexa kiosks throughout the store to ask for item locations or food recommendations. This article originally appeared on wickedlocal.com: Officials have questions on unopened Amazon Fresh locations in Mass. A handout image shows Department of Fire and Emergency Services crew members searching for a radioactive capsule from a Rio Tinto mine after it disappeared on a long journey across the Australian Outback in this picture obtained on Jan. 28, 2023. / Credit: AAP / Department Of Fire And Emergency Services / Handout via REUTERS A tiny but dangerously radioactive capsule that fell off a truck along a remote, 870 mile stretch of desert highway in Western Australia last month has been found, authorities said Wednesday. "It's a good result, as I've said it's certainly a needle in a haystack that has been found, and I think West Australians can sleep better tonight," West Australia Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson told reporters. Authorities scoured hundreds of kilometers of highway in search of the tiny capsule. It was discovered at the side of a desert highway just south of the town of Newman -- near the Outback mine it was transported from, the state's emergency services commissioner Darren Klemm said. The six-day hunt came to an end after a search vehicle detected radiation while travelling along the highway, with authorities now working to safely remove the capsule before taking it to a secure location, Klemm said. Mining giant Rio Tinto had apologized Monday for losing the capsule. The solid, silver-colored cylinder is smaller than a human fingernail, but authorities said it contains enough Caesium-137 to cause acute radiation sickness. It disappeared from a truck that drove to the suburbs of Perth from a remote mine near Newman - further than the distance from Paris to Madrid. Members of the Incident Management Team coordinated the search for a radioactive capsule that was lost in transit by a contractor hired by Rio Tinto, at the Emergency Services Complex in Cockburn, Australia, in this undated handout photo. / Credit: Department of Fire and Emergency Services / Handout via REUTERS "We recognize this is clearly very concerning and are sorry for the alarm it has caused in the Western Australian community," said Rio Tinto Iron Ore chief executive Simon Trott in a statement sent to Agence France-Presse. "We have launched our own investigation to understand how the capsule was lost in transit," he added. The radioactive capsule, part of a gauge used in the mining industry to measure the density of iron ore, was transported by a certified Rio Tinto contractor, he said. Authorities warned people to stay at least 16 feet away from the capsule, which emits beta and gamma rays with a radiation level equivalent to receiving 10 X-rays every hour. "If you have it long enough near you, it could cause what is known as acute radiation sickness," Western Australia's chief health officer Andrew Robertson said when the public was first alerted on Friday. The container it was in collapsed because of the vibrations of the road trip, he said. The capsule apparently fell through the hole left by a bolt that was also lost. The gauge was originally picked up on January 12 from the Gudai-Darri iron ore mine near Newman and delivered to the Perth suburb of Malaga on January 16, Rio Tinto said. But the package wasn't opened until January 25, when the gauge was found "broken apart" with the radioactive capsule missing. State police were informed on the same day. Officials in high-visibility yellow vests were seen walking along key stretches of the road. Portable radiation monitors that can be mounted on vehicles were used to detect emissions across a 65 foot radius along the route, Western Australia's emergency services said. "We are not trying to find the small capsule by eyesight. The radiation equipment will hopefully lead us to it," the service's incident controller, acting superintendent Darryl Ray, said in a statement at the time. Story continues Ice storm slams south and central U.S. Whale deaths spark debate in New York, New Jersey over offshore wind farms Rep. Katie Porter talks about her Senate bid Staff members at Twitters Asia headquarters in Singapore have been told to clear their desks and work from home indefinitely, according to a new report. An email sent Wednesday informed staff that they would be required to leave Twitters premises by 5 pm that day, and they would be required to continue their work from home on Thursday, Bloomberg reported. More from Deadline An unnamed source told the digital outlet that Singapore-based Twitter staff members have since been reassigned as remote workers in Twitters internal system. It is unclear whether the move is permanent. Representatives for Twitter did not immediately respond to Deadlines request for comment. However, a spokesperson for CapitaLand, the owner of Twitters Singapore offices, told Bloomberg that the social media company remains a tenant at CapitaGreen. Late last year, staff members at Twitters HQ in San Francisco also received a message from senior staff members informing them that their office had been closed, effective immediately. No reason behind the move was given but the office reopened a week later. The message also instructed staff members to refrain from discussing confidential company information on social media, with the press or elsewhere, but dozens of staff members continued to announce their resignations following Musks acquisitions. By November 2021, Musk had already made half of Twitters workforce, around 3,700 staff, redundant following his acrimonious $44BN takeover of the social media platform. At the time, the BBC quoted an unnamed source at Twitter who speculated the company would likely have less than 2,000 people left. The company had around 7,500 staff when Musk took over. Story continues Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. The funeral for Tyre Nichols was held in Memphis on Wednesday, more than three weeks after the 29-year-old Black man was fatally beaten by a group of police officers on 7 January. He died in hospital three days later. During the service at Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church, Nichols family, civil rights leaders, and Vice President Kamala Harris all led calls for police reform and urged Congress to take action by finally passing the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. In his euology, Rev Al Sharpton condemned the actions of the Black officers who are charged with Nichols murder, arguing that the sacrifies of civil rights leaders like Dr Martin Luther King Jr paved the way for their public service. People had to march and go to jail and some people lost their lives to open the doors for you. How dare you act like that sacrifice was for nothing? he said. Up to 20 hours of video related to Nichols deadly arrest is yet to be released by Memphis officials. Shelby County prosecutor Steven Mulroy said it includes audio of what officers said in the aftermath, as he revealed he is considering bringing more charges in the case. Key points Mourners demand police reform at funeral for Tyre Nichols Up to 20 hours of video yet to be released Kamala Harris speaks at Tyre Nicholss funeral Four of five police officers charged with murder had previous infractions Memphis preparing release of more complete footage Up to 20 hours of Tyre Nichols police video has yet to be released, revealing what was said after beating 18:24 , Josh Marcus Up to 20 hours of additional footage from the deadly beating of Tyre Nichols by a group of Memphis Police Department officers has yet to be released, according to a law enforcement official in Tennessee. Unreleased footage from the attack on 7 January includes audio of what was said among emergency responders and officers in the aftermath of the beating and after Nichols was moved to a local hospital, Shelby County prosecutor Steven Mulroy told CNN. Story continues Nichols died in hospital on 10 January, three days after the attack. It will be up to Memphis officials to determine whether to publicly release any additional footage, following the release of roughly one hour of footage from four separate videos on 27 January. Alex Woodward reports. The video at the heart of the Tyre Nichols scandal 17:53 , Josh Marcus Like police scandals that have come before it, officer bodycam video is a central part of illuminating what happened to Tyre Nichols, a Black motorist who was severly beaten by Memphis police officers earlier this month before dying in hospital. Memphis police have released footage of the brutal arrest, which shows a gang of officers punching, tasing, and kicking the 29-year-old until hes barely conscious. Heres our report on what the footage reveals. Footage reveals Tyre Nichols six-word plea to Memphis police officers What was Tyre Nichols pulled over for? 17:30 , Josh Marcus On 27 January, Memphis officials released video footage of the violent arrest of Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man who died three days after being severely beaten during a traffic stop. The young mans death has caused deep pain for the Nichols family, and has sparked a city-wide scandal. Five Memphis Police Department officers Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Emmitt Martin III, Desmond Mills Jr, and Justin Smith were fired from the department and now face second-degree murder charges. Vice President Kamala Harris and members of Congress attended his funeral on 1 February, where the Rev Al Sharpton delivered a eulogy. Members of Nichols family are slated to attend President Joe Bidens State of the Union address as guests of the Congressional Black Caucus. Body-worn camera footage shows officers dragging Nichols from his car and firing a taser weapon at him before he fled the scene on foot. Heres what we know about why he was stopped. What was Tyre Nichols pulled over for? President Biden addresses Tyre Nichols death at National Prayer Breakfast in call for unity 17:00 , Alex Woodward (REUTERS) At the bipartisan National Prayer Breakfast event in Washington DC on Thursday morning, President Joe Biden condemned the violence in our communities, pointing to recent mass shootings in California and the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols in Memphis. Justice is long overdue, he said. In his remarks, the president said that in our politics and our lives, we too often see each other as opponents and not competitors. We see each other as enemies, not neighbors. And as tough as these times have been, if we look closer, we see the strength, the determination that has long defined America, he added. The president, invoking his soul of the nation theme that he has threaded throughout his campaign and administration, said that his prayer for the event that the nation begins to see each other again, look at each other again, travel with each other again, argue like hell with each other again but then still go to lunch together. We have to start treating each other in ways different than we have, in my humble opinion, he said. Why cant they see the humanity in Tyre?' 16:01 , Alex Woodward A program for his funeral a Celebration of Life for Tyre Nichols said that he loved skateboarding, watching the sunset, photography and most of all helping people. He had the most infectious smile, it said. It prominently features a quote that was on his photography website: My vision is to bring my viewers deep into what I am seeing through my eye and out through my lens. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump issued a plea for justice for Nichols as both a son to grieving parents and father to a 4-year-old boy. But most of all, the human being, he said. Video footage of police officers beating Nichols did not include one ounce of humanity, Mr Crump said. Why cant they see the humanity in Tyre? he asked. More from the funeral service on Wednesday: Mourners demand justice at funeral for Tyre Nichols ICYMI: Four of five officers charged with murdering Tyre Nichols had prior complaints, records reveal 15:30 , Alex Woodward Four of the five former Memphis Police Department officers charged for the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols were suspended or reprimanded in prior incidents while working for the department, according to recently unveiled personnel files. Two of the officers were written up after failing to fill out required reports about the use of force during arrests. Two other officers were suspended without pay for traffic accidents, and one of those officers was suspended for failing to file a report about an incident of domestic abuse. The officers faced little if any consequences, according to reviews of the officers records, and they were praised in at least two instances, with other officers describing their actions as one-time events. Four of five officers charged with murdering Tyre Nichols had prior complaints Joe Biden and Kamala Harris to meet with Congressional Black Caucus on police reform 14:50 , Alex Woodward One day after the funeral of Tyre Nichols, as mourners demanded Congress take action on national police reform legislation, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris will meet with members of Congress on Thursday afternoon to discuss their options. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters on Wednesday that the meeting with members of the Congressional Black Caucus will be a real conversation about police reform but she did not detail a path forward or potential executive actions if a Republican-controlled House and deadlocked Senate fails to advance a bill. In a statement on 29 January, caucus chair Steven Horsford said that members are calling on our colleagues in the House and Senate to jumpstart negotiations now and work with us to address the public health epidemic of police violence that disproportionately affects many of our communities. The brutal beating of Tyre Nichols was murder and is a grim reminder that we still have a long way to go in solving systemic police violence in America, he added. President Biden intially gave Congress a deadline to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act in 2021 on the one-year anniversary of that mans death. The White House also quietly abandoned plans that year for a national commission on police oversight to focus on the legislation. In April of 2021, Domestic Policy Council director Susan Rice said a commission would not be the most effective way to implement those reforms, based on close, respectful consultation with civil rights groups. WATCH: Tyre Nichols godsister reads heartbreaking poem at funeral 14:00 , Rachel Sharp At Tyre Nichols funeral on Wednesday, his godsister LaToya Yizar read out a heartbreaking poem echoing some of the final words of the 29-year-old Black man as he told officers: Im just trying to go home. Watch the touching moment below: Initial Memphis police report falsely claims Tyre Nichols fought officers 13:30 , Rachel Sharp A leaked incident report on Tyre Nichols arrest and fatal beating by Memphis police officers contains glaring inaccuracies that were later exposed after the release of bodycam and surveillance footage. The report, written two hours after Nichols beating on 7 January, claimed that the 29-year-old was irate and refused lawful detention, tried to start a fight with officers, and also attempted to take an officers gun, during an initial traffic stop. Video evidence released on 27 January told a very different story, showing officers swarming Nichols car and dragging him out, shouting contradictory commands and using pepper spray and a taser on him while he was trying to comply. The Independents Bevan Hurley has the full story: Initial Memphis police report falsely claims Tyre Nichols fought officers Today: Biden to meet with Congressional Black Caucus on police reform 13:00 , Alex Woodward President Joe Biden will meet with members of the Congressional Black Caucus on Thursday to have a real conversation about police reform, according to White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. She told reporters at a press briefing on Wednesday that the administration will continue to push for congressional passage of the bill, which passed in the formerly Democratically controlled House of Representatives in 2021 but stalled in the Senate. Ms Jean-Pierre did address whether the White House would consider executive actions. Unanswered questions from the Tyre Nichols footage 12:30 , Rachel Sharp Horrifying footage of the brutal and deadly beating of a Black man at the hands of law enforcement officers in Memphis has caused outrage across America and reignited demands for an overhaul of policing as we now know it. Tyre Nichols, 29, was pulled over for a traffic stop on the night of 7 June. He died three days later in hospital, with an independent autopsy by Nichols family finding that he suffered extensive bleeding caused by a severe beating. Damning footage taken from the police officers bodyworn cameras and a police pole camera was finally released to the public on Friday. It shows a group of Memphis police officers punching, kicking and tasering Nichols and beating him with batons. The 29-year-old is then left slumped up against a police car limp, disorientated and struggling to sit upright from his injuries. One of the most chilling parts of the footage captures the officers laughing and boasting about the beating they rained down on the Black man, with one officer heard saying he was hitting him with straight haymakers, dog. Before paramedics arrive on the scene sometime later and take him to hospital, the officers fail to administer him any medical aid. The deadly beating coming almost three years on from the murder of George Floyd and echoing the police beating of Rodney King three decades earlier led to protests across America over the weekend demanding justice and an end to police brutality. The five Memphis Police officers Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Emmitt Martin III, Desmond Mills Jr, and Justin Smith were fired by department and charged with second-degree murder. On Monday, two other officers were also relieved of their duties while three Memphis Fire Department officials two emergency reponders and a lieutenant were fired. Footage captured Tyre Nichols being beaten by Memphis police officers However, the hour-long footage has still left several questions still unanswered. The Independents Rachel Sharp reveals what we still dont know: These questions remain unanswered after video exposed police beating Tyre Nichols Four videos, 56 minutes, seven Memphis police officers, one deadly arrest 12:00 , Alex Woodward Nearly an hour of footage showing Memphis police officers pepper spray, baton, punch, kick and tase Tyre Nichols helped bring swift murder charges against the officers involved in the attack. The Independents Bevan Hurley explains what was captured in four videos and what questions remain about the case after their release: Four videos, 56 minutes, one deadly arrest: What the Tyre Nichols footage shows After Tyre Nichols funeral, Biden faces pressure on policing 11:30 , Rachel Sharp When Vice President Kamala Harris was called to the pulpit at the funeral for Tyre Nichols, she said the White House would settle for nothing less than ambitious federal legislation to crack down on police brutality. We should not delay. And we will not be denied, Harris said to applause in Memphis, Tennessee. It is non-negotiable. Back in Washington, however, progress appears difficult, if not unlikely. Bipartisan efforts to reach an agreement on policing legislation stalled more than a year ago, and President Joe Biden ended up instead signing an executive order named for George Floyd, whose murder at the hands of Minneapolis police set off nationwide protests nearly three years ago. Now, with a new killing in the headlines, Biden and Harris will meet with members of the Congressional Black Caucus on Thursday to explore whether its possible to get legislation back on track. After Tyre Nichols funeral, Biden faces pressure on policing Watch: Al Sharpton calls Tyre Nicholss attackers punks in eulogy 11:00 , Alex Woodward Mourners demand justice at funeral for Tyre Nichols as family calls on Congress to combat police violence 10:30 , Rachel Sharp In their remarks, faith leaders struck a delicate balance urging support for a grieving family while reflecting the sadness and anger of a nation days after witnessing yet another attack against a Black American by police. His family endured the unsolicited .... and unjustifiable burden of grieving their loved one and at the same time demanding justice, senior pastor J Lawrence Turner said. Were praying for you that God will continue to give you strength, because your strength has held us steady, and helped us constructively channel our outrage and turn our anger into action, he added. Mourners demand justice at funeral for Tyre Nichols Up to 20 hours of video involving arrest yet to be released 10:00 , Rachel Sharp Up to 20 hours of video related to Tyre Nichols deadly arrest is yet to be released by Memphis officials. Shelby County prosecutor Steven Mulroy told CNN on Wednesday that the footage includes audio of what officers said in the aftermath of the fatal beating and after Nichols was rushed by ambulance to hospital where he never recovered. To date, 56 minutes of footage has been released to the public as four separate videos. Three of the videos are from bodycam footage of Memphis police officers, while the fourth is taken from a security camera mounted on a streetpole. Mr Mulroy said that it falls to the city of Memphis and Memphis police to decide when to share the full footage with the public, as he revealed the prosecutors office is considering bringing more charges in the case. Full story: Kamala Harris speaks at Tyre Nichols funeral in Memphis calling on Congress to pass police reform legislation 09:00 , Alex Woodward Vice President Kamala Harris urged Congress to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, bipartisan police reform legislation that passed the House of Representatives in 2021 but stalled in a deadlocked Senate with Republican opposition. The bill, named in honour of the Black man who was murdered by Minneapolis police officers in 2020, was co-authored by then-Senator Harris. Let the memory of Tyre shine a light on the path toward peace and justice, Ms Harris said in her brief remarks. Kamala Harris calls on Congress to pass police reform bill at Tyre Nichols funeral We mourn with you: Kamala Harris gives passionate speech at Tyre Nicholss funeral 08:00 , Alex Woodward Vice President Kamala Harris was invited to attend the funeral of Tyre Nichols by his mother and stepfather, and the Rev Al Sharpton invited her to address the congregation gathered in Memphis on Wednesday. She told his parents that the people of our country mourn with you and praised them for their strength, courage, and grace. Blood on their hands: Tyre Nichols mother warns lawmakers against blocking George Floyd bill 07:00 , Alex Woodward Wednesdays funeral for Tyre Nichols in Memphis saw a re-energised call for the passage of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, federal legislation that was passed by the House of Representatives in 2021 but has otherwise stalled in Congress. The police are not always telling the whole truth' 05:00 , Alex Woodward Police are partisan actors just like everyone else in power, writes The Independents Josh Marcus, reflecting on his coverage of policing and criminal justice. Its vital to take their claims with a grain of salt. Tyre Nichols death shows us the police are not always telling the truth | Voices Elite police units in spotlight after brutal killing by Scorpion officers 03:00 , Alex Woodward Memphis Police Departments now-disbanded SCORPION unit which stands for Street Crimes Operation to Restore Peace in Our Neighborhoods was introduced in October 2021. It was dissolved in the aftermath of Tyre Nicholss death. The Independents Graeme Massie examines several similar controversial units in departments across the US that have been accused of abuse and excessive force. Elite police units in spotlight after brutal Tyre Nichols killing by officers Marjorie Taylor Greene compares Tyre Nichols beating to shooting of Capitol rioter Ashli Babbitt 02:00 , Alex Woodward Far-right congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene invoked the fatal shooting of Capitol rioter Ashli Babbitt after the mention of Tyre Nichols, who was fatally beaten by police. She then suggested that people who have been jailed for their roles in the insurrection are facing civil rights abuse in jail. Ms Greene went on to say that Congress was doing nothing to address the treatment of other participants in the attack, many of whom remain incarcerated ahead of their respective trials. Theres a simple reason for that: Ms Babbitt was part of a crowd that was actively trying to breach a door that had been barricaded in a restricted area. She was shot by an officer while attempting to climb through a window that her fellow rioters had broken. Federal prosecutors have closed the case and the officer was cleared of wrondoing. Marjorie Taylor Greene equates police killing of Tyre Nichols with Ashli Babbitt Initial Memphis police report falsely claims Tyre Nichols fought officers 01:00 , Alex Woodward A leaked incident report on Tyre Nichols arrest and fatal beating by Memphis police officers contains glaring inaccuracies that were later exposed after the release of bodycam and surveillance footage. The report, written two hours after Nichols beating on 7 January, claimed that the 29-year-old was irate and refused lawful detention, tried to start a fight with officers, and also attempted to take an officers gun, during an initial traffic stop. Initial Memphis police report falsely claims Tyre Nichols fought officers ICYMI: Four of five officers charged with murdering Tyre Nichols had prior complaints, records reveal 00:00 , Alex Woodward Four of the five former Memphis Police Department officers charged for the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols were suspended or reprimanded in prior incidents while working for the department, according to recently unveiled personnel files. The officers faced little if any consequences, according to the citys records of their cases, and they were praised in at least two instances, with other officers describing their actions as one-time events. Four of five officers charged with murdering Tyre Nichols had prior complaints Watch: Daughter of Rodney King reacts to video of Tyre Nichols Wednesday 1 February 2023 23:45 , Alex Woodward Im Just Trying to Go Home' Wednesday 1 February 2023 22:41 , Alex Woodward LaToya Yizar, who says her mother was Tyre Nichols godmother, read a poem at his funeral invoking the words he told officers the night he was beaten. From the lectern at Mississippi Boulevard Baptist Church in Memphis, she read Im Just Trying to Go Home. In his eulogy, the Rev Al Sharpton said that home is not just a place. Home is where you are at peace. Home is where you dont have to keep your dukes up. Home is where youre not vulnerable, he said. Home is where everything is all right. Full story: Mourners demand justice at funeral for Tyre Nichols as family calls on Congress to combat police violence Wednesday 1 February 2023 22:30 , Alex Woodward Soft purple light surrounded a closed casket beneath a wooden cross inside Mississippi Boulevard Baptist Church in Memphis, where hundreds of people gathered to celebrate the life of Tyre Nichols in a ceremony marked by the weight of his loss and a raging fury against police violence. The 29-year-old Black man was fatally beaten by a group of Memphis Police Department officers in January, and horrific footage of the incident released last week has revived an international, urgent demand for reform. Reflecting the far-reaching shock of his death, those in attendance at his funeral on 1 February included Vice President Kamala Harris, filmmaker Spike Lee and members of Congress, with a eulogy from the Rev Al Sharpton. There was also a call to action from civil rights attorney Ben Crump demanding swift justice against police who commit violence against Black Americans. Mourners demand justice at funeral for Tyre Nichols Tyre Nicholss mother and stepfather speak at sons funeral Wednesday 1 February 2023 20:59 , Alex Woodward Vice President Kamala Harris, left, embraces RowVaughn Wells, the mother of Tyre Nichols, at his funeral service on 1 February. (Getty Images) In her remarks at her sons funeral, Tyre Nicholss mother RowVaughn Wells urged members of Congress to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, federal police reform legislation aimed at addressing police misonduct and holding officers accountable for police violence. If we dont, that next child that dies, that blood will be on their hands, she said through tears. Were looking forward to passing some bills. Were looking forward to getting justice for all of the families over there, not just ours, Nicholss stepfather Rodney Wells said. We cannot continue to let these people brutalize our kids. All I want is my baby brother back' Wednesday 1 February 2023 20:51 , Alex Woodward Keyana Dixon, the oldest sister of Tyre Nichols, fondly remembered growing up with her younger brother as she addressed a massive congregation gathered for his funeral. I see the world showing him love and fighting for his justice, but all I want is my baby brother back, she said, speaking through tears. Even in his demise, he was still polite: He asked them to Please stop. Ben Crump issues a plea for justice' in funeral remarks Wednesday 1 February 2023 20:28 , Alex Woodward Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who has represented the families of several Black Americans killed by police, including the family of Tyre Nichols, issued a plea for justice during his funeral service. His plea for justice for Nichols as a son and father but most of all, the human being. Video footage of police officers beating Nichols did not include not one ounce of humanity, Mr Crump said. Why cant they see the humanity in Tyre? he asked. Watch: Al Sharpton calls Tyre Nichols attackers punks during fiery speech at funeral Wednesday 1 February 2023 20:24 , Alex Woodward Watch in full: Kamala Harris speaks at the funeral of Tyre Nichols Wednesday 1 February 2023 20:20 , Alex Woodward Al Sharpton condemns officers charged in Nicholss death as he delivers eulogy Wednesday 1 February 2023 20:20 , Alex Woodward Rev Al Sharpton condemned the actions of the Black officers who are charged with the murder of Tyre Nichols, arguing that the sacrifies of civil rights leaders like Dr Martin Luther King Jr paved the way for their public service. People had to march and go to jail and some people lost their lives to open the doors for you. How dare you act like that sacrifice was for nothing? he said. Mr Sharpton visited the Lorraine Motel where Dr King was killed the morning before the service. He invoked Dr Kings Ive Been to the Mountaintop speech that Dr King delivered from the Mason Temple in Memphis the day before his murder. Let us all be mountain climbers, he said. Kamala Harris addresses Tyre Nichols funeral Wednesday 1 February 2023 19:53 , Alex Woodward (Getty Images) Rev Al Sharpton invited Vice President Kamala Harris to address a congregation at Tyre Nicholss funeral service. You have been extraordinary, she said of his mother RowVaughn Wells and stepfather Rodney Wells. We have a mother and a father who mourn the life of a young man who should be here today. They have a grandson who now does not have a father. His brothers and sisters will lose the love of growing old withtheir baby brother, she continued. Nichols died following an act of violence at the hands and the feet of the people who have been charged with keeping them safe, she said. This violent act was not in pursuit of public safety. It was not in the interest of keeping the public safe, she continued. Was he not also entitled to the right to be safe? She urged Congress to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, bipartisan police reform legislation that passed the House of Representatives but stalled in a deadlocked Senate with Republican opposition. Mother of Black man killed by Houston police officer calls on mothers to stop all of this' Wednesday 1 February 2023 19:42 , Alex Woodward Tiffany Rachal, the mother of Jalen Randle, a Black man who was killed by a Houston police officer last year, addressed the family of Tyre Nichols during his funeral before singing Lord I Will Lift My Eyes to the Hills. Randle, like Nichols, was 29 years old when he died. I pray that God bless you. I pray that God heal your broken heart, she said. Addressing mothers who have endured police shootings, she said that we are fighting together and all of the mothers all over the world need to come together and stop all of this. Kamala Harris arrives in Memphis Wednesday 1 February 2023 19:17 , Alex Woodward Vice President Kamala Harris has arrived in Memphis to attend the funeral of Tyre Nichols. (AP) The program for the Celebration of Life for Tyre Nichols Wednesday 1 February 2023 19:27 , Alex Woodward A program for the funeral of Tyre Nichols a Celebration of Life for Tyre Nichols reads that he loved skateboarding, watching the sunset, photography and most of all helping people. He had the most infectious smile, it reads. It prominently features a quote of his that was on his photography website: My vision is to bring my viewers deep into what I am seeing through my eye and out through my lens. Senior pastor begins funeral service Wednesday 1 February 2023 19:15 , Alex Woodward In opening remarks, Senior Pastor Rev J Lawrence Turner said the fmaily of Tyre Nichols has endured the unsolicited .... and unjustifiable burden of grieving their loved one and at the same time demanding justice. Were praying for you that God will continue to give you strength, because your strength has held us steady, and helped us constructively channel our outrage and turn our anger into action, he said. (AP) Watch: Funeral service begins in Memphis for Tyre Nichols Wednesday 1 February 2023 18:58 , Alex Woodward The Rev Al Sharpton will deliver a eulogy at the funeral for Tyre Nichols at Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church in Memphis this afternoon. Vice President Kamala Harris and members of the families of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor are expected to attend. Pastor J Lawrence Turner expects as many as 2,500 in attendance. The service begins at 1pm central time. Funeral for Tyre Nichols begins soon Wednesday 1 February 2023 18:20 , Alex Woodward Mourners are beginning to gather for a funeral service for Tyre Nichols at Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church in Memphis. The service will begin at 1pm central time. (AP) Church pastor expects 2,500 in attendance Wednesday 1 February 2023 17:30 , Alex Woodward The senior pastor of Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church told USA Today that he expects the church to be at capacity for the afternoon funeral service for Tyre Nichols. I think there will be north of 2,500 persons there, the Rev J Lawrence Turner said. Our staff and a committed team of volunteers are working together in coordination with the team from [Ben Crumps law firm] and the National Action Network to accommodate everyone who is coming to celebrate Tyre Nicholss life. The Rev Al Sharpton, founder of the National Action Network civil rights organisation, said that he was invited by Nicholss family to deliver a euology at the service. They asked me if I would come do a eulogy, he told The Memphis Commercial Appeal. I told them Id be honored to do it. Members of the Biden administration to attend funeral Wednesday 1 February 2023 17:00 , Alex Woodward Keisha Lance Bottoms (Getty Images) At least three members of President Joe Bidens administration will attend Tyre Nicholss funeral in Memphis on Wednesday afternoon, including Vice President Kamala Harris, who spoke with his family earlier this week. A statement from their attorney Ben Crump said his mother RowVaughn Wells and stepfather Rodney Wells invited her. Mitch Landrieu (Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms who is a senior advisor and director of the White House Office of Public Engagement also is expected to attend. So is former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, who now serves as a senior White House adviser overseeing the implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Memphis police SCORPION unit had $28m annual budget Wednesday 1 February 2023 16:33 , Alex Woodward The now-dissolved unit involved with the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols operated with a $28m annual budget from the time of its creation in 2021 until it was disbanded after the release of video footage of the officers brutally attacking the 29-year-old Black man. The Memphis Police Departments now-former unit Street Crimes Operation to Restore Peace in Our Neighborhoods, or SCORPION was among highly armed and armoured local police details across the US deployed in high crime areas that have faced waves of criticism, scandal and allegations of abuse. The Independents Graeme Massie explains: Elite police units in spotlight after brutal Tyre Nichols killing by officers Four of five officers charged with murdering Tyre Nichols had prior complaints, records reveal Wednesday 1 February 2023 16:00 , Alex Woodward Four of the five former Memphis Police Department officers charged for the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols were suspended or reprimanded in prior incidents while working for the department, according to recently unveiled personnel files. Two of the officers were written up after failing to fill out required reports about the use of force during arrests. Two other officers were suspended without pay for traffic accidents, and one of those officers was suspended for failing to file a report about an incident of domestic abuse. They faced little if any consequences, according to reviews of the officers records, and they were praised in at least two instances, with other officers describing their actions as one-time events. Four of five officers charged with murdering Tyre Nichols had prior complaints Who is attending Tyre Nicholss funeral? Wednesday 1 February 2023 15:30 , Alex Woodward Those in attendance at todays service will include the Rev Al Sharpton, who will deliver a euology, and Vice President Kamala Harris. The former mayors of Atlanta and New Orleans Keisha Lance Bottoms and Mitch Landrieu, both of whom now work in President Joe Bidens administration will also attend. What time is Tyre Nichols funeral and who is attending? Memphis prepares to lay Nichols to rest Wednesday 1 February 2023 15:15 , Alex Woodward A funeral for Tyre Nichols will begin later this morning inside Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church in Memphis. Winter weather had delayed the service, which will take place three weeks after Nicholss fatal beating by Memphis Police Department officers. The service will begin at 1pm central time. (AP) (AP) Memphis is preparing release of more complete footage Wednesday 1 February 2023 14:37 , Alex Woodward The city of Memphis is responding to calls for the full release of footage related to the arrest and death of Tyre Nichols, including audio and video footage, which could be releaed within the next few weeks, according to a city spokesperson. Jennifer Sink, Chief Legal Officer for the city, said that the premature release of the video and audio could compromise our administrative investigation into his fatal beating. The City is preparing to release these recordings publicly upon completion of the administrative investigation, which is expected to occur in the next few weeks, she added. Mr Nichols family and attorneys have been afforded an opportunity to view the entirety of the audio and video footage privately until it can be released publicly. We request the publics patience while we complete our investigation. A question central to the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols: Why was he even being pulled over? Wednesday 1 February 2023 14:00 , Alex Woodward Footage of the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols has directly contradicted initial police reports, and an initial claim that he was pulled over for reckless driving was effectively retracted by officials in the wake of his death. Im going to be honest with you about the stop itself. What was said was there was witnessing of what was considered reckless driving, police chief Cerelyn Davis told CNN on Friday. Weve looked at cameras. Weve looked at body worn cameras. Even if something occurred prior to this stop, weve been unable to substantiate it, she said. All told, according to the Memphis Police Department, two different altercations occurred between Nichols and officers over the course of the stop, the latter taking place just blocks from Nicholss home. Heres what we know so far: Why was Tyre Nichols pulled over and beaten? Vladimir Putin has mobilised nearly 500,000 troops to attack Ukraine in a renewed offensive marking the one-year anniversary of the Ukraine war, Ukrainian defence minister Oleksii Reznikov said. Mr Putin had asked for 300,000 Russian men to be enrolled in a general mobilisation in September, but Mr Reznikov told the French BFM network last night that the actual number of conscripts deployed to fight in Ukraine could be much more. Volodymyr Zelensky further asserted this claim and said that Ukraine is seeing a certain increase in the occupiers offensive actions at the front in the east of our country. The situation is becoming even more severe, he said in his nightly address yesterday. Russian forces have now surrounded the embattled eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut, a Moscow-backed leader in the Donetsk region has claimed. Bakhmut and villages on its southern approaches in Donetsk are coming under renewed heavy Russian fire, Ukrainian army chiefs said late on Tuesday. Key points Boris Johnson condemns decision not to give Ukraine fighter jets Netanyahu would consider Ukraine-Russia mediator role if asked Russia faced with battle for every metre in eastern Ukraine Ukraine responding to Russias revenge attempt, says Zelensky Nearly 500,000 troops likely in major new Russian offensive, says Ukrainian defence minister 03:41 , Arpan Rai Vladimir Putin is likely preparing a major new offensive and could strike Ukraine around the one-year anniversary of the war on 24 February, Ukrainian defence minister Oleksii Reznikov said in his latest remarks. Russia has amassed nearly 500,000 troops for the attack, Ukrainian intelligence indicates. Mr Reznikov said that Russia has many more new troops than just their officially announced count of 300,000 from the first wave of mobilisation in September. Officially they announced 300,000 but when we see the troops at the borders, according to our assessments it is much more, he told the French BFM network. Story continues Moscow could try something to mark the invasions first year on 24 February, the minister added, suggesting a grim new chapter in the continuing war. However, he added that Ukrainian commanders and forces will move to stabilise the front and prepare for a counter-offensive ahead of the anticipated Russian advance. Mr Reznikov said he has faith that the year 2023 can be the year of military victory, and that the Ukrainian forces cannot lose the initiative they have gained in recent months. Johnson criticises Sunak decision not to give Ukraine fighter jets 03:01 , Katy Clifton Russia may stop officials taking holidays abroad' 02:01 , Katy Clifton Russian legislators will discuss a request by one of Vladimir Putins closest allies to ban officials from taking foreign holidays during wartime, state media has cited a senior parliamentarian as saying. Yevgeny Prigozhin, founder of the powerful Wagner Group private army, said it was unacceptable that officials and parliamentarians were vacationing in countries hostile to Russia. Vasily Piskaryov, head of the committee on security and anti-corruption in the State Duma or lower chamber of parliament, said legislators would take a look at whether changes should be made. This initiative ... certainly deserves attention, Tass cited him as telling reporters. Prigozhin made the request in a letter to Piskaryov that the Wagner Group made public. Russian President Vladimir Putin (AP) Brexit behind UKs tank pledge, Johnson says 01:00 , Katy Clifton Without Brexit, the UK would not have delivered the next generation light anti-tank weapons to Ukraine, according to former prime minister Boris Johnson. Mr Johnson, taking questions after a speech at the Atlantic Council in Washington, US, said: I seriously think that it was in part because of Brexit that we were able to take a decision and to have an approach that was very distinct from the old EU approach, which was by the way all governed by the fabled Normandy Format which was agreed in Normandy in 2014. For reasons that are now obscure to me, the British government decided they did not want to be involved in this. France and Germany led it, that was the EU framework. If wed stuck with that, I dont believe we would have delivered the NLaws and I think we would have taken a very different approach, to be perfectly frank. I think because of Brexit weve been able to do things differently and I hope in a way that has been useful to Ukraine. Mr Johnson used his speech to call for Kyiv to be admitted to both Nato and the European Union. Zelensky: Ill make as many personnel changes as necessary 00:01 , Katy Clifton Volodymyr Zelensky has said he will make as many personnel changes as necessary to fight corruption and stressed the need for the defence ministry to be honest. Unfortunately, in some areas, the only way to guarantee the rule of law is to change the leadership ... there will be as many changes as is necessary, he said in a video address. Police earlier raided an influential billionaires home in what a Zelensky ally touted as a sweeping clamp down on corruption. Zelensky at a news briefing in Odesa on Monday (Reuters) Johnson says taking back bridge would be game over for Putin Wednesday 1 February 2023 23:00 , Katy Clifton Providing Ukraine with the weapons to take back the so-called land bridge invaded by Russian forces would be game over for Russian president Vladimir Putin, Boris Johnson has said. The former prime minister, asked after a speech at the Atlantic Council in Washington, US, what land bridge he had been referring to, said: This is the area, as it was, between Mariupol, between Donbas and the Crimea that Putin has taken, that long strip of land that basically prevents the Ukrainians from reaching the Azov Sea. Thats the area. If they take that back which they can and they have a plan if they can take back Melitopol and Berdyansk and Mariupol, get back those areas, it is game over for Putin. Thats what needs to happen. We need new tanks, says German defence minister Wednesday 1 February 2023 22:05 , Jane Dalton Germany needs to order new Leopard tanks quickly to replace those going to Ukraine, defence minister Boris Pistorius has said, adding he did not care where the money came from. For me, the crucial fact is that we have to order new tanks, not in a year, but swiftly, so that production can begin, he told reporters on a visit to a tank battalion in the western town of Augustdorf, which has been chosen to supply 14 of its Leopard 2 tanks to Kyiv. Where will the money come from? Let me casually put it like this: Frankly, I dont care. It is essential that we can provide them (the tanks) quickly, Mr Pistorius said. He aims to accelerate arms procurement and ramp up ammunitions supplies in the long term after almost a year of arms donations to Ukraine has depleted German military stocks. Boris Pistorius, right, sits on a Leopard 2 tank (AP) Why Russias economy is still growing despite sanctions Wednesday 1 February 2023 21:20 , Jane Dalton ICYMI: Experts say the effect of sanctions seems less strong than the West had hoped. William Mata reports: Are sanctions working? Why Russias economy continues to grow Top tax officials and ex-minister investigated Wednesday 1 February 2023 20:35 , Jane Dalton Raids have also been carried out at Ukraines tax office, targeting top tax and customs officials, and on the home of an influential former interior minister. It comes two days before Kyiv hosts a summit with the European Union at which it wants to show western allies it is cracking down after years of chronic corruption. The government sees Fridays summit as key to its hopes of one day joining the bloc. In a political shake-up, more than a dozen officials quit or were sacked last week. Former interior minister Arsen Avakov told Ukrainian media that investigators also searched his house following a helicopter crash last month in which his successor, Denys Monastyrsky, died. Mr Avakov quit in 2021 after a scandal-ridden tenure. Embezzlement scheme uncovered, say police Wednesday 1 February 2023 19:45 , Jane Dalton Ukraines police and security services say they have uncovered a scheme to embezzle more than $1bn at oil producer Ukrnafta and oil refinery Ukrtatnafta, companies that billionaire Ihor Kolomoisky used to partly own. In a fresh wave of high-profile anti-corruption raids, officials raided the powerful oligarchs home, as well as those of other incumbent and former top officials. Kolomoisky, who could not be reached for comment, has previously denied any wrongdoing. Ukraine billionaire among those targeted in fresh anti-corruption raids UK refusal to send warplanes could change, defence chief hints Wednesday 1 February 2023 19:00 , Jane Dalton A Royal Air Force chief has suggested the UKs refusal to provide Ukraine with fighter jets could change. Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston told the Commons Defence Committee: I think the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State yesterday were very clear on where we stand on fast jets at this stage. But these are things that, the course of the invasion - of the brutal invasion and Ukraines heroic defence and how we have supported them - that has been an evolutionary process and I look to the future and we should be ready for any outcomes. He declined to say what air power the RAF could make available to Ukraine. US president Joe Biden said on Monday he would not send warplanes to Kyiv. Russian arms dealer, son and front firms hit with sanctions Wednesday 1 February 2023 18:16 , Jane Dalton The US has imposed sanctions on a Russian arms dealer, his son, a group of front companies across Asia, Europe and the Middle East and their leadership, in an effort to curb Russias access to weapons: Russian arms dealer, son and front firms hit with sanctions Billionaires home searched in 'financial crime probe Wednesday 1 February 2023 17:45 , Jane Dalton Ukrainian state security officials have searched the home of billionaire businessman Ihor Kolomoisky, in what is reported to be an investigation into possible financial crimes. A senior governing party official confirmed Kolomoiskys home had been searched - as well as that of a former interior minister - but did not state the reason for the search. Photographs circulating on social media appeared to show Kolomoisky, dressed in a sweatsuit, looking on in the presence of at least one SBU officer inside a large wooden home. Reuters could not immediately verify the authenticity of the images. Kolomoisky is one of Ukraines richest men and a one-time ally of Volodymyr Zelensky, who launched a crackdown on wealthy businessmen known as oligarchs in late 2021 - before Russia launched its full-scale invasion. Kolomoisky, who is from the central city of Dnipro and owns an array of assets including one of Ukraines most influential television channels, backed Zelenskiys election campaign in 2019. Latvia threatens Olympic boycott if Russians compete Wednesday 1 February 2023 17:10 , Jane Dalton Latvia has threatened to boycott next years Paris Olympics if Russian athletes are allowed to take part during the war in Ukraine and is calling on other countries to form a coalition to pressure international sports bodies: Latvia threatens Olympic boycott if Russians compete Putin slates shelling of Russian regions Wednesday 1 February 2023 16:39 , Jane Dalton Vladimir Putin has said Russias military must stop the shelling of Russian regions from Ukrainian territory, which he said had left many people homeless or without power. Mr Putin was addressing a government meeting about restoring destroyed housing and infrastructure in regions of southwest Russia that border Ukraine. Of course, the priority task is to eliminate the very possibility of shelling. But this is the business of the military department, he said in remarks published on the Kremlin website. Ukraine does not claim responsibility for strikes in Russian territory but has described them as karma for Moscows invasion, which has razed Ukrainian cities and systematically targeted the countrys energy infrastructure, leaving people frequently without power and water in the depths of winter. Putin cited the Russian regions of Belgorod, Bryansk and Kursk, as well as Crimea, which Russia seized from Ukraine and annexed in 2014, as areas where housing had been damaged or destroyed. People were facing very acute problems, and repairs and compensation were needed, he said. Many people found themselves in a difficult situation, lost their homes, were forced to move to relatives or to temporary places of residence, faced interruptions in the supply of water, heat, and electricity, he said. Russians take eastern city, Kremlin-backed chief claims Wednesday 1 February 2023 15:42 , Jane Dalton A Kremlin-backed regional leader in Donetsk claims the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut has been surrounded by Russian forces, Reuters news agency reported. Bakhmut is now operationally surrounded, our forces are closing the ring around the city, said Yan Gagin, an aide to Denis Pushilin the Russia-backed leader of the illegally annexed Donetsk region. Gagin claimed that fighting was now taking place for control of the Chasiv-Yar-Bakhmut highway. Ukraines military leadership said there had been no let-up with Russian offensive operations, but spoke of heavy losses Russian forces were incurring in their battle for the town. No 10 snubs Johnson over call for jets Wednesday 1 February 2023 15:02 , Jane Dalton Downing Street has again ruled out supplying Ukraine with British fighter jets, despite Boris Johnsons backing the idea. Asked about the former prime ministers attacks on the government for not sending jets, Rishi Sunaks official spokesman said: The Prime Minister welcomes all colleagues backing for Ukraine and is pleased the former prime minister is continuing his staunch support of the United Kingdoms efforts to help Ukraine secure a lasting peace. But he said that Mr Johnson was acting in his own capacity and not on behalf of the UK Government. The official said: Its currently not practical to send UK jets: we will continue to work closely with the Ukrainians to understand their needs and how allies can further support them. Given the complexity of UK fighter jets and the length of time required to train them we do not currently think it is practical to do so. Battle for Bakhmut rages under Russian shelling Wednesday 1 February 2023 14:45 , Jane Dalton Troops are fighting building to building in Bakhmut for gains of barely 100 metres a night, and the city was coming under constant Russian shelling, according to Ukrainian battleground reports. Bakhmut came under renewed fire, as did the villages of Klishchiivka and Kurdyumivka on its southern approaches, the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces said late last night. Russian forces also tried to advance on Avdiivka, the second focal point of Russian attacks in Donetsk region and Lyman, a town further north that was recaptured by Ukrainian forces in October, the military said. Further west, Russia fired on Vuhledar and a half dozen other towns and villages, it said. A Ukrainian serviceman looks on in Bakhmut, Donetsk (Reuters) Belarus says it has control of Russian nuke launchers Wednesday 1 February 2023 14:15 , Liam James Belarus said its armed forces are now in autonomous control of Russian-supplied nuclear-capable Iskander mobile guided missile systems after completing training in Russia as well as exercises on home soil. The missiles are capable of hitting targets at a range of up to 310 miles, Minsks defence ministry said. Russian forces used Belarus as a launch pad for their abortive attack on the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, in February last year, and a recent flurry of joint military activity in Belarus has fanned speculation that Moscow may be leaning on Minsk to join its war in Ukraine something Minsk has ruled out. The Iskander-M, codenamed SS-26 Stone by Nato, replaced the Soviet Scud. Its range reaches deep into Belaruss neighbours Ukraine and Nato member Poland, whose relations with Belarus are badly strained Biden may head to Europe this month, says Polish president Wednesday 1 February 2023 13:45 , Liam James Polish president Andrzej Duda said US oresident Joe Biden will probably visit Central Europe in February but added he did not know which countries of the region he would be visiting. The president will most likely be coming to our part of Europe in February, Mr Duda said during a press conference in Riga, Estonia, on Wednesday. Our part of Europe means Central Europe ... this is an area stretching from Romania to Estonia. It is very difficult for us to answer where the president will be coming in detail, we do not have such information. Duda speaks in Riga today (AFP/Getty) Russian journalsit sentenced for speaking out on Ukraine Wednesday 1 February 2023 13:15 , Liam James A Moscow court has sentenced a Russian journalist to eight years in prison on charges of disparaging the military, the latest move in the authorities relentless crackdown on dissent. Alexander Nevzorov, a television journalist and former legislator, was convicted on charges of spreading false information about the military under a law that was adopted soon after Russian President Vladimir Putin sent troops into Ukraine. The law effectively exposes anyone critical of the Russian military action in Ukraine to fines and prison sentences of up to 15 years. Nevzorov was accused of posting false information on social media about the Russian shelling of a maternity hospital in the Sea of Azov port of Mariupol. Moscow has fiercely denied its involvement. The reporter, who moved abroad after the start of the Ukrainian conflict, had no immediate comment on the verdict. Turkey happy with Finlands Nato bid but not Swedens Wednesday 1 February 2023 12:49 , Liam James Turkey looks positively on Finlands application for Nato membership, but does not support Swedens bid, Turkish president Tayyip Erdogan said today. Our position on Finland is positive, but it is not positive on Sweden, Mr Erdogan said of their Nato applications in a speech to his AK Party deputies in parliament. Sweden and Finland applied last year to join the trans-Atlantic defence pact after Russia invaded Ukraine, but faced unexpected objections from Turkey and have since sought to win its support. Ankara wants Helsinki and Stockholm in particular to take a tougher line against the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which is considered a terror group by Turkey and the European Union, and another group it blames for a 2016 coup attempt. The three nations reached an agreement on a way forward in Madrid last June, but Ankara suspended talks last month as tensions rose following protests in Stockholm in which a far-right Danish politician burned a copy of the Muslim holy book, the Koran. Ukraine hopes war will be over by time Eurovision 2023 takes place Wednesday 1 February 2023 11:58 , Liam James Ukraine is hoping that the war will be over in May so citizens can travel to see the Eurovision Song Contest, a manager at the countrys public broadcaster said. The Public Broadcasting Company of Ukraine (UA:PBC) is also advising the BBC and Liverpool on how to create the right vibe for the international music event when the UK city plays host in May. Oksana Skybinska, an activity manager from the international co-operation department at the UA:PBC, told the PA news agency on Tuesday that she really hopes no other country is put in a similar situation due to an invasion. When asked if Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky or other political figures would be attending Eurovision, she said: For todays ceremony, the mayor of Kyiv has prepared a video message, a welcome message, on behalf of the previous host city of Kyiv (who) hosted the contest in 2017. Ukraine hopes war will be over by time Eurovision 2023 takes place Corruption blitz continues with raid on one of Ukraines wealthiest men Wednesday 1 February 2023 11:33 , Liam James Security officials have raided the homes of one of Ukraines richest men and a former interior minister, a top governing party official said. David Arakhamia, head of the Servant of the People partys parliamentary faction, said there were also searches at Ukraines Tax Office and that the management team of the Customs Service would be dismissed. President Volodymyr Zelensky last week announced a crackdown on corruption in the Ukrainian government ranks. Watch: Boris Johnson says warplanes needed in Fox News interview Wednesday 1 February 2023 10:56 , Liam James Former British prime minister Boris Johnson criticised the decision of his successor Rishi Sunak and US president Joe Biden to deny Ukraine fighter jets. Mr Johnson spoke to Fox News in the US earlier: Kremlin says US rockets will escalate Ukraine war Wednesday 1 February 2023 10:24 , Liam James The Kremlin said on Wednesday that longer-range rockets reportedly included in an upcoming package of military aid from the United States to Ukraine would escalate the conflict but not change its course. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also told reporters that there were no plans for Russian president Vladimir Putin to hold talks with US president Joe Biden. The US package of military aid, worth $2.2bn ($1.8bn), is expected to include longer-range rockets for the first time, two US officials briefed on the matter told Reuters. Such rockets would allow Ukraine which has said it plans to retake all of its territory by force, including annexed Crimea to strike deeper into Russian-held territory. Boris Johnson criticises Rishi Sunak decision not to give Ukraine fighter jets Wednesday 1 February 2023 09:29 , Sam Rkaina Boris Johnson has condemned Rishi Sunaks decision not to send fighter jets to Ukraine, as he urged western leaders to give them what they need. The former Tory prime minister suggested that it would save time if the UK and its allies gave Volodymyr Zelenskys forces the fighter jet aircraft they had asked for now. This is not the moment to delay any support to Ukraine, this is the moment to double down on our support. Give them what they need, Mr Johnson told Fox News. Click here for the full story. Boris Johnson (Fox News) Russian forces are encircling Ukrainian city of Bakhmut - Moscow-installed official Wednesday 1 February 2023 08:59 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain Russian forces are encircling Bakhmut and are battling to take control of the highway that connects the city to the nearby town of Chasiv Yar, a Russian-installed official in eastern Ukraine said on Wednesday. Bakhmut is now operationally surrounded, our forces are closing the ring around the city, said Yan Gagin, an aide to senior Russian-installed official Denis Pushilin. Fighting for control of the Chasiv Yar-Bakhmut highway is now underway, Gagin said on state television. Reuters could not independently verify his assertions. Russia claims to have taken control of several locations around Bakhmut, where its troops and mercenaries from the Wagner group have been locked in a battle of attrition with Ukrainian forces for months. Russian journalist sentenced in absentia to eight years in jail for 'fake news' Wednesday 1 February 2023 08:35 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain Prominent Russian journalist Alexander Nevzorov was sentenced in absentia to eight years in jail by a Moscow court on Wednesday after it found him guilty of spreading fake news about the Russian army, state media reported. Investigators opened a case against Nevzorov last year for posts on social media in which he accused Russias armed forces of deliberately shelling a maternity hospital in the Ukrainian city of Mariupol, an assertion Moscow said was false. Nevzorovs wife wrote on Instagram in March that she and her husband were in Israel. Spain to send up to six Leopard 2A4 tanks to Ukraine Wednesday 1 February 2023 08:01 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain Spain plans to send between four and six German-built Leopard 2A4 tanks to Ukraine, newspaper El Pais reported on Wednesday, citing unidentified government sources. The actual number will depend on the condition of the battle tanks in storage and how many other countries will eventually supply to Ukraine, the sources told El Pais. A spokesperson for the Spanish Defence Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Kyiv secured pledges from the West this month to supply main battle tanks to help fend off Russias invasion with Moscow mounting huge efforts to make incremental advances in eastern Ukraine. Ukraines Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said on Tuesday his government expects to receive 120 to 140 Western tanks from a coalition of 12 countries in a first wave. Kuleba said those tanks would include German Leopard 2, British Challenger 2 and U.S. M1 Abrams tanks, and that Ukraine was also really counting on supplies of French Leclerc tanks being agreed. UK: Fighter jets not an immediate solution Wednesday 1 February 2023 21:31 Britains Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster said providing fighter planes was "not an immediate solution" for Ukraine in the war against Russia because of the time involved with training Kyiv pilots. Oliver Dowden was asked what he made of former prime minister Boris Johnson urging the UK Government to commit to providing Ukraine with fighter jets. The Cabinet minister told ITVs Peston programme: I certainly think that we need to be resolute in supporting our Ukrainian allies. Now, I think it is a bit premature to start talking about jets and everything else, but of course we dont rule anything off the table. Theres training times and so on associated with that, so it is not an immediate solution, no. No 10 still ruling out fighter jets Wednesday 1 February 2023 21:34 , Katy Clifton Downing Street was yesterday continuing to rule out supplying Ukraine with British fighter jets despite Boris Johnson backing the move. Asked about the former prime ministers trip to the US, Rishi Sunaks official spokesman said: The Prime Minister welcomes all colleagues backing for Ukraine and is pleased the former prime minister is continuing his staunch support of the United Kingdoms efforts to help Ukraine secure a lasting peace. But he said that Mr Johnson is acting in his own capacity and not on behalf of the UK Government. Asked about Mr Johnsons jet call, the official said: Its currently not practical to send UK jets, we will continue to work closely with the Ukrainians to understand their needs and how allies can further support them. Given the complexity of UK fighter jets and the length of time required to train them we do not currently think it is practical to do so. Are sanctions working? Why Russias economy continues to grow Wednesday 1 February 2023 06:59 , Andy Gregory Sanctions on Russia might not be having the impact the West had hoped a financial expert has said after the International Monetary Fund predicted that Britain would see lower growth than Russia in the year ahead. My colleague William Mata speaks to experts on why Russias economy is continuing to grow despite Western efforts: Are sanctions working? Why Russias economy continues to grow Kherson most consistently shelled city by Russia - MoD Wednesday 1 February 2023 06:43 , Arpan Rai Ukraines Kherson remains the most consistently shelled city outside of the Donbas region, the British defence ministry said today. Russias precise rationale for expending its strained ammunition stocks here is unclear, the MoD added. Russian forces had to exit Kherson in October last year in a massive territorial loss after capturing the region for more than eight months of the war, but the occupying forces have continued to attempt multiple attacks to recapture the strategic city. In recent days, some of the most intense shelling in the conflict has likely taken place along the Dnipro River in southern Ukraine. This has included continued Russian shelling of Kherson city with artillery firing from the east of the river, the ministry pointed out. It added that local authorities reported another three civilians killed in Kherson on Sunday, while two foreign-owned ships moored on the river were damaged, causing an oil spill. However, commanders are likely partially aiming to degrade civilian morale and to deter any Ukrainian counter-attacks across the Dnipro River, according to the defence ministrys latest intelligence update. Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine - 1 February 2023 Find out more about the UK government's response: https://t.co/b85G1tkLax #StandWithUkraine pic.twitter.com/IkFbNiLOIe Ministry of Defence (@DefenceHQ) February 1, 2023 US packs $2bn-plus military package with longer-range weapons Wednesday 1 February 2023 06:28 , Arpan Rai The US is packing more than $2bn worth of military aid for Ukraine and is including longer-range rockets in a first for the war-hit country along with other munition and weapons, said two US officials aware of the matter. This tranche of military aid, expected to amp up Ukraines counteroffensive against Russian attacks, will also include support equipment for Patriot air defence systems, precision guided-munitions and Javelin anti-tank weapons, the officials said. They added that the announcement for this aid is expected as soon as this week. ICYMI: Russia wouldnt have invaded Ukraine without Brexit, suggests top MEP Wednesday 1 February 2023 21:28 , Katy Clifton US accuses Russia of failing to comply with nuclear weapons treaty Wednesday 1 February 2023 05:59 , Arpan Rai Russias refusal to allow on-the-ground inspections to resume is endangering the New Start nuclear treaty and US-Russian arms control overall, the Biden administration said last night. The finding was delivered to Congress and summarised in a statement by the State Department. It follows months of more hopeful US assessments that the two countries would be able to salvage cooperation on limiting strategic nuclear weapons despite high tensions over Russias war on Ukraine. Read the full story here: US accuses Russia of failing to comply with nuclear weapons treaty Boxer Klitschko joins fight against Olympic path for Russia Wednesday 1 February 2023 05:56 , Andy Gregory Olympic gold medalist Wladimir Klitschko brother to the mayor of Kyiv has joined Ukraines fight against the International Olympics Committees plans to let some Russians compete at the 2024 Paris Summer Games. Graham Dunbar reports: Boxer Klitschko joins fight against Olympic path for Russia No 10 continues to rule out fighter jets Wednesday 1 February 2023 21:27 , Katy Clifton Yesterday, Downing Street was continuing to rule out supplying Ukraine with British fighter jets despite Boris Johnson backing the move. Asked about Mr Johnsons trip to the US, British prime minister Rishi Sunaks spokesman said: The prime minister welcomes all colleagues backing for Ukraine and is pleased the former prime minister is continuing his staunch support of the United Kingdoms efforts to help Ukraine secure a lasting peace. But he said that Mr Johnson is acting in his own capacity and not on behalf of the UK Government. Asked about Mr Johnsons jet call, the official said: Its currently not practical to send UK jets, we will continue to work closely with the Ukrainians to understand their needs and how allies can further support them. Given the complexity of UK fighter jets and the length of time required to train them we do not currently think it is practical to do so. West should have no fear of escalation when providing weapons to Ukraine, claims Boris Johnson Wednesday 1 February 2023 04:54 , Andy Gregory Boris Johnson has insisted that the West should have no fear of escalation when it comes to the provision of weaponry, as he met with Republicans in Washington on Tuesday to drum up further support for Ukraine. Some hardline members among the Republicans, which took control of the House of Representatives at the start of the year, have called for an end to US military and other assistance to Ukraine. In a statement, the former prime minister said: I am here primarily to recognise and pay tribute to the immense US contribution to the security of the Ukrainian people. My mission is to demonstrate that Ukraine will win and that there is no conceivable case for delay in further supporting the Ukrainians to win this year. We should have no fear of escalation when it comes to the provision of weaponry. Ukraine responding to Russias revenge attempt, says Zelensky Wednesday 1 February 2023 04:07 , Arpan Rai Volodymyr Zelensky has said that his administration, military officials and the intelligence team is already responding to Moscows plans to extract revenge from Ukraine. Today, as in fact every day, I held several meetings with the military and the head of intelligence. We are studying the situation in detail in all major operational directions and in the long term. What the occupier is preparing for, and how we are already responding to Russias preparations for a revanche attempt, he said in his nightly address. He added: Our defence and security forces, the Ukrainian government, our partners - all of us are making efforts to ensure that Russia not only fails in regaining ground on the battlefield, but also loses its last hope for aggression in its revanche attempts. Russias defeat will prevent any alternatives to a lasting and reliable peace. I thank all our partners who support this position of Ukraine, Mr Zelensky said. Billionaires home searched in Ukraine Wednesday 1 February 2023 21:25 , Katy Clifton Security services searched the home of one of Ukraines most prominent billionaires yesterday, moving against a figure once seen as Volodymyr Zelenskys sponsor in what the authorities called a wartime anti-corruption purge. The action, days before a summit with the European Union, appears to reflect determination by Kyiv to demonstrate that it can be a steward of billions of dollars in Western aid and shed a reputation as one of the worlds most corrupt states. It came as Kyiv has secured huge pledges of weapons from the West in recent weeks offering new capabilities - the latest expected this week to include rockets from the United States that would nearly double the firing range of Ukrainian forces. Underlining Ukraines need for more advanced arms, the countrys deputy defence minister said late on Wednesday that fierce fighting was continuing in the east, where she said Russia had superiority in numbers of troops and weapons. Boris Johnson meets with Republicans as part of campaign for Ukraine Wednesday 1 February 2023 03:50 , Andy Gregory Boris Johnson met with Republican politicians in Washington yesterday, as he continued his personal international campaign in support of Ukraine. The former prime minister spoke with House of Representatives speaker Kevin McCarthy and was scheduled to speak at a private Republican club on Tuesday evening, Reuters was told. On Wednesday, the Tory MP and former London mayor will discuss the need for Western unity and support for Ukraine and what more can be done against the threat Russia poses at the Atlantic Council think-tank. UK says not practical to give Ukraine British fighter jets Wednesday 1 February 2023 03:48 , Arpan Rai Rishi Sunak has said that it is not practical to provide Ukraine with British fighter jets but he has pledged to accelerate support to enable decisive gains against Russian invaders. Downing Street said training Volodymyr Zelenskys forces on extremely sophisticated Typhoons and F-35s would take too long, but it does not oppose allies sending their own jets. After completing a review, the prime minister told his Cabinet that a prolonged stalemate in the war in Ukraine would only benefit Russia and its president Vladimir Putin, according to No 10. UK says it is not practical to give Ukraine British fighter jets Russia may stop officials taking holidays abroad' Wednesday 1 February 2023 21:21 , Katy Clifton Russian legislators will discuss a request by one of Vladimir Putins closest allies to ban officials from taking foreign holidays during wartime, state media has cited a senior parliamentarian as saying. Yevgeny Prigozhin, founder of the powerful Wagner Group private army, said it was unacceptable that officials and parliamentarians were vacationing in countries hostile to Russia. Vasily Piskaryov, head of the committee on security and anti-corruption in the State Duma or lower chamber of parliament, said legislators would take a look at whether changes should be made. This initiative ... certainly deserves attention, Tass cited him as telling reporters. Prigozhin made the request in a letter to Piskaryov that the Wagner Group made public. Russian President Vladimir Putin (AP) Watch: A day in the life of a frontline medic in Donbas Wednesday 1 February 2023 02:42 , Andy Gregory Senators may look to ban Russia from buying reserve oil Wednesday 1 February 2023 21:19 , Katy Clifton US senators may look to add Iran and Russia to a US House-passed bill that stops releases of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve from being sold to China, senate majority leader Chuck Schumer has said. What about Iran? What about Russia? Mr Schumer told reporters after following a closed weekly meeting of Senate Democrats. We may think of adding some new countries in. If such a law were passed and signed by president Joe Biden, it would be largely symbolic, with regards to Russia and Iran. In February, 2022, the month Russia invaded Ukraine, the United States exported 5,000 barrels of crude and oil products to Russia, and has not shipped any since. The last time there was a relatively large shipment, of 145,000 barrels, was in March, 2009. US slaps new trade curbs on Iranian entities over drones used in Ukraine Wednesday 1 February 2023 01:34 , Reuters The United States has put new trade restrictions on seven Iranian entities for producing drones that Russia has used to attack Ukraine, the US Department of Commerce has said. The firms and other organisations were added to a US export control list for those engaged in activities contrary to US national security and foreign policy interests. The additions to the Commerce Departments entities list were posted in a preliminary filing in the US Federal Register, the governments daily journal, and will be officially published on Wednesday. Belarus willing to help Russia with invasion, Lukashenko claims Wednesday 1 February 2023 00:29 , Andy Gregory Alexander Lukashenko has said that Belarus is willing to offer more assistance to its close ally Russia in its war against Ukraine but claimed that Moscow does not need any help right now. However, if our Russian brothers need help, we are always ready to offer such assistance, the authoritarian leader told reporters during a state visit to Zimbabwe. Despite allowing Russia to use its territory to launch its invasion on Kyiv last year, Belarus has not committed any of its troops to the war. Nonetheless, Ukraine says it has maintained forces along its border with Belarus to fend off any potential invasion. Memorial held in Lviv for ex-US Navy Seal killed in Ukraine Tuesday 31 January 2023 23:42 , Andy Gregory The mayor of Lviv has attended a memorial service held in the western Ukrainian city for former US Navy Seal Daniel Swift, who was killed fighting for Kyiv. Swift had fought for Ukraines International Legion, and earned an award during his service, said mayor Andriy Sadovyi, who wrote on Facebook: Sincere condolences to the family and eternal memory to the defender. Dozens of people, including Swifts brother Thomas, attended the service at a Catholic church in central Lviv. According to a statement by the US Navy, Swift deserted from the US military in 2019, and was killed while fighting in Ukraine on 18 January. Ukrainians soldiers attend the farewell ceremony for US citizen Daniel W Swift (AP Photo/Mateusz Nowak) Tuesday 31 January 2023 22:49 , Andy Gregory Foreign companies holding property in the UK have until midnight to identify their beneficial owners in a new public register announced after Russias invasion of Ukraine aimed at cracking down on oligarchs and corrupt elites laundering dirty money in Britain. But a Reuters analysis of government data has found that the people behind thousands of UK-property owning foreign companies remain veiled in secrecy, the news agency reports. More than 19,000 overseas companies had disclosed ownership of UK property as of Tuesday morning in Britain, according to data from Companies House, which runs the new register. That represents about two thirds of all the property-owning foreign companies, based on official land-ownership records. Furthermore, roughly a quarter of the companies that registered did not identify any individual owners, many of which disclosed entities in countries known for business secrecy, such as the British Virgin Islands or Panama. The guidance defines a beneficial owner as either an individual or an entity. Ukraine hopes war will be over by time Eurovision takes place' Tuesday 31 January 2023 22:12 , Andy Gregory Ukraine is hoping that the war will be over in May so citizens can travel to see the Eurovision Song Contest, a manager at the countrys public broadcaster has said. The Public Broadcasting Company of Ukraine (UA:PBC) is also hoping to provide the BBC and authorities in Liverpool with as much expertise as possible to bring a Ukrainian vibe to the music event, said Oksana Skybinska. Ms Skybinska said she really hopes no other country is put in a similar situation due to an invasion, adding: We all hope that the war will be over by May, and as many people as possible from different groups of [the] population will be able to come. Ukraine hopes war will be over by time Eurovision 2023 takes place US accuses Russia of violating key nuclear limitation treaty Tuesday 31 January 2023 21:37 , Andy Gregory Washington has accused Russia of violating the last major pillar of post-Cold War nuclear arms control between the two countries, by refusing to allow inspections on its territory. The New START Treaty, which came into force in 2011 and was extended in 2021 for five more years, caps the number of strategic nuclear warheads that the United States and Russia can deploy, and the deployment of land- and submarine-based missiles and bombers to deliver them. Russias refusal to facilitate inspection activities prevents the United States from exercising important rights under the treaty and threatens the viability of US-Russian nuclear arms control, a State Department spokesperson told Reuters. Moscow suspended its cooperation with inspections under the treaty in August, blaming travel restrictions imposed by Washington and its allies after Russias invasion of Ukraine but said it was still committed to complying with the provisions of the treaty. The State Department spokesperson added that Russia had a clear path for returning to compliance by allowing inspection activities, and said Washington remains ready to work with Russia to fully implement the treaty. Bel Trew | What were missing in the tragedy of the Ukrainian war volunteers Tuesday 31 January 2023 20:55 , Andy Gregory In a column for Independent Voices, our international correspondent Bel Trew, writes: On Sunday, friends and fellow volunteers gathered at Kyivs St Sophias Cathedral to bid goodbye to British volunteers Andrew Bagshaw, 47, and Christopher Parry, 28, who were killed trying to rescue elderly residents from Soledar. It is an east Ukrainian town in the claws of the fiercest frontline of the entire war. We embedded with medics manning field hospitals in this area. They were working 24 hours a day treating the wounded who were coming in thick and fast under this constant wall of Russian shelling. When the pair went missing, their friends sent me the route they had planned to take in order to answer a call for help. Their destination was a north eastern corner of the salt-mining town and so close to Russian positions that at some point during that day when Moscows men made a push forward, they were swallowed up in the moving frontline. The family later informed the world that they had indeed been killed in the shelling. Since then, there has been some criticism of the two British citizens, who had never dealt with conflict beforehand: Chris was a running coach, Andrew was a scientific researcher. Some people have said that their killing showed why people who have no experience in war should not engage in conflicts like the devastating invasion of Ukraine. Firstly the truth is no matter how battle hardened you are there is no way for anyone to truly protect themselves against shelling, which is inherently indiscriminate and bloody. The only way to be safe is to simply not go there. Secondly, there is an immense need right now for help evacuating civilians in Ukraine, and there are just not enough people who are brave or crazy enough to do the job. What were missing in the tragedy of the Ukrainian war volunteers | Bel Trew Iran and Russia move to link their banking systems, top bank official in Tehran says Tuesday 31 January 2023 20:20 , AP Iran and Russia have taken a key step toward linking their banking systems, in a move that further boosts their cooperation in the face of Western sanctions, an Iranian official has said. At a signing ceremony on Sunday, Mohsen Karami, the deputy central bank governor, said banks in the two countries had connected their messaging networks following agreements reached over the past year, according to the state-run IRNA news agency. It was not clear whether those links would allow for the transfer of funds, and services were not yet available to bank customers. Karami said 100 banks in 13 other countries were connected to the network, without naming them. Iran and Russia have strengthened ties following Russias invasion, with Iran supplying attack drones that have dive-bombed infrastructure and other civilian targets across Ukraine. After initially denying that it had armed Russia, in November Iran acknowledged the drones transfer, saying it took place before the war began. US secretary of state to bring up Ukraine war in upcoming China trip, White House says Tuesday 31 January 2023 19:48 , Andy Gregory US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will bring up the war in Ukraine during an upcoming trip to China, the White House has said. Moscow has looked to Beijing for closer ties since invading its neighbour, and there is concern in Washington that a prolonged war could further cement ties between the two large nations. Poland aiming to cut Leopard 2 training times in half' Tuesday 31 January 2023 19:22 , Andy Gregory Poland is aiming to reduce training time on Leopard 2 battle tanks from around 10 to five weeks, at a centre where Ukrainian soldiers are likely to be taught how to operate the vehicles. The village of Swietoszow in western Poland, near the German border, hosts one of just three Leopard training centres in Europe the others are in Germany and Switzerland, and military experts say this is the most likely location where Kyivs troops will be trained. A coalition of Ukraines Western supporters formed in January to provide Kyiv with German-made Leopard tanks, and on Jan. 20 Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov said Ukrainian troops would be trained on Leopards in Poland. If we intensify training [by maximising the number of] instructors, our time and our weekends, we can train an entire crew in five weeks, Major Maciej Banaszynski, Polands Leopard training centre commander, told Reuters. Rights group urges Ukraine to investigate reported use of rocket-fired landmines Tuesday 31 January 2023 18:54 , Andy Gregory Human Rights Watch has urged Ukraine to investigate accusations that its military used thousands of rocket-fired antipersonnel landmines in and around the eastern city of Izium when the Kharkiv region was occupied by Russia. Ukrainian forces appear to have extensively scattered landmines around the Izium area, causing civilian casualties and posing an ongoing risk, said Steve Goose, Arms Division director at Human Rights Watch, noting the the organisation also issued three reports last year accusing Russia of using the weapons. Russian forces have repeatedly used antipersonnel mines and committed atrocities across the country, but this doesnt justify Ukrainian use of these prohibited weapons, he said. Human Rights Watch said Ukraines deputy defence minister Oleksandr Polishchuk responded in a letter in November, writing that Ukraine fully commits to all international obligations in the sphere of mine usage, including the non-use of anti-personnel mines in the war. Mr Polishchuk told Human Rights Watch that Ukraines forces strictly adhere to international humanitarian law and the 1997 antipersonnel mine convention. Ukraines foreign ministry echoed those sentiments on Tuesday and said the report would be properly analysed by the relevant institutions. Kyiv warns of irreparable consequences in relations with Hungary over Orbans anti-Ukrainian rhetoric Tuesday 31 January 2023 18:27 , Andy Gregory Ukraine has warned of irreparable consequences in its relations with Hungary unless Budapests leadership desists with what Kyiv said was anti-Ukrainian rhetoric. Kyiv summoned Hungarys ambassador over disparaging comments made by Viktor Orban on Tuesday, delivering him with a strong protest in connection with the recent disparaging statements by Mr Orban, the foreign ministry said. It was emphasised to the Hungarian diplomat that the anti-Ukrainian rhetoric, which has been heard from the Hungarian leadership for a long time, is absolutely unacceptable and causes serious damage to Ukrainian-Hungarian relations. The ministry added: The Hungarian side was urged to stop this negative trend in order to avoid irreparable consequences for the relations between the two countries. Hungary has criticised EU sanctions against Russia, saying they failed to weaken Moscow meaningfully and risked destroying the European economy, and opted last year not to send weapons to Ukraine. Kyiv also complained to Hungary last year after Mr Orban went to a football match wearing a scarf that it said depicted some Ukrainian territory as part of Hungary. No 10 rejects Verhofstadts Brexit-Ukraine claim as nonsense Tuesday 31 January 2023 17:51 , Andy Gregory Downing Street has rebuffed senior MEP Guy Verhofstadts suggestion that Russia may not have invaded Ukraine if Brexit had not happened (see post at 11:15am). The prime ministers official spokesperson said: Putins illegal invasion has nothing to do with Brexit. In fact, the invasion has demonstrated the UKs commitment to European security. We have from the start been working extremely closely with our European allies, which is a real tangible demonstration of the UKs continued commitment to the security of the continent. That will not change and its nonsense to suggest otherwise. Sunak rules out sending UK fighter jets to Ukraine as impractical Tuesday 31 January 2023 17:27 , Andy Gregory Rishi Sunak believes it is not practical to send British fighter jets to Ukraine, despite being keen to boost support to Kyiv to avoid a lengthy stalemate in the countrys war with Russian invaders. Downing Street said training Volodymyr Zelensky forces on extremely sophisticated Typhoons and F-35s would take too long. No 10 did not, however, oppose allies sending their own jets, as France makes noises to that effect today (see post below). Our political correspondent Adam Forrest has more details in this report: No taboo on supplying fighter jets to Ukraine, says French minister Tuesday 31 January 2023 16:55 , Andy Gregory There is no taboo on supplying fighter jets to Ukraine, Frances defence minister has suggested as No 10 insisted it would not be practical for the UK to do so. Speaking after a meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart, Sebastien Lecornu also announced that Paris would send Kyiv 12 additional Caesar howitzers and dispatch 150 army staff to Poland to train up to 600 Ukrainian troops there each month. Mr Lecornu set out Frances position when it came to supplying arms to Ukraine, saying it should not weaken France's own defence capacity, that it should be useful to help Ukraine in the conflict with Russia and that the weapons be used only by Ukraine to defend itself. Ukraine to receive up to 140 tanks in first wave of deliveries, says Kyiv Tuesday 31 January 2023 16:28 , Andy Gregory Last weeks volte face from Washington and Berlin will see Ukraine receive between 120 and 140 tanks in a first wave deliveries from 12 countries, Kyivs foreign minister has announced. While Kyiv has said that hundreds of tanks will be needed to make a significant difference on the battlefield, Dmytro Kuleba said that Ukrainian officials are working behind the scenes to persuade more countries to send tanks. The tank coalition now has 12 members. I can note that in the first wave of contributions, the Ukrainian armed forces will receive between 120 and 140 Western-model tanks, Mr Kuleba told reporters. We continue to work on both expanding the membership of the tank coalition and increasing the contributions of those already pledged, the foreign minister added. Russia stepping up attacks with systematic shelling and redeployment of troops, claims Zelensky aide Tuesday 31 January 2023 16:04 , Andy Gregory A presidential aide to Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Russia has intensified its attacks as he called for Ukraines allies to send more weapons. Mykhailo Podolyak alleged that systematic shelling of frontline cities, accumulation of ordnance, redeployment of troops, additional forced mobilisation surely do not indicate Moscows readiness for peace. These are direct signs of significant escalation. Therefore, weapons, weapons and more weapons for Ukraine, he wrote. Since winning Western pledges last week to provide main battle tanks, Kyiv has requested more weapons including fighter jets. France has indicated a willingness to potentially send jets, but Downing Street warned on Tuesday that it would not be practical for the UK to do so. Ukraine stops Russia from seizing supply line to Bakhmut' Tuesday 31 January 2023 15:41 , Andy Gregory Ukraine has prevented Russia from gaining control of a crucial supply line leading to the frontline town of Bakhmut from Chasiv Yar, a Kyiv military spokesperson has said. Speaking after Moscow said its forces had seized control of Blohodatne, a small village just north of Bakhmut, Serhiy Cherevaty said: Russian troops could not cut off the road which is used for supplying the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The Ukrainian army in Bakhmut is supplied with everything necessary. KEY POST: Conflict will grind on throughout 2023, say officials Tuesday 31 January 2023 15:22 , Andy Gregory Our political correspondent Adam Forrest reports: Western defence officials have said that Russia is unlikely to make significant breakthroughs beyond recent gains in the outskirts of the city of Bakhmut in south-east Ukraine. The Russian capture of the salt-mining town of Soledar and creeping gains in villages near Bakhmut were described a sideshow. The conflict is likely to grind on throughout 2023, officials said, even if both sides make territorial gains at different times. Officials also said the pledges made by UK, US, Germany and others to send tanks now exceeds the 300 vehicles president Volodymyr Zelensky has asked for in recent weeks. But tanks are unlikely to be sent to the battlefield until the end of March. Russia may have lost more troops than Ukraine, says official Tuesday 31 January 2023 15:13 , Andy Gregory Russia and Ukraine are both thought to have suffered more than 100,000 casualties since Moscows invasion, Western officials have said. However, one official suggested that, Russia has sustained a higher number of fatalities than Kyiv given that they have been on the offensive. I would say the ratio is different on each side, the official told reporters. The Russians have been attacking and that means they have suffered more fatalities than the Ukrainians have, on balance. Im a scoundrel to you: Ex-Wagner mercenary apologises to Ukrainians Tuesday 31 January 2023 14:51 , Andy Gregory A former member of the Wagner mercenary group now seeking asylum in Norway has apologised to Ukrainians also living in the Scandinavian country who object to his presence there. Im a scoundrel to you, but I only ask you to take into account that I have come to realise that, albeit belatedly, and I spoke against all that, Andrey Medvedev told Norwegian broadcaster NRK. I ask you not to condemn me, and in any case I apologise. Earlier this month, the former mercenary described leaving the group after his contract was extended without his extent, before fleeing across the Russian border into Norway. He told Russian human rights group Gulagu.net hat he is ready to testify about potential war crimes. Norways National Criminal Investigation Service, which is taking part in the Ukraine war crimes probe, has said it is questioning Medvedev, who has the status of a witness. Man convicted of attempting to burn down enlistment office in Siberia Tuesday 31 January 2023 14:33 , Emily Atkinson A man has been found guilty by Moscow of attempting to burn down a military enlistment office in Siberia, reports say. He has been jailed for 12 years in a ruling that classified his crime as an act of terrorism. Reuters adds: According to the TASS state news agency, the decision by a military court in Yekaterinburg was the first time a Russian court had used the terrorism designation to punish someone for an arson attack on an enlistment office. In Tuesdays ruling, Vladislav Borisenko, who was accused of trying to burn down such an office in the Siberian city of Nizhnevartovsk in May, was sentenced to 12 years -- to be spent first in prison, and then in a maximum security prison colony. TASS said the fire had spread across an area of one square kilometre, but that nobody had been hurt. Borisenko had carried out the attack with another man and they had both allegedly confessed their guilt, it said, saying they had purportedly acted on the promise of receiving a financial reward from a third party. The court said in a statement that its ruling could be appealed. ICYMI: Russia wouldnt have invaded Ukraine without Brexit, suggests top MEP Tuesday 31 January 2023 14:15 , Emily Atkinson Russia claims it has control of village near Bakhmut Tuesday 31 January 2023 13:55 , Emily Atkinson Russia said on Tuesday that its forces had taken control of Blahodatne, a village just north of Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine, where some of the heaviest fighting of the war has taken place in recent weeks. Blahodatne, about 5 km (3 miles) north of Bakhmut, was captured with the help of aerial support, Moscows defence ministry said. Sending UK fighter jets to Ukraine not practical, says No 10 Tuesday 31 January 2023 13:29 , Andy Gregory Our political correspondent Adam Forrest reports: Rishi Sunak believes it is not practical to provide Ukraine with British fighter jets but has pledged to accelerate support to enable decisive gains against Russian invaders. Downing Street said training Volodymyr Zelenskys forces on extremely sophisticated Typhoons and F-35s would take too long but did not oppose allies sending their own jets. After completing a review, the PM told his cabinet on Tuesday a prolonged stalemate in the war in Ukraine would only benefit Russia and its president Vladimir Putin, according to No 10. He said they must seize an opportunity to accelerate UK support to give Ukraine the best chance of success and make the most of the window of opportunity where Russian forces were on the back foot. Defence secretary Ben Wallace shared US estimates that 180,000 Russian troops have been killed or injured in the year-long invasion. That is compared to around 15,000 killed during the decade-long war in Afghanistan. The Kremlin has also lost two-thirds of its tanks, Mr Wallace said, according to Downing Streets account of the cabinet meeting. Boris Johnson 'to urge US to sustain aid for Ukraine Tuesday 31 January 2023 12:55 , Emily Atkinson Boris Johnson will meet with Republican lawmakers this week as he presses the US to sustain aid to Ukraine as it fights off Russias assault. The former prime minister is scheduled to speak at a private Republican club in Washington on Tuesday evening, said Representative Joe Wilson, a member of the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee. (REUTERS) He is also scheduled to meet with a group of Republican senators, said senator Todd Young on Monday, though he said he was unaware of the exact timing of the talks. On Wednesday, Mr Johnson will discuss the need for Western unity and support for Ukraine and what more can be done against the threat Russia poses at the Atlantic Council think tank. The Pentagon has released an official Korean translation of its guidelines for nuclear policy known as the Nuclear Posture Review as well as five other languages. U.S. Under Secretary of Defense Colin Kahl tweeted on Tuesday, "A demonstration of our commitment to transparency, we released the '22 Nuclear Posture Review in five more languages -- Chinese, French, Japanese, Korean, & Russian -- clearly describing strategy, policy, posture, & forces." The document "represents a comprehensive and balanced approach to U.S. nuclear policy. It reaffirms a continuing commitment to a safe, secure, & effective nuclear deterrent and strong & credible extended deterrence," he added. The Pentagon hopes that the translation will go some way to reassuring South Koreans who worry that they might not be protected by the U.S. nuclear umbrella in case of an attack from North Korea. The release coincided with a visit to Seoul by U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who gave similar assurances. The original NPR came out last October. "There is no scenario in which the Kim regime could employ nuclear weapons and survive," the NPR emphasizes. "Any nuclear attack by North Korea against the United States or its allies and partners is unacceptable and will result in the end of that regime." It also expresses concerns about nuclear missile development by China, North Korea and Russia. Stronger extended deterrence is needed and the U.S. will keep deploying "flexible nuclear capabilities" suitable to deter nuclear conflict in the region, it concludes. Military authorities here said that includes deployment of U.S. strategic bombers, ballistic missile submarines and other top-grade armaments. The release of the Chinese and Russian versions apparently aims to prevent Beijing and Moscow from making miscalculations. The sun sets on the Red Sea, with the planks of the coral nurseries in the foreground (Supplied) Youd easily miss Desert Rock if you didnt know it was there. Nestled in a hidden valley among the mountaintops of the wadi vistas, the hotel is carved directly into stone. Like the historical sites of Petra and Al Ula, youre invited to step into a natural landscape and learn from the wisdoms of the ancient Nabateans: how to live not on the land, but within it. Think The Flintstones meets Disney for a new kind of tourism, steeped in heritage yet determined to break all records. Ecotourism is being re-invented on the banks of the Red Sea, on a scale never seen before to show that going green can also bring in green dollars. At a cost of $25bn, on a site the size of Belgium, Red Sea Global aims to become the largest resort in the world powered by renewable energy. For the past 70 years, the Middle East has overexploited its resources, blighting a long history of co-existence between man and the natural world. For centuries beforehand, nomads shaped the custom of the land; sites like Old Jeddah and the Al Qarah mountain have preserved the vestiges of a past steeped in sustainability. As the tide continues to turn on oil, the Middle East has sought to offset its carbon emissions. The worlds first eco-city, Masdar, opened in the UAE in 2006. Egypt has Adrere Amellal, an entirely candlelit and electricity-free hotel where walls are made of salt-rock and the roof of palms. Something like Red Sea Global, however, is entirely in a league of its own. The corals growing in the Red Seas nurseries are as dazzling as they are diverse (Red Sea Global) The first three hotels, opening this spring, will provide nearly 250 solar-powered rooms before the grand unveiling of nearly 3,000 more across 16 hotels by the end of next year. Twenty-three thousand construction workers are working towards a total of 50 hotels by 2030, on an area spanning 28,000 square kilometres. The most impressive thing about Red Sea Global is that it doesnt seem that big at all. Only from an aerial viewpoint does it become clear how vast the site is. We flew through the upper reaches and watched the golden sand unfurl across the dunes. Shrubs cascaded down ochre valleys as free-roaming camels looked up inquisitively. Then suddenly, we were above water: flamingos flew below us from islet to islet. This is a place where the desert meets the tropics, the arid tones of the dunes end where the sparkling turquoise of the lagoon begins. Story continues Unlike other monumental projects like those in the UAE, Red Sea Global feels more like a small country than a resort. John Pagano, CEO, showed us around the immersive accommodation that is designed to blend into the landscape. Desert Rock, which opens in a year, is about as remote as a Namibian base camp, more than 25 kilometres from the nearest habitation. You become the steward of your own land, an intrepid explorer of the ancient ridge one minute and relaxing in a solar-powered bath the next. Guests travel to their villas via boat or amphibious seaplane, powered by hydraulic energy. Twenty kilometres away, the Red Sea International Airport is due to be completed this year, allowing visitors to reach the resort in no time. A marine biologist inspects coral in the underwater nurseries, teaming with ocean life (Red Sea Global) You get a real sense that this is somewhere people would actually live. Different sites across diverse terrains conjure different neighbourhoods, each with its own architectural character. We landed on Ummahat island where the villas rise slightly above the water, resembling giant corals that have been excavated. The roof made of locally sourced timber swirls all the way around each room, reminiscent of a spiral seashell. Designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, the C-shaped structure evokes the curves of the nearby desert dunes and the ebb and flow of the water below. As I walked through the apartment, I was struck by intricate wall carvings of marine flora, their abstract, undulating patterns a show of heritage within the brand-new. A few miles down the coast, Sheybarah island offers something more radical still: suites in stainless-steel orbs. Each one weighs 130 tons and sits in a cantilever over the water, where it appears to float. Just as Kumas suites are warm and domestic, these are bold and futuristic. All powered by photovoltaic energy funnelled from solar farms near the airport, theres something here for everyone as Mohammad Bin Salman, whose belief in the importance of sustainability saw him launch the Saudi Green Initiative in 2021, attempts to balance his countrys use of oil. For every man-made island with a resort, three natural islands remain untouched. Many of these are home to long-established turtle-nesting sites; sadly, I missed hatching season by a month. As has become custom in Saudi Arabia, people here like to go above and beyond. At Red Sea Global, conservation is merely the starting point for more ambitious regenerative projects. The sustainably designed hotel accommodation is conceived to mirror the landscape.Sweeping curves recall the ebb and flow of the water (Supplied) I met with Dr Pamela Neubert, one of the marine biologists, who took me out by boat to see the coral nurseries her team is working on. We arrived just in time for sunset and hopped out of the boat onto wooden planks, from which ropes hang down to an underwater bed where corals bloom like virescent kaleidoscopes. Dr Neubert grew up in Maine, where the wilderness of the Atlantic coast inspired her lifelong love of the ocean. The nurseries at Red Sea Global were set up to accommodate corals requiring relocation amid the construction of the resort. Under her supervision, however, they have gained a life of their own. The team noticed there was potential for something that went beyond safeguarding coral reefs; indeed, that the unique conditions of the Red Sea allowed for experiments that could replenish reefs all over the planet. The Red Sea is one of the worlds hottest: summer temperatures have historically reached 30 degrees Celsius. This means corals there have developed superior resistance to heat over time, and continue to flourish amid global warming. The Al Wajh lagoon, the fourth largest barrier reef system in the world a stones throw from Red Sea Global is intact. In Australias Great Barrier Reef, by contrast, climate change has caused no fewer than four mass bleaching incidents in the past decade. Scientists at Red Sea Global are seeking out genetic strains responsible for the local corals superior resistance and aim to see if these may be transmuted around the world. Eager to find out more about this, I travelled to King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, one of Red Sea Globals partners, where Dr Shannon Klein outlined two possible solutions. A team of construction workers on one of Red Sea Globals islands (Supplied) The first is to use more resistant corals from deeper reefs to repopulate those that have been bleached in shallower waters. The second, more radical solution is hybridisation: crossing the genes of two coral species to form a third, hardier specimen. This kind of genetic engineering is certain to trigger alarm bells from environmental purists; but in this instance human interference may simply be corrective, compensating for a lifetime of negligence that now risks the survival of marine ecosystems in many parts of the planet. As with most major projects, its best to start small. At Red Sea Global, the coral nurseries allow scientists to recreate and analyse the coral ecosystem in miniature. After studying what conditions each species needs to thrive, in-lab corals are spawned and nurtured from gamete to juvenile stages before being targeted for placement in the nurseries. These have a survival rate of over 95 per cent. Hybrids could soon follow. This is a place where bright minds are drawn to bold innovations, where holidaymakers rub shoulders with scientists and engineers. Its a place of work as well as repose, where a village is being built to accommodate 40,000 people keen to get out Riyadh and embrace a life by the sea. Its almost like a commune not least because Red Sea Global has been granted privileges to create its own special economic zone. This means residents wont be bound by the same conservative rules that apply to the rest of the country. You can, as you would elsewhere, sip pina coladas and have a boogie with your partner on the beach under a moonlit sky. Wisconsin and North Carolina became the latest states to ban TikTok from government devices on Thursday, as concerns grow over potential cybersecurity risks posed by the Chinese-owned social media platform. Its important for us to protect state information technology from foreign countries that have actively participated in cyberattacks against the United States, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper (D) said in a statement. Protecting North Carolina from cyber threats is vital to ensuring the safety, security, privacy, and success of our state and its people. North Carolina also banned WeChat, a messaging platform owned by a Chinese technology company, and left the door open to banning other applications that pose an unacceptable cybersecurity risk. Gov. Tony Evers (D-Wis.) similarly directed a division within the Wisconsin state government to continue evaluating and identifying other platforms and vendors that could pose a threat to cybersecurity, beyond TikTok. New and evolving technologies will continue to present risks to privacy, safety, and security, and this order ensures we will continue to be vigilant in monitoring these technologies while trusting the advice of these experts on evolving cybersecurity issues facing our state, Evers added in a statement. More than 20 state governments have banned TikTok from official devices over the cybersecurity concerns. Federal employees have also been barred from using the social media platform on government devices, following President Bidens signing of the omnibus spending package. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The challenger in a Far North Side aldermanic race expressed regret Wednesday after comments he made on social media surfaced in which he used profanities against the state of Israel and made other offensive comments. Mueze Bawany, 35, whos backed by the Chicago Teachers Union and the local chapter for the Democratic Socialists of America in his bid to upset three-term incumbent Ald. Debra Silverstein in the 50th Ward, made the statements on Twitter three years ago on an account he subsequently deleted. The Tribune received copies of the deleted tweets and Bawany confirmed he wrote them. In one tweet dated in May 2019, the Chicago Public Schools teacher wrote F--- Israel and f--- all you Zionist scum. During an exchange on Twitter in December 2019, he called a white woman a Cracker, and subsequently told her to F--- off honky. One, I regret these words, they are harmful, especially going through the growth of who I am as a person, Bawany said in an interview with the Tribune Wednesday. Two, they are not representative of who I am, and again acknowledging the harm this has created and the harm people will feel looking at this. Disclosure of the tweets could upend the already-contentious race, which has so far focused on traditional issues of crime and education, as well as the new boundaries of the 50th Ward, which includes the West Ridge neighborhood and other areas with significant Jewish populations. Silverstein herself is Jewish and she has more than once discussed the impact her faith has on her job. I am the only Jewish city council person that sits on City Council, Silverstein explained on a podcast that aired in January before Bawanys tweets were made public. Discussing high-profile comments made by celebrities that were deemed antisemitic or false statements about the Holocaust, Silverstein said, Its important for me to condemn hateful things that happen, like Kanye West and Whoopi Goldberg. Bawany, the son of Pakistani immigrants, said he posted the tweets at a time of personal pain and hurt when he was pretty exasperated by a variety of events, including the 2020 presidential election, actions by supporters of former President Donald Trump and an escalation in the Israel-Gaza conflict. Bawany said in the interview with the Tribune that he thinks Israel absolutely deserves the right to exist. He also said he didnt know if there were other potentially offensive tweets from his past. Story continues Bawany has received cash contributions and many volunteer hours from Jewish constituents and the endorsement of JCUA Votes, the political arm of the Jewish Council on Urban Affairs. Our organization and Mueze are meeting later this week to process and discuss next steps, a spokesperson for JCUA Votes wrote in an email to the Tribune. In a phone call, a JCUA Votes spokesperson said the organization was made aware of the tweets this past week, which came after the group had made its endorsement. A tweet sharing its endorsement remained pinned to the top of the groups Twitter account as of Thursday morning. Looking at these, you wince because you regret saying this, Bawany said. You also know it came from a place of pain and hurt. On Thursday afternoon, after the story was posted on the Tribunes website, Bawany released a statement once again apologizing for the comments and saying he was doing so as an explanation not as an excuse. He added that those planning to use the tweets against him were doing so in hopes that they would distract us from what we are building. I know this community is better than that. Silverstein also released a statement following the Tribune story in which she said Bawanys tweets were hateful and obscene. As a member of Chicagos largest Jewish community, I am particularly horrified by this attempt to delegitimize the state of Israel and deny its fundamental right to exist, the alderman said in the statement. This kind of hateful rhetoric is apart of a broader pattern that normalizes violence and creates space for animosity to become violent action. It puts my Jewish friends and neighbors at risk, she said. The Jewish community is on high alert because we are targets of violent crime, and anyone who participates in a discourse of hate against any marginalized community must acknowledge the connection between denigrating language and action. The Midwest chapter of the Anti-Defamation League and the Jewish United Fund said in a statement that the tweets were vile, antisemitic, and hurtful to the Jewish community and that while Bawany has issued an initial apology, we urge him to find avenues for constructive conversations and a path forward with the Jewish community. While acknowledging he wrote the tweets, Bawany said he did not remember posting them until he was shown them recently. He said his campaign did not disclose the comments to supporters, including the Chicago Teachers Union, which recently contributed just under $50,000 through two political action committees. Muezes tweets were offensive, hurtful and unacceptable, a CTU statement sent to the Tribune reads in part. Mueze has apologized for the tweets and the damage they caused. We believe that he is sincere. CTU officials did not respond to specific questions about whether it would seek to have its contributions to Bawany returned or renounce its endorsement. But in its statement a union spokesperson said, Mueze has worked hand in hand with constituents and community leaders from all faiths and backgrounds. We are confident that in this, as with all his actions, Mueze is committed to growing through accountability to the entire community. Other political supporters who contributed to Bawanys campaign fund told the Tribune they would stand by Bawany, citing his good character and the need to forgive people for their mistakes. There are many Jewish people who are backing Mueze and continue to back him, including my husband, who is Jewish, said Amy Truelove, a supporter and senior equity specialist at Northwestern University. They realize that we all say things we regret and know that we can learn from our mistakes. Bawany is also being backed by the Chicago chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America, of which six current aldermen are members. The Chicago DSA recently declared its support for the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement. Another large contributor the PAC aligned with the Service Employees International Union Healthcare union that endorsed Bawany and recently contributed $10,000 to his campaign did not immediately respond to the Tribunes questions. Bawany on Wednesday said he hopes residents accept that his beliefs have evolved since he posted the tweets. Its not indicative of who I am, its not indicative of the people who support this campaign, Bawany said. Chicago Tribunes A.D. Quig contributed. hsanders@chicagotribune.com jebyrne@chicagotribune.com Gentner Drummond is sworn in as state attorney general at the Inauguration Day ceremonies in January at the Oklahoma Capitol. Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond believes "state actors" are to blame for the misspending of federal pandemic relief funds, not the Florida company Gov. Kevin Stitt accused of fraud last year. On Tuesday, Drummond's office announced it was dropping a state lawsuit against Kleo Inc., the Florida-based vendor Stitt hired to help disburse $31 million in federal funds. After a thorough review of this matter, I have concluded that the lawsuit filed by the previous Attorney General is almost wholly without merit, Drummond said Tuesday in an emailed statement. It is clear that a number of state actors and other individuals are ultimately responsible for millions in misspent federal relief dollars. In 2020, Stitt used federal Governors Emergency Educational Relief (GEER) funds to help low-income families purchase education materials while school buildings were closed due to high COVID-19 cases. More:Oklahoma's incoming AG says pandemic funds will be investigated But media reports and a federal audit found some of the money was spent on noneducational purchases, including smartwatches, doorbells, furniture and air conditioners. Ryan Walters, right, stands beside Gov. Kevin Stitt on Aug. 23, 2022, after winning the GOP primary runoff election for state schools superintendent. Despite a U.S. Department of Education audit accusing the state of failing to follow federal regulations, and noting that state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters approved the purchases, Stitt blamed Kleo Inc. and sued the company for fraud. Former Attorney General John OConnor, who was appointed by Stitt, filed the lawsuit but took no further action. More:Vowing independence from Oklahoma Gov., attorney general reclaims cases, including Swadley's After beating OConnor in last years election, Drummond said he planned to investigate the pandemic relief funds program and implied the lawsuit may have been a way to divert attention away from Stitt and Walters. "If the vendor didn't do anything wrong, you can anticipate we will dismiss the lawsuit, Drummond said earlier this month. On Tuesday, Drummond dropped the lawsuit but said the investigation is ongoing. Story continues While the lawsuit has been dismissed, this matter is far from concluded, Drummond said. My office will continue engaging with various state and federal agencies to investigate this egregious misuse of tax dollars. Drummond's office also said it expects the state auditor to address the state's use of GEER funds in an audit later this year. Stitt decried Drummond's decision to drop the lawsuit. The governors office strongly disagrees with the decision to dismiss the states legitimate effort to recover federal taxpayer dollars from a bad out-of-state vendor," a spokesperson for Stitt said on Tuesday. Walters' office did not respond to a request for comment. "ClassWallet is gratified that Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond decided to dismiss the States lawsuit against the company," Kleo Inc., which operates as ClassWallet, said in an emailed statement to The Oklahoman. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: AG Gentner Drummond looking at state officials in pandemic misspending Alex Murdaugh (center) with defense attorneys Jim Griffin (left) and Dick Harpootlian on Wednesday. Andrew J. Whitaker / AP Defense attorneys for Alex Murdaugh opened the door for prosecutors to introduce evidence about his other alleged crimes because they asked friends of his slain son about his character, a South Carolina judge ruled Thursday. In a hearing without the jury present at Murdaughs murder trial at the Colleton County courthouse, Judge Clifton Newman said he would permit prosecutors to introduce evidence about other alleged crimes that could be used to establish a possible motive for Murdaugh to have fatally shot his wife Maggie and son Paul at their rural hunting lodge on June 7, 2021. The witness was asked whether he could think of any reason why Mr. Murdaugh would commit the crimes he's accused of committing, Newman said. That, in effect, turned the cross-examination of that witness from dealing with specific issues in the case to having that witness testify as a character witness for Mr. Murdaugh. Citing questions about whether Murdaugh had been a loving father and good provider, Newman said that in the courts view, that opened the door for the state to respond by asking questions as the state did. On Wednesday, Pauls longtime friend Rogan Gibson testified about his relationship with the Murdaughs, whom he described as a second family, as well as his communications with Maggie and Paul on the night they were killed. Prosecutors also showed the jury a Snapchat video Paul had filmed for Gibson just minutes before he was killed in which other voices can be heard in the background. Both Gibson and Will Loving, another friend of Pauls, testified that the other voices belonged to Maggie and Alex contradicting the defendants alibi that he had not been with the pair in the moments before their deaths. But in cross-examination on Wednesday, defense attorney Jim Griffin asked Gibson whether he believed Alex and Maggie had a good relationship, and if they were loving to each other and their sons. Gibson said yes. Can you think of any circumstance that you can envision, knowing them as you do, where Alex would brutally murder Paul and Maggie? Griffin also asked. Story continues Not that I can think of, Gibson replied. When cross-examining Loving, Griffin also asked how he would describe Pauls relationship with his father. It was an awesome relationship, Loving testified. It kind of seemed like Paul was the apple of his eye. Prosecutors then asked whether Loving knew about Alexs finances, the debt he was carrying, or the risk of civil discovery Alex was facing in connection with a lawsuit that had been filed against the family in connection with a fatal boat crash for which Paul had been charged with manslaughter. Loving testified he did not. They also then asked if Loving was aware that on the morning of the killings, Alex had been confronted by staff at the law firm where he worked about $792,000 in missing funds. After the judge overruled the defense teams objection that the question was totally improper, Loving said he was not aware. In addition to the murder charges to which he has pleaded not guilty, Murdaugh is facing dozens of other charges related to alleged financial thefts from clients and the law practice where he worked as an attorney. Hes also accused of orchestrating a plan for an assassin to kill him after Paul and Maggies deaths so his surviving son, Buster, could receive an insurance payout. The state has contended that Alex killed Maggie and Paul because the house of cards he had built through his financial crimes was set to collapse given his law firm had set June 7, 2021, as the deadline for him to account for missing money. The murders served as Murdaughs means to shift focus away from himself and buy himself some additional time to try and prevent his financial crimes from being uncovered, which if revealed would have resulted in personal, legal and financial ruin, lead prosecutor Creighton Waters wrote in a December motion. Judge Clifton Newman Joshua Boucher / The State via AP, Pool In his ruling on Thursday, Judge Newman said the questions about Alexs finances from the prosecution were permitted. A criminal procedure rule typically does not allow evidence about someones bad character to be introduced, but the judge said it was permitted here because prosecutors were trying to rebut evidence that the defense had already raised. The defense in the case has primarily been that the defendant has such a great character that he could not possibly have committed these offenses, Newman said. That's been a general thread from the opening statement throughout. Newman also chided Alexs defense team for objecting on the basis that the question to Loving was totally improper, saying there was no legal basis for any such objection. As the prosecution prepares to call more witnesses to ask about Alexs alleged financial crimes, Newman said he would have further hearings to discuss which evidence may be admitted. (One such hearing began immediately on Thursday, when the judge excused the jury so that Jeanne Seckinger, the chief financial officer of Murdaughs former law firm, could begin giving initial testimony.) The same rule of criminal procedure would allow evidence of other crimes to be admitted so long as its being used to prove motive and not as evidence of general bad character. My view of the evidence is that evidence of the other alleged crimes can be introduced in this case to show motive, intent, and common scheme and plan, Newman said, adding that the state should be able to pursue its theory about motive. In responding to Newmans decision, Griffin disputed the judges view that the evidence they had sought from Gibson and Loving related to Alexs character. The evidence that we presented was specifically limited to the relationship between the defendant and the victim for which he was accused of murdering, Griffin said. In our view, that is not a character witness. That's a factual issue relating to the relationship between the parties. Alex Murdaugh US President Joe Biden delivers remarks on the US economy at Steamfitters Local 602 on January 26, 2023 in Springfield, Virginia. Alex Wong/Getty Images Tyre Nichols' death has reignited talk about bolstering police accountability. Police reforms flamed out in the last Congress after Senate lawmakers failed to reach consensus. House Democrats hope that Biden making it a top priority helps break the current logjam. Lawmakers horrified by the brutal killing of Tyre Nichols vow to keep working towards a legislative solution in the 118th Congress, but are counting on President Joe Biden to turn up the heat on comprehensive policing reform. The lethal beating Nichols received from five police officers in Memphis, Tennessee earlier this month has sparked plenty of outrage on Capitol Hill. It has not, however, broken the political stalemate that led to a House-passed police accountability deal languishing in the other chamber, while bipartisan talks on a Senate alternative sputtered out after failing to attract enough support to overcome the 60-vote filibuster threshold. Absent a sudden breakthrough on the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021 a bipartisan bill named for the 46-year-old Black man murdered by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in May 2020 Congressional Black Caucus chair Steven Horsford said hashing out a strategy with Biden for prioritizing policing reform is the best way to go. "There are times when we come together, and that generally involves the president and all of us working to put partisanship aside," Horsford told Insider at the US Capitol, adding that the CBC's emergency meeting with Biden would focus on reaffirming his pro-policing reform stance in the upcoming State of the Union address. "We will be meeting on Thursday to talk about the details of what we would like that message to include," Horsford said. Biden said he was "outraged and deeply pained" when the bodycam footage of the Nichols encounter was released. "We must do everything in our power to ensure our criminal justice system lives up to the promise of fair and impartial justice, equal treatment, and dignity for all," Biden said in an official statement. On Monday he said making the George Floyd Act the law of the land is long overdue. Story continues "I think we should do it right now. We should have done it before," Biden told reporters at the White House. Vice President Kamala Harris flew to Memphis on Wednesday to attend Nichols funeral, where she called on Congress to pass the George Floyd Act. Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during the funeral service for Tyre Nichols at Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church in Memphis, Tennessee. Andrew Nelles/The Tennessean via AP, Pool Biden and Harris both spoke with Nichols' mother and stepfather to offer support and Biden pledged to continue pushing Congress pass the bill, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Wednesday. Last year, Biden issued an executive order designed to bolster the accountability and transparency of law enforcement actions. Asked whether he's considering additional executive action, White House Press Secretary Jean-Pierre noted that Biden's executive order resulted in "immediate change" at the federal level, mandating standards limiting the use of force, banning chokeholds, requiring body-worn cameras and restricting "no-knock" warrants. Now he wants to see Congress act in a bipartisan way to "make transformational change," she said. "We're going to talk to the CBC members, and talk through what their ideas are and what they're thinking," she said. "But again, we think that legislation, federal legislation, is the way to move forward here." 'Our nation is reeling' Having moved the ball forward last term with the House-passed bill and Biden's executive orders, Horsford said lawmakers need to build on that momentum right now. "It shouldn't be that hard for us to come together, to work together, and to find solutions to the issue of the culture of policing," Horsford said off the House floor, adding that "all of us should agree that bad policing has no place in American communities and America's cities." House Democratic Caucus chair Pete Aguilar was much less optimistic about policing reform opponents suddenly rallying around the Floyd Act or any other substantive proposals. "Senate Republicans wouldn't go along with that level of accountability. And it's too bad," Aguilar said of the wasted opportunities in the 117th Congress during a Tuesday press conference at the US Capitol. Aguilar did not address questions about when or if the George Floyd Act would be reintroduced this session, stating only that he expects Horsford and former CBC chair Rep. Joyce Beatty of Ohio to continue spearheading those efforts. Republican Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, who in 2021 tried cobbling together a policing reform package with Democratic Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey until those negotiations fell apart, said Americans are rightly "reeling" from news of another senseless killing. "I take the issue of policing in America seriously," Scott, who is a likely 2024 presidential contender, said on the Senate floor. Scott urged his colleagues to quit pointing fingers and finally do whatever it takes to ward off future tragedies, arguing that fixes like the enhanced deescalation techniques and curbs against excessive force that he's been pushing "could have made a difference in Memphis." Horsford couldn't agree more about seizing the moment. "The thing is, it may have been Tyre Nichols yesterday. But who will it be next?" he said Tuesday night. Flanked by the parents of Tyre Nichols and faith and community leaders, civil rights attorney Ben Crump speaks next to a photo of Nichols during a press conference on January 27, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. Scott Olson/Getty Images Read the original article on Business Insider Welcome to The Hills Campaign Report, tracking the latest news on campaigns and elections. You can expect this newsletter in your inbox Tuesdays and Thursdays. Im Amee LaTour, staff writer at The Hill. Someone forward this newsletter to you? Subscribe here. Republican presidential hopefuls wade in Former President Trumps status as the only prominent official Republican presidential candidate could end this month, with at least one challengers announcement expected soon. Other potential candidates recent moves suggest the field could continue to grow. Here are some updates from this week. Haley on the horizon: Nikki Haley, former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations under Trump, is expected to announce a presidential bid at a Feb. 15 event in Charleston, South Carolina. Haley said on Fox News Channels Hannity last month, it is time for a new generation. We have lost the last seven out of eight popular votes for president. It is time that we get a Republican in there that can lead and that can win a general election. (George W. Bush was the last Republican presidential nominee to win the popular vote, in 2004.) Haley also served as governor of South Carolina. Our Caroline Vakil gives details about Haleys background, tenure as ambassador to the U.N., and falling-out with Trump after the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol riot here. Listening in: Sen.Tim Scott (R-S.C.) announced a Faith in America listening tour with events in South Carolina and Iowa early nominating contest states saying itll give him a chance to hear from so many of you as we chart the future of our great country. An event in Charleston on Feb. 16 will honor Black History Month, and Scott has two stops in Iowa on Feb. 22. Scott will be running digital ads in Iowa as well, Fox News reported. Reiterating interest: Former MarylandGov. Larry Hogan (R) reiterated this week that hes considering a presidential bid on Fox News Channels Your World with Neil Cavuto. Story continues Hogan called the office of governor a training ground [where] youre making important decisions, youre running an executive branch of government. I think governors are a good place for us to look for leadership at the national level, he added. Hogan discussed his political career in a deeply blue state and said the party needs a candidate who can win over swing voters. He was term-limited and left office last month. As we wrote in our last issue, Trump made stops in early primary states New Hampshire and South Carolina over the weekend and has been ramping up his criticisms of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), who has yet to weigh in on speculation about a potential presidential bid. GOP revamps Senate primary involvement On Tuesday, National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) chairman Steve Daines (R-Mont.) said hes looking forward to working with one of our top recruits this cycle, Jim Banks, to keep Indiana red in 2024. Daines released the statement, which praised former Gov. Mitch Daniels (R), shortly after Daniels announced he wont run for the seat. The move marks an official departure from the committees policy in the 2022 cycle and makes clear it will play in primary contests in an attempt to win back the upper chamber, our Al Weaver wrote. Asked in a December interview with Fox News if the NRSC would get more involved in primaries this cycle, Daines said, If I have heard one thing since the last election, Republicans are sick of losing, and were gonna do whatever it takes to win. We want to make sure we have candidates that can win general elections. The Cook Political Report rates the open race in Indiana solid Republican. Rep. Victoria Spartz (R-Ind.) is also considering a bid. Banks has nabbed endorsements from former President Trump and the Club for Growth PAC as well, marking an early coalescing of influential forces. How it was: Then-NRSC chair Rick Scott (R-Fla.) said last year that the party had quality candidates in the general election. Republicans ultimately lost one Senate seat, giving Democrats a more solid 51-49 majority. At a Christian Science Monitor breakfast last June, Scott defended not getting involved in open primaries. He said, I dont think people want Washington to pick who the candidates are. I think the voters in the states want to pick whos going to represent them. He also defended Republican candidate Herschel Walker, whod won Georgias May primary and later lost the runoff against Sen. Raphael Warnock (D). As Al wrote, in purple New Hampshire and Arizona, Don Bolduc and Blake Masters, political newcomers who tied themselves to Trump, advanced to the general election and were handily defeated. Over in the House: National Republican Congressional Committee communications director Jack Pandol told The Hill in an email that the group has historically not endorsed in open Republican primaries and that will not change for the 2024 cycle. Beyond the partys official campaign arms, the Congressional Leadership Fund a super PAC endorsed by House Republican leadership agreed last month with the Club for Growth that the former group will not spend in open primaries in safe GOP districts. PELOSI TO BACK SCHIFF FOR SENATE IF FEINSTEIN DOESNT RUN Former House Speaker Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) will endorse Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) for Senate if California Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D) doesnt seek reelection, according to a statement released by Schiffs campaign. Pelosi said Feinstein has her whole-hearted support if she runs again, but otherwise, her endorsement will go to Schiff, whom Pelosi said knows well the nexus between a strong Democracy and a strong economy. Twenty other current and former members of Congress from the state also endorsed Schiff. Rep. Katie Porter (D-Calif.) is running for the seat as well and received early endorsements from Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and the Progressive Change Campaign Committee. Opening pitches: Schiffslaunch video highlights his lead role in the first impeachment effort against former President Trump. Schiff says, I wish I could say the threat of MAGA extremists is over. It is not. We have to stop them. Thats why Im running for the U.S. Senate. Porter says in her launch video, California needs a warrior in Washington. Thats exactly why Im announcing my candidacy[.] I dont do Congress the way others often do. I use whatever power I have to speak hard truths to the powers that be. Our Jared Gans noted that Reps. Barbara Lee and Ro Khanna have also been discussed as potential Democratic primary candidates. Thats it for today. Thanks for reading and check out The Hills Campaign page for the latest news and coverage. See you next week. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. ESCANABA Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently signed legislation into law to secure millions in funding for a major Escanaba paper mill. The spending legislation, which was signed into law on Tuesday, Jan. 31, secured a total of $1.1 billion in funding for various project across the state. One of the largest investments will be modernizing the Escanaba mill. The mill, which sits on the banks of the Escanaba River, is owned by Swedish paper producer Billerud. The mill has been a major part of the Escanaba economy since 1911 and supports many local jobs. The mill is one of the top employers in Delta County, with several thousand workers. It has an estimated $360 million in annual economic impact on the area. Subscribe:Get unlimited access to our coverage Billeruds transformational investment in their Escanaba Mill underscores the strength of our advanced manufacturing workforce and secures a critical win as we continue working to promote long-term, sustainable investments across the state, said Quentin Messer, CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, in a statement. Through the steadfast support of our bipartisan legislative partners, the Whitmer-Gilchrist Administration, the men and women of organized labor, and our many local and regional partners across the Upper Peninsula, we are continuing to demonstrate that Michigan, on both peninsulas, is a place for pure opportunity. In the past several months, Billerud has been in the process of planning an expansion and modernization project at the mill, which is expected to bring in around $1 billion from Swedish investors. The company needs to make this modernization in order to keep the mill running the way it is. This project is expected to allow the company to keep more than 1,240 jobs. This is a major investment that will strengthen the local economy and keep the mill operational for generations to come, said Sen. John Damoose, (R-Harbor Springs). I am proud to stand up for Upper Peninsula families and help secure funding to keep these jobs long into the future. Story continues This funding follows additional incentives recently approved by the State of Michigan Administrative Board, including approval of the Forest Products Processing Renaissance Zone. The zone exempts Billerud from paying almost all state and local property taxes at the Escanaba Mill. The project will include upgrading the mill to handle more paper products than it could in the past. With the new investment, Bullerud will convert the mill into producing primary fiber carton board and paperboard products. This new moderinzed mill will be the cornerstone of Billerud expanding its company into North America. We thank Governor Whitmer, the legislature, and the MEDC for their investment support for Billeruds planned transformation of our Escanaba Mill into a world-class paperboard production facility, said Billerud Americas Corporation President Rob Kreizenbeck. We look forward to continuing to collaborate with our partners in government to facilitate our investments for the benefit of the Escanaba community, Upper Peninsula and the State of Michigan. Contact Brendan Wiesner: BWiesner@Sooeveningnews.com This article originally appeared on The Sault News: Escanaba paper mill receives $200 million for modernization Korea suffered its worst-ever monthly trade deficit last month, which marked the first time in 25 years that the country posted 11 straight months of trade deficits. Exports also declined for four consecutive months, setting off alarm bells. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy on Wednesday said exports in January plummeted 16.6 percent on-year to US$46.27 billion, while imports slid only 2.6 percent to $58.96 billion. That resulted in a record trade deficit of $12.69 billion, equivalent to a quarter of the entire trade shortfall of 2022. It was also the first time that Korea suffered a monthly trade deficit of more than $10 billion. Semiconductor exports, which had been propping up the economy so far, fared poorly, while energy imports increased 50 percent compared to the average over the last decade. Semiconductor exports plunged 44.5 percent on-year to $6 billion, the worst performance since December 2016 and down for the fifth month running. Exports to China fell 34.1 percent to $9.17 billion, down for the eighth month in a row. Cho Sang-hyun at the Korea International Trade Association said, "China's economy remained sluggish, while semiconductor exports fell sharply due to the slow economy and made matters worse." DETROIT Lorrie Kemp allowed herself to scream for the first time since her son's Jan. 21 disappearance. "I don't know who to trust, I don't know who to believe but I'm not going to stop," the mother said, almost crying. "I'm angry. I'm mad. I'm getting tired." Kemp, 58, of Oscoda, has put up scores of flyers for her missing son around Michigan in Detroit, Warren, Oscoda and Lansing, where he grew up. She has kept every police report and takes notes on every conversation she has had with law enforcement regarding her son, Armani Kelly, 27, an Oscoda rapper who was meant to perform at a club in Detroit the night he went missing. Three rappers were scheduled to perform on Jan. 21 in Detroit: Now, they're all missing Lorrie Kemp, 58, of Oscoda, talks about her son Armani Kelly on Feb. 1, 2023. Armani Kelly is one of three rappers that have been missing since Jan. 21 when they were supposed to perform at a Detroit club, but the event was canceled. The show was canceled, and two others who were set to perform that evening Montoya Givens, 31, of Detroit, and Dante Wicker, 31, of Melvindale are also missing. No one has reported seeing or hearing from the three men since the evening of Jan. 21. There has been no activity on their cellphones or social media accounts. The car Kelly drove from Oscoda to Detroit was found in Warren, which borders Detroit to the north, and a juvenile suspected of stealing it was in custody, according to police. It's an investigation law enforcement officials have characterized as alarming, rare and difficult. The search for the men has become a multi-agency investigation involving police departments in Detroit, Oscoda, Melvindale and Warren. 'My baby is not disposable' Detroit police on Monday called for help from the public a week after Kemp on Jan. 23 reported Kelly missing and began spreading the word via social media and notifying news outlets. She said Detroit investigators first contacted her on Jan. 26. Hawaii: Crews search for Hawaii fisherman who went overboard after friend says he hooked big tuna From left: Armani Kelly, 28, of Oscoda, Montoya Givens, 31, of Detroit, and Dante Wicker, 31, of Melvindale, have been missing since Jan. 21, according to Detroit police. Authorities have told the Detroit Free Press, part of the USA TODAY Network, finding the men is a priority. Kemp fears her son's disappearance hasn't been taken seriously because of his criminal past and because he's Black and Latino. He served seven years in prison for a 2014 armed robbery, according to Michigan Department of Corrections records. Kemp called it a drug deal gone wrong. He was paroled in July 2022. Story continues "Where were you when I needed you a week ago?" Kemp asked, her question directed toward police. She said a Warren police officer at one point called her missing son a "felon, drug dealer and gangster." Warren Police Commissioner William Dwyer cast doubt on the allegation, but said Kemp should file a complaint. "Yes, my son was in prison. Yes, he did his time, he paid his dues," Kemp said. "But you're going to prosecute him until you put him on the cross? You can think he's disposable, but my baby is not disposable. He was a human being." What we know about the investigation and the last night rappers were seen Detroit Police Chief James White said Tuesday that homicide and missing persons investigators are working the case. "We're looking at everything," he said. Dwyer and Detroit Police Cmdr. Michael McGinnis noted how rare and alarming it is for three adult men to go missing at the same time. McGinnis said in most cases, adult men go missing on their own and are eventually found safe. Dwyer said in his over 20-year career in law enforcement, he has never heard of a case like this. "This is very rare, to say the least," Dwyer said. White said investigators believe Kelly, Givens and Wicker were together at Lounge 31 on Detroit's east side, where they planned to perform at some point that evening. What's unclear, he said, is what happened to them after they left. Once Kemp spread word that Kelly was missing, the families of the other rappers realized they, too, hadn't heard from them and filed missing persons reports, McGinnis said. Lorrie Kemp, 58, of Oscoda, talks about her son Armani Kelly on Feb. 1, 2023. Armani Kelly is one of three rappers that have been missing since Jan. 21 when they were supposed to perform at a Detroit club, but the event was canceled. Lounge 31 owner Darnell Williams told the Free Press the performances were canceled that night because of technical failures with the DJ equipment. He said there were too many people in the crowd to know whether or when the missing men were there, but that police were reviewing video footage. The last time Kemp spoke to her son was about 5 p.m. on Jan. 21. He had called Kemp to let her know he made it to Detroit. Kelly's fiancee, Taylor Perrin, said the last time she talked to Kelly was also about 5 p.m. that day. Kelly told her the performance at Lounge 31 was canceled and he was going to try to find an open mic night to perform. Music was everything to Kelly, Perrin told the Free Press. "He wanted his music to blow up. He wanted to become something," she said. Perrin said she texted Kelly around 7 p.m. No answer. At around 9 p.m., she tried again. The message didn't go through, she said. Perrin then called Kelly, and it went straight to voicemail. Perrin and Kemp grew more concerned when he didn't come back home to Oscoda on Sunday, Jan. 22. By Monday, Kemp said, she contacted Detroit police and was instructed to filed a police report with the Oscoda Police, which she did. Kemp has been desperately searching for her son since. The vehicle Kelly drove to Detroit, a gray 2017 Chevy Equinox, was first traced on Jan. 23 to the Life Church in Warren using OnStar, according to a Jan. 24 Warren police stolen vehicle report obtained by the Free Press. It's unknown why the vehicle was in Warren, or whether the three men had also been in Warren at some point the evening of Jan. 21. Kemp, upset that the vehicle was not immediately impounded by police for evidence, said she went to check on the vehicle that day. Later on Jan 23., Kemp said she checked on the vehicle again, but it was gone. Kemp said the car was then traced to the Huntington Club Apartments in Warren. The police report acknowledges officials in Oscoda, about 200 miles north, asked Warren police to check out the apartment complex. By 9 a.m. on Jan. 24, it appears the vehicle was neither at the Life Church nor Huntington Club Apartments. According to the police report, OnStar informed Warren police that the vehicle had been on the move and parked in Warren, where it was finally recovered. A juvenile suspected of stealing the vehicle has been apprehended, but not yet charged, according to Dwyer. Mom suspects foul play in disappearance of 'ambitious, creative' son Kemp calls herself a "mama bear." She fears the worst. She wants to bring him home, but in her gut, she feels like her son is dead. Authorities haven't determined what happened to Kelly, Givens, or Wicker, but Kemp has her own theory. She believes her son was set up and killed because of gang-related retaliation from his time in prison. Kemp points to a Facebook Live video posted by her son on Jan. 19, where he talked about violence in the community and conflicts he has had with individuals inside and out of prison. "This is foul play," Kemp said. Lorrie Kemp, 58, of Oscoda, is frustrated as she talks about her son Armani Kelly on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023, at the Detroit Free Press. Armani Kelly is one of three rappers that have been missing since Jan. 21 when they were supposed to perform at a Detroit club, but the event was canceled. A message seeking comment was left with the Michigan Department of Corrections. Kemp and Perrin described Kelly as ambitious, outgoing, funny and creative. In addition to rapping, he writes short stories, plays and films. Perrin said he has dreams of publishing a book and making a movie one day. "I love his drive, his determination for things. He had a lot of goals for himself. And the love he gave to people. ... He's just a very bright person," Perrin said. Kemp said her son was taking community college trade classes and was working in manufacturing in Oscoda. "He had a future," she said. Follow reporter Andrea Sahouri on Twitter @andreamsahouri. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: 3 rappers went missing in Detroit: Mom of Armani Kelly speaks out DES MOINES, Iowa An Iowa care home is being fined $10,000 after declaring one of its residents dead and transferring her to a funeral home where she was found to still be alive. A report from the Iowa Department of Inspection and Appeals says the mistaken death declaration occurred on Jan. 3 after a staff member at the Glen Oaks Alzheimer's Special Care Center in Urbandale reported that the woman, 66, had died about 6 a.m. The report said the woman, who had early onset dementia, anxiety and depression, had been in hospice care since Dec. 28. The staff member reported she could no longer feel the woman's pulse and alerted a nurse practitioner, who made the death declaration, the report said. Iowa law allows nurses and physicians' assistants, in addition to doctors, to declare a patient dead. The report also said that the woman previously had suffered minor seizures and showed signs of mottled skin, a sign of approaching death. 'Gasped for air' About 90 minutes after the woman was declared dead, she was taken to the Ankeny Funeral Home & Crematory in a zipped body bag, the report said. When she arrived, funeral home staff unzipped the bag and saw that her chest was moving as she "gasped for air." Staff then called 911. The Ankeny Fire Department responded to the call, which it said reported a person in apparent cardiac arrest. That proved incorrect, the department said, and the woman was taken to a hospital, where she was found to be breathing, though unresponsive. More: 60-year-old dies after spectator fight at Vermont middle school basketball game; cause of death pending Colombia: American finance worker arrested in Colombia, accused of killing popular DJ girlfriend Woman later dies in hospice The woman was returned to hospice care, where she died Jan. 5, according to the department of inspections and appeals report. The agency found the Urbandale care center had "failed to provide adequate direction to ensure appropriate cares and services were provided" regarding the declaration of the patient's death. Story continues Lisa Eastman, executive director of the Glen Oaks Alzheimer's Special Care Center, said the facility has been in close communication with the family of the woman. "We care deeply about our residents and we remain fully committed to supporting their end-of-life care. All of our employees are given regular training in how best to support end-of-life care and the death transition for our residents," Eastman said. Sgt. Corey Schneden, a spokesperson for the Ankeny Police Department, said it is not pursuing criminal charges. A representative of Dignity Memorial, the parent company of The Ankeny Funeral Home & Crematory, declined to comment. "Out of respect for the privacy and confidentiality of the families we are honored to serve, we are not in a position to comment further on this matter," the spokesperson wrote in an email to the Register. Follow Francesca Block on Twitter: @francescablock3. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa woman declared dead found alive at funeral home, report says still from a black-and-white video showing a prototype space module exploding and pieces flying Sierra Space aimed to blow a space module apart on video, and delivered on that promise in spades. The company completed its third module test on the journey to certify its module design for eventual spaceflight and to help develop a private space complex to replace the International Space Station (ISS). The accelerated systematic creep test, as the company termed the December trial, exceeded NASA's certification requirements. "These results will propel us in 2023 as we mature the technology via full-scale development and continue toward full NASA certification," Sierra Space officials wrote in a statement Tuesday (Jan. 31). Sierra Space's Large Integrated Flexible Environment, or LIFE, will form part of the Orbital Reef space station led by Blue Origin. Orbital Reef represents part of a small set of industry-led space stations that NASA gave early-stage funding to back in December 2021 as part of a plan to replace the aging ISS in the 2030s or so. Related: NASA looks to private outposts to build on International Space Station's legacy still from a black-and-white video showing a prototype space module exploding and pieces flying Sierra Space has done a trio of explosive tests so far for safety reasons, as NASA certification requires extensive ground testing to assure the design is safe for spaceflight. The December 2022 effort loaded the subscale test module up with air pressure and required the module to maintain pressure for at least 100 hours. The explosion took place after 150 hours, exceeding the requirement by 150%. Previously in July and November, Sierra Space conducted two ultimate burst pressure tests that subjected test modules to ever-growing air pressure until they blew apart. Once the results from the December test are completed, Sierra plans a second subscale Systematic Accelerated Creep Test "early in 2023" and then full-scale testing later in the year, officials said in the release. In photos: Inside Sierra Nevada's inflatable space habitat for astronauts in lunar orbit space station rendering All tests were performed at NASAs Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama adjacent to the flame trench of the Saturn 1/1B test stand, in the same zone where NASA tested rockets for the Apollo moon program of the 1960s and 1970s. The tests included Sierra Space, past spacesuit maker ILC Dover and NASA officials. Story continues Sierra Space isn't the only space station module maker deliberately blowing things up for NASA. In December, for example, engineers at Lockheed Martin Space's Waterton Canyon facility in Colorado also exploded a test module for their own ultimate burst pressure test, although this module design is destined for a deeper-space destination as NASA seeks to expand its influence to the moon and beyond. RELATED STORIES: Bigelow Aerospace: Inflatable Modules for ISS NASA Puts Bigelow Aerospace's Giant Inflatable Space Habitat Prototype to the Test (Photos) Inflatable Habitats: From the Space Station to the Moon and Mars? In 2021, NASA provided $415 million in funding split across three teams tasked with creating successor space stations to ISS: the Orbital Reef team led by Blue Origin that includes Sierra Space received $130 million, Nanoracks LLC's team received $160 million and Northrop Grumman's team garnered $125.6 million. An inflatable module is also in action right now on the ISS, in testing by Bigelow Space. The Bigelow Expandable Activity Module, or BEAM, arrived at its docking port in 2019 and receives periodic check-ups by ISS astronauts to ensure it is holding up well against the vacuum of space and solar radiation. Elizabeth Howell is the co-author of "Why Am I Taller?" (ECW Press, 2022; with Canadian astronaut Dave Williams), a book about space medicine. Follow her on Twitter @howellspace. Follow us on Twitter @Spacedotcom or Facebook. Nikki Haley, United States Ambassador to the United Nations, shakes hands with President Donald Trump after she announced her plan to resign at the end of the year in the Oval Office of the White House on October 9, 2018, in Washington, DC. Calla Kessler/The Washington Post via Getty Images Trump will not commit to supporting the 2024 GOP nominee. Trump told Nikki Haley she should run for president if she wanted to, but called her "overly ambitious." The ex-president made the comments on Hugh Hewitt. Former President Donald Trump wouldn't commit to supporting the 2024 Republican nominee for president should he fail to secure the title, he told radio host Hugh Hewitt on Thursday. "It would have to depend on who the nominee was," Trump said, who added that he wouldn't commit to attending all the presidential debates. Trump is the only 2024 candidate to have declared that he's running for president, though former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley is expected to be next. The former South Carolina governor is set to announce her run on February 15 in her home state, in Charleston, the Post and Courrier was first to report. Haley didn't blindside Trump in her decision to run. "She called me and she asked me about it and I told her she should follow her heart," Trump shared in the radio interview. He said he told her she should run if she wanted to. Still, Trump on Wednesday shared a video on his social media platform, Truth Social, of Haley saying she wouldn't challenge Trump for the 2024 nomination if he were to run. He raised the video again during his Hewitt interview. "Nikki suffers from something that's a very tough thing to suffer from," he said. "She's overly ambitious." Haley isn't the only one to reverse course on a political pledge. During his 2016 run for the White House, Trump initially promised to support the GOP nominee but then took it back during a town hall on CNN. In his interview with Hewitt, Trump wouldn't say one way or another whether Haley approached him about her replacing Mike Pence for the vice presidency, as former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo detailed in his new book. "I don't want to say," Trump said. "I'm not going to embarrass her." Haley's political team did not immediately respond to a request for comment for this story. Speaking on Fox News Channel's Bret Baier, Haley dismissed Pompeo's accusations as as "lies and gossip." Story continues When asked during the Baier interview about why she'd reversed course on a potential presidential run, Haley, 51, explained that America's survival is "bigger than one person," adding that it's time for a generation of younger leaders to take the reins. Trump would be 78 if he were to become president again the same age President Joe Biden was when he took his White House oath in 2021. Presidential campaign veterans told Insider that whoever enters the race next could benefit from the publicity and taking early shots at Trump though they'd also risk drawing his ire. Other Republican candidates aren't expected to enter the contest anytime soon. Hewitt on Thursday pressed Trump repeatedly about what his nicknames would be for potential 2024 challengers, but the former president wouldn't share them. Trump was early in declaring his third consecutive run for the presidency, doing so just after the midterms on November 15 from Mar-a-Lago, his private club and residence in Palm Beach, Florida. Hewitt also asked Trump whether he thought his former allies should run against him. "I would say that, but I know how life works and I know how politics works," Trump said, "and politics is a microcosm but even more vicious of life." Other potential candidates appear to be in no rush to make a presidential run official, though Insider previously reported that at least 16 other Republicans are considering whether to enter the race. Read the original article on Business Insider By Karen Freifeld and Mike Stone WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States on Tuesday put new trade restrictions on seven Iranian entities for producing drones that Russia has used to attack Ukraine, the U.S. Department of Commerce said. The firms and other organizations were added to a U.S. export control list for those engaged in activities contrary to U.S. national security and foreign policy interests. The additions to the Commerce Department's "entities list" were posted in a preliminary filing in the U.S. Federal Register, the government's daily journal, and will be officially published on Wednesday. Since Russia launched its war against Ukraine in February 2022, the United States and over 30 other countries have sought to degrade its military and defense industrial base by using export controls to restrict its access to technology. The Iranian entities are Design and Manufacturing of Aircraft Engines, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Aerospace Force, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Research and Self-Sufficiency Jihad Organization, Oje Parvaz Mado Nafar Company, Paravar Pars Company, Qods Aviation Industry, and Shahed Aviation Industries. Any suppliers to the entities are required to have licenses to ship goods and technology, but these are expected to be denied, apart from those for food and medicine. The licenses will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Iran's mission to the United Nations in New York said: "Sanctions have no effect on Iran's drone production capacity because its drones are all produced domestically. This is a strong indication that the drones shot down in Ukraine and using parts made by Western countries don't belong to Iran." In January, Canada announced it would buy a U.S.-made National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) for Ukraine. NASAMS is a short- to medium-range ground-based air defense system that protects against drone, missile and aircraft attack. The United States has provided two NASAMS to Ukraine and more are on the way. Other ground-based air defense systems such as Raytheon Technology Corp's Patriot have been pledged by the United Kingdom, the United States and the Netherlands as allies hope to stave off further power disruptions. (Reporting by Karen Freifeld in New York and Mike Stone in Washington; Additional reporting by Michelle Nichols at the United Nations; Editing by Paul Simao and Howard Goller) U.S. officials have finally found a country Belize to take in a Guantanamo detainee and former al-Qaida courier who finished serving his sentence nearly a year ago. Majid Khan has already left the prison at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba and is now in Belize, a senior State Department official said. The official did not say when the transfer took place. The 42-year-old Pakistani citizen pleaded guilty in 2012 to delivering $50,000 to an al-Qaida affiliate that financed a deadly hotel bombing in Indonesia in 2003, and was sentenced to 26 years in prison. Khans sentence was later reduced after he cooperated with the government and testified about his torture by the CIA at black sites oversees, making him eligible for release last March. But finding Khan a new home proved difficult. Since the end of his sentence, U.S. officials have struggled to find a place that was willing to take in Khan and his family. The Biden administration said in August that the State Department had approached 11 countries, though it did not name any of them. The U.S. finally found a solution in Belize. The government of Belize has been super helpful to us, the State Department official said. We asked them to do something that is admittedly difficult from a political perspective. It's hard for any country. The official was granted anonymity to speak freely about the details of the diplomatic negotiations. The Biden administration sought out several different agencies to certify that Khan poses no danger to the U.S. or its allies, the official said. They will accept him on [that] premise, the official said of Belize. We don't do the transfers just to do transfers. I want to be clear about that. It's an interagency process. We all do agree that not only is the individual ready for transfer, but that [Belize] is capable and willing. The embassy of Belize in Washington, D.C., did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Nineteen other detainees are eligible for transfer from Guantanamo Bay, according to the U.S. Before Khan, the U.S. transferred Saifullah Paracha to Pakistan. A total of 34 people are still being held at Guantanamo. Story continues Khan, who was first taken into custody in Pakistan in 2003, detailed historture by the CIA at a hearing in October 2021. Military officers on the jury condemned the torture in a clemency letter published by the New York Times, calling it a stain on the moral fiber of America. He was granted that clemency in March of 2022, when Col. Jeffrey Wood, the convening authority for military commissions, reduced Khans official sentence to 10 years, time he had already served. The tribunal had actually written a letter on his behalf to say that they thought that he was the guy who could really find a new home and a new lease on life and acknowledged that yes, he was a good candidate for transfer, the senior State Department official said. Khan, who went to school in Maryland, sued the Biden administration last summer for continuing to hold him even after he finished his sentence. His legal team suggested Khan be transferred to the Navy base at Guantanamo Bay until a country agreed to resettle him. Khan continues to be imprisoned at Guantanamo, beyond the expiration of his sentence, and without foreseeable end, the complaint filed by Khan and his lawyer read. Petitioner's conditions of confinement at Guantanamo also have not improved since his sentence ended; in certain respects, they have become more punitive. In a statement provided by his lawyers, Khan said he has "been given a second chance in life." I intend to make the most of it, he said. I deeply regret the things that I did many years ago, and I have taken responsibility and tried to make up for them. I promise all of you, especially the people of Belize that I will be a productive, law-abiding member of society." Wells Dixon, Khan's lawyer at the Center for Constitutional Rights, said his client's transfer "is the culmination of decades-long litigation and advocacy ... to challenge the worst abuses of the war on terror and close the Guantanamo Bay prison." Incoming University of Florida President Ben Sasse will be greeted by protestors Monday afternoon outside the school's administration building as he officially takes the helm of the top-5 public university. In a press release announcing the protest, which is planned for 2 p.m. outside Tigert Hall at 300 SW 13th St., the coalition of UF students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members are demanding that Sasse commits to a series of initiatives. Those changes include: Market equity raises for staff Graduate assistants and all UF-affiliated workers Publicly disavow attacks from Tallahassee on academic and free speech Maintain pre-existing commitments to inclusivity, equity and diversity Commit to protecting tenure for UF faculty More:UF spending $300,000 on new pool for Dasburg home where incoming president Ben Sasse will reside Leadership:UF Provost Joe Glover to step down after 15 years Sasse, 50, a Republican who resigned as senator of Nebraska to take the UF position, was chosen as the sole finalist to replace outgoing President Kent Fuchs in October by a 15-member search committee. The committee faced pushback from the UF community because he was the only finalist and because of his political background. It later came out at the UF Board of Trustees meeting where he was unanimously approved that no other finalist wanted to come forward unless they were selected as the sole finalist. The national search for Fuchs' replacement was done completely in the dark thanks to a bipartisan bill passed by the Florida Legislature last year that shielded candidate information from being public record. Sasse came to visit UF in November where a protest erupted inside Emerson Alumni Hall during a student Q&A forum. The protest resulted in Sasse having to be escorted to a police car. "Obviously, I wish they didn't have the position they had, but I strongly support the right of people to protest and exercise their free speech rights. So I won't say I precisely welcome the protesters, but I sort of intellectually and constitutionally happily welcome the protesters," Sasse said during the forum. Story continues Fuchs later told students that they would be disciplined if they again protest inside the building, under a decades-old university regulation that had previously not been enforced. Sasse over the years has made several anti-LGBTQ remarks while in public office, most notably expressing his "disappointment" of a 2015 Supreme Court decision that ruled same-sex marriage was protected by the 14th Amendment and a fundamental right. He was approved as the university's 13th president by the Florida Board of Governors on Nov. 9 in a near-unanimous vote. Sasse said coming into the UF president role that he would put his personal politics aside. Sasse will earn a yearly salary of $1 million plus benefits. This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: University of Florida students to protest President Ben Sasse The number of migrants apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol after illegally crossing the southern border dropped by roughly 40% in January, when the Biden administration announced a revamped strategy to discourage unlawful crossings, according to preliminary government data obtained by CBS News. Border Patrol agents recorded approximately 130,000 apprehensions of migrants who entered the U.S. between official ports of entry along the border with Mexico, compared to the near-record 221,000 apprehensions in December, the internal preliminary figures show. The number of Border Patrol apprehensions in November and October totaled 207,396 and 204,874, respectively. The statistics indicate that January saw the lowest levels of illegal migration along the U.S.-Mexico border since President Biden's first full month in office in February 2021. The figures do not include migrants and asylum-seekers processed at official border crossings. Senior U.S. officials said the sharp drop in illegal entries last month stemmed from the Biden administration's expansion of a strategy it launched last year to reduce the number of Venezuelans entering U.S. border custody. In early January, the administration announced it would use a pandemic-related authority known as Title 42 to swiftly expel Cubans, Nicaraguans, Haitians and Venezuelans to Mexico without allowing them to seek asylum if they attempted to cross into the U.S. without legal permission. Before the announcement, Mexico generally only accepted Title 42 returns of its citizens and migrants from Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and, after October 2022, Venezuela. The repressive governments in Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela, which are sanctioned by the U.S., have for their part severely limited or rejected U.S. deportations of their citizens. Officials simultaneously announced that the U.S. would allow up to 30,000 migrants from these four countries to fly into the U.S. on a monthly basis if Americans agreed to sponsor their arrival. The administration is also allowing a limited number of migrants in northern Mexico to request a humanitarian exemption to Title 42 at ports of entry through a mobile app. Story continues Migrants wait at the U.S.-Mexico border on Jan. 8, 2023, in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. / Credit: Christian Torres/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images While migrant arrivals along the U.S. southern border have historically dipped in January due to a holiday season lull and colder temperatures, the drop over the past few weeks has been most pronounced among migrants from countries whose citizens are subject to the new procedures, government statistics show. The daily average of Cubans, Nicaraguans, Haitians and Venezuelans crossing the southern border illegally has dropped below 200, down over 90% from a peak of 3,367 in December, according to the government data. It's unclear, however, whether the downward trend will continue in the coming months. The Biden administration has itself conceded that the policies announced last month are stopgap measures prompted by Congress' failure to reform U.S. immigration laws since the 1990s. The strategy's deterrence component relies on a pandemic order the Biden administration tried to end last spring and that Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) officials have said they no longer can justify on public health grounds. The CDC's move to terminate Title 42 in May 2022 was halted after Republican state officials convinced a federal judge in Louisiana to block the termination on technical grounds. Title 42 was again set to end in late December, but the Supreme Court, at the request of the Republican-led states, suspended a lower court ruling that had declared the policy illegal. Those cases could be rendered moot on May 11, when the Biden administration is expected to terminate the national public health emergency over COVID-19. The CDC said in its Title 42 order that the expulsions would be halted if the health emergency was lifted. On Wednesday, a bipartisan group of senators reintroduced a bill that would prolong Title 42 for at least two months after the emergency declaration expires and require the Department of Homeland Security to submit a plan to Congress on how it will manage migration after the expulsions are halted. Biden administration officials said they have been preparing for Title 42's end for the past year, including by expanding a process known as expedited removal that allows U.S. border officials to rapidly deport migrants who don't ask for asylum or who fail to establish credible fear of persecution. The administration is also planning to publish a regulation that would generally disqualify migrants from asylum if they do not ask for protection in third countries on their way to the U.S. Those subject to the policy could be deported without a court hearing. Mr. Biden's strategy is also under legal jeopardy. Twenty states led by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit last month seeking to halt the sponsorship program for migrants from Cuba, Nicaragua, Haiti and Venezuela. The states argued the policy is an illegal expansion of the parole authority, the law the Biden administration is using to allow those arriving under the program to live and work legally in the U.S. on a temporary basis. The Biden administration has said the lawsuit, if successful, would fuel more illegal border crossings since Mexico made its decision to accept migrants returned by the U.S. contingent on the U.S. fulfilling its pledge to take in 30,000 migrants each month via the sponsorship program. "These expanded border enforcement measures are working," Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas said last week. "It is incomprehensible that some states who stand to benefit from these highly effective enforcement measures are seeking to block them and cause more irregular migration at our southern border." President Biden walks along the U.S.-Mexico border fence in El Paso, Texas, on Jan. 8, 2023. / Credit: JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images In addition to the constant criticism from Republican lawmakers who have accused Mr. Biden of not fully enforcing U.S. immigration laws, his administration has recently faced pushback from some Democratic allies angry with the policies that limit access to the asylum system. The proposal to disqualify migrants from asylum in particular has garnered strong opposition from progressive advocates and dozens of Democrats in Congress, who have noted the policy is similar to a regulation the Trump administration enacted in 2019 before it was struck down in federal court. Andrea Flores, who was a National Security Council official until late 2021, criticized the reliance on Trump-era measures to manage migration. "Any border management policy that relies on a short-term public health authority is not a sustainable solution to mass migration," said Flores, who now serves as chief counsel to Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey. "A single weather or political event could happen next month, Title 42 could disappear, and the whole situation could change in an instant." But the Biden administration has argued the measures are needed to address the unprecedented migration crisis the U.S. government and local communities along the southern border have faced over the past year. In fiscal year 2022, federal officials along the southern border stopped migrants over 2.3 million times, a record high. While Title 42 was used to carry out over 1 million expulsions during that period, hundreds of thousands of migrants were allowed to stay in the country and submit asylum requests before an overwhelmed court system. The humanitarian crisis along the U.S. southern border is part of a mass displacement event in the Western Hemisphere that has seen millions of people uprooted from their homes by poverty, hunger, violence and authoritarian rule. Over the past year, hundreds of thousands of Cubans, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans have journeyed to the U.S. border, fleeing economic instability and political repression in their homelands. Thousands of Haitians have also sought to reach the U.S. in hopes of escaping the political turmoil and gang violence plaguing the destitute Caribbean nation. Bill Clinton marks 30th anniversary of Family and Medical Leave Act Red Hot Chili Peppers | Sunday on 60 Minutes Report finds single women lead men in homeownership Paula OConnor and Rhonda Cegelski are seen in this undated photo. The women were victims of a double homicide on Sunday, Jan. 29, 2023, in the 1600 block of Elkay Lane in Green Bay. GREEN BAY - Police have identified the women who were killed in a double-homicide Sunday on Green Bay's east side. Rhonda Cegelski, 58, of Green Bay, and Paula OConnor, 53, of Bellevue, were stabbed to death in Cegelski's home in the 1600 block of Elkay Lane, police announced Thursday. The two women were best friends who worked together as hairstylists at Sei Bella Salon in Ashwaubenon, according to GoFundMe pages that have been set up for both Cegelski and O'Connor. "Rhonda and Paula were the life of the party," the page says. Cegelski is survived by her four children, granddaughter and mother, according to her GoFundMe page to help cover funeral expenses. O'Connor "adored visiting her grandchildren," according to her GoFundMe page, which was set up to help with funeral expenses as she did not have life insurance. RELATED:Green Bay man charged with homicide in deaths of 2 women; he awaits extradition hearing in Arkansas Richard Sotka, 48, of Green Bay, is in custody in the Mississippi County Detention Center in Arkansas, awaiting extradition to Brown County. Brown County prosecutors charged him Wednesday with two counts of first-degree intentional homicide related to the women's killings. Sotka had recently moved in with Cegelski, according to the criminal complaint. RELATED:Green Bay man arrested in Arkansas in connection with homicide of 2 women in Green Bay The complaint says he killed both women and then took off after cutting off his electronic monitoring device that he had been on because of a domestic violence incident in Oconto County. He was interviewed by Green Bay detectives in Arkansas where he admitted to killing both women, according to the complaint. Police said the investigation continues. Email Doug Schneider at DSchneid@Gannett.com, call him at (920) 265-2070 and follow him on Twitter @PGDougSchneider Green Bay Press-Gazette This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Rhonda Cegelski, Paula O'Connor ID'd as victims of Green Bay murders A group of 20 Republican attorneys general warned CVS and Walgreens in a letter Wednesday that they could face legal consequences if they sell abortion pills by mail in their states. The letter, from Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, said selling the pills would violate abortion laws in the state. It was cosigned by attorneys general in Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and West Virginia. FDA ruling allows pharmacies to offer abortion pill Last month, the FDA ruled retail pharmacies could get certified to dispense the abortion pill mifepristone and agree to accept prescriptions from certified providers. CVS and Walgreens have previously said they intend to provide the drug in states where it is legal to do so. Walgreens is working to become eligible to dispense mifepristone through an FDA-mandated certification process that requires pharmacies to meet standards in shipping, tracking and confidentially storing drug-prescribing records, Fraser Engerman, a Walgreens spokesperson, said in a statement. "We fully understand that we may not be able to dispense Mifepristone in all locations if we are certified under the program," Engerman said. WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT ABORTION PILLS: Medication abortion may be the next focal point in the fight over abortion access What legal action could be taken against pharmacies? Bailey didn't specify what legal action he would take. "I will enforce the laws as written," Bailey said in a statement. "That includes laws protecting the health of women and their unborn children. The FDA rule is in direct violation of federal law, and the unelected bureaucrats at the FDA have no authority to change Missouri law, either. The peoples elected representatives have spoken on the issue of abortion in our state, and we will fight to uphold that in court." Story continues Letter argues mailing abortion pills violates federal law The letter also argues that federal law prohibits sending or receiving abortion pills by mail. This refers to the Comstock Act, an 1873 law that sought to restrict the delivery of contraception and items considered "obscene." It contains language prohibiting mailing "any article or thing designed or intended for the prevention of conception or procuring of an abortion." But the Justice Department last month cleared the U.S. Postal Service to deliver abortion pills, ruling the Comstock Act does not prohibit mailing the pills because senders cannot typically know if the recipient will use them illegally. MORE ON DOJ RULING: Justice Department clears Postal Service to deliver abortion pills Lawsuits target medication abortion access In two ongoing court battles, lawsuits are arguing states cannot regulate or restrict drugs that are FDA-approved. One of the lawsuits targets North Carolina's restrictions on medication abortion. The other, in West Virginia, targets the state's abortion ban. Meanwhile, a lawsuit filed by the anti-abortion group Alliance Defending Freedom is attempting to reverse the FDAs approval of mifepristone, which was approved for medication abortion in 2000. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the American Medical Association and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists call mifepristone a safe and effective abortion medication and component of treatment and management for early pregnancy loss or miscarriage. Dig deeper: 50th anniversary of Roe v Wade Contact Christine Fernando at cfernando@usatoday.com or follow her on Twitter at @christinetfern. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: GOP attorneys general warn against selling abortion pills by mail KYODO NEWS - Feb 2, 2023 - 19:08 | All, Japan Japan is considering providing annually more than 200 billion yen ($1.6 billion) in aid to the Philippines for its infrastructure development, government sources said Thursday, with the two countries trying to bolster their economic ties. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is also planning to agree with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who is slated to visit Japan next week, to boost security cooperation amid China's growing assertiveness in the Asia-Pacific region, the sources said. Tokyo and Manila, which have maintained friendly relations in recent years, have been joining hands in the security and economic fields as the two nations have been locked in territorial spats with Beijing in the South and East China seas. After Kishida and Marcos, both of whom have also expressed eagerness to deepen security ties with the United States, hold a meeting in Tokyo next Thursday, a joint press statement is expected to released, according to the sources. On the bilateral front, the two leaders are likely to confirm that the two countries will continue their security dialogue involving their defense and foreign ministers, which was first held in April 2022, the sources said, with an eye on future joint drills. In 2017, Japan agreed with the Philippines, under then Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and then President Rodrigo Duterte, that Tokyo would offer a 1 trillion yen aid package to Manila. But the duration of the aid, aimed at supporting infrastructure projects in the Southeast Asian nation, was five years. On an annual basis, the latest planned assistance worth over 200 billion yen would be larger than the previous financial package. The new aid package to the Philippines, centering on official development assistance, would be supplied within less than five years, the sources said. Marcos, meanwhile, is scheduled to meet with Kishida at a time when Tokyo and Manila are arranging the deportation of four Japanese suspects believed to be behind a string of robberies across Japan. Related coverage: Philippine President Marcos to visit Japan next week: gov't 4 robbery suspects may be sent from Philippines to Japan next week Japanese descendants on Philippine island lighten up from solar power Actor Ezra Miller pleaded guilty Friday to a charge stemming from a break-in and theft of alcohol at a neighbor's home in Vermont, one of a string of arrests and reports of erratic behavior last year that stretched from Hawaii to New England. Miller, who appeared in several Justice League movies and stars in the upcoming film The Flash," agreed that by entering the plea and abiding by the conditions, they would avoid a three-month jail sentence for a misdemeanor charge of unlawful trespass, a $500 fine and a court fee, a year of probation, and conditions including continued mental health treatment. Two other charges were dropped, including a felony burglary count that could have carried a sentence of 25 years in prison, but Vermont Superior Court Judge Kerry Ann McDonald-Cady told Miller the felony charge could be refiled if they fail to abide by the details of probation. Ezra Miller attends the 15th annual CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund event at the Brooklyn Navy Yard in New York on Nov. 5, 2018. Miller, known for playing "The Flash" in "Justice League" films, has reached a plea agreement with Vermont prosecutors in which they will plead guilty to an unlawful trespass charge that they broke into a home and stole three bottles of liquor. During the nearly 30-minute hearing in Bennington, Miller, 30, answered the judge's questions but declined to make a statement. However, after the hearing, Miller's attorney, Lisa Shelkrot, sent a statement on the actor's behalf. Ezra would like to thank the court and the community for their trust and patience throughout this process, and would once again like to acknowledge the love and support they have received from their family and friends, who continue to be a vital presence in their ongoing mental health, the statement said. Miller pleaded not guilty in October to stealing liquor from a neighbors home in Vermont. State police responded to a burglary complaint in Stamford on May 1 and found that several bottles of alcohol had been taken while the homeowner was away. The homeowner said he had been friends with Miller for about 18 years and bought the home a year and half ago in Stamford, where Miller also had a home, according to the police affidavit. Miller was charged after police consulted surveillance footage and interviewed witnesses. Miller was arrested twice last year in Hawaii, including for disorderly conduct and harassment at a karaoke bar. This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Ezra Miller gets fine, probation after plea deal in Vermont break-in Politicians and organizations based in Lansing reacted with praise and recognition Thursday after Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Lansing, announced she would not seek reelection in 2024. Stabenow, a former Ingham County commissioner and state representative, has held the position since 2001 and serves as the states first female senator. U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, (D-MI), speaks Monday, Jan. 20, 2020, during the 35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Celebration Luncheon at the Lansing Center. U.S. Representative Elissa Slotkin, who name was quickly floated by many on social media as a possible contender for the open position, said on Twitter that Stabenow brought her tireless spirit and passion for Michigan to public service. As the first woman elected to represent our state in the U.S. Senate, she's been our mentor, our leader and our trailblazer. And to me personally, she has been a friend, confidant and invaluable sounding board, she continued. Slotkin said she spoke with Stabenow on Thursday morning and thanked her for her work with Michigan farmers, manufacturers and small business owners. Slotkins communications team declined to comment on the Lansing congresswomans future plans, but Max Cohen of DC-based Punchbowl News reported that a source close to Elissa Slotkin's team says she's seriously considering running for Senate in '24. The website domains SlotkinForSenate and SlotkinForMichigan also were privately registered today, according to MLives Simon Schuster. U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin and U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow comment on U.S. Postal Service during a press conference on Aug. 19, 2020, in Lansing. Governor Gretchen Whitmer quickly dispelled speculation that she would run for Stabenow's seat, saying in a statement that as governor of this great state for the next four years, I look forward to working with her through the end of her term and beyond in however she serves our state next. Whitmer said Stabenow has been leading the fight for working families, the auto industry, and farmers for a lifetime in Michigan and for Michigan in Washington, DC. She also praised Stabenow's work with agriculture and protecting the Great Lakes. Lansing Mayor Andy Schor, who recently praised Stabenow for her work on the American Rescue Plan Act, said she has been an amazing voice for the people of Michigan, especially those in her hometown of Lansing. She has represented the people here and served as a voice for so many in our community from her service in the state Capitol all the way to the halls of Congress. Story continues Her leadership will be greatly missed, and I wish her the best as she moves onto the next chapter, he said. Ingham County Clerk Barb Byrum said on Twitter that Stabenow has been a remarkable public servant, stateswoman and consummate professional. She continues to be a role model to women who are considering running for office. I wish her well for the remainder of her term and for years to come. Ken Fletcher, Delta Township Supervisor, said that Stabenow has "just been such a leader for our region for decades now. It's going to be a huge loss in terms of leadership, but I definitely wish her well, as she moves into retirement. She certainly has earned it, has served the people of the Capital Region and Michigan well for all these years." U.S. Sens. Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters are announced at the gubernatorial inaugural ceremony at the Capitol Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023. Several Lansing-area organizations have weighed in on Stabenows decision as well. Elaine Hardy, chairperson of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission of Mid-Michigan, said she had four words about Stabenow's retirement say it ain't so! Her work in keeping Michigan at the forefront of national conversations regarding our water quality, our farming industry, our automobile industry, and civil rights is unparalleled, Hardy continued. We're extremely thankful for the work that she's done for our community, for our region. We are certainly going to be sad to see her leave, but she has a well-deserved retirement ahead of her. Jim Holcomb, president and CEO of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce said that while we havent always agreed on policy issues, Sen. Stabenow has been a strong, important voice dedicated to the Great Lakes State for several decades. We commend her commitment to public service and to Michigan. The Livingston County Democratic Party said in a statement, U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow has been one of the hardest-working, smartest senators Michigan has ever had. She has protected the Great Lakes, fought for our health care and our education, and blazed trails for women ever since she ran for Ingham County Commissioner at the age of 24. She has certainly earned her time off, but we will miss her commitment, her grace under pressure, and her unwavering support for Michigan values, continued chair Judy Daubenmier. Contact Sheldon Krause at skrause@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @sheldonjkrause. This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Sen. Debbie Stabenow's career contributions lauded by officials An American man is accused of strangling and killing his girlfriend in Bogota, the capital of Colombia, last month, Colombian authorities said. Colombian police arrested John Nelson Poulos, a 35-year-old finance worker from Wisconsin, after they discovered on Jan. 22 the body of Valentina Trespalacios, a popular Colombian DJ, stuffed inside a suitcase in a trash can near Bogotas El Dorado International Airport. John Poulos was returned to Colombia by Panamanian authorities. Doppelganger murder: They thought their daughter was dead. Instead, she's accused of killing her doppelganger. Couple stayed in short-term rental Investigators determined that Trespalacios had been staying with Poulos at a nearby shorty-stay rental apartment since Jan. 19, the same day Poulos entered the country. Police said Poulos and Trespalacios had been dating for 10 months, and met online. Poulos fled the country to neighboring Panama after Trespalacios body was recovered, officials said. A medical examiner determined she died by strangulation. Colombian authorities issued an Interpol alert for Poulos. Authorities detained the American at Panama Citys international airport and transferred him to Colombian custody. He had planned to fly from Panama to Istanbul, Turkey, police said. Colombian prosecutors present video evidence Prosecutors presented video footage in court Wednesday in attempt to lay out a timeline of Poulos' activities on the morning of Trespalacios' death. The footage showed: Poulos leaving the rental apartment the morning of Jan. 22 with a suitcase that matched the one found at the dump. Poulos straining to load the suitcase from a cart into a gray rental cars trunk. Further street camera footage hours later captures a man officials believe is Poulos removing something from a gray car and dumping it in the trash can where Trespalacios was found. At 4:32 p.m. local time, cameras capture the same gray car arriving at the airport. Cameras inside the airport show Poulos passing through security to board an overnight flight to Panama. Story continues American man joined ISIS: Michigan man faces 50 years in prison Prosecutors said he was bound for Istanbul, Turkey with an ultimate destination of Montenegro in the Balkans. Poulos charged with femicide Poulos is charged with femicide, a gender-based murder charge that carries a 20 to 40 year-prison sentence. Colombia is one of several Latin American countries to adopt femicide laws in an attempt to curb the endemic violence against women by men in the region. Poulos was due to appear in court again Thursday. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: American John Polous killed Valentina Trespalacios in Colombia: Police SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, February 02, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Arajet, the low-price Dominican airline, today announced it has signed a commercial agreement with Eurodistribution for the global marketing of the airlines tickets to 17 destinations in North, Central, South America and the Caribbean. The agreement will allow Arajet to market its low-fare tickets to IATA and non-IATA agencies, OTAs, aggregators, metasearch engines and consolidators worldwide. Eurodistribution is part of Euroairlines aviation group and has over 30 years of international aviation experience. The partnership will enable Arajet to develop markets, channels, and connectivity with other operators. "We are excited to announce this alliance with Eurodistribution," said Victor Pacheco, CEO and founder of Arajet. "This partnership will accelerate Arajet's awareness and growth around the world." Arajet tickets will be marketed through Eurodistribution in 60 international markets that account for more than 90% of global air travel demand in top Global Distribution Systems (GDS) Amadeus, Saber and Travelport, B2B platforms such as Travelfusion, HitchHiker and KIU, and direct integrations via API. "Arajet has appreciated our value proposition for the execution of its commercial strategy, and we are prioritizing the development of the airline through our dedicated personnel to open markets or channels to propel its development and profitability worldwide," said Antonio Lopez Lazaro, CEO of Euroairlines Group. Arajet operates with a fleet of five new Boeing 737 MAX 8 and offers direct flights from its base in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic to 17 destinations in 11 countries, including Mexico City and Cancun in Mexico, Guatemala, San Salvador, and San Jose in Central America; Bogota, Medellin, Cali, Barranquilla and Cartagena in Colombia, Quito and Guayaquil in Ecuador; and Aruba, Curacao, St. Marteen, and Jamaica in the Caribbean. Story continues About Arajet Arajet is the first low-fare airline in the Caribbean region and started operations in September 2022 from its base at Las Americas Airport in Santo Domingo, under its airline operator certificate (AOC) from the Dominican Republic. Arajet will operate a new fleet of Boeing 737MAX-8 aircraft that provide safe and affordable travel to and from the Dominican Republic to several destinations in North, Central and South America, and the Caribbean region. For more information, visit www.Arajet.com About Eurodistribution: Eurodistribution is a technology and services platform that allows the distribution of transport content (air, land, rail, or sea) to travel agencies globally in the main markets and channels of the industry, connecting the networks of its clients in a real and virtual way. Distribution is done through IATA code Q4-291. For more information, visit www.hostinganddistribution.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230202005623/en/ Contacts Geraldine Villasmil Communications Manager Geraldine.Villasmil@arajet.com Shahraban K ( ) A woman in Germany has been accused of killing a lookalike she found on Instagram to fake her own death. The suspect, identified as Shahraban K, is alleged to have stabbed beauty blogger Khadidja O more than 50 times, completely disfiguring her face, after luring her into a meeting in the Bavarian city of Ingolstadt last August. Shahraban K, a 24-year-old German-Iraqi woman who is herself a beauty blogger, then allegedly tried to make it look as if she was the one who had been murdered by leaving Khadidjas body in her Mercedes car and parking it near the flat of friend Sheqir K, who is alleged to have been an accomplice. Local reports said even Shahraban Ks parents were fooled and identified the body as hers before an autopsy a day later threw the assumption into doubt. The extraordinary case, dubbed the doppelganger murder by the German press, is set to go to trial with Shahraban K and Sheqir K charged with murder. Prosecutors believe Shahraban K wanted to run away from trouble at home. After the investigation, it can be assumed that she wanted to go into hiding due to internal family disputes and fake her own death, Veronika Grieser of the Ingolstadt public prosecutors office told German newspaper Bild. Shahraban K, who was living in Munich, allegedly set up fake Instagram accounts and tried to arrange meetings with women who looked similar to her. She eventually found Khadidja O, a 23-year-old Albanian citizen, who lived about 100 miles away, police said. Shahraban K, left, is set to be charged with murdering Khadidja O, left (Supplied) Shahraban K and Sheqir K, her 24-year-old Kosovan boyfriend, allegedly made an offer to the victim about beauty products and went to meet her in Ingolstadt. They picked her up and drove to a forest outside the city where they stabbed her more than 50 times, prosecutors said. Shahraban K reportedly told her family she was going to Ingolstadt to meet her ex-husband. After she did not return her parents travelled to the city to search for her and on 16 August found her Mercedes near the Danube river close to Sheqir Ks flat. Story continues Sheqir K allegedly aided Sharaban K in the killing (Supplied) On the back seat they saw the body of a dark-haired young woman who had been brutally murdered and believed it was their daughter. Several knives were reportedly found nearby but police told Bild they had not found the one used to kill Khadidja O. Police spokesman Andreas Aichele said: The murder weapon has still not been found, but the burden of proof is overwhelming. The victim was killed with more than 50 stab wounds and her face was badly injured. That was brutal in the extreme. After a post-mortem and DNA tests, it was discovered that the body was really Khadidja O, police said. Shahraban K and Sheqir K were then arrested. Mr Aichele said the case tested investigators. We dont have a case like this every day especially with such a spectacular twist. On the day we found the body, we didnt expect it to develop like this. A bipartisan group of senators are introducing a bill aimed at limiting the sales of oil from the countrys emergency supply to entities controlled by China. The bill was put forward Wednesday and spearheaded by Sens. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas). Under the legislation, companies under the ownership or control of the Chinese government or its Communist Party will not be able to purchase oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, unless they sell the fuel outside of China. The proposal was also backed by a wide bipartisan group of senators, including Sens. Angus King (I-Maine), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Mike Braun (R-Indiana), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Jerry Moran (R-Kansas), Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.). This bill would ensure that we are not risking our energy security by selling our petroleum reserves to China, and the bipartisan support this legislation has received shows just how important it is for America to be energy secure and independent, Manchin said in a statement. Similar legislation also passed the House last month with bipartisan support. The effort was one of two bills taken up by the Houses Republican majority aimed at restricting such drawdowns. President Biden last year announced the largest-ever withdrawal from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve as part of an effort to combat high gasoline prices. However, as the oil market is global, analysts have said they were expected to have the same impact on the U.S. wherever in the world they ended up. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. This article can be updated. If you are aware of any Black history firsts locally you'd like to add, please email reporter Ian Robinson at irobinson@gannett.com. Black History Month honors the achievements of African-Americans and their contributions in U.S. history. While we oftentimes acknowledge the contributions of those who have made it in the history books, it is as equally important to highlight those who haven't always been given their dues locally. Here are a few Black firsts in Ouachita Parish. Rodney Welch took office on July 1, 2022. Welch is the first Black alderperson to serve on the West Monroe Board of Aldermen. George Byron Hamlet: First Black mayor of Monroe before Reconstruction in 1874. Gertrude Ammons: First Black supervisor of instruction in the Ouachita Parish School System in 1931, oversaw Black schools within the parish. Arnetta Pierce: First Black pharmacist in Monroe, her pharmacy was located on the first floor of the Miller-Roy Building. B.D. Robinson, Alex Burns, E.W. Sims and H.H. Marbles: First Blacks to register to vote as Democrats in Ouachita Parish. Odalie Richardson McDonald: First Black to serve as an Ouachita Parish librarian in 1950. Morris Henry Carroll: First Black candidate to run for Streets Commissioner in 1976, lost in a runoff. Clem Toston: First Black elected to the Ouachita Parish School Board in 1971, served 15 years from 1971 to 1986. Abe Edward Pierce III: First Black elected to serve on the Ouachita Parish Police Jury in 1971, also first Black to be appointed OPPJ president in 1988; first Black to serve as supervisor and assistant superintendent for Ouachita Parish Schools in 1972 and was the first Black to be elected as Mayor of Monroe since Reconstruction in 1996. Odalie Richardson McDonald: First Black to serve as an Ouachita Parish librarian in 1950. Ada Blakes: First Black student to attend Ouachita Elementary. Sarah Louise McCoy and Bobby Saucer: First Black students to be admitted to Northeast Louisiana University (now University of Louisiana at Monroe) in 1964. Jimmy Andrews and Tommy Ray Robertson: First Black students to attend Neville High School in 1965. Story continues Donald Wayne Smith: First Black student to graduate from NLU (now ULM) in 1967. Henrietta George: First Black woman elected to the Monroe City School Board from 1971, also served as the first Black female president of the board. Ollie H. Burns: First Black to serve on the Ouachita Parish Library Board of Control, also served two-term as president. Charles Jones: First African American male to serve as the Assistant District Attorney of Ouachita Parish. Charles H. Johnson: First Black elected to the Monroe City Council in 1980, served as chairman in 1994. William E. Armstrong: First Black attorney to serve as Monroe City Prosecutor. Larry Jefferson: First Black elected as a Monroe City judge in 1990. Tammy Lee: First Black female attorney to serve as Monroe City Prosecutor, first Black law clerk for the Fourth Judicial District Court in 1993 and first Black woman elected as a Monroe City judge in 2000. Claude Minor: First Black doctor to be appointed as Chief of Staff at North Monroe Hospital in 1997. Kenneth Green: First Black man appointed as Monroe Fire Chief in 1998. Evelyn Robinson: First Black woman to serve as Monroe Police Chief in 2003. Pat Moore: First Black woman elected to the Ouachita Parish Police Jury in 2008. Mary Tellis: First Black woman to serve as Assistant Monroe Police Chief in 2021. Rodney Welch: First Black elected to the West Monroe Board of Aldermen in 2022. Follow Ian Robinson on Twitter @_irobinsonand on Facebook athttps://bit.ly/3vln0w1. Support local journalism by subscribing at https://cm.thenewsstar.com/specialoffer. This article originally appeared on Monroe News-Star: Here are some Black firsts in Ouachita Parish YORK, Maine A body was pulled from the ocean Friday, according to police. Police received a 911 call at 3:55 p.m. reporting a possible drowning offshore from Harbor Beach. Police responded, along with the York Village Fire Department and York Beach Fire Department. A body was pulled from the ocean Friday afternoon, according to York police. York police Sgt. Brian McNeice said a boat operated by York's harbor master brought the person to shore on Western Point Road despite the high surf. McNeice said resuscitation attempts were made by rescue personnel, but the person was pronounced deceased on the scene. Police said the identity of the victim was being withheld pending family notification. No further information was immediately available. More local news:Rochester man arrested in York and charged with fatally shooting Berwick, Maine, man. Here's what we know. This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: York, ME: Body pulled from water near Harbor Beach A toddler is safe with relatives after his parents were found dead outside of their Ohio home this week. The bodies of Amber Barry, 35, and her partner Eddie Parthemer, 55, were discovered on the porch of their house in Mecca Township on Tuesday afternoon, CBS affiliate WKBN reported, citing the Trumbull County Sheriff's Office. Barry's sister went to check on the couple after she was unable to reach them and found them "slumped over" and "unresponsive" on the porch, according to portions of a 911 call published by the outlet. "I'm sure they're dead," the caller also said. "Evidence from the residence at this point is leading us to believe that this is a possible overdose," Maj. Tony Villanueva of the Trumbull County Sheriff's Office told WKBN. The sheriff's office did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment. According to NBC affiliate WFMJ, authorities believe the couple's 3-year-old son may have been alone for as long as 48 hours. Eddie Parthemer, Amber Barry Facebook RELATED: Boy, 14, Killed at North Carolina Rodeo During First Bull Ride: 'My Lil Cowboy' Villanueva told the outlet that Barry's sister rescued the boy after entering the home through a window. The residence was in "deplorable conditions" with no heat, according to the official. The boy has since been released to relatives, WFMJ reports. RELATED VIDEO: Woman Found Dead Next to Car with Sleeping 23-Month-Old Inside Identified as 'Devoted' Pregnant Mom On Facebook, a friend of the couple said the boy was "checked out" and that he "will be OK." RELATED: Michigan Doctor Found Dead Under Ice of Frozen Pond 5 Days After Going Missing "Gone but never forgotten," the friend wrote in the post, which featured a picture of the couple playfully sticking out their tongues with a child. According to Villanueva, Barry's sister likely prevented another death by going to check on her family members after she was unable to get in touch with them. "Because of that gut instinct," he said, according to WKBN, "she was able to save that boy's life." They're hoping their landlord can reach some kind of agreement. Animal rescue organization Jelly's Place might look like simply a nonprofit, no-kill animal shelter, but they are so much more. The San Pablo, California rescue also helps connect low-income pet parents with the veterinary care their fur babies deserve, and they "educate the public about the plight of dogs and cats in the meat industry in Asia." According to their website, they've even connected with Slaughterhouse Survivors in Habin, China to help rescue animals from the meat industry. Despite its generous mission, Jelly's Place is at risk of losing its property to its landlord company, California's Department of Transportation (AKA Caltrans). According to @abc7newsbayarea, the rescue would need to either bid at auction or sign a lease they cannot afford in order to save their land--and over 140 animals. View the original article to see embedded media. We are simply heartbroken for Jelly's Place! We're also angered about the sudden changes from Caltrans, especially since it's already been over a decade since the rescue began renting. As founder and president Julie Bainbridge said, "we would have to figure out what to do with over 140 animals, [and] 15 people would lose their jobs. That just can't be an option! "Where are the billionaires? Step up and buy the land for her," @this.is.bts7 commented on the video. We like where your head is at! Though no billionaires have stepped up as of yet, tons of viewers are rallying support for the rescue. @Kaylaannmaree wrote, "I hope Jelly's gets to stay, and I hope there is a better deal for them! So many lives are at stake." You're completely right! Luckily, @dokidesert had the perfect suggestion. They asked, "Can we have a fundraising? A gofundme?" Yes, you can! On their Facebook page, Jelly's Place posted a link to a GoFundMe campaign as well as an update: "CalTrans has removed Jelly's Place from the auction block and we will pursue a long-term lease. Fingers crossed that it is an amount we can afford." We hope the donations are able to help, too! Story continues Don't miss another headline from PetHelpful! Follow us on Google News by clicking the star in the top right hand corner for the latest updates curated just for you. Do you have a pet who's funny, smart, full of personality, or just downright adorable? We'd love for you to submit a video of your fur baby for a chance to be featured on PetHelpful and our social channels! Click here to upload your clip and share your beloved pet with the world. For more interesting pet news, be sure to sign up for our newsletter! READ THE COMMENTS KYODO NEWS - Feb 2, 2023 - 18:00 | All, Coronavirus, Japan Japanese education minister Keiko Nagaoka on Thursday expressed the hope that students will be allowed to attend their graduation ceremonies in the spring without having to wear face masks amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Later in the day, however, the minister also told reporters that the government of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is "yet to decide" on the issue "at this point", but will swiftly start discussions. The Kishida administration has been eager to ease rules to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus from May, with critics saying that face-to-face communication among students is crucial for school education. In a parliamentary committee session, Nagaoka, minister of education, culture, sports, science and technology, said parents will be able to decide whether their children are allowed to remove their masks during their farewell events, which are typically held in March. Nagaoka added those who want to continue wearing face masks should be respected, as many people have remained worried about being infected with the coronavirus, first detected in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in late 2019. In a major policy shift in its response to the outbreak, Kishida's government recently decided it will downgrade the legal status of COVID-19 to the same category as common infectious diseases, such as seasonal flu, to relax preventive measures. Currently, the education ministry recommends that students wear face masks in school when it is difficult to keep sufficient distance from others indoors, while wearing a mask during outdoor activities is not considered necessary. There has never been a mask mandate in Japan, but mask-wearing has become a daily custom among citizens for around three years. Kishida, who took office in October 2021, has said that the decision to wear a mask, indoors or outdoors, will be up to individual choice. Related coverage: Japan decides to ease medical rules on COVID-19 on May 8: PM Kishida Japan to lift COVID rules on events, allow cheers at packed venues FEATURE: Return to maskless world still only in realm of fantasy in Japan Californias water agencies have issued an alternate proposal for dividing usage of the Colorado River, two days after the other six states in the basin issued a joint proposal of their own. The proposal, announced late Tuesday night, is based in part on existing agency commitments announced in 2022 that state officials say would preserve 400,000 more acre-feet of water per year. It is distinct from the submission by the other six states, which would rely on California for the majority of the necessary water reductions in the rivers lower basin. This proposal, the California agencies wrote, directly contradicts the Law of the River that currently governs apportionment. The alternative provides a realistic and implementable framework to address reduced inflows and declining reservoir elevations by building on voluntary agreements and past collaborative efforts in order to minimize implementation delays, state Colorado River Commissioner J.B. Hamby said in a statement. Californias alternative protects critical elevations and uses adaptive management to protect critical reservoir elevations through the interim period. Earlier this week, the other six states in the river basin Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming submitted their own proposed alternative, which would update 2007 guidelines for the Glen Canyon Dam at Lake Powell and the Hoover Dam at Lake Mead. Neither the six states proposal nor the California submission constitute a binding agreement. Representatives of the six states have been negotiating for months over usage of the river, which is severely overallocated due to a century-old usage agreement that has not been updated as water demand evolved. The states had agreed to a rough Jan. 31 deadline, with the Federal Bureau of Reclamation saying it could step in to unilaterally impose cuts if a new usage agreement could not be reached in the meantime. In a statement to The Hill, the Arizona Department of Water Resources said the proposal adheres to the California definition of the Law of the River but does not account for the practical conditions along the river. Story continues [Bureau of Reclamation] Commissioner [Camille] Touton last June requested that states in 2023 begin conserving 2-4 million acre-feet an emergency broadly brought on by drought, climate-change and over-use. But in the real world, the main culprit is an annual deficit of 1.2-1.5 million acre-feet a deficit that tracks with the failure to account for evaporation and water lost prior to delivery to end users, the statement reads. That is a physical reality that strict adherence to the Law of the River avoids. The Hill has reached out to the water authorities in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming for comment. [O]ngoing conversations with the Basin states, Tribes, water managers, farmers, irrigators and other stakeholders are helping to inform the supplemental process, an Interior Department spokesperson told The Hill in an email. A spokesperson for the Southern Nevada Water Authority told The Hill it has not yet fully reviewed the California proposal. This story was updated at 5:30 p.m. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. WASHINGTON A Chinese spy balloon has been spotted drifting over the northern United States, and Pentagon officials have considered shooting it down, Defense Department officials said late Thursday. The decision not to shoot down the balloon was made because of concerns that debris could injure Americans on the ground or destroy property, according to a senior Defense Department official who briefed reporters on condition of anonymity. The balloon was over Montana when the U.S. considered destroying it, the official said. It would be shot down if it posed a threat to civilian aviation, the official said. It is floating at an altitude where those planes do not fly. "The United States government has detected and is tracking a high-altitude surveillance balloon that is flying over the continental United States right now," Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, the Pentagon press secretary told reporters. The North American Aerospace Defense Command continues to track and monitor it closely, Ryder said. The balloon is designed for surveillance, the official said. However, it likely is unable to collect more information than is available to spy satellites. U.S. officials sought to prevent the Chinese from collecting sensitive information, Ryder said. Instances of this kind of balloon activity have been observed previously over the past several years, Ryder said. Once the balloon was detected, the U.S. government acted immediately to protect against the collection of sensitive information. U.S. officials have protested the incursion of the spy balloon with Chinese authorities and continue to track its path, the official said. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, have been briefed on the balloon, the official said. It is not the first time Chinese spy balloons have flown over the United States, the official said. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Chinese spy balloon caught drifting over Western United States FTX and its creditors' committee said they're facing a roadblock into their bankruptcy inquiries into where customer funds went. David Dee Delgado/Getty Images Creditors in FTX's bankruptcy say Sam Bankman-Fried and his top deputies aren't playing ball. The parallel criminal case against SBF, Caroline Ellison, and Gary Wang may be to blame. Usually, cooperating witnesses share everything but prosecutors may be holding back, experts say. In the months since FTX filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the company and its creditors have said they're leaving no stone unturned in their search for the fallen crypto exchange's funds that disappeared. But they told a Delaware bankruptcy court recently that they hit a roadblock, accusing Sam Bankman-Fried and those close to him of not playing ball with them. In a January filing, they alleged that the former FTX CEO, his parents, and his deputies including Caroline Ellison and Gary Wang, didn't answer questions in the bankruptcy inquiry into what happened at the crypto exchange. FTX, which is being shepherded through the Chapter 11 process by its current CEO John Ray, has said it's looking for information from them, including about any money transfers out of the bankrupt entities and on "anything of value they received from the debtors." A group of debtors asked the judge overseeing the bankruptcy case to allow them to file subpoenas against Ellison, Wang, Bankman-Fried, his family members, and several other "insiders" who they said weren't providing the documents and information the debtors needed. "Certain insiders are currently cooperating with the debtors to provide important information," lawyers for the debtors wrote in the filing. "But others are not." The criminal case takes priority Ellison and Wang separately reached plea deals with federal prosecutors in Manhattan, copping to charges including wire fraud and conspiracy. Damian Williams, the US Attorney for the Southern District in New York, which is bringing the criminal case, trumpeted their cooperation in a splashy announcement just as Bankman-Fried, under indictment for a spate of fraud and conspiracy charges, was extradited to the US from the Bahamas. Story continues Cooperation agreements with federal prosecutors in the Southern District of New York are famously ironclad, leaving them facing hefty potential prison sentences and requiring full cooperation. But, experts told Insider, the deals require them to focus on working with prosecutors in the criminal case even if it could be at the expense of other parties. "As long as there's a pending criminal investigation, that can put a damper on everything," said Kevin O'Brien, a partner at Ford O'Brien Landy LLP and a former federal prosecutor in Brooklyn. Bankman-Fried's parents, Barbara Fried and Joseph Bankman, are in discussions about FTX's inquiries, their representative Gwen Rocco told Insider in a statement. "Barbara and Joe, through counsel, have been in communication with Sullivan & Cromwell and will respond to the document requests in the normal course," Rocco said, referring to the law firm representing FTX in its bankruptcy. US attorney Damian Williams speaks to the media regarding the indictment of Samuel Bankman-Fried the founder of failed crypto exchange FTX in New York City, U.S., December 13, 2022. REUTERS/David 'Dee' Delgado Ellison and Wang's cooperation agreements include the standard language in such deals, which limits their discussions about the FTX case to anyone else without the permission of prosecutors. While that doesn't mean they can't speak to FTX investigators in the bankruptcy, it shows how the multiple parallel investigations in a sprawling case can run up against one another. Parties in a Chapter 11, including the company going through it, often conduct their own investigations with the support of a bankruptcy court, to figure out how to recover the most funds to repay creditors. In the case of FTX's ongoing bankruptcy in Delaware, the company has been coordinating its inquiries with the creditors' committee in the case, which represents a vast category of unsecured creditors, including FTX customers. The US Attorney's office will usually work in tandem with the civil proceedings and share information with the bankruptcy court, according to Eric J. Snyder, the chairman of the bankruptcy practice at Wilk Auslander LLP. But when both criminal and civil proceedings are ongoing, it's the criminal case that goes first in line, Snyder said. If the debtors are asking for subpoenas, it's an indication that there may be a breakdown in coordination between them and the prosecutors, Snyder told Insider. "If they're subpoenaing documents from him and everybody else, I assume what's going to happen is they're going to be told to pound sand," Snyder said. "And that they're not going to get any of the documents." Prosecutors prioritize winning In a bankruptcy proceeding, the company and the committee representing its creditors are focused on recouping value, said Robert Miller, a professor at the University of South Dakota School of Law, who used to represent companies and other parties in bankruptcies. "Your goal is to get the maximum distribution to creditors, not to get people behind bars," Miller said. "There can be a tension between maximizing returns for creditors and the goals of the government's criminal investigation, which is to have justice served." The alleged lack of cooperation from Ellison and Wang in the bankruptcy, according to FTX's filing, could get awkward. Cooperators generally want to show the public they aren't the villains in the saga, and demonstrate their helpfulness to a court in hopes of a lighter sentence. Sam Bankman-Fried outside Manhattan federal court. Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images) One possibility, according to a former federal prosecutor who spoke on the condition of anonymity, may be that the US Attorney's office is still examining the information provided by Ellison and Wang. The prosecutors may want to keep that information close to their chests until their investigation has moved farther along. "It could impede the criminal investigation because information would get out that's not ready to come out," the source said. Ellison and Wang haven't responded to FTX's allegations in court yet. It's not clear from court filings if they'd offer more cooperation or even welcome a subpoena. If prosecutors want to keep them away from the bankruptcy process as they continue to cooperate, however, it's possible they could instruct Ellison and Wang to fight the subpoenas in the bankruptcy case, or intervene themselves to demonstrate that they're the ones running the show. "Everything they've had, I'm sure it's turned over to the feds because they don't want to go to jail," Snyder said. "So the fact that they're being subpoenaed I don't think anyone will let them testify." It's not yet clear what sort of arguments Bankman-Fried will muster in his defense in court. But in public statements, as well as text messages and emails described in court filings, the FTX founder says he wants to help all the creditors get their money back. In a January 2 email to Ray, the current FTX CEO, Bankman-Fried said he wants to be "helpful" and asked to meet with him in New York City the next day. On January 3, Bankman-Fried was in a Manhattan federal court to plead not guilty to the charges against him. Read the original article on Business Insider House Republicans hope to remove Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar of Minnesota from the House Foreign Affairs Committee as early as Wednesday. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and many other Republicans, and even some Democrats, have said that her criticisms of Israel amount to antisemitism. In 2019, Mr McCarthy, then the House minority leader, said he hoped to sanction Ms Omar and Representative Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, the first two Muslim female members of Congress, for their previous comments about Israel. That came after the House condemned then-representative Steve King after he made racist remarks and removed him from his committees in an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote. At the time, media provocateur Glenn Greenwald tweeted that it was stunning how much time US political leaders spend defending a foreign nation even if it means attacking free speech and human rights. In response, Ms Omar tweeted that its all about the Benjamins, baby. But many members of Congress, including some Democrats, thought that Ms Omars comments played into old antisemitic stereotypes of Jewish people using money to influence governments. That earned condemnation not only from Republicans but also from some Democrats, including all of House Democratic leadership at the time. We condemn these remarks and we call upon Congresswoman Omar to immediately apologize for these hurtful comments, a joint statement at the time said. In response, Ms Omar issued an apology. Listening and learning, but standing strong pic.twitter.com/7TSroSf8h1 Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) February 11, 2019 Anti-semitism is real and I am grateful for Jewish allies and colleagues who are educating me on anti-Semitic tropes, she said at the time. My intention is never to offend my constituents or Jewish Americans as a whole. Story continues But Ms Omar did decry the influence of money in politics as a whole. At the same time, I reaffirm the problematic role of lobbyists in our politics, whether it be AIPAC, the NRA or the fossil fuel industry, she said. Its gone on too long and we must be willing to address it. Now Republicans want to remove her from the Foreign Affairs Committee in response to the House previously removing Representatives Marjorie Taylor Greene and Paul Gosar from their committees. Ms Greene was removed for promoting conspiracy theories and racist rhetoric before her time in Congress. This comes after Mr McCarthy removed Representatives Adam Schiff and Eric Swalwell, both of California, from the House Intelligence Committee. But Mr Gosar faced a censure and lost his committee assignments after he posted a video of the anime Attack on Titan wherein a character with his head killed a character with Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortezs head photoshopped on it. Democratic Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Florida told The Independent there was a distinct difference between the sanctions placed on Mr Gosar and Ms Greene versus Ms Omar. If you threaten ... violence against a colleague that warrants the House, we're removing you from committees, she said. Ms Wasserman Schultz is Jewish and a strong supporter of Israel and criticised Ms Omars remarks at the time. I thought they were offensive and antisemitic at the time, she said. But if we remove people from communities every time we think what they say is offensive, then none of us will end up on committees eventually. Its a new legislative year and a new Legislature, and once again New Hampshires lawmakers have carved out a daunting workload. The House and Senate will take up more than 800 unique bills this year. Lawmakers are likely to spar over many of the same topics they have in the past two years, from abortion rights to energy diversification to banned teaching topics. But with a Republican Senate, a Republican House speaker, and a near-evenly divided House, there could be some legislative surprises this year. Of the 424 members of the House and Senate, just 216 are responsible for the more than 800 pieces of legislation; Republican lawmakers sponsored about 100 more bills than Democrats did, records show. Here are some of the major topics to watch. New Hampshire lawmakers gather for Organization Day in the State House Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2022. Renewable energy: Portfolio standard moves into limbo plus metering returns for debate Energy is likely to be top of mind for many lawmakers, as electricity and home heating costs remain high this winter. A Republican bill looks at phasing out the states renewable portfolio standard, the major state policy encouraging renewable energy. The Site Evaluation Committee which gets a say in whether big energy infrastructure projects move forward is the subject of additional legislation that seeks to do away with the committee in its current form and shift its responsibilities to the Public Utilities Commission. The issues will look familiar this legislative session, but the outcomes may not with a new House that's nearly evenly divided between Democrats and Republicans. Lawmakers will take up net metering again another policy encouraging renewable energy by crediting those who generate it and contribute it to the grid. A range of bills looks at everything from how small hydroelectric generators participate in net metering to another attempt to raise the cap from one to five megawatts for businesses and individuals. Democrats are again looking at legislation to establish state goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and establishing a climate action plan. But if last years any indication, passing that will be an uphill battle. New Hampshire is the only state in New England without such a goal in its state law. Story continues Environment: Attempting to solve the major issue of PFAS PFAS, or the so-called forever chemicals, will continue to be a major issue and the topic of a variety of bills this session, including a bipartisan effort to establish funding for investigation, testing, and monitoring the contaminant. Another Democratic proposal would create a state health registry related to PFAS, after the state found elevated rates of a certain type of cancer in communities last year. And lawmakers will again look at the issue of landfill siting, by attempting to update the permitting process in the wake of the controversy over the proposal to site a new landfill in the North Country. Where to eat? The year in Seacoast NH and Maine restaurants: Who closed, who opened, and more Voting: When will the 2024 New Hampshire primary be held? Of the bills addressing voting law, a few will look familiar among them a Republican effort to change the states primary, which is one of the latest in the country. Efforts to move the primary to an earlier date last session failed after a veto from Gov. Chris Sununu. Expect Republican efforts to tighten requirements for voting: One Republican bill takes aim at out-of-state students right to vote in New Hampshire. Another looks to eliminate voter ID exceptions. Right now, voters can sign an affidavit attesting to their identity if they forget their ID. Republicans chipped away at that last session, passing a bill that instead makes first-time same-day registrants vote by so-called affidavit ballot, mailing in proof of their identity so their vote only counts if their ID is verified. There are two bills that look at creating an election information portal, with one Republican and one Democratic proposal. Abortion: Codifying rights or tightening restrictions and access Lawmakers will take up at least nine bills related to abortion or reproductive health. About half seek to repeal the states 24-week abortion ban or protect access to abortion care and birth control. One comes from Rep. Dan Wolf, a Newbury Republican, who sponsored legislation last session that created an exception to the ban for fatal fetal anomalies. Wolf is now seeking to repeal the penalties against physicians who violate the abortion law, which include a prison sentence up to seven years and a fine up to $100,000. His bill will face a tough fight from anti-abortion groups that argue the law would be meaningless without consequence for providers who violate it. Why Kittery is making the change:Kittery goes to shorter work weeks, higher pay rates for town workers. Here's why. Republican-backed bills would ban abortion earlier than 24 weeks, when a fetal heartbeat is detected, or require physicians to provide medical care to any child born alive. Elsewhere that effort has included requiring medical care for babies born alive during an abortion. Rep. Dave Testerman, a Franklin Republican, sponsored a bill that would require a physician to receive a patients informed consent before providing an abortion. Nationally, that effort has included showing patients images of a fetuss development throughout pregnancy and counseling patients on the potential psychological risks of terminating a pregnancy. Right to Know: A $15 an hour charge for requests for public information? Both Democrats and Republicans are sponsoring bills related to the publics access to governmental records or meetings. One bill would institute a $15 hourly charge to look for, redact, and provide documents requested under the right-to-know law. The bills sponsor, Rep. Michael Cahill, a Newmarket Democrat, said hes seeking to discourage overbroad requests intended to harass towns and school districts. A number of groups, from the ACLU of New Hampshire to the libertarian conservative group Americans for Prosperity, have vowed to fight the bill. Portsmouth water main project:Here's how Durham is working with Portsmouth to limit impact on Wagon Hill Farm Cahill withdrew a second bill that would have limited right-to-know requests to New Hampshire residents. Democrats are behind at least three bills addressing remote access to public meetings; one would require public meetings be recorded and broadcast live. Republicans have sponsored bills related to a public bodys non-public sessions. Education: Money for 'school choice' and/or establish a 'student bill of rights' House and Senate lawmakers are poised for familiar debates over how to fund schools, how much to expand school choice initiatives outside public schools, and what topics should be barred from instruction in schools. Republicans are likely to push for the expansion of the Education Freedom Account program, which launched in 2021 and allows low-income parents to use public funds toward non-public education expenses. That expansion will likely come in the form of multiple bills to raise income caps for the program so more families can participate. Republicans are also set to introduce legislation that would regulate the application of sex and gender in public schools; change laws around locker room and bathroom stall access; require teaching on the nature and history of communism in high school; increase per-pupil state funding for charter schools; and allow the Department of Education to contract directly with school transportation services in addition to school districts. Reconstructing buildings:Rochester may combine two elementary schools: What to know about why and when And Rep. Glenn Cordelli, a Tuftonboro Republican and the vice chairman of the House Education Committee, will bring forward a bill related to the dissemination of obscene material by higher education institutions a potential expansion of content regulation efforts from K-12 schools into colleges and universities. Democrats, meanwhile, will return to efforts to either repeal the Education Freedom Account program or pare it back, by introducing bills requiring that it be run by the Department of Education instead of a private scholarship organization and that it be limited to a set budget. Democrats will also push to bar schools from using seclusion as a form of punishment; repeal the law banning certain concepts in public schools and public departments; and establish a student bill of rights. The GOP tightened its grip on education:The GOP is strengthening its grip on education. Parents say Democrats are to blame. Housing: Push to get more affordable housing options in New Hampshire New Hampshires shortage of affordable housing units has affected residents and businesses and drawn increased attention this year: House Speaker Sherman Packard created a special legislative committee to review housing-related bills. This year, lawmakers of both parties are proposing bills to address that shortage. Democrats are reintroducing legislation to prohibit landlords from discriminating against potential tenants who receive Section 8 housing vouchers. Lawmakers in both parties are supporting laws to increase the number of permissible rental units in residential zones, as well as to create a state-issued housing champion designation for municipalities that speed up planning and zoning board approvals. Accessory dwelling units in Portsmouth: 'Easiest' housing solution or is it too late? Affordable housing:42 more affordable apartments coming to York. Townhouses scrapped. Here's the new plan. And Democratic Sen. Rebecca Perkins Kwoka will introduce a housing opportunities bill, which would allow municipalities to pass ordinances requiring that all new housing construction include affordable units. The bill also enables towns and cities to create special housing opportunity zones in addition to commercial and residential zones, and offer local property tax credits to developers in those zones. This story was originally published by New Hampshire Bulletin. This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: NH legislative agenda 2023: Affordable housing, education, abortion A woman says the same Virginia law enforcement officer who allegedly killed the family of a teen girl he'd catfished online had groomed her when she was 13. "I felt so sick seeing his face because I hadnt seen it in years, the woman, who's now 21, told the Los Angeles Times. This guy stalked me and groomed me when I was a child." The woman, whose identify was withheld because she is a victim of child sexual abuse, saw the face of her abuser, Austin Lee Edwards, 28, after he made news in November for allegedly killing the mom and grandparents of another teenage girl in a home in Riverside, California. Edwards allegedly killed Brooke Winek, 38 the mother of the girl he catfished as well as her parents, Mark Winek, 69, and Sharie Winek, 65, on Nov. 25. Police were called to the home in Riverside late that morning after getting reports of a young female in distress seen being forced into a Red Kia Soul with a man. A police handout of Austin Lee Edwards Austin Lee Edwards Photo: Riverside Police Department Emergency dispatchers also received reports of a fire in the area while police were on their way. When firefighters arrived at the home, they found three bodies in the front entryway. Later that day, deputies spotted a red Kia Soul matching the description of the one tied to the triple homicide. Law enforcement followed the vehicle, and Edwards, 28, began firing at deputies. He eventually lost control of the car and the teen was able to escape. Edwards then pointed a gun at a sheriff's helicopter, and deputies fired at him. He was found dead at the scene; an autopsy from the San Bernardino County Coroner later found he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The teen in that case was not injured and put into the protective custody of the Riverside County Department of Public Social Services, according to The Riverside Police Department. RELATED: Georgia Man Allegedly Kidnapped South Carolina Woman, Raped Her For Months But the horror of what happened to the Riverside teen and her family deeply disturbed the woman who shared her story with the Times. Story continues She told the paper that she cried and almost threw up when she saw Edwards' face again, after having video-chatted with him dozens of times when she was a teen and the two lived in different states. They'd met on the platform Omegle a video chatting platform that randomly pairs users one-on-one in October 2014, when she was 13 and he was 20. They then exchanged Skype handles, and began communicating off the app the following day. The conversations almost immediately turned sexual, with Edwards demanding in a Skype message to see photos of her breasts, using graphic terms. A photo of the Haight Family The woman provided the Times with almost 4,000 messages that show that Edwards pressured her, over and over, into sharing nude pictures, even after she told him her age, and she said that she ultimately gave into his demands. The woman told the Times that Edwards also masturbated on camera and pushed her to undress, which she says she never did. Edwards also regularly used homophobic and racist slurs, including dropping the N-word, according to messages viewed by the Times. He also seemed to believe the girl was Black at one point, writing to her, ur black rite, on Oct. 29, 2014 four days after they began to Skype and adding, i have jungle fever. lets do this." (The woman is white.) During a Nov. 6 discussion about trick-or-treating, the teen wrote that she was 13 years old. RELATED: West Virginia Woman Charged In Fatal Stabbing Of Boyfriend's 20-Year-Old Daughter The conversations continued for at least two years after that, and the woman told the Times that Edwards sometimes mentioned disliking his father and also told her that he intentionally starved himself when depressed. Edwards also threatened to kill himself if the girl ever stopped talking to him, she said, and would show her his guns and knives in their video chats. In April 2015, after Edwards asked the teen to Skype and she told him that she couldn't yet because "my mom," he wrote back, kill her and imma give myself a black eye okay. Edwards repeatedly referred to the child as his girlfriend in messages and, in Jan. 2016, wrote, "Youre the best thing in my life and I wouldnt trade you for anyone. Tanya Rodriguez featured on Accident, Suicide or Murder On Jan. 14, 2016, Edwards asked to come see her, saying he'd found affordable round-trip tickets, and asking if she could leave the house whenever she wanted in order to make it worth his time and money. She was 14 at the time. Less than two weeks later on Jan. 27 the girl told Edwards she wanted to break up with him. He pressured her to stay in the relationship and she ultimately relented, at which point he wrote back, "Dont do that again please ... like ever again. that really hurt. Four days later, he tried to again pressure her into letting him visit, writing, "Listen theres not obstacle thats gonna stop us from being together if thats what we both want" and adding It doesnt even matter if youre 14 and not technically allowed to do sh** yet." RELATED: Virginia Carnival Worker Pleads Guilty To Three 'Heinous' Murders Just Ahead Of Trial On Feb. 7, Edwards told the teen that he wanted to kill himself and that he had cut himself. In a video call after this, he sat in a bathroom and showed her a cut on his hand, and the object he used to cut it with. The woman said that Edwards' father tried to come into the bathroom and the call ended. Her account appears to be the same Feb 2016 incident during which EMTs were called to the Edwards home in the early morning hours of Feb. 8 after the younger man had cut himself and locked himself in a bathroom. Edwards resisted as EMTs tried to give him medical attention, so the police had to be called, according to a police report obtained by the Times. Edwards was eventually handcuffed, and his dad told police at the scene that his son had been having "girlfriend" problems, a reference the woman who spoke to the Times believes was about her. Edwards was taken to a psychiatric facility in Bristol, Virginia, to be evaluated. Xana Kernodle, Ethan Chapin, Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen Three days later, Edwards sent the teen girl a Skype message claiming he'd cut his hand outside and was released from the psychiatric facility after two days because, "I actually knew a bit about how those places work so I just told them everything they wanted to hear." While Edwards was in the facility, a judge barred him from buying, owning or transporting firearms after he voluntarily sought treatment, according to records reviewed by The Times. After that incident, the woman said that she stopped frequent communication with Edwards and then blocked him by September of that year, when she was 15. He told her he had a new girlfriend anyway. RELATED: Pittsburgh Man Arrested For Estranged Wife's Murder Allegedly Texted Friend A Picture Of Her Body She says he started sending her Facebook messages from different accounts after that, which he continued for years, despite the fact that she'd never told him her legal name. He even tried to call her on Facebook in April 2020 when she was 18 but she didn't pick up, she says. When he reached out again via Facebook in December 2020, she told him to never contract her again, she said. The woman said she had been keeping what transpired with Edwards a secret from her mom and other loved ones for years, but the tragedy in Riverside inspired her to start revealing what happened to her. Oxy App Austin was really good at manipulating people, the woman told the Times. Im sure that the people who knew him in person had no idea how old [the Riverside teen] actually was. After the California killings, Edwards' friends said the suspected killer told them he had actually traveled 2,000 miles to the state to visit his longtime girlfriend, who they told NBC News was only a couple of years younger than him. Its not yet known whether there was any link between Edwards going to see that woman and the murders of family of the latest teen girl he'd catfished. In Colombia: 2022 Certified 2P Reserves of 110 Million BOE With Net Present Value (after Tax) of $1.6 Billion 105% Reserve Replacement of Proven Developed Reserves BOGOTA, Colombia, February 02, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GeoPark Limited ("GeoPark" or the "Company") (NYSE: GPRK), a leading independent Latin American oil and gas explorer, operator and consolidator, today announced its independent oil and gas reserves assessment, certified by DeGolyer and MacNaughton Corp. (D&M), under PRMS methodology, as of December 31, 2022. All reserves included in this release refer to GeoPark working interest reserves before royalties paid in kind, except when specified. All figures are expressed in US Dollars. Definitions of terms are provided in the Glossary on page 11. 2022 Year-End D&M Certified Oil and Gas Reserves and Highlights: Colombia Reserves PD Reserves: Proven developed (PD) reserves in Colombia of 50.4 mmboe, with a PD reserve life index (RLI) of 4.1 years 1P Reserves: Proven (1P) reserves in Colombia of 69.9 mmboe, with a 1P RLI of 5.7 years. Net present value after tax discounted at 10% (NPV10 after tax) of 1P reserves of $1.1 billion 2P Reserves: Proven and probable (2P) reserves in Colombia of 109.9 mmboe, with a 2P RLI of 8.9 years. NPV10 after tax of 2P reserves of $1.6 billion 3P Reserves: Proven, probable and possible (3P) reserves in Colombia of 163.6 mmboe, with a 3P RLI of 13.3 years. NPV10 after tax of 3P reserves of $2.2 billion Future Development Capital: Future development capital to develop 1P, 2P and 3P reserves in Colombia of $2.2 per barrel, $2.1 per barrel and $2.2 per barrel, respectively Consolidated Reserves PD Reserves: PD reserves of 56.0 mmboe, with a PD RLI of 4.0 years 1P Reserves: 1P reserves of 76.1 mmboe, with a 1P RLI of 5.4 years. NPV10 after tax of 1P reserves of $1.2 billion 2P Reserves: 2P reserves of 128.4 mmboe, with a 2P RLI of 9.1 years. NPV10 after tax of 2P reserves of $1.8 billion Story continues 3P Reserves: 3P reserves of 196.3 mmboe, with a 3P RLI of 13.9 years. NPV10 after tax of 3P reserves of $2.6 billion Future Development Capital: Future development capital to develop 1P, 2P and 3P reserves of $2.1 per barrel, $2.7 per barrel and $2.8 per barrel, respectively Net Present Value and Value Per Share 2P NPV10 after tax of $1.8 billion Net debt-adjusted 2P NPV10 after tax of $24.7 per share ($21.0 per share in Colombia) Recent Events (Not included in the 2022 Year-End D&M Certification) Llanos 34 (GeoPark operated, 45% WI): Guaco Sur 1 exploration well was spudded and reached total depth in December 2022. Initial testing activities carried out in the Guadalupe formation currently show a production rate of 976 bopd of 22 degrees API with 11% water cut, after two days of testing CPO-5 (GeoPark non-operated, 30% WI): Spudded the Yarico 1 exploration prospect in late January 2023, targeting an exploration prospect adjacent to the Mariposa field, expecting to reach total depth in late February or early March 2023. Yarico 1 is expected to be followed by the Halcon 1 exploration well, targeting an exploration prospect in the northern part of the block, adjacent to the Llanos 34 block Llanos 87 (GeoPark operated, 50% WI): Tororoi 1 exploration well reached total depth in December 2022, with preliminary logging information indicating hydrocarbons in the Ubaque, Guadalupe (Barco) and Mirador formations. Currently drilling the Zorzal 1 exploration well, targeting to reach total depth by mid-February 2023 Platanillo (GeoPark operated, 100% WI): Alea NW 1 exploration well was spudded in September 2022 with preliminary logging information indicating hydrocarbons in the U and N formations. Production tests in the N formation started in January 2023, with initial rates of 245 bopd 2023 Work Program: Growing Production, Drilling More Wells and Giving Back to Shareholders 2023 production guidance of 39,500-41,500 boepd (assuming no production from the exploration drilling program) Self-funded 2023 capital expenditures program of $200-220 million to drill 50-55 gross wells (including 10-15 low-risk high-potential exploration and appraisal wells) At $80-90 per bbl Brent, GeoPark expects to generate an Adjusted EBITDA of $510-580 million and a free cash flow 1 of $120-140 million 2 Targeting to return approximately 40-50% of free cash flow after taxes to shareholders Andres Ocampo, Chief Executive Officer of GeoPark, said: "On the back of our large inventory of low-risk, low-cost and profitable reserves, once again GeoPark increased production, cash flow and shareholder returns in 2022. We begin 2023 uniquely positioned to continue generating value through development of our multi-year project inventory with more production and more drilling, including an extensive exploration program on proven acreage that can be quickly converted to production and cash flow and a strong commitment to return 40-50% of free cash flow to shareholders." _____________________________ 1 The Company is unable to present a quantitative reconciliation of the 2023 Adjusted EBITDA which is a forward-looking non-GAAP measure, because the Company cannot reliably predict certain of the necessary components, such as write-off of unsuccessful exploration efforts or impairment loss on non-financial assets, etc. Since free cash flow is calculated based on Adjusted EBITDA, for similar reasons, the Company does not provide a quantitative reconciliation of the 2023 free cash flow forecast. 2 Free cash flow is used here as Adjusted EBITDA less capital expenditures, mandatory interest payments and cash taxes. 2023 cash taxes include GeoParks preliminary estimates of the full impact of the new tax reform in Colombia, irrespective of the timing of its cash impact, expected in 2023 or early 2024. Net Present Value per Share by Country The table below presents GeoParks 2P NPV after tax per share, by country, as of December 31, 2022. 2022 Net Present Value per Share Colombia Chile Brazil Ecuador Total 2P Reserves (mmboe) 109.9 14.6 2.0 1.8 128.4 2P NPV10 after tax ($ mm) 1,580 159 33 21 1,793 Shares Outstanding (mm) 57.6 57.6 57.6 57.6 57.6 ($/share) 27.4 2.7 0.6 0.3 31.1 The table below illustrates the details of the net debt adjusted 2P NPV10 after tax per share: 2022 Net Debt Adjusted 2P NPV10 After Tax per Share Colombia Total 2P NPV10 after tax ($ mm) 1,580 1,793 Shares Outstanding (mm) 57.6 57.6 Subtotal ($/share) 27.4 31.1 Net Debta/Share ($/share) -6.4 -6.4 Net Debt Adjusted 2P NPV10 After Tax per Share ($/share) 21.0 24.7 (a) Net debt adjusted 2P NPV10 after tax per share is shown on a consolidated basis. Net debt considers financial debt of $497.6 million less $128.8 million of cash & cash equivalents (both figures unaudited and as of December 31, 2022). 2021 Year-End to 2022 Year-End Reserves Evolution Colombia (mmboe) PD 1P 2P 3P 2021 Year-End Reserves 49.9 82.2 135.8 211.0 2022 Production -12.3 -12.3 -12.3 -12.3 Discoveries and Extensions 12.0 0.2 1.9 4.8 Technical Revisions (*) 1.2 2.3 -11.0 -35.5 Economic Factors -0.3 -2.5 -4.4 -4.4 2022 Year-End Reserves 50.4 69.9 109.9 163.6 2022 Reserve Life (years) 4.1 5.7 8.9 13.3 Total (mmboe) PD 1P 2P 3P 2021 Year-End Reserves 58.1 91.6 159.2 248.3 2022 Production -14.1 -14.1 -14.1 -14.1 Discoveries and Extensions 12.7 1.1 4.1 8.7 Technical Revisions (*) 1.7 2.9 -12.7 -38.1 Economic Factors -0.5 -2.8 -4.5 -4.4 Divestments (Argentina) -2.0 -2.6 -3.5 -4.1 2022 Year-End Reserves 56.0 76.1 128.4 196.3 2022 Reserve Life (years) 4.0 5.4 9.1 13.9 (*) Negative technical revisions of 2P and 3P reserves were mainly associated with the Llanos 34 and CPO-5 blocks and to a lesser extent in the Fell block, partially offset by positive technical revisions in the Platanillo block. Future Development Capital D&M Report (Undiscounted) The tables below present D&Ms best estimate of future development capital (undiscounted)3 and the unit value per boe by category of certified reserves as of December 31, 2022: Colombia PD 1P 2P 3P Future Development Capital ($ mm) 30.3 150.6 235.4 358.8 Reserves (mmboe) 50.4 69.9 109.9 163.6 Future Development Capital ($/boe) 0.6 2.2 2.1 2.2 Total PD 1P 2P 3P Future Development Capital ($ mm) 30.3 159.2 349.2 543.8 Reserves (mmboe) 56.0 76.1 128.4 196.3 Future Development Capital ($/boe) 0.5 2.1 2.7 2.8 _____________________________ 3 Based on development plans provided by the Company. 2022 Year-End Reserves Summary Following oil and gas production of 14.1 mmboe in 2022, D&M certified 2P reserves of 128.4 mmboe (91% oil and 9% gas) as of December 31, 2022. By country, the 2P reserves were 86% in Colombia, 11% in Chile, 2% in Brazil, and 1% in Ecuador. Reserves Summary by Country and Category Country Reserves Category December 2022 (mmboe) % Oil December 2021 (mmboe) % Change Colombia PD 50.4 100% 49.9 1% 1P 69.9 100% 82.2 -15% 2P 109.9 100% 135.8 -19% 3P 163.6 100% 211.0 -22% Chile PD 3.4 31% 3.8 -11% 1P 4.1 39% 4.4 -7% 2P 14.6 35% 17.3 -16% 3P 27.0 34% 30.4 -11% Brazil PD 1.7 0% 2.5 -32% 1P 1.7 0% 2.5 -32% 2P 2.0 0% 2.6 -23% 3P 2.1 1% 2.8 -25% Ecuador PD 0.5 100% - - 1P 0.5 100% - - 2P 1.8 100% - - 3P 3.5 100% - - Argentina PD - - 2.0 - 1P - - 2.6 - 2P - - 3.5 - 3P - - 4.1 - Total PD 56.0 92% 58.1 -4% (D&M Certified) 1P 76.1 94% 91.6 -17% 2P 128.4 91% 159.2 -19% 3P 196.3 90% 248.3 -21% Total Pro forma PD 56.0 92% 56.1 0% (Excluding Argentina) 1P 76.1 94% 89.0 -14% 2P 128.4 91% 155.7 -18% 3P 196.3 90% 244.2 -20% Analysis by Country Colombia Llanos 34 block Llanos 34 average gross production increased by 2% to 57,016 bopd (or 25,657 bopd net) in 2022 compared to 2021. GeoParks drilling plan in 2022 in the Llanos 34 block was focused on low-risk development projects that resulted in net PD reserve additions with an 86% reserve replacement, and to a lesser extent in riskier delineation and appraisal wells that continued delineating the Jacana and Tigui fields. The Llanos 34 block represented 85%, 80% and 79% of GeoParks 1P, 2P and 3P D&M certified reserves in Colombia, respectively. GeoParks 2P D&M certified reserves in the Llanos 34 block in Colombia totaled 87.7 mmbbl in 2022 compared to 105.8 mmbbl in 2021, mainly resulting from 9.4 mmbbl production, 5.8 mmbbl of negative technical revisions and 2.9 mmbbl of economic factors. As of December 31, 2022, the Llanos 34 block included approximately 49 future development drilling locations (2P, gross)4. The 1P RLI was 6.3 years, while the 2P RLI was 9.4 years. Gross original oil in place in the Llanos 34 block is estimated to be 0.85-1 billion barrels5. Cumulative production since 2012 to 2022 of approximately 156 mmbbl gross, representing a recovery of approximately 15-18% of the original oil in place, whereas the 2P reserves consider an ultimate recovery factor of approximately 38%. CPO-5 block CPO-5 average gross production reached a new record high and increased by 50% to 18,600 bopd in 2022 compared to 2021 with continuing strong reservoir performance in the Indico field. The 2022 drilling plan executed by the operator in the CPO-5 block included successful development drilling in the Indico field and a new oil discovery, Cante Flamenco, that resulted in overall net PD and 1P reserve additions with a 200% and 157% reserve replacement. During 2022, D&M updated its review of the geological model in the Indico field that included a reinterpretation of the 3D seismic and structural geology based on new information provided by new wells drilled that resulted in negative technical revisions to net 2P reserves for approximately 7 mmbbl and to net 3P reserves for approximately 31 mmbbl. The 2023 work program includes drilling activities to continue delineating the northwestern part of the Indico field. The CPO-5 block represented 9%, 11% and 12%, of GeoParks 1P, 2P and 3P D&M certified reserves in Colombia, respectively. GeoParks 2P D&M certified reserves in CPO-5 totaled 12.6 mmbbl in 2022 compared to 20.0 mmbbl in 2021, mainly reflecting 2.0 mmbbl production and negative technical revisions of approximately 7 mmbbl, partially offset by discoveries of 1.9 mmbbl. The 1P RLI was 3.8 years, while the 2P RLI was 6.2 years. The 2023 drilling campaign includes the drilling of 4-6 gross wells, including 1-2 development wells and 3-4 exploration wells. The exploration program targets high-potential nearfield projects adjacent to and on trend with the Llanos 34 block. _____________________________ 4 D&M best estimate. 5 D&M best estimate of 1P-3P gross original oil in place. Total Colombia (Llanos 34, CPO-5, Platanillo and Llanos 32 blocks) GeoParks 2P D&M certified reserves in Colombia totaled 109.9 mmbbl in 2022 compared to 135.8 mmbbl in 2021, resulting from 12.3 mmboe production, negative technical revisions of 11.0 mmbbl (mainly in the Llanos 34 and CPO-5 blocks, partially offset by positive revisions in the Platanillo block) and 4.4 mmbbl of lower reserves due to economic factors, partially offset by 1.9 mmbbl reserve additions in the CPO-5 block related to the discovery of the Cante Flamenco oil field. As of December 31, 2022, GeoPark blocks in Colombia included approximately 78 future development drilling locations (2P, gross)6. The 1P RLI was 5.7 years, while the 2P RLI was 8.9 years. Chile GeoParks 2P D&M certified reserves in Chile totaled 14.6 mmboe in 2022 compared to 17.3 mmboe in 2021, with lower reserves resulting from negative revisions of 1.9 mmboe and oil and gas production of 0.9 mmboe. The 1P RLI was 4.8 years and the 2P RLI was 17.1 years. The Fell block (GeoPark operated, 100% WI) represented 100% of GeoPark 2P D&M certified reserves in Chile. The 2P D&M reserves in Chile were 35% oil and 65% gas. Brazil GeoParks 2P D&M certified reserves in Brazil totaled 2.0 mmboe compared to 2.5 mmboe in 2021, reflecting production of 0.5 mmboe during 2022. The 1P RLI was 3.0 years and the 2P RLI was 3.7 years. The Manati field (GeoPark non-operated, 10% WI) represented 100% of GeoPark Brazil 2P D&M certified reserves. The 2P D&M reserves in Brazil were less than 1% oil and condensate, and more than 99% gas. Ecuador GeoParks 2P D&M certified reserves in Ecuador totaled 1.8 mmbbl which resulted from successful exploration drilling activities executed in 2022 in the Perico (GeoPark non-operated, 50% WI) and Espejo (GeoPark operated, 50% WI) blocks. Further development and appraisal drilling activities are expected in 2023 to continue delineating the fields. The 1P RLI was 1.5 years and the 2P RLI was 5.8 years. The Perico and Espejo blocks represented 100% of GeoPark Ecuador 2P D&M certified reserves. The 2P D&M reserves in Ecuador were 100% oil. The 2023 drilling campaign includes drilling of 3-4 gross appraisal and exploration wells in the Espejo and Perico blocks. _____________________________ 6 D&M best estimate. Argentina In November 2021, GeoPark accepted an offer to divest the Aguada Baguales, El Porvenir and Puesto Touquet blocks representing 100% of GeoParks reserves in Argentina for $16 million. The transaction closed in January 2022. Net Present Value After Tax Summary The table below details D&M certified NPV10 after tax as of December 31, 2022, as compared to 2021: Country Reserves Category NPV10 After Tax 2022 ($ mm) NPV10 After Tax 2021 ($ mm) Colombia 1P 1,088 1,274 2P 1,580 2,019 3P 2,240 2,918 Chile 1P 41 52 2P 159 223 3P 320 409 Brazil 1P 26 46 2P 33 52 3P 35 54 Ecuador 1P 14 - 2P 21 - 3P 34 - Argentina 1P - 12 2P - 20 3P - 28 Total 1P 1,169 1,384 (D&M Certified) 2P 1,793 2,313 3P 2,629 3,409 Tax Reform in Colombia In November 2022 Colombias Congress approved a tax reform that contemplates an increase in the government take for the oil and gas industry that is effective beginning fiscal year 2023. The main impacts include provisions that prevent the deduction of royalties paid to the government from the income tax calculation and the establishment of a surcharge linked to Brent oil price. After considering the recently approved tax reform, GeoParks consolidated NPV10 after tax of 1P and 2P reserves were lowered by approximately 10-12%7. _____________________________ 7 Based on internal estimates. Oil Price Forecast The price assumptions used to estimate the feasibility of PRMS reserves and NPV10 after tax in 2022 and 2021 D&M reports are detailed in the table below: Brent Oil Price ($/bbl) 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 and forward 2022 Reserves Report 92.5 67.3 68.9 70.6 72.2 73.9-80.0 2021 Reserves Report 66.4 67.7 69.1 70.5 71.9 73.3-80.0 OTHER NEWS Reporting Date for 4Q2022 Results Release, Conference Call and Webcast GeoPark will report its 4Q2022 and Annual 2022 financial results on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 after the market close. In conjunction with the 4Q2022 results press release, GeoPark management will host a conference call on March 9, 2023 at 10:00 am (Eastern Standard Time) to discuss the 4Q2022 financial results. To listen to the call, participants can access the webcast located in the Invest with Us section of the Companys website at www.geo-park.com, or by clicking below: https://events.q4inc.com/attendee/741237333 Interested parties may participate in the conference call by dialing the numbers provided below: United States Participants: 844-200-6205 International Participants: +1 929-526-1599 Passcode: 824273 Please allow extra time prior to the call to visit the website and download any streaming media software that might be required to listen to the webcast. An archive of the webcast replay will be made available in the Invest with Us section of the Companys website at www.geo-park.com after the conclusion of the live call. GLOSSARY 1P Proven Reserves 2P Proven plus Probable Reserves 3P Proven plus Probable plus Possible Reserves boe Barrels of oil equivalent (6,000 cf marketable gas per bbl of oil equivalent). Marketable gas is defined as the total gas produced from the reservoir after reduction for shrinkage resulting from field separation; processing, including removal of nonhydrocarbon gas to meet pipeline specifications; and flare and other losses but not from fuel usage boepd Barrels of oil equivalent per day bopd Barrels of oil per day Certified Reserves Refers to GeoPark working interest reserves before royalties paid in kind, independently evaluated by the petroleum consulting firm, DeGolyer and MacNaughton Corp. (D&M) EUR Estimated Ultimate Recovery mboed Thousands of barrels of oil equivalent per day mmboed Millions of barrels of oil equivalent per day mmbbl Millions of barrels of oil mcfpd Thousands of standard cubic feet per day mmcfpd Millions of standard cubic feet per day NPV10 After Tax Net Present Value after tax discounted at 10% rate PD Proven Developed Reserves PUD Proven Undeveloped Reserves PRMS Petroleum Resources Management System RLI Reserve Life Index RRR Reserve Replacement Ratio sq km Square kilometers WI Working Interest NOTICE Additional information about GeoPark can be found in the Invest with Us section of the website at www.geo-park.com The reserve estimates provided in this release are estimates only, and there is no guarantee that the estimated reserves will be recovered. Actual reserves may eventually prove to be greater than, or less than, the estimates provided herein. Statements relating to reserves are by their nature forward-looking statements. Gas quantities estimated herein are reserves to be produced from the reservoirs, available to be delivered to the gas pipeline after field separation prior to compression. Gas reserves estimated herein include fuel gas. Rounding amounts and percentages: Certain amounts and percentages included in this press release have been rounded for ease of presentation. Percentage figures included in this press release have not in all cases been calculated on the basis of such rounded figures, but on the basis of such amounts prior to rounding. For this reason, certain percentage amounts in this press release may vary from those obtained by performing the same calculations using the figures in the financial statements. In addition, certain other amounts that appear in this press release may not sum due to rounding. Oil and gas production figures included in this release are stated before the effect of royalties paid in kind, consumption and losses. All evaluations of future net revenue contained in the D&M Reports are after the deduction of cash royalties, development costs, operating expenses, production and profit taxes, fees, earn out payments, well abandonment costs, and country income taxes from the future gross revenue. It should not be assumed that the estimates of future net revenues presented in the tables represent the fair market value of the reserves. The actual production, revenues, taxes and development, and operating expenditures with respect to the reserves associated with the Company's properties may vary from the information presented herein, and such variations could be material. In addition, there is no assurance that the forecast price and cost assumptions contained in the D&M Report will be attained, and variances could be material. CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS RELEVANT TO FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION This press release contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements. Many of the forward looking statements contained in this press release can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as anticipate, believe, could, expect, should, plan, intend, will, estimate and potential, among others. Forward-looking statements that appear in a number of places in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations, regarding various matters including NPV10 after tax and NPV10 after tax/share estimations, our reserves, the estimated future revenues, capital expenditures, Adjusted EBITDA, free cash flows, expected production guidance, oil price forecast and shareholder returns. Forward-looking statements are based on managements beliefs and assumptions, and on information currently available to the management. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements due to various factors. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update them in light of new information or future developments or to release publicly any revisions to these statements in order to reflect later events or circumstances or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. For a discussion of the risks facing the Company which could affect whether these forward-looking statements are realized, see the Companys filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This press release contains a number of oil and gas metrics, including NPV after tax per share, reserve life index, net debt-adjusted NPV per share, etc., which do not have standardized meanings or standard methods of calculation and therefore such measures may not be comparable to similar measures used by other companies and should not be used to make comparisons. Such metrics have been included herein to provide readers with additional measures to evaluate the Company's performance; however, such measures are not reliable indicators of the future performance of the Company and future performance may not compare to the performance in previous periods. Information about oil and gas reserves: The SEC permits oil and gas companies, in their filings with the SEC, to disclose only proven, probable and possible reserves that meet the SEC's definitions for such terms. GeoPark uses certain terms in this press release, such as "PRMS Reserves" that SEC guidelines do not permit GeoPark from including in filings with the SEC. As a result, the information in the Companys SEC filings with respect to reserves will differ significantly from the information in this press release. NPV10 after tax for PRMS 1P, 2P and 3P reserves is not a substitute for the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows for SEC proved reserves. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230201005945/en/ Contacts INVESTORS: Stacy Steimel ssteimel@geo-park.com Shareholder Value Director T: +562 2242 9600 Miguel Bello mbello@geo-park.com Market Access Director T: +562 2242 9600 Diego Gully dgully@geo-park.com Investor Relations Director T: +5411 4312 9400 MEDIA: Communications Department communications@geo-park.com A unique rock formation that is located on the 24 acres of land recently added to the Grandfather Mountain State Park with the help of the Blue Ridge Conservancy. Grandfather Mountain State Park, the rugged and rustic park at the mountainous region of Avery, Caldwell and Watauga counties, is growing by 24 acres. The newly acquired land, which includes the headwater springs of the Watauga River, has been added with the help of nonprofit land trust Blue Ridge Conservancy, bringing the state park's total acreage to 2,480. The park, about 13 miles southwest of Boone with access points along the Blue Ridge Parkway, has 13 miles of hiking trails that connect to the Asutsi Trail and the Tanawha Trail and has spaces for backpack tent camping. In addition to the springs, the land contains two significant ecosystems, a northern hardwood forest and a high-elevation red oak forest, which add to the park's already globally recognized ecological diversity. Funding for the property, which closed for $330,000 on Jan. 11, came jointly from the North Carolina Land and Water Fund and the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund, according to Blue Ridge Conservancy spokesperson Leila Jackson. "Land protection in the Greater Grandfather Mountain Conservation Area has long been a priority of Blue Ridge Conservancy," she said. "We are thrilled to work with the longtime owner of this property to add protected acreage to this fragile and significant ecological area." The Berry family owned the 24 acres for more than 100 years, and the most recent owner, Butch Berry, said in a Blue Ridge Conservancy news release that he did not want to see the land go to developers. Hiking:Appalachian Trail officials eye permanently closing once-popular Overmountain Shelter barn Answer Man: Are PFAS, 'forever chemicals,' found in Asheville's water supply? "When I built the home Im living in now, I realized my dream of moving back up here. I didnt realize I would totally fall in love with this place," he said in the release. When I approached BRC and (Executive Director) Charlie Brady I found the perfect solution; I could sell it to someone who would care as much about this land as I do. My grandfather Hardy Berry purchased this property in 1921 and Im positive that he would be happy that it will be taken care of." Story continues Berry currently lives on the adjoining property, Jackson told the Citizen Times. The Blue Ridge Conservancy has been looking at this land since at least 2016 as a priority for conservation, she said, and the 24 acres were also identified as a part of the Grandfather Mountain State Park acquisition plan. According to N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation spokesperson Katie Hall, the land will help to buffer the park against encroaching development. Related:Update: New Hampshire man dies after falling off Grandfather Mountain cliff More:Record visitation for North Carolina's state parks; Chimney Rock crushes former mark "We greatly appreciate the generosity, support and partnership from the Blue Ridge Conservancy, the Parks and Recreation Authority, and the Land and Water Fund along with our legislators and Governor who have been so generous in supporting these funds," she said in an email. In the Blue Ridge Conservancy's news release, Executive Director of the Land and Water Fund Will Summer said the property will also help the ecology of the park, which is classified as a United Nations International Biosphere Reserve. "Expanding conservation in the highlands around Grandfather Mountain supports the resilience of high elevation forests and seeps by providing a mature forest and protected corridor for migration of wildlife and rare species that are unique to this region of the Southern Appalachian Mountains," he said in the release. Trails:Ecusta Trail's first section nearly designed, construction begins in summer Development:Buncombe County land use map: Over next 20 years, what land will be developed, conserved? With the addition of the 24 acres, Blue Ridge Conservancy has now helped add 400 acres to the state park, the release said. Into the future, the park hopes to continue to grow in in this direction, Hall said, to further protect it from development. Land conservancies typically can purchase land faster than grants can be awarded by the state, she said, making them a vital part of how the Division of Parks and Recreation adds land to parks. A unique rock formation that is located on the 24 acres of land recently added to the Grandfather Mountain State Park with the help of the Blue Ridge Conservancy. Conservation:Reems Creek headwaters, over 200 acres preserved near Weaverville Mountain Biking:Pisgah National Forest trail to get facelift from local mountain biking nonprofit Now, the park will post boundary markers around the new land and draw new park maps to include the new 24 acres, which are located on the northeastern side of the park. The land is not currently open to the public, Hall said, and it contains no trails at this time. "We'll have to evaluate the natural resources and any safety challenges there, and based on that assessment, we'll determine potential recreational, access or facility uses for the land," she said. Christian Smith is the general assignment reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times. Questions or comments? Contact him at RCSmith@gannett.com or 828-274-2222. This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Grandfather Mountain State Park adds Watauga headwater springs MINNEAPOLIS (AP) Mackenzie Holmes scored 28 points with four blocks and Sydney Parrish added 23 points, eight rebounds and five steals to help No. 4 Indiana beat Minnesota 77-54 on Wednesday night. Sara Scalia had a happy homecoming against her former team with 10 points and four rebounds for the Hoosiers (21-1, 11-1), who won their ninth straight game to stay in first place in the top-heavy Big Ten. Grace Berger had nine assists despite shooting 2 for 10. Theyre not by any stretch of the means down there in that locker room right now high-fiving. They dont think they played well, Indiana coach Teri Moren said. Mallory Heyer scored 16 points, Mara Braun had 13 points and Alanna Micheaux added 12 points and 11 rebounds for the Gophers (9-13, 2-9), who have lost eight of their last nine games. They're 0-7 against the top seven teams in the conference with an average losing margin of 21 points. Holmes, the Big Ten's second-leading scorer behind Iowa All-American Caitlin Clark, had 10 of her team's first 12 points and went 12 for 14 from the floor. The 6-foot-3 Holmes polished up her post moves with Micheaux unable to disrupt them and the Gophers usually declining to double-team her. Shes confident in herself. Shes confident in her teammates, Moren said. Parrish swished 3-pointers from the wing on three of Indiana's first five second-quarter possessions. Berger's pullup jumper off the break with 1:57 left before halftime gave the Hoosiers a 41-15 lead, their largest of the game. The Hoosiers, who this week matched the program's best-ever ranking in the Associated Press poll, have won by an average of 14 points on their current streak. The closest game was a 68-61 win at now-No. 8 Maryland, which visits No. 6 Iowa on Thursday night for control of second place. The Gophers, who suffered a season-worst 77-41 loss at home on Sunday afternoon to now-No. 18 Michigan, wound up with another lopsided loss to a conference power. But Braun gave them a spark with a 3-pointer late in the second quarter that spurred a halftime-bridging 11-0 run. Story continues The Gophers got within 52-40 late in the third quarter on another deep ball by Braun before the Hoosiers began to pull away again. Coach Lindsay Whalen was upbeat about her team's level of competitiveness, but she was miffed by the season-high 29 turnovers. You just end up having to overcome too much, Whalen said. SCALIA RETURNS Scalia, one of two Minnesota natives playing for the Hoosiers along with Lilly Meister, was the leading scorer for the Gophers last season and Whalens first recruit after she was hired in 2018. Scalia transferred with the simple goal of more wins in the stacked Big Ten, hesitant to spend her final two years of eligibility with such a young team. She's more of a complementary player now, coming off the bench for the last eight games since Berger returned from a knee injury, but the Hoosiers need her outside shooting touch. Moren recently implored her to keep firing amid a significant slump, with Scalia shooting just 26% from the field (24 for 91) and 19% from 3-point range (8 for 42) in Big Ten games. I liked the aggression she played with. I thought she played within herself, Holmes said. We know Saras a great player, and were extremely happy to have her in an Indiana uniform. She means a lot to the whole program, and we have her back in every way, shape or form. BIG PICTURE Indiana: The six regular season games remaining for the Hoosiers are all against teams in the top half of the Big Ten, including two matchups against Iowa. Their lone loss was on Dec. 29 at Michigan State, when Holmes had a career-high 32 points. Minnesota: Braun and Heyer are two of the seven freshmen on the roster, a heralded class that Whalen and her staff have been banking on to accelerate this long rebuild. The Gophers not only need to take better care of the ball, but they've got a long way to go with their shooting too. UP NEXT Indiana: Visits Purdue on Sunday afternoon. Minnesota: Visits Illinois on Sunday afternoon. ___ AP womens college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketball and https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll KYODO NEWS - Feb 2, 2023 - 21:20 | All, Japan More than 6 billion yen ($46.6 million) has been defrauded in scams allegedly involving four Japanese nationals currently being held in the Philippines alongside accusations they are behind a series of robberies across Japan, the country's police chief said Thursday. Tokyo and Manila are working out details for the deportation of all four suspects as early as next week but ongoing trials in the Philippines for two of them -- Yuki Watanabe, 38, and Tomonobu Kojima, 45 -- has created uncertainty around whether they can all be deported at the same time. The four suspects, including Kiyoto Imamura, 38, and Toshiya Fujita, 38, likely include among them the person -- or persons -- thought to have masterminded several robberies in Japan under the pseudonyms "Luffy" and "Kim" beginning from last year. "We are making preparations to dispatch investigators so we can arrest all four swiftly, as soon as the arrangements are made," National Police Agency Commissioner General Yasuhiro Tsuyuki said in a press conference. With President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. set to visit Japan from Wednesday, Philippine Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has expressed his hope that the matter will be resolved. But the Philippine government has said it cannot deport individuals who are on trial. A court in Manila did not drop the charges against Kojima on Thursday, with his next court hearing now scheduled for Tuesday. Watanabe has been indicted on a charge of assault and is being detained in an immigration facility in Manila following his arrest in April 2021. Related coverage: Manila seeking dismissal of charges against Japan robbery suspects Manila mulls deporting all 4 robbery suspects to Japan at once Philippines willing to deport alleged robbery ringleader to Japan The nonprofit that dictates curriculum for Advanced Placement courses has unveiled a pared-down version of a course about African American history that cuts out works from famed Kentucky author and civil rights activist bell hooks. Hooks, who published nationally recognized writings on race, class, feminism, art and other topics, is one of several Black authors who have been dropped from the AP African American Studies curriculum, according to the New York Times. The curriculum was released by the College Board after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis publicly denounced the College Boards original plans, though the Associated Press reported the board said revisions were "substantially complete" before the criticism. Hooks, who was born Gloria Jean Watkins in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, was a prominent leader of feminist literature. She published more than 30 books on topics ranging from race to gender to class, often exploring "perceptions of Black women and Black women writers." She died in 2021 from renal failure at her home in Berea, where she had worked as a distinguished professor in residence for several years. bell hooks In a statement outlining the changes to the AP African American Studies curriculum, the College Board describes them as an overall reduction in the breadth of the course. Additionally, a small number of additional topics were added to the course that were not adequately represented in the pilot version," the board wrote. The New York Times reported one such topic is Black conservatism, offered as a possible research project. In Louisville:New group wants to help teachers across Kentucky teach Black history More headlines:Louisville may get its own youth detention center amid juvenile justice crisis No one is excluded from this course: the Black artists and inventors whose achievements have come to light; the Black women and men, including gay Americans, who played pivotal roles in the civil rights movement; and people of faith from all backgrounds who contributed to the antislavery and civil rights causes. Everyone is seen, said David Coleman, CEO of the College Board. Story continues Hooks is not the only Black author associated with critical topics who was cut from the course. Ta-Nehisi Coates, an author who has argued for reparations for slavery, was removed, according to the New York Times, along with works by Roderick Ferguson, a professor at Yale whos written about LGBTQ issues, and Kimberle W. Crenshaw, a Columbia professor associated with critical race theory. DeSantis, commonly cited as a possible 2024 Republican presidential candidate, had said he would block AP African American Studies courses in his state because he believed they pushed a progressive political agenda by including topics such as critical race theory, the notion that racism precedes the individual and is embedded into American society. Several Black community leaders and other political figures across the country have spoken out against DeSantis' decision. Fact check:How many teacher vacancies does Kentucky have? Contact reporter Rae Johnson at RNJohnson@gannett.com. Follow them on Twitter at @RaeJ_33. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: AP African American Studies, ripped by Ron DeSantis, cuts bell hooks Get ready to dance. "Here Lies Love," the immersive disco pop musical based on the rise and fall of Imelda Marcos and the People Power Revolution of the Philippines, will begin previews on Broadway on Saturday, June 17, ahead of opening night on Thursday, July 20, at the Broadway Theatre. The show features music by Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award winner David Byrne and Grammy Award winner Fatboy Slim, with additional music from Tom Gandey and J Pardo. The show's staging "will transform the venues traditional proscenium floor space into a dance club environment, where audiences will stand and move with the actors. A wide variety of standing and seating options will be available throughout the theaters reconstructed space, with more details to be announced soon," producers said. "Here Lies Love" will open on Broadway in Summer 2023. Tony Award winner Alex Timbers (direction) and Olivier Award nominee Annie-B Parson (choreography) reunite with Byrne (concept, music and lyrics) and Fatboy Slim (music) in bringing the project to Broadway, the continuation of a 10-plus year collaboration. "Here Lies Love"is produced by Hal Luftig, Patrick Catullo, Diana DiMenna for Plate Spinner Productions, Clint Ramos and Jose Antonio Vargas on Broadway. More:2 princes: Gavin Creel, Joshua Henry trace journey 'Into The Woods' before national tour As a team of binational American producers Filipinos among us we are thrilled to bring 'Here Lies Love' to Broadway! We welcome everyone to experience this singularly exuberant piece of theater. The history of the Philippines is inseparable from the history of the United States, and as both evolve, we cannot think of a more appropriate time to stage this show. See you on the dance floor," producers said. "Here Lies Love" tells the story of former Filipina First Lady Imelda Marcos' rise to power and fall at the hands of the Philippine People Power Revolution. The show had its world premiere at The Public Theater in 2013, returned to The Public in 2014-15, debuted at Londons Royal National Theatre in 2014 and opened at Seattle Repertory Theatre in 2017. Story continues Visit HereLiesLoveBroadway.com for first access to tickets and more information. Ilana Keller is an award-winning journalist and lifelong New Jersey resident who loves Broadway and really bad puns. She highlights arts advocacy and education, theater fundraisers and more through her column, "Sightlines." Reach out on Twitter: @ilanakeller; ikeller@gannettnj.com This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: David Byrne, Fatboy Slim musical 'Here Lies Love' coming to Broadway Oiji Mi, the modern Korean restaurant in New York Citys Flatiron neighborhood, won its first Michelin star just a few months after opening. And now chef Brian Kim is taking his lauded cuisine to a new spot. On Tuesday, the restaurants team opened Bom, an intimate space offering up a mix between a chefs counter and a Korean steakhouse. Situated behind Oiji Mi (the name is an abbreviation of behind Oiji Mi, and also means spring in Korean), the new place only has room for up to 17 guests. Two seatings will be available per night for the $325 tasting menu. More from Robb Report Diver scallop Sitting at a counter with embedded grills, diners will be assigned to a chef who will oversee their entire experience, across 13 or more courses. That allows them to both watch the chef work and learn from him. The cooking process and ingredients will be vocalized, helping to give guests a deeper understanding of Korean fine dining. The menu will begin with small bites and appetizers, mostly spotlighting seafood and vegetables. The opening menu includes dishes like bluefin tuna with Hudson Valley foie gras and gamtae (seaweed), and diver scallop with mung bean, finger lime and tomato water. Subsequent courses, utilizing the countertop grills, will highlight Boms high-quality meats, which feature various aging periods and methods. Thirty-day dry-aged ribeye comes with Perigord truffle, celeriac and nabak kimchi (water kimchi), while A5 Miyazaki is served with oiji, chive and muchim (spicy cucumber salad). After indulging in the beef, diners will be presented with a classic Korean hansang charim (well-prepared table of food), with banchan, soup and rice. Desserts from executive pastry chef Adriana Adorno will round out the experience, including perilla with Korean pear and pomelo, and apple with ssuk (mugwort), tapioca and Meyer lemon. Story continues Gamtae noodles As part of the Oiji Mi family, Kim cooked first at Oiji, a more neighborhood-y restaurant that opened in the East Village in 2015. Launching the more elevated Oiji Mi last March was Kims first outing as an owner in the fine-dining space, and now hes evolving even further with the opening of Bom. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Saturday, with seatings offered at 5:30 and 8:30 pm. 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. Gov. Laura Kelly holds her granddaughter, 4-month-old Laura "Rory" Janeway Weiden, after signing an executive order to create a task force to make a government agency on child care Tuesday at the Statehouse. With her 4-month-old granddaughter on her lap, Gov. Laura Kelly signed an executive order Tuesday that could pave the way for a new government agency tasked with addressing child care issues in Kansas. Kelly's first executive order of her second term creates a task force with the goal of drafting a report by early 2024 that supports the governor's reelection campaign promise of creating a new cabinet-level position on child care. The new agency would be tasked with expanding the quality, quantity and affordability of child care. "We know that the earliest years of childhood are crucial to determining the trajectory of people's entire lives, including their economic health, their social outcomes and their educational opportunities," Kelly said. "If we want to give our kids the best possible future, then we must give them the strongest possible start. That includes providing access to high quality care and education." Kansas Action for Children president and CEO John Wilson applauded Kelly's action, as did Kansas Childrens Cabinet executive director Melissa Rooker, Kansas Department of Health and Environment secretary Janet Stanek and Kansas Department for Children and Families secretary Laura Howard. "The best policies and proposals are those that have been shaped by diverse stakeholders, which is why I am excited for the work of this task force," Wilson said. More:Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly tests positive for COVID after ball, inauguration, order signing Task force is a step to fulfilling campaign promise Gov. Laura Kelly answers questions from the media following Tuesday's executive order that creates a task force with the purpose of creating a government agency on child care. The Early Childhood Transition Task Force is a step toward Kelly fulfilling a campaign campaign promise from the 2022 election. Materials from Kelly's reelection campaign proposed centralizing all child care programs and responsibilities under a secretary of early childhood development tasked with streamlining the processes. The position would focus on children ages newborn to 5 years old while working to increase both the quantity and quality of affordable child care while coordinating with the K-12 education system on early learning opportunities. Story continues Kansas currently has child care and early childhood education programs split across four separate state agencies: Kansas Department for Children and Families, Kansas Department of Health and Environment the Kansas Children's Cabinet and the Kansas Department of Education. "While each of these entities works diligently to provide quality services, having services segregated into silos creates inefficiencies, redundancies, service gaps and confusion for providers and families alike," Kelly said. Kelly said she is unsure whether creating such an agency would require an act of the Legislature or if she could use an executive order, but she would prefer to work with legislators. If Kelly ultimately uses her pen, it would not be the first time she created an executive office on child issues while circumventing the Legislature. In fall 2021, she created the Division of the Child Advocate to support children and families on foster care and child welfare issues after a divided House and Senate failed to create such a position. Kelly said the COVID-19 pandemic is why she did not create the task force in her first term. She said a task force is necessary because "we want to get it right." More:Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly creates child advocate office through executive order, circumventing divided Senate Child care shortage feeds workforce shortage Gov. Laura Kelly signs an executive order to create a task force aimed at creating a government agency on child care while holder her granddaughter, four-month-old Laura "Rory" Janeway Weiden, alongside her daughter, Kathleen Daughety, Lt. Gov. David Toland, and cabinet members Tuesday at the Statehouse. Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce president Curtis Sneden told The Capital-Journal that addressing workforce challenges, particularly with child care, is a top priority this session. "Almost every business owner I talk to is struggling to find people to work for them," Sneden said. "There are a number of factors; a key is the lack of available child care." A Kansas Chamber poll of business leaders found that "65% agree that a lack of access to childcare keeps Kansans out of the workforce." "It's complicated enough that there won't be some one bill in the Legislature that solves it," Sneden said. "But there are initiatives that can be undertaken at the policy level and out in the marketplace to try to bring more child care capacity on board." In June, the governor's office released a supply and demand report from Child Care Aware of Kansas that showed the number of licensed family homes dropped by 275 between 2019 and 2021. Child care capacity for infants and toddlers tends to be more limited due to child to staff ratios and license capacity laws. Shawnee County is among the 30 counties that fair the best, with one to 10 children per opening. But elsewhere in the state, especially in rural areas, there are more than 40 children per opening, if there are any openings at all. Child Care Aware reports that Shawnee County currently has 314 total licensed child care facilities, down from 332 in 2021 and 346 in 2020. The desired capacity of those facilities could meet 43% of the potential demand for children younger than 6 with all parents in the labor force. Average costs for full-time care at family homes range from about $708 a month for an infant to $545 for 5- and 6-year-olds. The Kelly administration has boasted of $270 million "invested" in early childhood efforts over the past four years after what the governor said was not enough investment historically. She touted child care as a way to support economic growth. Kelly said the notion of one parent earning enough money at work for another parent to stay home and care for the children "has not been reality for many years now." "And I'm not sure people want to go there," she said. "What people want is to have access to good, affordable child care." More:Attorney General Kris Kobach sets sights on these possible environmental litigation issues Is there room for political compromise on child care? Child care has become an area of politics where both political parties, as well as lobbyists, agree action is needed. "It is a nonpartisan issue that affects all Kansans, rural and urban alike, and addressing it pays dividends for everyone in the state," Kelly said. But when Republican lawmakers rolled out their own legislative agenda on Tuesday 30 minutes after Kelly made her announcement child care was not mentioned in their 30-point plan. During campaign season, Republicans blamed government regulation for the shortage of child care. Gubernatorial candidate Derek Schmidt's running mate, Katie Sawyer, penned a column in the Capital-Journal that included blaming bureaucratic hurdles in the state's regulatory system for providers struggling to stay open, let alone open in the first place. She did not cite any specific regulations. A response by Kelly's Lt. Gov. and Commerce Secretary David Toland argued the administration was knocking down bureaucratic barriers. Kelly said Tuesday that "it is time to revisit" child care regulations after she was part of a deep dive a decade ago. Last week, the Kansas Chamber announced a legislative agenda that backs "policies to make childcare more affordable and accessible for Kansas workers by relaxing overly restrictive staff-to-child ratios and increasing childcare capacity across age groups." Legislators discussed the issue two months ago in a meeting on workforce challenges. Rooker, of the Kansas Children's Cabinet, said regulatory changes had already been proposed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to allow four infants instead of three infants per one adult. More:Kansas businesses are short workers. What can state government do to help? But Rooker warned against further loosening the ratio. "Keep in mind, the point of the infant ratio, these are tiny human beings who cannot walk," she said at the November meeting. "If a fire erupts, the point of the ratio is how many infants can one adults safely evacuate from a building, and I think four is kind of pushing the limit." Rooker blamed low wages for a shortage of child care workers. Dave Trabert, of the Kansas Policy Institute, responded that employers might pay child care workers more money if their taxes were lower. Rooker said a new state tax credit will help businesses provide child care, but the program is too new to have useful data showing whether it is working. This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Laura Kelly order proposes new Kansas government agency on child care LAW & ORDER: ORGANIZED CRIME -- Season: 3 -- Pictured: Danielle Mone Truitt as Sergeant Ayanna Bell Heidi Gutman/NBC via Getty The moment Law & Order: Special Victims Unit fans have been waiting for almost happened last week, but at least one member of the L&O franchise thinks it might be too good to be true. Danielle Mone Truitt, 41, who plays Sergeant Ayanna Bell on NBC's Law & Order: Organized Crime, gave her insider's opinion on the steamy scene between SVU's Captain Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) and Detective Elliot Stabler (Christopher Meloni), in which the two just barely missed locking lips. Asked whether the two will ever end up together, Truitt said told PEOPLE: "I don't know!" RELATED: Christopher Meloni Plays Coy After Upcoming Lip-Lock with Former Costar Mariska Hargitay Is Teased on SVU Christopher Meloni Upcoming Apparent Lip-Lock with SVU Costar Mariska Hargitay NBC "Sometimes I feel sorry for the shippers because I'm, like, I don't know if they're taking you guys on a ride or what," she continued to explain while at the American Heart Association Red Dress Collection Concert Wednesday in New York City, which she participated in as a walker. She added a few encouraging words for those fans of all things Bensler. "For y'all's sake, I hope something happens with them," she said. However, "I think they tricked you guys last week. Hopefully one day," she added As for her own Law & Order series, there's still plenty of excitement to go around. "We have a new showrunner, and he has been pretty awesome. And the episodes that are on now, they really center around Bell's character," she said. RELATED: Christopher Meloni Calls Longtime Pal Mariska Hargitay by Pet Name in Kooky Birthday Tribute "I'm really excited about more of her personal life and her personal history coming out," she continued. "They're doing a great job of really developing her. And so yeah, I'm excited. We have some really bad dudes to take down in the next couple episodes, so hopefully everybody tunes in and takes the ride with us." Benson and Stabler have shared smoldering, fraught moments over the years. A kiss between the two remains something SVU fans who want to see the detective duo finally take their partnership outside the police precinct have been doggedly attempting to dream into existence for years. Story continues However, this isn't the first time the coworkers have seemed on the verge of leveling up. RELATED VIDEO: Mariska Hargitay on 'Effortless' Chemistry with Christopher Meloni: We 'Never Once' Tired of Each Other In a previous episode of Law & Order: Organized Crime, Elliot told Olivia, "I love you" though the meaning behind the "love" is still up for interpretation. Another recent episode saw Olivia admit to having feelings for Elliot but in a wistful, seemingly resigned way while on an investigation with now-former colleague Amanda Rollins (Kelli Giddish). In real life, Meloni and Hargitay are longtime pals, whose onscreen chemistry translates easily to a close platonic friendship off the clock. 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. "I mean, I don't think I'll be marrying him any time soon, but I am kind of like his second wife," Hargitay explained to PEOPLE in September. "Wife, therapist, bestie, sister, mother." 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. Law & Order: Special Victims Unit airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET, followed by Law & Order: Organized Crime at 10 p.m. ET, on NBC. Republican lawmaker from Alabama Mike Rogers has publicly apologised to his colleague Matt Gaetz for confronting him during a heated discussion over the House speaker vote last week. On Sunday, the Alabama Republican took to Twitter to explain that he briefly lost [his] temper. [Matt Gaetz] and I have a long and productive working relationship, that I am sure will continue. I regret that I briefly lost my temper on the House Floor Friday evening and appreciate Matts kind understanding, he tweeted. Mr Gaetz had earlier said the Alabama Republican had his forgiveness. He tweeted after the confrontation on Friday on the House floor, saying that he and Mr Rogers have a six-year productive, working relationship. Were going to work together wonderfully going forward. I dont think there should be any punishment or reprisal just because he had an animated moment. He has my forgiveness, he added. On Friday, Mr Rogers appeared to be moving towards the Florida Republican during a vote on the House floor and was restrained by other members. .@RepMattGaetz and I have a long and productive working relationship, that I am sure will continue. I regret that I briefly lost my temper on the House Floor Friday evening and appreciate Matts kind understanding. https://t.co/8GmbJHO3cK Mike Rogers (@RepMikeRogersAL) January 8, 2023 North Carolina Republican Richard Hudson was seen grabbing Mr Rogers around the mouth after which Mr Rogers was seen walking out to the cloakroom to cool off. The high-drama moment between Mr Rogers and Mr Gaetz took place after the House convened to hold its 14th vote for speaker at 10pm on Friday, with Kevin McCarthy confident that he had secured enough votes to get the job. Story continues But in a dramatic twist, four House Republicans voted for alternative candidates while Mr Gaetz and his colleague from Colorado Lauren Boebert voted present. After Mr McCarthy had a chat with Mr Gaetz, the Alabama Republican had walked at a brisk pace towards Mr Gatez while saying, I wont forget this! Most extraordinary CSpan floor video I have ever seen https://t.co/sFTPF8WCdJ Erik Wasson (@elwasson) January 7, 2023 When tempers finally cooled, a motion to adjourn the House until Monday morning was put forward. Meanwhile, on social media, the video of the confrontation between the two Congressmen went viral. Erik Wasson, a Bloomberg congressional reporter, described it as the most extraordinary CSpan floor video I have ever seen. Feb. 1With a big push from lake-loving Mainers, legislators are eyeing a proposal to pour an additional $18 million into projects that improve or maintain the quality of lake waters. "The effects of warming waters, longer growing seasons, larger rain events and increased development pressure are putting our lakes at greater risk with every passing day," Paul Shook, a board member of the Lake Association of Norway, told lawmakers this week. Shook, who lives on Little Pennesseewassee Pond in Norway from May to October, said more money is needed for everything from the replacement of failing septic systems to improved invasive species management programs. State Rep. Tavis Hasenfus, a Readfield Democrat who is co-sponsoring the bill, said it aims to inject a "substantial amount of money into a long-underfunded lake protection fund." He warned his colleagues that "if we fail to invest in our magnificent natural resources we may not be able to pass them on to the next generation." The money would be added to the state's Lake Restoration and Protection Fund, established in 1987. It pays up to half of eligible costs incurred for lake restoration or protection projects, though some focusing on technical assistance, public education or research issues can get up to 100% of the costs covered. It doesn't appear there is opposition to spending more to help Maine's lakes, which play a key role in attracting millions of tourists to the state every year. But legislators always face the necessity of choosing among an array of worthy projects and proposals since they insist there isn't enough money to pay for everything they support. "History will be on the side of those in the state of Maine who step up and beyond their comfort zones to lead and cooperate in preventative lake stewardship measures before it is too late to help stop the worst of increasing environmental impacts in a context of unprecedented environmental threats to the state, especially its precious and, in some cases, most vulnerable lakes and lake populations," said Adam Zemans of Auburn, executive director of Lake Stewards of Maine. Story continues He said spending now on preventative measures on the state's 6,000 lakes and ponds will stave off the necessity of shelling out far more in the future to deal with a worsening situation. Richard Tucci, who has long spent his summers "on the pristine shores of Lake Androscoggin in Wayne, said that in just the past five years, he's seen "a tremendous and alarming change in conditions impacting the quality of the water in our beloved lake." "Monsoon rains have poured more nutrients into the lake encouraging abnormal algae growth," Tucci said. "Heat waves have led to algae blooms closing parts of the lake to swimming and no doubt endangering wildlife, including our beloved loons and eagles that make their homes on and around the lake." He said the Androscoggin Lake Improvement Corp., a nonprofit, has "done a remarkable job on a shoestring budget," but it could use more money and help to "preserve the lake and continue its legacy as a prime example of the beauty of Maine lakes." Nancy Corkum of Oxford, who lives on Thompson Lake, urged legislators to find the money. "Please invest in the healthy future of Maine's lakes today to protect local economies, outdoor tourism, sporting and recreation businesses, drinking water supplies, wildlife habitat and so much more for all who use lakes now and in the future," Corkum told lawmakers during a hearing before the Joint Standing Committee on Environment and Natural Resources. Kimberly Hallee of Waterville, who has a seasonal camp on McGrath Pond in Oakland, said she and her husband have worked with property owners for years "to prevent runoff which causes algae growth, green slime, water quality and pocketbook loss." She told legislators that investing in "the healthy future of Maine's lakes today" will help "protect local economies, outdoor tourism, sporting and recreation businesses, drinking water supplies, wildlife habitat and so much more for all who use lakes in the future." "I know how fragile our lakes are and that their continued beauty and health cannot be taken for granted," Mary Maxwell of Bridgton, who serves on the Woods Pond Association Board, said. "Maine's lakes are the engine of Vacationland and should be respected as our state's most valuable asset." Dana Huber of Augusta, also pushing for more funding for lakes, said, "Maine's great outdoors and beautiful waterways is what draws families together and helps to make the quality of life so good in Maine." Roberta Hill of Buckfield, an aquatic ecologist and educator who served as the invasive species program director for Lake Stewards of Maine, urged legislators to consider revamping the original legislation as well as adding more funding. She said it should be clarified to ensure funding is available to combat invasive species. She also urged lowering the 50% match requirement for areas of the state that are poor or thinly populated. Hill said communities in Washington County, for instance, "simply do not have the same capacity to raise matching funds as those in the southern parts of the state. I am sure a simple formula could be developed to even out the playing field." She said lawmakers also ought to find a way to provide "a meaningful seat at the table" for Wabanaki representatives "when matters pertaining to the health of our environment are being deliberated." Thousands of Louisiana homeowners could be homeless if the Legislature doesn't implement an incentive fund to attract companies to write new insurance policies during an escalating crisis triggered by four hurricanes since 2020. The House Appropriations Committee advanced a bill Tuesday to inject $45 million into the Insure Louisiana Fund in state surplus dollars after pleas from Republican Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon, Republican Lafitte Rep. Timothy Kerner and industry advocates. "People in South Louisiana are suffering and this is the only game we have," said Kerner, who said his insurance premium increased from $6,000 to $18,000. "Their insurance bills are bigger than their mortgage payments and people are going to be homeless." "This is what I consider to be the crisis of my 16-year tenure as commissioner," Donelon said. "Every day someone is telling me they're on the verge (of losing homes). I truly believe if we don't do this thousands of homeowners will lose their homes - turn in their keys." The Legislature is in the midst of a week-long Special Session to address the crisis of property insurance availability and affordability. Lawmakers are limited to considering a single bill to implement the fund as an emergency measure, hoping millions offered in industry grants will attract private companies to offer property insurance policies and remove customers from Citizens, the state-sponsored insurer of last resort. The number of customers in Citizens has quadrupled during the past two years to 125,000. By law, Citizens' prices must be 10% above the highest market rate in each parish or the actuarial rate, whichever is higher. Citizens just implemented a 63% rate hike this year. Donelon said at least seven insurance companies have expressed strong interest in the program if it's funded. He noted the program has proved effective before when it was first implemented following Hurricane Katrina. Grand Caillou Elementary, damaged by Hurricane Ida in August 2021, is seen Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2022. "This bill will replicate what we did very successfully (after Katrina)," he said. Story continues Jeff Albright, chief executive of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of Louisiana, said he believes the program will work if funded. "It's all about bringing in more market capacity," Albright said. "I believe you'll see good movement of these policies out of Citizens to private carriers." But some lawmakers, especially those in northern Louisiana, remain skeptical. More:Four things to know about Louisiana insurance crisis, Special Session to fix it "Most folks where I live who talk to me don't like the program or don't understand it," said Rep. Francis Thompson, D-Delhi. "Is this going to be a fix?" Donelon said more permanent changes are needed that can be addressed in the Regular Session beginning April 10, but the incentive fund will provide immediate relief. "This is not a silver bullet, but I do believe it will be more than a Band-Aid," he said. "I would call it a tourniquet." Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1 This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: In Louisiana homeowners may be 'homeless' without insurance relief A man risked his life during the Groundhog Day Gale for a birth announcement This Day In Weather History is a daily podcast by Chris Mei from The Weather Network, featuring stories about people, communities and events and how weather impacted them. -- Monday, February 2, 1976, started as a normal day for those living in Saint John, New Brunswick and areas in Maine. Then a severe winter storm hit, dubbed the Groundhog Day Gale. The storm was caused by an upper-level low that was parked over the Desert Southwest of the United States. A system known as a 'Saskatchewan Screamer' moved east-southeast and lured the system in from the States. On Feb 2., cyclones started appearing over New England and Quebec. Wind speeds reached 164 km/h, which is Category 2-level gusts. In the US, Massachusetts, New York, and Vermont were impacted by the gale, but Maine received the worst of it. Many trees were blown down and coastal areas flooded. Downtown Bangor, Maine, was flooded with 3.7 metres of seawater. In Canada, Saint John was most severely hit, sustaining wind gusts of 188 km/h. Saint John and coastal areas in Nova Scotia experienced 1.6 meters of flooding. Power and communications lines stood no chance against the winds, which left areas without power for a week. Story continues According to a CBC report, a couple headed to the hospital (which was running on auxiliary power) during the storm as the woman was in labour. The man walked through the storm to the Telegraph Journal to submit his new daughter's birth announcement. He walked back to the hospital and reported to his wife that, "I risked life and limb. But I was of the opinion that having a baby was news, and it had to get in the paper right away." They were considering naming their baby Gail. To learn more about the Groundhog Day Gale, listen to today's episode of "This Day In Weather History." Subscribe to 'This Day in Weather History': Apple Podcasts | Amazon Alexa | Google Assistant | Spotify | Google Podcasts | iHeartRadio | Overcast Thumbnail courtesy of Wikipedia/NASA Transparency Market Research Increase in demand for fuel-efficient systems is expected to drive marine propulsion and auxiliary power market value Wilmington, Delaware, United States, Feb. 03, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Transparency Market Research Inc. -The global marine propulsion and auxiliary power market was valued at US$ 10.6 Bn in 2021 and is projected to reach US$ 44.6 Bn by 2050. The market is likely to expand at a CAGR of 5.1% between 2022 and 2050. This is ascribed to rise in usage of fuel-efficient technologies in the marine industry and enforcement of strict government regulations to minimize carbon emissions. The maritime and shipping industries are important for long-term expansion of international commerce and trade. Demand for sustainable, clean, and emission-free sources of fuel is increasing as industrialization continues steadily. Increase in focus on environmentally-friendly fuels in the maritime industry is anticipated to accelerate market development between 2022 and 2050. Auxiliary and propulsion power units are popular, as these require minimal administration and incur low operating expenses. Players in the global marine propulsion and auxiliary power market are developing electric propulsion systems to increase market share. Download a sample copy of the report (please prefer the corporate mail ID to get the highest priority) - https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=85352 The maritime industry is committed to cut down on CO2 emissions and fuel use. Major industry players are investing substantially in research & development of environment-friendly vessels. Companies are using alternative and renewable power sources and modifying their design to comply with strict energy standards. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) implemented regulations that restricted sulfur content of marine fuels utilized by ships in international waterways at 0.5% by weight from January 2020. The prior global cap of 3.5%, established in 2012, has been lowered to this level. Therefore, adoption of strict energy rules is projected to propel market value during the forecast period. Story continues Key Findings of Market Report The diesel segment accounted for the largest market share of 52.1% in 2021, based on recent market forecast on the marine propulsion and auxiliary power industry. It is projected to dominate the global market in the next few years to come. The ferries segment is anticipated to lead the global industry in the next few years. The segment is expected to be driven by increase in number of ferries switching to marine diesel and heavy fuel oil. Global Marine Propulsion and Auxiliary Power Market: Growth Drivers Rapid increase in global warming has increased pressure on several countries to cut down their carbon emissions. Bunker fuel is used by ships, which results in significant greenhouse gas emissions and pollution. Each year, significant quantities of air pollutants, such as sulfur oxide, nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter, are emitted into the atmosphere. Consequently, governments of several countries have enacted laws and policies to cut down pollution and carbon dioxide emissions. Buy this Premium Research Report - https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/checkout.php?rep_id=85352